The day after we arrived in the royal capital.

Today, we decided not to meet anyone and just spend time quietly in the mansion.

It had only been two days since we disembarked from the ship, and we were probably still tired. Liesel must have taken that into account—but that’s not the only reason.

Long-distance travel in this world is extremely exhausting.

Needless to say, the rocking of the ship is harsh, and even traveling by carriage is physically demanding.

Besides, long-distance travel itself is rare, so the body isn’t used to it.

Both Seriana and I were essentially floating around the whole time, occasionally using the 【Hideout】 too, so we didn’t actually experience much real fatigue.

But that’s not the case for most people. Expecting someone to take on the duties of a noblewoman the day of or the day after such a journey would reflect poorly… or so it seems.

For now, tomorrow, the old man and the others will come to visit. After that, the artisans will arrive to do the final fittings for the clothes.

Relatives and craftsmen… starting with familiar faces makes things easier.

It’s been nearly two weeks since we’ve had a proper conversation with other nobles. It’s unlikely that Seriana would say anything careless, but even so, a kind of rehabilitation before meeting external nobility might be necessary.

Still…

I understand why Seriana needs to move cautiously, but what about me?

Technically, I’m her bodyguard, but Liesel is also in the mansion, and so is August.

As long as we’re in this mansion, there probably won’t be a situation where I’m needed. I should at least be able to go out a bit… is that not allowed?

I couldn’t think of anything specific to do, so I’ve just been drifting around the room since morning.

By the way, Seriana is sitting on the couch in the reception room, sipping tea and reading a book.

She looks completely relaxed.

The book she’s reading now isn’t something she brought from the provincial capital.

We do have books in the 【Hideout】 to kill time with, but this one is newly purchased in the royal capital. She placed the order last night, and it arrived at the mansion this morning.

To be able to get a new release on the same day you want to buy it…

That’s the royal capital for you.

There’s nothing I particularly want, but maybe I should at least buy a book or two while we’re here?

Well, that’s not something I need to think about today.

For now…

“Hey—”

“What is it?”

“Should I stay in the mansion?”

I couldn’t just go out on my own, so I decided to ask Seriana for permission.

“You’d better not go outside. Anyone sharp enough already knows why you’re in the royal capital. I don’t think it’s dangerous, but it could still cause all sorts of trouble.”

“…Ngh.”

I had a feeling that my adoption was drawing a fair amount of attention.

The Müller family, a powerful count household in the country, is adopting a daughter completely unrelated to noble society—me.

Even though I originally served as Seriana’s maid and bodyguard, and worked close to the Müller family, that alone wouldn’t normally lead to such a story. That alone makes it big news.

I lived in Zelkis’s provincial capital. After losing my parents, for some reason, Seriana—before she entered the noble academy—picked me up, and I accompanied her to the royal capital to enroll.

After graduating, Seriana became engaged and then married to Liesel, the kingdom’s fourth prince.

Then, they founded House Lyseria and established a new domain at the eastern edge of the country.

The new ducal territory of Riana is somewhat dangerous, but offers high rewards. House Lyseria is currently managing to govern it well while continuing development.

And I’ve remained at Seriana’s side, from her single days to now, serving her even as she became a duchess. For some reason, I live together with her in the ruling mansion of Riana.

Because of that connection, I’ve become a strange girl known to both House Müller and House Lyseria—and even to the royal family.

If I had to write my profile in the simplest way, that’s how it would look.

The key point is that I have ties to all three families—including the royal family.

Right now, I’m a commoner, and regardless of whether things go well or not, it’s still easy for others to approach me or request an audience. But that would change once I become a noble.

This was true in Riana as well, but surely some people are thinking, “I better act now while I still can.”

I’m incredibly popular.

I already stand out just by being around, but if I were to aimlessly wander around in this state… yeah.

It sounds like a hassle.

Sure, I could just run away, but that would also leave a bad impression.

Looks like it’s best to just lay low…

Groaning at Seriana’s words, I reluctantly accepted the situation.

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

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】 ・ 3 cards

Seriana ・ 【Area Detection】 ・ 【】 ・ 0 cards

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

Alec ・ 【Strong Strike】 ・ 【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】 ・ 10 cards