Chapter 78 - The Path to the North
"Rachel, do you understand what you're saying?"
"Yes, Mother."
Before me stood my father, his face stern, and my mother, looking utterly bewildered. Why were my usually gentle parents looking at me this way? It was because of the request I had just made. "To go all the way to the Bousquet Territory during the academy’s long break..."
Those words had shattered the peaceful family gathering, creating a sharp, tense atmosphere. "Rachel, I cannot give permission without a reason. The Marcel Territory would be one thing, but the Bousquet Territory is a land you’ve never even visited."
"I understand that."
"No, I don't think you do. Why there, of all places? If it’s for a trip, there are plenty of other places to consider, so why..." Father hesitated, his brow furrowing even deeper.
It was understandable. The Bousquet Territory was a land surrounded by mountains. If the Marcel Territory was a bright, bustling port town, the Bousquet Territory was a city guarded by harsh, towering snow-capped peaks. It was hardly a place a noble daughter would visit for pleasure. After all, it was the location of the Chantreuil Monastery, said to be the strictest in the kingdom.
"That is where Miss Katrina is, who was once involved with you."
"Yes. I am aware."
"I cannot imagine her ever leaving that monastery... but even so, as a parent, it is only natural to want to keep you away from there."
"Yes... I believe you are right, Father."
My parents, knowing I had been close with Katrina-sama, held no good feelings toward the Higgins family after she distanced herself following my engagement and spread malicious rumors at the academy. In particular, they said her parents, the former Marquis and his wife, had no reputation in social circles. Rumors about how they 'got what they deserved' by going into retirement were endless. Even so, Katrina-sama’s brother was struggling to restore the fallen trust of House Higgins. But no matter how high the rank of a Marquis, once a bad reputation takes hold, the families willing to associate with them become limited. They might be shunned by society for years.
However, looking at the current Marquis Higgins, some believed they might regain their power in time. Rumors about Katrina-sama herself didn't reach the capital. She might still hate me, or she might consider me a thing of the past. I had no way of knowing. His Highness might have investigated her behavior after the incident, but he never brought it up. Still, my father and mother clearly remained concerned. Mother was currently searching my face with a worried look. "Why? Why must you go to the Bousquet Territory?"
I bit my lip at her question. "...I cannot explain the details at this time."
"Then this conversation is over. Rachel, I want to grant your wishes whenever possible. But I cannot agree to this."
Father let out a deep sigh and shook his head, taking a sip of his wine to signal the end of the discussion. I knew simply asking wouldn't be enough.
In truth, I had a purpose. My time rewinding was surely connected to Anna-san remembering her past life. If so, I thought there might be some clue at the place where my life ended. It might be a misunderstanding, or there might be no hint there at all. But I had to know if my death had been the trigger. If I couldn't persuade my parents, I would never know anything, and I would never be able to achieve anything in the future. I steeled myself and looked directly at them. "I believe... the key to my lost power may be there."
"What?"
Father’s eyebrows twitched, and he waited for me to continue. In my previous life, I was supposed to be sent to the Chantreuil Monastery as punishment for my crimes. But I was attacked by bandits in the forest just before entering the Bousquet Territory. I needed to revisit that death. I needed to see if I had forgotten something important. To do that, I needed to see it with my own eyes, walk the ground, and feel the air. Whether there was a clue there or not. I had been turning away from the past because I was afraid. But unless I faced the facts I had been avoiding, I would never gain anything.
"And... I must learn more about this country. The land, the people, and the children who live there. I want to see and know the things I am aiming for with my own eyes."
I couldn't tell them I wanted to go there because it was where I died. But I wanted my beloved family to know my true feelings. I looked at them, praying they would send me on my way. Mother lowered her eyebrows like she was looking at a troubled child, yet she gave a gentle smile. She closed her eyes, took a breath, and then looked at me with a firm gaze. "...You know of the Dastan Territory near the Bousquet Territory, don't you?"
"Dastan... yes."
"That is where my sister married into."
"Yes, Aunt Sybil."
I was confused by the sudden mention of my aunt, but I waited for her to continue, trying to suppress a surge of hope. "It’s a bit of a detour, but it wouldn't be unnatural to pass through the Bousquet Territory on the way to visit her."
"Mother!"
"What? Are you not worried about Rachel?" Father looked at her with disbelief, as if he couldn't comprehend her support. But Mother met his gaze with her usual gentle expression.
"I am worried. We’ve overprotected this child, and she’s grown up knowing nothing of the world. But the place she is aiming for is a place we cannot protect her from."
"...!"
"And look at Rachel’s eyes. It’s alright; she has her own convictions. The time for us to simply watch over her has passed."
Mother smiled sadly, yet she seemed happy about my growth. In her heart, she likely wanted to oppose it even more. But she suppressed those feelings to stand by me. And then there was my father, who had loved and protected me more than anyone since the day I was born. Their feelings resonated in my chest, and tears threatened to spill over. But I can't cry. I clenched my fists and looked up slightly. Once I had composed myself, I looked at Mother again.
"Mother... aren't you going to ask for the details?"
"You have no intention of telling us, do you? Then there’s no point in asking. But if you’ve made up your mind, you must prepare yourself accordingly."
Mother’s face was that of a woman many times stronger than I. I had always thought her weak because of her gentle appearance, but I was wrong. My mother was the Marchioness of Marcel. She was the woman who had supported this house from both the shadows and the forefront. Someday, I want to be like her. I nodded firmly.
Father watched us and murmured a weak "Good grief..." before looking at me. His eyes weren't those of a powerful Marquis; they were the warm, gentle eyes that had protected me since I was small. "Listen, Rachel. Even if your mana never returns, as long as you are healthy and happy, that is enough for me."
"Yes, Father."
"Honestly. Children grow up too fast... I wish you could have stayed small just a little longer."
Father likely still wasn't fully convinced about me going to the Bousquet Territory. Even so, I would always be grateful to these parents who ultimately supported the path I chose. Thinking of that, I felt ashamed that I hadn't cherished the life they gave me more in the past. At the same time, I vowed that this time, I would absolutely protect my father, my mother, and everyone around me. And I would cherish myself as well.
In the somber atmosphere, Mother clapped her hands. "Oh, if you keep talking like that, Rachel will be an old woman before you know it." Her joke broke the tension. Father gave a troubled laugh and let out an exaggerated sigh. "I haven't even given her away yet, but I already feel the loneliness of her leaving."
"Oh, hush! It’s fine. Just as I have you, it’s wonderful that Rachel has someone she loves."
"...A father’s heart is a complicated thing."
Watching my parents trade lighthearted banter with such gentle faces, a smile escaped my lips as well.
Thank you for the bookmarks, ratings, comments, and typo reports. This marks the beginning of the "Truth Arc." Various things will gradually come to light. I will do my best to keep the story enjoyable. I hope you’ll continue to follow along!