C 169
"Eirin."
"Eh?"
"I will see you again soon."
Lucilion approached my face and whispered softly into my ear. When I involuntarily closed my eyes, I thought we were about to kiss.
Even though it was just a whisper in my ear...
"All of this might be a stratagem."
I rubbed my face and sighed.
When I returned to the room, Laurent opened her eyes wide and asked where I had been.
"It's very late."
Still, I felt lucky that everything had concluded in a day.
"I never thought there would be a fake Sphinx there."
I never thought the problem she raised would be one that everyone knew. Should I say I'm very lucky?
"Matriarch!"
"Ah, yes, Laurent."
"Did you hear what I said?"
"Yes... I'll make sure to let you know when I'm going to be late from now on. Today was really unexpected..."
As I stammered out an excuse, Laurent's face immediately turned teary.
"As the family matriarch, the family's pillar shouldn't wander about like this."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
In response to my reply, Laurent pretended to wipe her tears.
I didn't know before, but Laurent also had many wrinkles and was starting to look middle-aged.
The view seemed new.
["I... can be with Eirin for the rest of my life."]
["Eh?"]
A conversation that suddenly came to my mind made me feel sad again.
It's okay. One day, all these people will die, leaving me alone.
"When it comes to dragons, no matter what race you choose, you always end up with something like this."
I lightly stroked Laurent's cheek with my hand.
"I'm sorry, Laurent."
"Yes? No... I was very worried. Of course, I know that the family matriarch is very strong, and there's no longer any danger..."
Laurent softly muttered as if she were embarrassed. I smiled briefly.
"But I guess the matriarch still seems like a child to me."
"Yes."
"You're a great dragon, so you've probably seen more than I have, so I'm worried for no reason."
I shook my head as I watched Laurent scratch her neck as if embarrassed.
I really don't think so. Rather, I should say these worries are good.
"Now, there's only one left."
After that, it was planned for me to remain confined with my family. If I solve my father's curiosity and reveal my mother's secret...
At that time, I have no choice but to spend the remaining time faithfully.
"I'll have to check the white radish tomorrow morning."
As it is a new plant, it will take some time to grow again.
"Would you like something to eat?"
"Yes, it would be nice if you could bring me something to eat."
"Yes! I'll be back soon!"
"Yes, thank you."
Laurent quickly left the room at a brisk pace, as if she were very pleased with the mission assigned to her.
"Have you finished talking?"
I thought I heard a sound from the window, and then a shadow passed over me, and a human figure landed in front of me.
"...Snow leopard?"
"Eh? Snow leopard? That way, there doesn't seem to be any affection between us."
What's our relationship?
I looked at him with a perplexed expression, suppressing the urge to ask.
"Well, I don't really have a name... Call me Blanc. Because my noble fur is very white."
"Um..."
Is it really necessary to call each other by name among us?
When I hesitated, the snow leopard smiled impressively and approached me, putting his arm around my shoulder.
"Don't do that, just give me a bit more Chur. I ate it all."
"... Excuse me, how much are you eating?"
"Well, as I'm big, I probably have to eat a lot. As much as my size."
I saw that, but as he was trying to fill his stomach with just Chur, even if he did, it would disappear in an instant.
"How about having Chur as a snack after eating a meal? Chur isn't a substitute for meals in the first place."
"What? Everything tastes bad after eating it."
That's right.
Because junk food is inherently delicious. However, this was a serious matter because even if I filled a room with Chur, it wouldn't last for one or two days.
"It can't be helped; let's create a Chur production factory."
If I build a factory, at least I won't have to keep producing it, and jobs will be created.
And there's a big hand here, so there won't be any pressure.
"We'll stockpile it in an empty warehouse, so take it out and eat it from there. I'll also help you develop it in this world, so take your time."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, we'll allow you to eat it anywhere in the empire."
As there's also the Suin Kingdom there, we won't go bankrupt.
"I guess I should write a letter to my brothers and Sharnae."
It seemed that three people might be enough for the investigation. Sharnae was also an alchemist, and Callan was a researcher.
"I'll discuss the factory with my dad."
By the way, how's the preparation for the dyeing business going?
It seems like no report has been made.
"Let's leave the dyeing business to that development team."
It seemed more efficient to leave the distribution and marketing itself to Akrea and Nelia Zardan.
"Hmm."
Do I just need to oversee the management?
It's amazing because I feel like I've become someone important.
After organizing the business in my head, I felt the need to have a conversation with my dad.
"Tomorrow, I'll go with my father and then to the imperial palace."
Now, there was only the dead tree to save. The pure white Great Purse fruit.
"If I get this..."
It seemed like everything was coming to an end.
"Oh, it's hot."
Gradually, the wind began to feel stifling. Are the seasons changing?
"Miss, I brought your food."
The food Laurent brought me was a sandwich and warm milk. The food was delicious, and the milk calmed my nervous body.
It was a warm and cozy night.
* * *
"Dad!"
I called out, opened the office door, and entered, and my father, who was working, raised his head slightly and stood up.
"Eirin."
"For some reason, I thought no documents had arrived, but Dad was doing everything?"
"I was gathering the things you need to check separately. Because you seem busy these days."
"Yes, that's almost done."
I stretched my arms to hug my dad and lightly rubbed my forehead against his shoulder, he smiled and gently stroked my head.
"When did you grow up like this?"
"I know, right. Time flies so fast."
Dad was still beautiful and handsome, but his face still showed signs of age.
Very tiny wrinkles appeared, and when he frowned, they became deeper than before.
"It's been ten years since we met."
It's impossible for a person not to age.
"Dad, someday..."
Someday, you'll leave me.
I gave a little more strength to the arm holding my dad. No matter how many hopes and wishes you have, there are things in this world that can't be avoided.
Even if I'm a dragon, I can't do anything about the passage of time.
I didn't think my dad would want that.
"Because I also have a mother."
Maybe Dad wants to see Mom again.
It also meant that living a lifetime would be impossible.
"Dad."
"Why, what's wrong? You don't look well."
"I simply love you."
So, let's share my feelings while I'm there. Always, every day.
"Eirin?"
"Ah, and I have something to tell you about that business."
In response to my dad's question, I simply smiled cheerfully and started chatting as if nothing had happened.
My dad, who initially had a bewildered expression, became quite serious as he listened to my story.
"...Are you saying such strange food exists?"
"Yes. It's really amazing, isn't it? Cats can't resist it."
"...Definitely."
Dad had a very strange expression on his face, but he obediently accepted what I told him.
"But what kind of snow leopard did you bring with you?"
"Oh, he used to live in the Suin Kingdom..."
"Everything is twisted."
Dad's eyes glimmered slightly as he said that.
"Anyway, what is this letter about?"
"Trash. I was planning to burn it right away."
The unopened letters piled to the side.
"You haven't even opened it yet..."
Wham!
As soon as I could reach out, my dad threw all the letters he had picked up into the fireplace.
"...Dad?"
"I said it's trash."
"Yes..."
If Dad says it's trash, then it's trash...
"Tell me more, dear. So, what did you do with that High Priest?"
A slight teeth-grinding sound was heard between the words.
"The tone feels a little strange..."
Am I mistaken?
Dad's expression was too clear to ask again.
Then, it means it has taken an ominous direction.
I thought it would be difficult to continue talking as I faced his innocent face, so I simply diligently reported what had happened.
When I finished the story, my dad's expression became even brighter.
