A few days after her unexpected visit to the Fuji Palace, where she tasted the power of Refernia and the fathomlessness of Madame Magnom in serious mode.
　As usual, Deanna held a tea party in the Ivy Garden with the three "famous" people, and decided to take the opportunity to explain the "homecoming" plan that Master Magnom had proposed.
　In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I'm not sure what to make of that.
I've always thought she was a bit of an idiot, but she's even more of an idiot than I thought, Madame Magnom.
I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not sure how you can raise her rank on the basis of her merits in the noble council and then develop it into a major project involving the entire palace to camouflage it.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the coming weeks.　Are you okay?
I'm sure you'll be fine. I tried to escape reality a few times, but I couldn't, and I got a little scared of adults, but I'm fine.
Even Deanna, whose parents' house was like a fairground for the insane, wanted to run away. ...... Good job.
"Honestly, I thought it was as absurd as my father's absurdity. ....... Thank you very much, Yolanda.

　After thanking her friends for their kind words, Deanna cut to the chase.

I've been thinking about it for a while now. It will allow Shayla to improve her status in a natural way, which is our main goal, and if we move rooms along with it, she can even receive education from the Dowager Queen. In addition, if we renovate the palace to match the new hierarchy, and improve the indoor environment and the quality of the maids, we can minimize the complaints from the concubines.
So we'll need at least a month or so?
"It will depend on how long it takes to coordinate with the Ministry of the Interior, but Mrs. Magnum hopes to have the work done between the beginning of next month, the Mizuki, and the middle of the next month, the ...... Sky Moon.
That's reasonable, considering the amount of time it will take to renovate and retrain the maids and maidservants.
A month and a half? ...... When I go back to my hometown, I just work as usual, so I won't have too much time on my hands, but what about the rest of you?　I'm sure there are a lot of people who are going back to their territories because it's the off-season.
"I'll probably stay in King's Landing. I haven't been back to the realm in years because of my father's work. I'll probably stay in King's Landing.
If Raia doesn't return, I'll stay in King's Landing myself. It would be boring for me to go back alone.
By the way, the Marquesses of Strelia and Eustace are next door to each other.
What about Diana?
"Probably, she'll go back to Crestor's domain. It's the off-season and everyone in the family has to go home at least once.
"Which means the longest trip of them all will be Letty.
We have to cross the Mamia River, which is the Countess of Kiel's realm.
The Countess of Kiel's realm is faster than it used to be, though, thanks to advances in shipbuilding and shiphandling technology.

　If you take out this conversation alone, it sounds like a dormitory student before a long vacation. In the Kingdom of Ergeland, there is no such thing as a boarding school where the daughters of the noble class live together. The idea of a "study house" has finally spread among the people in recent years, but noblewomen have traditionally been taught by their mothers or tutors, and the idea of all of them coming together to receive the same lessons is not something that comes up very often.
When the location of each of them during the "homecoming" was revealed, Leticia suddenly became distant. She seemed to think about something for a moment, and her expression changed to one of seriousness.

I'm a little concerned about the ...... homecoming.
What is it?　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it.
Yes, so there is another concern that is not related to the conflicts within the palace. ...... I was wondering if some of the ladies in the entourage might not want to return home or to their estates.

　I'm not sure what to make of that.
　She met their gaze and nodded.

"That's right. Sheila, of all people, is probably the first to feel the burden of returning home. I seem to recall that there were a few others who applied to stay at the side of the family because they wanted to keep their distance from the family with whom they had a bad relationship.
"Do you have any remedies for such people?
According to Mrs. Magnum, "We are planning to ask you to leave the palace temporarily for the renovation of the palace, so if you have a place to go other than your parents' home, you can declare that you will stay there. We are aware of most of the members of your family who do not have a good relationship with your parents' home, so we would like to hear from each of you individually and prepare a place for you to stay during your 'homecoming'. ......
If you have a place to go, that's fine, but I'm pretty sure that Shayla-sama, aside from that helpless uncle and aunt, is a lonely person in this world, isn't she?
"Yes. I'm sure she has one or two good friends in the neighborhood, because she's such a social butterfly. ...... Considering her uncle, it would be very uncomfortable for Shayla to stay for a long period of time in a place where she could have immediate access to him.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. Even if Shayla refused to go back home to House Callerd and a kind acquaintance graciously accepted her stay for the duration, she would still be sought out as long as she was in the capital. There was no telling what kind of miraculous thought process Shayla would pull off once she made contact. It would be a burden for Shayla, but it would never be a relief.
　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do that.

If you want to stay anywhere during your "homecoming," we can take Shayla in our house. The people of Cresta are very sensitive to strangers and nobles, so if they see an unfamiliar carriage driving by, they will be on the lookout and let us know. I'm sure Shayla would feel more at home in faraway Crestor than hiding out in a place where she never knows when she might cross paths with her uncle.
...... is good, isn't it?
What do you mean?
That's why I think Master Shayla's stay at the Cresta house is fine. I think the Cresta house will be fine.

　Yolanda replied in a normal tone, and Raia nodded.

I know. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with that.
"Yeah, ......, is that really possible for a 'homecoming'?
I think it's possible.　In the event that you're not sure what you're looking for, it's possible that you'll be able to find something that will work for you.　In theory, then, it should not matter where you spend your time.
"Until Letty, ......

　Of course, Deanna would love to invite her best friend Shayla to Cresta. Very much so. For Deanna, everything about the Cresta region, the land, the people who live there, and the way they live their lives, is something she loves and cherishes. She wants to show it to her beloved Shayla and show it off.


　But .

The place she stayed during her 'homecoming' will remain in the public records, right?　If word got out that she was a daughter of the infamous Countess of Clester, it would be detrimental to Shayla's future.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get rid of it. You know, like 'acquaintance's house'.
"You're not wrong. If someone asks, "Where exactly is it? If someone asks, "Where exactly is it?", you can tell them, "At your request, we will not inform anyone other than those involved. I'm sure Mrs. Magnum is very good at that.
But ...... can't just give Shayla special treatment, no matter what.
You don't want her to get special treatment?　Then how about ...... the three of us each take care of the others who have nowhere else to go but their parents' house?

　I'm not sure what to do.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

I like that. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
I can't help you, but ...... I can provide you with a warm bed and a meal at home. If you would like to stay outside of King's Landing, you can use House Kiel.
"...... Are you sure?　You three must be very tired after being away from your families for so long and struggling in an unfamiliar place. It must be hard for you to have to stay in the name of your family even when you're back home.
I'm sure it's not too much of a burden for us, since it's the maidservants who are actually taking care of you.　The Cresta family is a rare exception, but it is common for noble families to have guests stay for months at a time, so the family members are used to it.
Yes, that's true. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with this.
In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, please do not hesitate to contact us.

　...... It is indeed a family that has raised three talented people. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

So, depending on the results of the hearing, ...... if there is anyone who cannot find a place to stay, may I ask for your help?
"Of course. Anytime.
I'll let the family know. The Eustace family is very discreet.
My father will be pleased. He was always worried about my limited social circle as a noblewoman.

　I'm sure you'll be glad to know that I'm not the only one who's a little nervous about this.


　. ＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


I'm not sure what to say, but I'm overwhelmed by the battle you just saw. It was so tense that it hurt. ......
Yeah, exactly. A battle between masters is different from the air.
...... I'm not trying to change the atmosphere, but... I'm not trying to change the atmosphere. I'm just seriously looking for an opening to attack.
Just because a guy like you is 'seriously' looking for an opening, doesn't that mean it's a big deal?
Well said. You're the one who doesn't show any vulnerability at all, even when you're relaxing like this.
It's a matter of course for professionals like us. What the hell are you talking about now?
...... Your main job is to be the next head of Crestor, not a backroom worker. I'm not sure what to make of that.
I'm sure you're aware of that.　At least Edward seems to be able to juggle both.
You know exactly what I mean, Juke. Yes, yes, it's rather normal for our people to juggle several jobs.
"Yeah, well, it's more than normal for our people to juggle several jobs." "That's what I always read as 'insane' in Cresta, though.

　Deanna sits down on the mattress and watches peacefully as they talk in harmony while she arranges the baked goods on the plate. When the two platters were ready, she was about to stand up, when she was snatched from both sides at the same time.

"Would you like me to give them to you?
"Don't serve at the end of the table like that, Master Diana, please join us.

　Sora on the right and Sirius on the left. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who can't wait to get started. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them.

I'm not sure what to say, ....... I'm just happy to see everyone laughing in Cresta. I'm so happy just to see it.
Left. ...... Yes, truly. It's as if I've been transported back thirty years.
Thirty years ago?
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. And then His Highness Prince Auster, who was on an inspection tour like His Majesty is now, joined them. Master Rifania was also there in secret. I'm not sure if you'll be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.
"Oh, yes. --It's true, they look alike.

　It was only yesterday that Juke had been taken by Dualis to the Cresta. Every year at this time of the year, the Kingdom of Elgrand takes a month-long tour of the kingdom's major lands, accompanied by the king and sometimes the crown prince. After Juke took over the throne, this custom had been discontinued due to the hectic schedule of the royal court, but this year, it has been revived.
　Perhaps 30 years ago, Rifania had secretly accompanied him on his inspection tour. With the power of action of the refernia, it would be easy to put it into practice. ...... Then again, this time, she didn't push as far as Refernia did.

　--After Madame Magnom showed her prodigious negotiating skills and got the Ministry of the Interior to approve the return of the entourage, the palace suddenly became very busy. All of the more than forty members of the entourage had to pack up their personal belongings and leave the palace at once. There were many things to be done, such as contacting the family home, packing, and deciding the order of leaving the palace.


　In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Deanna and the three named men met with each of the side chambers who were not on good terms with their parents. If they had no other choice but to return to their parents' home, they asked them if they would like to come to their home. --Of course, Deanna was the first to go with Shayla.
In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the following web site: ....... I'm not sure. Although it was explained to her that there was no rule that she had to go back to her parents' house just because it was a "homecoming," Shayla had no acquaintances who would let her stay longer than a month. Just as I was thinking of borrowing some money from someone to stay at ......, I was asked if there was a place I could stay while I was back home.　Would you like to stay with me in Cresta? He was thinking of renting a place to stay during his homecoming, when Deanna asked him if he wanted to stay with her at the Cresta.
　Although Shayla, who felt ashamed of her status, refrained at first, the idea of spending time with her best friend Deanna, albeit for a limited time, away from the palace, was actually appealing to her. Deanna had repeatedly said, "Don't hold back," and it was finally decided that Shayla would stay in Cresta. A few days after Deanna's return to Crestor, Shayla also moved into a house in the Crestor area with a small amount of luggage. Lyra, Yolanda, and Laetitia took care of some of the members of Shayla's entourage who, like Shayla, were unable to return to their parents' home, leaving Diana and Master Magnum relieved.

　And then Shayla arrived. Yesterday, Juke had come with only Alford and--

"Dee!　These sweets are so delicious.
"Oh, they're really good. The Cresta family is very talented, even their servants.

　The scene of thirty years ago, as Sirius calls it, has been recreated.
　My best friend and her boyfriend smiled at me, and Diana smiled back.

"Good, the chef will be pleased. The baked goods are his original recipe.
"Oh, really?　That's great.
"Well, why don't you join us?　Why is it that you're the only one at the end of the table?
I was just sharing the snacks, I didn't mean to be at the end.

　I don't know why I'm the only one at the end. Nodding, Diana stood up.
　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. The palace guard who escorted Deanna was Chris, the leader of the palace guard knights, who was also appropriate for protecting the first in line to the side chambers, so his joining the group was accepted without any problems, and they came to Crestor together. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.
　Sora had been recuperating from her illness at Crestor Manor in King's Landing until the soiree at the end of the social season, and when Elizabeth moved back to the Crestor area at the end of last season, she moved her recuperation place to the mansion in the Crestor estate. Normally, the whole family would return to the estate together, but this time, Duarice and Edward were forced to stay in the capital because there was a lot of cleaning up to do at the House of Lords. If that was the case, Elizabeth, his wife, would have no choice but to carry out the work related to the administration of the estate on his behalf, which Duarisse usually did during the off-season. Therefore, only Elizabeth returned to Crestor, and Sola accompanied her.

　So, Elizabeth and Sora returned to Crestor first. Then, Edward, who had some idea of how to help his father in King's Landing, returned (although in his case, he started helping with the Dark Side's work as soon as he returned, so he was almost never in the house).
　A few months later, Deanna came back to the palace, and Shayla, Rita, Chris, Kai, and the "Darkness" who had been guarding her in rotation at the palace for a long time (when she came back, she pulled a carriage dressed as a normal attendant, and was greeted with a "I've never seen the palace before" kind of reaction). (When I went back to my hometown, I pulled a carriage dressed as an ordinary attendant and was greeted by a group of entertainers who reacted as if they had never seen the palace before.
　--Finally, Dualis, who secretly welcomed the King to the Crestar territory's Gantgear Special Region yesterday and gave him a tour and explanation, returned to the Crestar Zone with Juke and Alford. The whole family and their guests were finally able to gather together in one place. Today, Dualis and Elizabeth were unable to be present due to business in the territory, and the two heavyweights of the underworld were watching over the younger generation.

"Come on, Dee, have a seat.
"Dear Deanna, this is your favorite pastry that the chef has carefully prepared.
"So, Deanna, you like this kind of thing?
"These baked goods made by the chef go well with any kind of tea. It's sweet, but not too sweet. Kai, if you don't have a sweet tooth, you should try it.
Thanks, I'll take it.
Do you like sweets, Kai?
I neither like nor dislike it.　I don't really have any likes or dislikes in food to begin with. I don't mind anything as long as I can eat it.
I don't really like or dislike food.
I don't like to eat anything as long as it tastes good. ...... Yeah, it's good. It's definitely sweet, but it's a clean sweetness that doesn't linger.

　I'm not sure what to make of this. The only time Kai is ever seen in the palace is when Diana is alone in her room, or if anyone else is around, it's Rita or Shayla. Even when we gathered in the Red Rose Room in the spring, he ended up joining us behind the ceiling. He probably took care of himself as a trespasser in the palace, as a minimum courtesy.
　This was the first time Juke and Alford had seen Kai's face since arriving at Crestor yesterday, and both of them hadn't expected that the aloof man who said things that were difficult to say was such a young and beautiful young man. As they exchanged greetings, they observed him with a secretly surprised look.
　Kai seemed to think that after greeting him as a guest of the same house, they could just keep a reasonable distance from each other. However, Edward's discussion of martial arts with Kai at dinner revealed that he was a very skilled fighter.

I've never really seen how good you are when you're serious.
I'm sorry.
That's right. Well then, let's give my son a lesson for the first time in a while.
Yes!　Sora-dono, may I observe?
Yes, of course.
Yes, of course. - Me too!　As a Knight Commander, I'd love to see it!
Yes, of course. I want to see it too.

　I'd like to see it, too." ......, and with no regard for the wishes of the person being rehearsed, this noisy picnic was quickly decided upon. The moment Sora smiled and said, "I'll practice," he froze, and Kai, who had been watching the rest of the conversation from the sidelines, muttered, "It's over ......," just as he was leaving the dinner room after everything was settled and the meal was over. Deanna had no idea what was "over", but apparently Kai could tell from the look on his father's face that Sora was going to give him a "real" lesson.

　In addition to Juke and the others, there were also young members of the Darkness secretly observing from the bushes and trees in the meadow, so there were quite a few people who were not visible. To show her appreciation for Kai's bravery, Deanna filled a new pot with freshly blended herbs and poured hot water.
　After finishing the chef's baked goods, Kai tilted his head and looked at Deanna as she poured the water.

"New tea?　It smells ...... good.


It's not quite Letty's estate tea, but it's an herbal tea made from a blend of herbs from the Cresta Forest. It's a blend of herbs from the Crester Forest. The first flowers of the shal bloomed this morning.
Is that the shale that blooms every summer at ......?　I'm sure the seeds are poisonous, aren't they?　I rarely use it because it's a pain in the ass to extract.
"It's a poison suitable for assassination because it doesn't leave any obvious poisonous reaction on the corpse. It's a great way to get the most out of your life. The first flower of the year has a very strong anti-fatigue effect. It is effective not only for physical fatigue but also for mental fatigue. The scent alone is enough to relieve mental and physical agitation, so I often add the first flowers of the shal to the dried herb in my sleeping tea concoctions.

　Kai's eyes widened. Juke seemed surprised and leaned forward a little.

I've never seen or heard of such benefits of shale.
I'm sure you're right. I don't think so. It's not even in the botanical books.
"Then it's ...... for you?
Yes. Well, I found it kind of by accident.

　I was looking for something to do in the forest for my father, who was tired from work, and Shirl, who happened to be the first flower to bloom, called me. That's the story.
　According to Shirl, the useful ingredients stored in the buds would be transformed into their own nutrition if exposed to too much sunlight. Therefore, if you want to recover from fatigue, it is better to pick the first flower that blooms at the beginning of the season, according to ....... In fact, it is not impossible to extract the same ingredients from the other flowers, but it requires more complicated and nerve-wracking work than extracting the toxic ingredients from the seeds, so it is easier to pick only the first flowers and prepare medicines and herbal teas, taking care not to expose them to the sun.
　Pouring the brewed herbal tea gently into a cup. The color of the liquid, which was different from the Kiel tea, was somewhere between yellow and orange, and it rippled gently in the cup.

"Okay, it's ready. Here you go, Kai.
Thank you. ...... Oh, yeah, this is delicious.
It's good, isn't it?　It goes well with the pastry.
I know, I know. --Thank you, Deanna.

　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. It's not just the sweets and herbal tea, but also the fact that she worked so hard on the blend early in the morning to take care of Kai's nervousness about training with Sora, and that she knew Kai was happy about it. In the event you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. ...... For example, the name he calls Diana.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　Juke, who was watching the exchange, nodded in admiration.

I've heard from Edward that you two get along very well.
"Kai and I?　Yes, thankfully. I'm very selfish, so I get a lot of flack.
You're not?
That's true.　Just yesterday I got angry.
That was Diana's fault.
I have to agree with you on this one. That was Dee's fault.
I know, I know. I know, I know. ...... Kai and Shayla are so strict. I'm sure you're aware of that.
I'm not trying to be presumptuous, Deanna-sama. It's not that they're used to it, it's just that they've learned that there's no point in giving advice. I am grateful that yesterday's incident reminded me once again of the sensibilities of the average person.
To Rita: ......

　The three people who were supposed to be the most dependable were all pressed at once, and Deanna's shoulders slumped.
　I'm not sure what to do.

I'm sure Shayla is more than a little pissed off. ...... What did you do, Red Rose?
I'm sure you're not the only one.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bad experience.　So you've done something that would make me very angry if I found out about it?
Your Majesty and Master Alford are both casually awful in their questioning. ....... It's not that I didn't tell you, it's just that no one told you because it wasn't something worth telling.
"No, youngest princess. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. I'm sure they thought it would be a pity for her to be subjected to Ed's sermon with the time difference, since she had already seen the youngest princess being squeezed so hard by Shayla and her foolish son.
"......

　It's very easy to understand, and between the lines, Sora even said to me, "That's how much you've done, you should be sorry. Edward's eyes lit up and Deanna quickly grabbed the hot water pot.

I'm out of hot water!　I'm going to the house to get some more!
I'm going to the house to get some more!
I'm not running, I'm not running!

　I'm glad I wore comfortable shoes. With a speed that surprised even herself, Deanna left the battlefield on the mattress.
　In order to avoid stepping on Edward's tail any further, Deanna runs back to the house at a fast walk.