Vol. 3 Chapter 61: To My Cousin's Home (Part 3) (Patreon)

The convoy arrived at a road cleaner than the rest of what we went through. Barely any dry leaves all around, and as we passed by, I saw guards posted at the side of the road. They didn’t even try to stop us, given that they were already aware that we’re coming.

In prior discussions, we decided that we wouldn’t stop for any checkpoints, or to stop for someone by the road. Such a thing was prone to danger, or to be specific, ambush. Especially knowing that I was here as a passenger. I was completely fine with it, and was one of the reasons why I didn’t ask to stop by the forest earlier.

A short while later, my carriage began slowing down.

“It seems we’re here.” We passed through a fancy gate flanked by guards. My eyebrow raised a little upon seeing the place, my eyes were instantly filled with the sight of green. Plants were thick and everywhere, all kinds were growing. Vines stretching, fruits and vegetables dangling, some assorted and colorful flowers blossoming.

Which reminded me, I do recall Mizia mentioning how her Mother, basically my aunt, loved planting so much. But to this degree? I never imagined. Even my mother showed restraint. But I guess they were still rich enough to easily manage something such as this. And if an apocalypse happens, at least they would have some food to eat.

The carriage stopped right in front of their mansion. It was pretty extravagant, I have to say. As one would expect from a noble in the capital. But nothing beats my palace though.

At the front of the doors were two familiar faces. It would seem my uncle didn’t get a chance after all.

One was a young woman close to my age, beautiful and bright, face vibrant of life. Her hair was a beautiful shade of crimson that took after her father. Her blue eyes wide in anticipation, looking towards my carriage with a wide smile on her face. It was my cousin, Mizia.

The other was an older woman, around the same age as Uncle Meril. She had shiny and smooth brown hair. Her eyes in the shade of black, seemingly gentle and caring. I have seen her on a couple of occasions, but I haven’t interacted much with her. She was my aunt, Areida Melandis Teristro. Judging from memory, and what I have been seeing, I liked her better already than my uncle.

“Ready, princess?”

I nodded as an answer for Rogan’s question. At the same time, knights assigned for my personal safety positioned and lined up in front of my carriage door. With that, Rogan first exited the carriage and extended his hand forward.

I gracefully placed my hand on top of his and stepped out. The chilly breeze of the starting winter immediately touched my skin, or perhaps it was the cold and fresh air from the garden all around me. Hard to tell things with just the wind, really.

Once my feet touched the brick floor, I faced forward, chest up, and smiled shyly. I walked forward to approach my two relatives. I stopped when I was close enough and first gave my greeting.

“It is a pleasure to see you two again, Mizia, Aunt Areida. May our hallowed lord and lady bless the moment of our delightful meeting.”

My aunt stepped forward. “May we receive the resplendent blessing from our illustrious lord and lady. You have changed drastically since the last time we saw each other, Estelia.”

Mizia subtly moaned for a moment, as though frustrated, and suddenly rushed towards me, spreading her arms to hug me tightly. “Missed you so much, Estelia! And to finally visit home, what a day this truly is.”

I appeared to be frozen in shock, eyes wide, at her unexpected action. Wasn’t she being too excited? Her hug was a little too tight.

Before I got to complain, she let go and faced me with a wide grin. “How was your trip?”

“...It was a little scary, but quite a fascinating experience.”

“That’s great! But don’t worry, the new experience will not stop there. There’s plenty that I want to show you! And oh, I have a set prepared just for you.”

Set…? Does she mean — uuugh… I knew it.

“In fact, we should get started fitting them in now—”

“Mizia, patience.”

Her mother said, and Mizia paused for a moment before awkwardly smiling and stepping back.

“... Yes, mother. I’m sorry.”

“Now then, your highness, please come inside. Would you care for some lunch?”

I have already eaten a little back home, but I guess it wouldn’t be bad to accept her offer. It’s almost lunchtime, anyway.

“Of course.”

We stepped inside while Mizia was beside me, still smiling widely, as if she was containing her excitement. Meanwhile, Rogan was following close behind me, and the rest of the knights were left outside to guard the perimeter. It would be nice to also let them in for my protection, but the house would end up too crowded. Besides, this was a relative’s house, so everything should be safe.

“I apologize Meril is not present for your welcome. He has tasks that need to be taken care of.”

“Oh, that’s completely fine, Aunt Areida. I am aware that he has a lot of work to do at this time.”

And guess who was the one giving all of that work? Hehe. It would seem his family was not aware of that. I guess he’s a good secret keeper. Got to hand it to him.

I looked around their mansion, truly luxurious and colorful, expensive materials and decorations embedded on all corners. Still, this place should be decades of years old, only renovated on occasions to keep it fresh — and fresh it definitely was.

I half expected this place would be full of ivy as well… But that’s just a stupid expectation, heh.

When we arrived at the dining room, I almost choked a little the moment I saw the number of covered plates and servings on the long table. Several servants in their fancy uniforms stood by the corner, poise and so professional. Wow, they looked more serious than those in the palace.

Maybe they’re just nervous because the princess came to visit. As lowly as they could be, given that they should all be commoners, to appease the princess, a royal, would be one hell of a pressure. But hey, the pay must be good.

Mizia glanced behind me and she frowned when he looked at Rogan. She clinged to my arm and spoke to me in a low voice. “You still have him around with you.”

I was a bit confused, what’s her beef with him?

“He’s my personal knight, he should not be separated from me.”

“Is he even truly trustworthy?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“I mean, he seems too carefree, almost delinquent-like. Remember what I said? Don’t easily trust these kinds of men, they will play you around.”

I repressed the urge to sigh. My poor cousin and her trauma from a failed love experience. Who was the guy’s name again? He’s too insignificant for me to remember all the time.

I gently held my cousin’s hand and gave her a saddened look.

“W-What? What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

A fondly smiled. “There’s always someone for everyone eventually.”

“What are you talking about?” She was utterly confused.

Oh my poor Mizia, I’m sure you’ll find a man that will give you the love you deserve.

“All will end well, just be patient and believe.”

“Estelia… what?”

I patted her hand, and at the same time her mother spoke.

“We may sit down, your highness. Please sit here.”

I let her go and unexpectedly, Rogan pulled my chair and waited for me to sit. Once I was ready to sit down, he slowly pushed the chair and I sat down. “Thank you.”

Wow Rogan! Acting like a true knight in shining armor!

He stepped back and stood at a corner. Mizia gave him a sharp look before sitting beside me with the help of a servant. Rogan already had beef with someone and he didn’t even know it. Hm, knowing him, he might have sensed it already.

Good luck to him, not my problem.

“I hope you’ll find the cuisine to your liking, the recipes mostly came from my garden.”

“Oh.”

That’s a pretty big garden.

The servants all at once lifted the lids, and different kinds of aroma immediately began filling the air. I took a deep breath, it smelled so good. I would expect nothing less from nobles. Now I’m beginning to wonder what food the average commoner gets to have. Well, not like I care anyway.

I sure hope the day that I need to eat on the streets, and eat crap, never comes. I mean, who would want that? Not me for certain.

I smiled. “Smells delicious, aunty. May I?”

“Of course, we can start.”

Aunty was the first to pick up food with a fork and eat. After that, I followed, and began placing meat and vegetables on my plate. The vegetables looked incredibly nice, they must have cultivated them very nicely indeed.

I first ate the vegetables. The taste spread all over my tongue, sweet and soft sensation, the taste brought me a strange wave of relief. I ate some vegetables again. My goodness, since when were vegetables this delicious!

When people work on their passion, they certainly bring about unbelievable results. Amazing. What sort of sorcery did they cast on these pieces of plants? They're more delicious than the ones cooked in the palace.

“I assume you like them?” asked my aunt.

“I love it! I never thought you could make something so delicious, truly amazing. The vegetables are surprisingly the best, makes me wonder how you achieved such a feat.”

“Well, you need only take very good care of them and make sure they grow in the right environment.”

“Is it hard?”

“At first, but you’ll eventually get used to it. Are you interested in cultivating plants?”

I froze for a moment, I’m sensing some sort of apprenticeship about to happen kind of thing. Can’t let this happen. I was not interested in gardening or the same kind at all. Too much hard work for me, I would rather roll around my bed than that. But it would be rude to say that outright.

“I just thought that perhaps Mother would be interested in learning some techniques used to grow plants to this perfection.”

“Oh, I see. Perhaps I can write a letter of tips on growing vegetables.”

“Please, I’m sure Mother will be pleased.”

“Very well.”

At that moment, I sensed a strong gaze from the young woman beside me, Mizia. “What’s wrong?”

“...... Nothing…. It’s just… you seemed different from usual. More… um, less repressed?”

Oh.

“It’s… it’s just you’re family… and that’s why I am currently like this. There is nothing to be… afraid of.”

“Oh, then that’s good.”

I smiled a little, giving it a little tremble. “Am I doing good?”

“Yes, yes you are.” She smiled like a proud big sister. “With this, I think you’ll do nicely for tomorrow’s tea party.”

I awkwardly chuckled. “... I don’t know about that.”

Tomorrow, huh? She wasted no time.

“Is that so? Well, I’ll be with you anyway. So there’s nothing to be nervous about. And they’re nice. They’ll be nice to you as the princess.”

“I hope so.”

“Just remember, in the end, you are still above them.”

I nodded. Meaning I should not take what they think about me to heart. Be that as it may, I’m sure the Pure Princess would be to everyone’s liking, no matter what kind of person they may be. I’m innocent, gentle, soft, and kind, I’m sure everyone would treat me nicely.

We went on with the dining, and I tasted every dish placed on the table. Given that I have a small stomach, I only ate around one or a couple spoonfuls of each one. We were all ladies eating here right now, and the servants, as well as my knight would be eating later, thus there would be plenty of leftovers once we’re full.

However, with this much, I don’t think plenty would be the right word to describe it.

Anyhow, when dining was over, Mizia led me to the room that I’ll be using for the duration of my stay.

“I already had your servants brought to your room.”

And indeed, Mera and Vernon were already outside of what I presume to be my room. With them were my luggage.

“And oh! This is my room.”

I resisted frowning in puzzlement when she pointed to a specific room. It was right next to mine.

I’m in danger here!

“But before that, I’ll leave you to set things up with your luggage and get used to your room. I’ll check up on you in an hour or two.”

“Alright, Mizia.”

She nodded before leaving us.

I approached my two servants. “Did you two travel well? Any problems?”

“None, milady.”

“Everything went smoothly.”

“Good. I’ll be taking Mera with me to my room to take out my belongings. Please bring the luggages into the room.”