“What’s wrong?”

Regaining my composure, I asked about the purpose of the visit.
Teresa had mentioned something about my future, likely concerning what happens after I come of age.
That’s next year, but I’ve left those matters in Seriana’s hands.
I’ve already told her I’d like to avoid anything too rigid or troublesome, and I trust she’ll respect that.
I doubt she’ll make any bad decisions.

“…You weren’t listening, were you? You’ve been sipping on Edgar’s gift—did you enjoy it that much?”

Glancing at the glass in my hand, she commented with a teasing tone.

She’s usually formal, yet now she’s speaking casually. Is it because we’re in an official setting?
That guy, while the heir of a marquis family, is still technically just a baron for now, right?
I’m not sure about his wife’s standing, but as things stand, Seriana outranks him.

“It was delicious. I’ll have to thank Edgar-sama later. Would you like to try some, Seria-sama?”

I offered the glass to Seriana, but she shook her head.
The surrounding ladies gasped with a collective “Oh my!”
Was that improper? While I didn’t sense any reproach, their reactions made me second-guess.

Clearing her throat with a soft cough, Seriana began to speak.

“Never mind that. I have a question for you. Do you want to get married?”

“I don’t.”

It felt like she’d asked something similar before, but where was this coming from now?

“I see… You know, many people are concerned about your future. You’ll be turning 14 next year, after all. They’re wondering what you plan to do.”

“Oh?”

Are we talking about potential marriage proposals for me to become someone’s bride?
Well, I’d decline, but I suppose I can see why they might think I’m a good catch.
Seriana has already rejected such proposals on my behalf, though she tells me they still pop up from time to time.

“There are even families in the central and western parts of the kingdom who’d like to adopt you as their daughter. They’ve sent formal inquiries.”

She glanced at some of the women around us as she explained.

“Why adoption?”

Sure, I’m technically unattached in terms of family ties, but with the Reselia duchy backing me, I don’t see what those families stand to gain by taking me in.
If it were an overtly self-serving offer, Seriana would likely be more displeased. But she’s not showing any such signs, and it doesn’t seem like she’s hiding her feelings either.

“You need to be part of a count’s family or higher to join the Royal Guard. Surely you’re aware of that?”

“Oh!”

Now that she mentions it, I vaguely remember Elena bringing up something like that in the past.

“Additionally, being adopted would make you eligible to attend the Nobles’ Academy. Do you want to enroll?”

“I’d rather not.”

Living in the capital’s estate wouldn’t be bad, but a life centered on etiquette and studies? No, thank you. Frankly, I’d like to pass on that.

“That’s what I thought. I’ve already declined the offers for you. Besides, it’s been decided that you’ll be adopted into the Müller family.”

“…Excuse me?”

That seems like a pretty important detail to drop on me now, considering we’re always together.

“What? Would you have preferred to be my adopted daughter instead?”

As I stood dumbfounded by the news, she teased me further, seemingly interpreting my reaction as dissatisfaction.

“No… it’s not that…”

“You don’t want to become my daughter?”

Her tone shifted as she glared at me, almost accusingly.

“Uh… uh…”

Why is she pulling this bully move right now?
The surrounding ladies don’t seem troubled by it—they’re smiling behind their hands, clearly amused by my flustered state.

Looking around for help, my gaze landed on Elena, standing just behind Seriana. She met my eyes but only offered a wry smile, making no move to intervene. She’s useless in situations like this.

“Lady Sera,”

Teresa, who had been attending to another group, called out to me. As I turned, the ladies from her side approached as well.

“For a woman to become a knight, she must join the Royal Guard. Currently, Lady Sera, your rank is limited to your domain. While some territories with close ties to yours might adapt to your status, most won’t.”

“Ah… That’s true.”

In Zelkis, I have freedom to act, but outside of it, I’m essentially Teresa’s companion at best.
In the capital, thanks to past favors and my status as an adventurer, I can move relatively freely, but only in that context.

“That’s why being in the Royal Guard is different. It’s an official position under the royal family. I may be your attendant and maid, but I also hold a rank in the Royal Guard. Many others hold similar dual positions.”

She smiled warmly as she explained.

“Exactly,” Seriana added. “While being a Royal Guard doesn’t grant complete freedom, it provides significant standing. When you visit the capital, you’ll be expected to greet the queen, and if she visits your domain, you’ll be tasked with welcoming her. It’s nothing too burdensome.”

She downplayed it, but that kind of responsibility sounds like quite a lot of pressure.
Then again, pressure is nothing new for me.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera・【Hideout】 +1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Cloak】・【Floating Orb】 +1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・7 cards

Seriana・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・7 cards