Though I Don’t Recall It, I’ll Take Responsibility - Chapter 11

“Good morning, everyone.”

When the three of us headed to the hall for breakfast, Lord Leonard was already seated at the table.

“My apologies for being late. You are up early.”

“Mm, I had a bit of trouble sleeping.”

Trouble sleeping?

Looking closely, I could see faint shadows under his eyes. I wonder why?

…Well, I suppose I am much the same.

“I thought I would return to work today. I intend to drop Clarice off at the other house, change, and head straight to the office.”

As he spoke, he scooped Liz up. Taken by surprise, Liz blinked rapidly in quick succession.

“Clarice. Father has to go now, so let’s have breakfast at the other mansion, shall we?”

However, Liz tilted her head and murmured softly.

“…What about Mother?”

“Mother? She’s staying here.”

“I’m sorry, Liz. Mother can’t go just yet.”

When I answered, Liz pouted her small lips slightly.

“Put me down, Father.”

Leonard flinched for a moment before gently setting her down.

The second her feet hit the floor, Liz dashed toward me with great vigor. When I hurriedly picked her up, her small arms wrapped tightly around my neck.

“Clarice, what is it? Come now, we don’t have much time. Come here.”

“No!”

Her short cry was unexpectedly loud. Leonard furrowed his brows in distress.

“I wonder what has gotten into her since yesterday. She was never such a selfish child.”

“But the blocks… the picture books… hic.”

Her voice sounded as if she were on the verge of tears. I see; so that is the reason.

“There are plenty of blocks and books at the other house, you know? Lucy will play with you.”

“No!”

At Leonard’s words, Liz shook her head violently.

“Master, if I may…”

The maid standing nearby, Lucy, spoke up reservedly.

“Lady Clarice was looking forward very much to playing with the blocks with her older brother after changing. She also said she was going to have him read her a book.”

Ral looked as though he couldn’t hide his joy, but his expression quickly shifted to one of concern.

“Were you looking forward to it that much, Liz? What should we do, Mother?”

His gaze turned toward me, pleading for help.

“Lord Leonard, please leave Liz here and go to work.”

“Is that alright?”

Liz looked up, her face bright with hope.

“Yes. I was the one who told you to bring her here. Lucy, can you bring her a change of clothes?”

“Of course, Madam.”

“Well then, Liz. You shall stay here and keep watch until Father returns. Mother and your big brother will play with you. Does that sound good?”

“Yes!”

In the blink of an eye, her smile was back. A child’s ability to switch their mood is truly remarkable.

“Lord Leonard, you intend to return here today as well, I presume?”

“O-of course I do.”

“Then, since it would be a double effort to take her back now, please feel free to leave Liz to us and work hard at your job.”

“Do your best, Father!”

“Do your best~!”

As we spoke in unison, Leonard let out a deep, heavy sigh for some reason.

“…R-right. I’m off then.”

The back of the man walking away looked just a little bit lonely.

Because he kept turning back to look at us again and again, even Lucy eventually left him behind.

“Now then. Shall the two of us have some food?”

“”Yes!””

Cheery voices bounced through the hall as the morning sun streamed in.

“Now, let’s all polish the blocks nicely before we play with them.”

“They haven’t been played with for a while, so they’re a bit dusty.”

Ral efficiently handed out cloths to everyone.

With a serious face, Liz carefully wiped down each and every block. Watching her poke the corners with her finger to tell me, “Dirty here,” was so precious that I couldn’t help but let my expression soften.

As the wood grain began to glow with a polish, Ral busily started building. The blocks piled up one after another as if by magic, like a tower stretching toward the sky.

“Wow! So tall!”

Liz clapped her small hands together. Her eyes sparkled, and Ral puffed out his chest with pride.

“Okay, next is a castle. Here is the gate…”

“Castle! Build a castle!”

Beside Ral, Liz also clutched small blocks in both hands, placing one here and moving another there and when the balance occasionally failed and the blocks scattered with a “clatter,” merry laughter filled the room.

Knock, knock, knock.

The reserved sound of someone tapping on the door made us pause for a moment.

“Is that Lucy? She’s early.”

As I tilted my head slightly, the maid Melissa appeared from behind the door and gave a polite bow.

“A guest has arrived. Are you available to receive them?”

“A guest…?”

Taken aback by the sudden news, I instinctively asked for clarification. I had no idea who it could be.

“She identified herself as Tiana Langford.”

Tiana? Did she say Tiana?!

“Yes, I’ll see her immediately.”

I turned back to Ral.

“Ral. A guest has arrived, so may I step away for a moment?”

Liz, who was absorbed in her battle with the block tower, didn’t even notice me.

“Sure. I’ll keep a good eye on Liz.”

“Thank you. I’m counting on you.”

I slipped out of the room quietly so as not to disturb them.

—Tiana is here.

What should I do?

I haven’t made a single bit of mental preparation.

My heart was racing. Telling myself to stay calm, I headed toward the drawing room.