As the conversation reached a pause with a quirky remark from father, Gina, who had somehow prepared tea without anyone noticing, served it to everyone.

“…Ah, thanks.”

Sitting as usual on someone’s lap, I reached out for the cup but couldn’t quite manage to grab it. Gina handed it to me instead.

After taking a couple of sips and setting the cup down, father resumed the conversation, as if he had been waiting for that moment.

“Let’s keep this brief and to the point. Sera, I’m adopting you. You won’t be granted inheritance rights, but you’ll have almost no restrictions on your movements, not just in Zelkis, but throughout the entire country. I hear you’re not interested in attending the noble academy—has your mind changed on that?”

I nodded quietly.

The academy sounds like a hassle, after all…

“Very well. In that case, let’s proceed with the procedure two years from now, in January, after the academy’s admission deadline has passed. Do you have any questions?”

“Um… I understand I’m going to be adopted, but how does that solve the problems we’re facing here…?”

That’s exactly what I don’t get.

“Good question. It’s quite simple, really. Seriana and Eizen are my children with Minea. And Luciana is my child with Flora. But you… you’re my child, unrelated to either Minea or Flora.”

“…Oh?”

So it’s more of a personal connection with father, rather than a connection with the whole family?

“By doing this, you’ll be considered part of my faction. Although… well, to be honest, I don’t really have one.”

“You don’t?”

I couldn’t help blurting that out, but father continued talking without paying it any mind.

“No, I don’t. But the fact that you, someone from my faction, are staying under Lady Seriana, the lord’s wife, carries significant meaning. If factional disputes intensify to the point of direct conflict, it would give Seriana a legitimate excuse to intervene. And everyone in the territory knows how Seriana would handle such situations.”

She wouldn’t settle things peacefully, that’s for sure.

But still…

“Um… wouldn’t that just make it seem like you’re relying too much on Lady Seria? It feels like it wouldn’t really change how lightly people regard you, father.”

The plan seems to involve using us as a hypothetical enemy to tighten control within the territory, but it doesn’t seem like it would do much to change people’s perception of father. If the issue is that he’s being taken lightly, relying on his daughter and adopted daughter won’t help.

“It’s not a problem. I’m expecting a chance to deploy troops within the next few years. I’ll recover my standing then. Initially, I intended to deter them by assisting with Riana’s dungeon exploration.”

Father smiled wryly as he said that.

“…I see.”

So he had planned to consolidate the neighboring forces by helping us with the dungeon and showcasing his military might. Father had been serving as a mediator between our territory and the surrounding lands, and it seems he was more highly regarded outside than within the territory. He probably handled things well… but it all went to waste.

I’m curious about this other opportunity he mentioned, but from the sound of it, adopting me is more of a backup plan for internal problems. It seems like father already has a separate strategy in place to achieve his goals.

He doesn’t seem inclined to share the details, though. Instead, he quietly sips his tea.

Is that the end of father’s explanation?

Well, at least I now understand the Müller family’s reasons for adopting me…

“Seriana probably wanted to ensure that everything was clearly explained if they were going to use you for their own purposes. Now then, Sera. Of course, you’re free to refuse. What’s your decision?”

“I’m fine with it.”

I responded immediately to father’s question.

Now I see.

His words made it clear—I could have refused if I wanted to.

It was almost a done deal that I’d be adopted by someone. If it hadn’t been father, Seriana would have taken me in herself.

It seems she insisted father explain things himself. But seriously… couldn’t he have been more straightforward about it?

“Sera, Seriana just wanted to make sure you understood everything and had the freedom to choose. Don’t be too harsh on her.”

“Ah… okay.”

Minea’s voice came from behind me, possibly noticing my slight irritation.

I wouldn’t really scold her, though.

Even if we’re currently in a master-servant relationship, we’ll eventually be sisters-in-law. And there’s no way I could beat her in a verbal argument—or a physical one, for that matter.

If I say one thing, she’ll counter with three or four times as much.

Father laughed at me, clearly finding something amusing.

“Guh…”

“Your relationship with Seriana doesn’t need to change. It may be some time in the future, but I look forward to continuing our relationship.”

“…Sure.”

Even without the whole adoption thing, we’ve already got a casual relationship.

I understand the situation now… so I guess it’s fine.

◇

After a few more conversations, we wrapped things up, since I was set to depart tomorrow.

Father’s treatment session will have to wait until next time.

◇

With a whoosh, I flew back from Zelkis Territory at high speed.

After several hours, the familiar walls of my hometown came into view.

The gatekeepers noticed something flying toward them at high speed and tensed up for a moment, but quickly relaxed when they realized it was me.

One of them spoke as I approached.

“Hey, Vice Captain Sera. Forget something?”

Heh… well, considering I left yesterday afternoon and returned by midday today, it’s not surprising they’d think I forgot something.

“Nope. I’m back for good.”

“…What?”

Both the gatekeeper and the other soldiers widened their eyes in surprise.

It’s not like I was trying to keep it a secret, so I waved at them as I flew toward the mansion.

Crossing the cliff behind the mansion, I landed directly in the grounds.

“Huh? The window’s open.”

I spotted the window to Liesel’s office wide open.

That means Seriana is probably there too.

◇

“I’m back!”

Entering through the window, I found the usual group inside.

They all looked surprised, just like the gatekeepers.

“Welcome back, Sera.”

“Welcome home. Did you manage to talk with your father?”

“Yeah. As planned, I’ll be joining the Müller family. Oh, and here.”

I handed over the letters I’d been entrusted with—one for Seriana and one for Liesel from father , and another from Minea for Seriana.

“Got it. Tell me more later. Teresa, you may go.”

“Yes, ma’am. Princess, shall we?”

“Sure.”

Even before noon, the sun was blazing hot.

The 【Floating Orb】 provided some breeze, but it was still hot.

Time for a bath and a cold drink!

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

Sera ・【Hideout】+1 【Prayer】【Blessing of Mira】【Wind Robe】・【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】・11 cards

Seriana ・【Area Detection】・【】・28 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards