Though I Don’t Recall It, I’ll Take Responsibility - Chapter 17

Heavy.

I woke to a small weight pressing down on my chest. In the soft morning light, Liz was peering down at me, her fluffy blonde hair swaying and her eyes sparkling.

“Mother, are you awake?”

The sheer destructive power of her cuteness made me want to pull her into a hug instantly. Just behind her, Lucy and Melissa bowed their heads apologetically.

“Our sincerest apologies. The Young Lady insisted that she must ‘wake you up right now’… We entered without permission.”

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. I think I overslept a bit anyway. Liz, have you eaten breakfast?”

“Not yet. I’m eating with Mother.”

Liz raised her hand with a little hop. Adorable. But heavy… yet still adorable.

“I see. Well, I need to get ready, so go on ahead. Lucy, if you would.”

“Yes, certainly, Madam.”

Lucy took Liz by the hand and led her out of the room.

Watching them go, I hurriedly dressed with Melissa’s help and made my way to the dining hall.

The moment I stepped into the spacious hall, the aroma of toasted bread and the steam from the soup tickled my nose. A warm breakfast was already laid out on the white tablecloth: fresh croissants, omelets, and a light-colored consommé.

“Aira, did you not sleep well?”

I looked up at the sound of a cheerful voice to see Lord Leonard beaming at me. His good mood was so radiant it was impossible to hide.

“You have dark circles under your eyes. We’re a pair, then I was too happy to sleep myself.”

Unlike you, I was up all night scouring those diaries, I thought, but I couldn’t say that. I settled for a noncommittal smile.

As I took a sip of the soup, the warmth traveled down my throat, finally bringing the hazy outlines of my mind back to reality.

Liz was busy nibbling on a piece of bread with her tiny mouth. With crumbs still clinging to the corner of her lips, she looked up at me and grinned. Seeing this, Ral—who was using his cutlery with perfect manners—seemed concerned about her mess and subtly pushed a plate toward her to catch the crumbs.

Lucy quietly poured the tea, and Lord Leonard watched over everyone with a smile brighter than the morning sun, as if thinking, this is true happiness.

It was… remarkably peaceful.

Then, I remembered something.

“Lord Leonard, if I may ask a random question… you were classmates with the Crown Prince, weren’t you? How was your relationship with him?”

When I finally broached the subject, Leonard shrugged and narrowed his eyes nostalgically.

“Our relationship? It was good. The Crown Prince, Serge Arganton, Colin Lykesbart, and I—the four of us used to hang around together. Colin is a Margrave now, so we don’t get to see him much these days, though.”

That’s everyone Lara listed as a ‘love interest.’

“When you were unconscious, the Crown Prince and Serge were both quite worried. In fact, they were the ones who pulled the strings to make sure I could take leave to stay with you until you woke.”

Ah, so that’s why he said everything was ‘fine.’

“They both expressed a desire to visit you, but what do you think? Shall I tell them they can come?”

“As someone who has lost her memory, I would feel terribly apologetic. Please, politely decline on my behalf.”

I paused for only a fraction of a second, speaking as calmly as possible. Inside, however, I was screaming the opposite.

—Please, never, ever come here.

It would be a disaster if they showed up. Or rather, I felt like a prey animal being scouted by predators. Besides, why were they so eager to visit the “mistress” of their friend? The fact that they wanted to show their faces in this situation meant there was a possibility they still harbored feelings for “Lara.”

No, thank you. I could see nothing but a future of endless trouble if I got dragged into that mess. I need to read the diary regarding Colin Lykesbart immediately.

Leonard, oblivious to the panic behind my rejection, laughed heartily.

“I plan to report our marriage to both of them today after I submit the paperwork. I’m sure they’ll be delighted.”

The word “delighted” sounded particularly ominous to my ears.

“…Yes, please do. Let me know what their reactions are. By the way, the Crown Princess was also a classmate, wasn’t she? Do you see her as well?”

“Both the Crown Princess and Colin’s wife, Mireille. They ask about you from time to time. It’s strange, though—you didn’t exactly seem to be on good terms back then.”

Yes, strange indeed. Beyond strange—it’s terrifying.

One wouldn’t normally go out of their way to ask about their husband’s friend’s mistress. The fact that my name even comes up means I am likely hated—no, possibly still resented.

I could see the sparks flying toward me in the near future. Clearly.

I must avoid this at all costs.

Leonard, totally unaware of the mental alarm bells ringing in my head, tilted his head.

“By the way, why the sudden interest?”

“Oh, well… I am the Countess now, after all. Our interactions will surely increase from here on. I wouldn’t want to be rude or bring shame upon the House of Westray.”

I couldn’t let any trouble fall upon Ral or Liz.

“I see! I’m short on time now, so let’s talk more about it tonight.”

His voice was incredibly bouncy.

“I look forward to it.”

The moment I replied, Leonard’s face lit up, and he stood. Every movement, from adjusting his clothes to putting on his coat, betrayed his sheer giddiness.

“Well, I’m off then, Aira!”

His steps were unnaturally light. Just before opening the door, he turned back once more with a beaming grin. That radiance wasn’t from the morning sun; it was pure joy.

“…Have a safe day.”

The moment the door closed, I let out a long sigh. Suddenly, Ral tugged gently on my dress.

“Mother, my tutor is coming today. Could I ask you to look after Liz while I’m in lessons?”

Hehe, he sounds more like a guardian than a brother.

But a tutor?

That made sense. At his age, it was only natural to have a tutor. Since I had been unconscious, his lessons had likely been on hold.

“Ral, when the tutor arrives, please introduce yourself properly as Raphael Westray.”

“Raphael Westray?”

I took his slightly confused hand in mine.

“Yes. From today on, you and I are members of the House of Westray.”

“Oh! Liz! Clarice Westray and Raphael Westray—we’re the same!”

Ral let out a happy cheer. Liz, however, just blinked blankly.

That’s right. I suppose I should also prepare to greet the tutor with my new name.