Though I Don’t Recall It, I’ll Take Responsibility - Chapter 5

“Grandpa and Grandma, are you leaving already?”

Ral murmured softly, looking lonely.

My parents had rushed from their estate as soon as they heard I hadn’t regained consciousness. After seeing that I appeared well despite my missing memories they finally seemed at ease.

They stayed for one night and were set to head back to the countryside today.

Of course, if you were to ask if I was “alright,” the answer would be a resounding no. My head was filled with a past version of myself I didn’t recognize. I was terrified of the truths I had yet to discover.

Still, I couldn’t bear to cause them any more worry.

“I’m sorry, Ral.”

Mother crouched down to meet Ral’s eyes.

“We have important business to attend to, so we simply must get back to the estate. Next time, we’ll bring a mountain of souvenirs.”

Her gentle hand softly smoothed Ral’s hair.

“Since we’ve come all the way to the Royal Capital, we’ll stop by Virgil’s place after this, and then head straight home. Ral, you can come to the estate again in the summer, can’t you?”

“Yeah! I want to ride the horses again!”

“Haha, I’ve already bought a horse just for you, Ral. A cute little chestnut foal.”

“What?! Really? I can’t wait to see it!”

Ral’s face brightened instantly.

Apparently, Father had officially passed his title to my brother a few years ago and moved to the countryside. He likely chose a quiet, leisurely life upon retirement.

…It might have been because of Lara.

My brother, the current head of the family, lives here in the Royal Capital.

…Well, that makes sense. He wouldn’t be able to work if he stayed at the estate.

Ever since I woke up, I’ve been so mentally overwhelmed that I hadn’t even bothered to ask where this house was. As it turns out, this mansion is also in the Capital. I sighed, exasperated by my own lack of situational awareness.

“We sent a messenger to Viscount Langford as well, but since he couldn’t make it, would you mind telling him about Aira’s condition?”

Mother furrowed her brow slightly.

“I understand. Honestly, Virgil is so stubborn. But, well, I doubt he’ll come.”

My brother and I used to be very close. In fact, I thought our personalities were quite similar.

Wait? Does that mean people think I’m stubborn, too?

Father’s bitter voice followed.

“He’s probably strictly told Tiana ‘not to go’ as well.”

My brother’s name.

Tiana’s name.

Tiana, my brother’s fiancée, was the same age as me and my best friend.

He won’t come? Don’t go?

That meant, in no uncertain terms, that they didn’t want to see me.

“Um, Father, Mother. About my brother and me—”

“Ah, you are currently estranged.”

“Yes, many things happened.”

…Ah, I knew it.

“Did Tiana marry my brother?”

When I asked hesitantly, Father averted his eyes for a split second.

“Yes, she did, but… well…”

Why are you hesitating? That trailing sentence is far too unnatural.

Mother continued with a sigh.

“You didn’t attend the wedding. You said you ‘didn’t want to see anyone looking happier’ than you were.”

“No…! Tiana is my best friend!”

How could I—?

Tears welled in my eyes.

“Now, don’t be so discouraged.”

Father patted my shoulder lightly.

“If we tell them you’ve returned to the old Aira, I’m sure they’ll be happy.”

“Yes, stubborn Virgil aside, Tiana will be overjoyed.”

I pressed my fingers against my aching temples.

I have no memory. Therefore, please forgive me. Is such a convenient excuse really going to work?

After all, Mother just said “many things happened.” That “many things” sounded terrifying.

“Mother, are you okay?”

A small, anxious voice came from below. I looked down.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

I crouched down and hugged Ral. Though his body was small and fragile, he possessed a warmth that felt like it could envelop everything. A child’s body temperature really is high, isn’t it?

Ah… so this is what it means to find comfort.

Watching this scene, my parents smiled gently.

“Well, it’s time for us to go.”

“Don’t push yourself. If anything happens, let us know immediately.”

“I understand. Please, both of you, take care…”

The carriage I saw off grew smaller and smaller until it finally vanished from sight. I stared after it for a long while, then let out a long, heavy breath.

Too many things had happened between yesterday and today. My head was spinning; there was no way I was in the mood to open another diary.

…Yes, later. Definitely later.

“Aira, don’t overdo it. You should rest in your room.”

Leonard spoke up, hovering close by as if to support me.

However—

“Don’t worry about me. Staying cooped up in my room would only make me feel more depressed. I think I’ll take a walk and look around the mansion.”

“Mother! In that case, I’ll show you around! I’ll tell you all my favorite spots!”

Ral’s face lit up as he spoke.

“Hehe, really? Then I’ll leave it to you.”

“Yay!”

He grabbed my hand with such vigor that I couldn’t help but laugh. I squeezed back, holding his small, warm hand firmly in mine.

“Let’s walk slowly, okay? We don’t want to trip.”

I was surprised by how soft my own voice sounded.

“Mother, this way!”

“I wonder what kind of places they are? I’m looking forward to it.”

I began to walk, led along by his enthusiastic tugging.

Leaving Leonard behind who lingered a short distance away, looking very much like he wanted to come along.