Chapter Seventy-Four: Belonging
The three of us headed towards the battlefield.
Goat cheese, probably feeling a bit bored, flapped its wings and soared into the sky.
At that moment, the Duke had just finished chatting with Lafael and stepped over to join me and the Lady.
“Pepé, why are you standing here eating? Come sit in the carriage for a while.”
I nodded.
“Okay.”
Once we climbed into the war chariot, the Lady settled next to me, still holding snacks to feed me. She then pulled out a water flask from the carriage, opened the cap, and handed it to me. As I was feeling a bit thirsty, I took it and gulped down several big mouthfuls.
Across from me, the Duke had a serious expression, hands clasped, while Lafael beside him looked a bit stiff.
“Pepé, we owe you for this. Otherwise…” He trailed off with a gentle sigh, a glint of light flickering in his eyes. “It’s truly a rare reunion… I, as your big brother, feel rather ashamed.”
He seemed a bit down, and I had no clue what the Duke had just said to him. I quickly waved my little hand.
“Mm-mm, mm—”
I intended to say it’s okay and that I was happy to see him, but with my mouth stuffed full of food, it just came out as meaningless mumbling, which got me scolded by the Lady.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
“Alright, thanks to Pepé, we got through this without incident. No need to dwell on it. Now that Lafael is back…” The Duke patted Lafael on the shoulder, “For the past three years… Shanter Castle hasn’t celebrated properly. It’s rare for everyone to gather this year, Pepé. How about staying until the Day of the Divine Birth?”
I tilted my head, swallowing my food.
“Day of the Divine Birth?”
I had never heard of it—what kind of holiday was that?
“January 16th is the birth of the divine. According to the customs of the Valen Empire, families should reunite at this time… This silly child, not even remembering the Day of the Divine Birth?”
Got it, it’s like New Year’s!
I remembered Carlos saying that the Royal Academy started mid-February, and the journey would take about a month, so if I left after the Day of the Divine Birth… timing should work out.
The first New Year in another world…
My eyes flitted over the Duke, the Lady, and Lafael. They were looking at me with eager expressions, their eyes gleaming with a burning desire.
Deep down, I had always felt a bit uneasy.
This restlessness stemmed from this strange world, from the unfamiliar people and lifestyle, and from that unknown evil force within me. Like a drifter who, no matter how they appear to the outside world during the day, silently endures a hidden loneliness and anxiety at night.
Even with Grandma Claire, that feeling didn’t lessen much. Back when I had just arrived in this world, everything around me felt so foreign. Despite the villagers’ kindness and Grandma treating me like family, I was working hard to blend into that small family and trying to see that house as home—still, it didn’t ease my unease.
[I’m different from them.]
Such thoughts would occasionally haunt me in the dead of night, like a stubborn burr that wouldn’t just go away.
But in this moment, I gazed at the people before me.
I looked at the Duke and Lafael, both with black hair and black eyes, and then at the Lady, who resembled me and shared the same vibe.
Ah, these are my family in this world.
Warm liquid flowed from my heart, rushing through my veins and warming my fingertips and hair.
Something called “belonging” settled in my heart.
A smile spread across my lips, and my eyes curved like crescent moons.
“Okay.”
I gently nodded.
“Then it’s settled.” The Duke chuckled along and then turned to the Lady. “Catherine, it’s tough on you, and the banquet must be grand.”
“It’s no trouble for me; I enjoy doing such things, but…” She hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “But now that Edward is dead at our hands, the King… Surely the palace will take action soon, right? We probably won’t have it easy…”
The Duke understood her worries and took her hand.
“We won’t know anything for a while. You don’t need to worry about this; leave it to me and Lafael.”
“Mother, Edward deserved to d*e.”
“I know… He dared to harm Pepé; of course, he deserved to d*e. But… so many died today… this kind of thing…”
“Don’t think too much.” The Duke looked into her eyes. “I’ll take care of everything.”
I thought for a moment and then asked, “Will there be a war?”
“Not for now. But who knows about the future? We must prepare thoroughly.” The Duke released the Lady’s hand, then turned to me, staring seriously. “Pepé, it might be unnecessary to say this, but I need to remind you to pay attention to your safety once you go to Ethanbel.”
“Mm.” I nodded again, then asked, “Will the Church get involved?”
“They will. But… you saw today’s situation. They are on Shanter Castle’s side. Moreover, now that heretics have resurfaced… That fool Edward chose to collaborate with the Gate of Truth; really… doesn’t he know he’s asking for it? This is the one thing the Holy Church cannot tolerate, and just this fact alone puts the Emperor’s side in jeopardy.”
“So, no war?”
The Duke chuckled and rubbed my head.
“Are you worried about war, Pepé?”
“Mm, a lot of people will d*e.”
Seeing my serious little face, a glimmer shone in the Duke’s eyes, and he let out a long sigh.
“I wish I could tell you that there won’t be. But with things escalating like this, it’s hard to resolve it peacefully. So, perhaps…”
My heart sank.
The Duke’s meaning was obvious; how could I not understand? Next up, war was highly likely.
Is everything really heading in the worst direction?
“If war breaks out, extending its duration will only spell disaster for this country. I don’t want to see such a situation… Pepé, you’re a good child, you’ve always been. I know what worries you. Don’t worry; things may not be as bad as you think. Trust your father. I promise you, if it really comes to war, I will end it in the shortest time possible, without involving the innocent civilians.”
His words weren’t stirring or passionate, even somewhat plain. But to me, he appeared formidable, suddenly exuding an aura that commanded trust, his presence undeniable.
“What do you need me to do?”
My soft, earnest voice made the Duke smile.
“When you’re at the Royal Academy, at least write home once a month.”
I shook my head at this, looking at the Duke with determined eyes.
“Let me do something.”
