When I came to my senses, I was inside a carriage. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice the carriage moving. When I looked out the window, the Duke’s estate was getting closer.
“Leticia.”
“Yes?”
“You’re restless, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
Collen raised his chin and looked at me. I realized that I might have acted out of line.
“What are you thinking in your head, what should you do?”
Collen made a sound that was like a sigh or a groan. I opened my eyes wide.
“Is there anything difficult?”
“Everything that’s precious is difficult. It may wither away or break in your hands. It may hurt you. It may drift away.”
Do you think of Jade or me that way? The thought made my heart ache.
“Is it lonely just staying at home?”
“…”
It was the truth, so I couldn’t easily answer.
“Do you want to go back to school?”
I felt a surge of excitement.
“Can I?”
Collen nodded.
“If you want to. Just make sure to bring your self-defense tools with you every day. It should be okay now. It’s been over a year since then.”
The corners of my mouth turned up. I really wanted to go back.
“Is it really okay?”
I was a little concerned that Collen was worrying too much.
“It’s okay. Go.”
“Thank you, Dad! I’ll work hard so the expensive tuition won’t go to waste.”
Collen smiled strangely. It was both happy and sad.
* * *
“Really? Can I really go?”
After the decision was made that I would return to school, I wondered if I would be able to attend starting from the next semester. But then, I received permission to participate in field studies.
‘The kids were really looking forward to it.’
Even Lavigne and Angel were bragging about going to the fair.
Madam Pauline, the school principal, sent out a notice to parents called the ‘Guidelines for Participating in Field Trips’.
Collen asked if I wanted to go and I nodded my head eagerly.
“Can I really go to the fair?”
Without even realizing it, I was so happy that I stomped my foot on the ground.
“Did you know about this?”
“Yes, my friends informed me by letter…”
“If you wanted to go, why didn’t you told me earlier?”
Collen’s brows furrowed slightly. I hesitated.
“I just vaguely wanted to go. Angel said that we could be one of the first to enter the fair before it opens to the public. There are so many things to see and it sounds really fun.”
“That’s right. Our family is sponsoring it.”
“…What?”
It’s supposed to be the largest fair in the kingdom’s history and the duchy is sponsoring it?
“So, um, can I go see it with my friends?”
But shouldn’t we have to go see it with our families?
“You’re already looking forward to it. Go and see it as soon as possible,” Collen spoke gruffly.
‘Wow, I’ve never been there in my previous life.’
Because I was sick in my previous life, I couldn’t properly attend school, let alone go on field trips or picnics. That’s why I’m even happier.
Anything new is really great. It’s almost too much to handle.
“But, bring your teddy bear bag.”
“Yes, I’ll carry it with me wherever I go.”
My bag with my magic gun in it. I nodded my head at Collen’s words. I hesitated and then hugged him when I saw his expression.
“Thank you for letting me go!”
Collen’s body stiffened for a moment. He looked at me with surprise and fell silent for a moment.
“If you like the fair so much, should I buy it for you?”
“What?”
“You can buy the venue. Or maybe buy the most expensive exhibit.”
“That’s okay…”
“There’s nothing to hesitate about.”
It’s not hesitation. I broke out in a cold sweat.
“I think the room will get too cramped!”
The important thing is just that I’m going to have fun. But I knew Collen was happy right now.
‘At times like this, Collen is similar to Jade. Even when he’s at his best, he can be blunt.’
I had that thought in my mind.
“Have a good time, and stay safe.”
“Okay!”
Collen stroked my hair.
* * *
[Field trips are assumed not to reveal the identity of young nobles.
Spend the day dressed as modestly as possible. We recommend the following attire:
Beige, gray, brown, light pink woolen dresses. Muslin dresses. Sturdy cotton dresses that don’t use silk or velvet.
Brooches, rings. All jewelry accessories, including necklaces, are prohibited…]
The day of the field trip arrived. Since the students at Madam Pauline’s School are so high-ranking, I received this official notice.
‘For the safety of the children, I guess?’
I thought as the maids dressed me up.
“Okay, it’s all done.”
The maids dressed me according to the home communication letter sent by the school.
I wore a simple beige dress, except for the brown ribbon tied high on both sides of my hair and a teddy bear bag with a gun. The skirt came down to my ankles, and I wore comfortable leather boots underneath.
“You look like a normal child from an ordinary family. But a very cute one.”
“Thank you for helping me with my clothes.”
Soon Zion knocked on the door.
“Lady, the carriage is ready.”
‘Is this here?’
Arriving at the fairgrounds, I got out of the carriage.
‘A palace…?’
A palace located outside of the capital. Children from each family got off the carriage like me and gathered in front of the exhibition hall.
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