After finishing our massage and getting off the bed, we didn’t join the conversation with Elena and the others right away. Instead, we went to the adjoining bathroom next door to wash our faces and tidy ourselves up.

I wasn’t too disheveled, but Seriana had struggled quite a bit, so her hair was all messy.

I thought about fixing it for her, but we’d come here straight from the bed, so the 【Floating Orb】 was still in the bedroom.

It wouldn’t reach from here… Should I ask her to crouch down?

Just as I was thinking that, something convenient came into view.

“Lady Seria, have a seat here for a moment.”

Seriana wasn’t quite the same, but noblewomen often leave things to their attendants during bath time.

Because of that, the changing room had tools for attendants and chairs for waiting.

I decided to have her sit in one of those.

“Yes, please.”

“Sure, sure.”

I walked around behind the seated Seriana and quickly combed her hair with a brush.

At the same time, I activated 【Mira’s Blessing】, and in no time, her hair became silky smooth and glossy.

My own hair is curly and a pain to deal with… but Seriana’s done in one go. Jealous.

“All right. Done.”

“Thank you. Let’s go.”

Saying that, Seriana took my hand and led me out of the bathroom.

◇

“Phew… Finally, things have settled down… Sera, you have some too.”

“Okay.”

While chatting, Elena paused the conversation to pour us some freshly brewed tea, and we all relaxed with a deep breath.

By the way, I’m drinking the same black tea as everyone else.

I’m not sure if this black tea contains caffeine like coffee does, but it’s understood that it’s stimulating and not good for sleep, so it’s not typically drunk at night.

Well, black tea is tasty on its own, and I like it, so it’s fine.

“Sorry for interrupting the conversation. What were you talking about?”

“We were wondering where the lords might be around now… We received word a little while ago that they’d arrived next door, remember?”

Fiora responded to Seriana’s question.

She was likely referring to the message we got about a week ago announcing their arrival in Mercenal.

From there, they were supposed to head to the royal capital area by ship with the troops led by Dad and Zelkis. Depending on the wind and tides, they should have arrived about now.

“Since they’re transporting not just people but horses too, and there are a lot of them, it might take longer than usual, but they should be arriving soon.”

After reaching the capital region, the high-ranking nobles like Liesel and Dad would go to the capital itself along with their guards to attend the departure ceremony.

The rest of the soldiers were to stay in various towns in the surrounding area, with only the commanding officers gathering in the capital.

A full assembly of the entire army for a ceremony would be a spectacle, but even if it’s still within the country, the numbers could reach the thousands. No matter how huge the capital is, hosting that many armed men all at once would be tough.

“Our estate is the farthest from the capital, so by now, everyone should be there. The ceremony will probably happen within a few days.”

The ceremony’s schedule is mostly set, but it could be moved up depending on how quickly everyone arrives.

This country is vast, and with monsters and all kinds of unpredictable factors, flexibility is key.

It’s interesting that it’s the higher-ups who adjust the schedule, not the other way around.

“From here on, it’s just moving across flatlands and traveling by ship, so they should be able to reach their destination without any issues.”

“That’s right.”

Seriana nodded at Elena’s words.

Our main concern was just reaching Zelkis in the first place.

West of the capital is mostly flat terrain, and I’ve heard it’s nothing like the rough roads in the eastern kingdom where Riana and Zelkis are.

At least there’s no worry about retiring before reaching the actual battlefield.

I didn’t join the conversation, just quietly sipped my tea while listening, but at least I felt a bit more at ease.

◇

After that, the conversation continued, changing topics a few times, and eventually circled back to Seriana’s birthday.

But since in this world people come of age at 14, turning 20 doesn’t carry any special meaning, so it’s treated pretty casually.

She’s already married, has a son and a daughter, and has fulfilled her duties as a noblewoman.

Still…

“Speaking of which, Sera, you’re turning 14 this year, right?”

Feeling a bit drowsy and zoning out as I listened, Fiora suddenly remembered and asked about my age.

“Hmm? Yeah.”

After I replied, she turned toward Seriana.

It’s true—I’ll be 14 next month… but is there something about that?

“This girl is joining House Müller, right?”

“It’ll be sometime next year once things settle down, but yes, that’s the plan.”

“Around spring, maybe?”

“Yes. It’s a good opportunity, and it should help wrap up things on our end too.”

They were saying something about next spring. Now that she mentioned it, I do recall hearing something along those lines.

The four of them were talking about the royal capital or something too… but the sleepiness is getting to me, and my brain’s not keeping up anymore.

Yeah, definitely need coffee.

Still, to think I’m coming of age… Fourteen feels too early.

I’m still a kid, for crying out loud.

“Afuuh…”

I still can’t get used to this world where 14 is adulthood—but more than that, I think I’m about to get used to this drowsiness.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sera・Blessing・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】 Blessed Item・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Range Detection】・【】・0 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards
Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards