Chapter 100 The Conclusion Of The Incident And An Unwanted Urgent Report
A few days have passed since my kidnapping incident, and Euphemia has finally returned to its former idyllic atmosphere.
I don't know what will happen to the captured Golden Fox clan members... but that's not something I can get involved with any further, so there's no point in worrying about it.
For what it's worth, it seems that some of them were forced to cooperate under the threat of their children's safety, so there might be some grounds for leniency.
It looks like the truly innocent Golden Fox children will be gradually accepted and raised by various clans.
I'm a bit worried, so maybe I'll go check on them sometime soon?
But right now...
"Um... Thea, wouldn't it be a good idea for Ms. Monica to step away for a bit...?"
Since the incident, dealing with the two who haven't left my side for even a moment has become an urgent issue for me.
"No. I absolutely don't want to be away from Yumie..."
"Me too. During the 3 days without Ms. Yumie, I have felt so lonely... You need to take responsibility for making me unable to live without Ms. Yumie."
"Ah, ahaha..."
The two of them denied my gentle suggestion to back off in perfect harmony.
Thea presses her head against my knee, belly, and chest, like a sweet little dog, while Monica talks with her nose pressed to my neck, making it a bit ticklish to breathe.
I feel like her breathing is strangely rough, but if it's hard to breathe, should we try separating for a moment?
...Oh, that's not it?
"Well, doesn't Thea need to depend on her mother?"
"Don't worry, I'll do it a lot when I visit her."
The Blue Wolf clan, who were captured by the Golden Fox clan, are currently using the shelter as a temporary hospital and are under observation.
They've been held captive for a long time, so we need to examine them properly to see if there are any abnormalities in their bodies or minds.
For now, we're still separated.
Thea's acting all spoiled might be because she wants to suppress her desire to go and spoil her mother.
...right?
By the way, Thea, who once again absorbed monster factors to help me, should have been on complete bed rest for observation...
According to Doctor Seius, "Her condition is more stable than before absorption," so she ended up being discharged early.
Gray, a researcher on monster factors, was also scratching his head, saying he didn't understand this... It seems that Thea fully assimilated the factors as part of herself, allowing her to freely switch between active and inactive states.
In other words, it seems she can switch between her usual pale, cute beast-girl mode and her combat dark-skinned monster-girl mode.
What is that adorable bundle of 2 flavors in one?
Thea is the strongest.
"If we're talking about me and mom, what about Monica? Monica's dad... has been crying lately because Monica hasn't been getting all clingy with him...?"
"I'm just the age where I'm about to separate from my parents, so this is fine."
In response to Thea's question, Monica answers with a laugh through her nose.
Hmm, Duke, don't worry.
Just accept it as the fate of a father.
Huh, me?
I'm not going to separate from my parents; I'm going to be spoiled by my father until I die.
Even though it's a bit hypocritical for me to say this, the two of them are a bit too clingy right now.
"See, Thea. Ms. Monica too"
I raise both of their faces and press kisses on their foreheads in turn.
I wrapped both of them in my arms as they widened their eyes in surprise.
"I know I shouldn't say this because you've worried I, but... it's okay. I'm not going anywhere. Whatever happens, I'll get through it and come back here again. Don't worry."
Right?
The two of them blushed and nodded.
Good, they understand──
"I trust that, but that aside, I'm not getting enough of Ms. Yumie's ingredients, so I'll keep it like this for a while longer."
"Yumie...I love you...!"
"...huh?"
For some reason, they clung to me even more strongly, and I tilted my head.
What should I do?
As I was troubled, Lisa and another boy approached us.
"Oh, young lady. Lady Monica and Lady Thea have their tea ready... um, how does it sound?"
Wearing a small butler outfit and speaking in an unfamiliar way is Gray Neithardt.
He is a boy who has decided to train under Lisa to become the butler of the Granbell Family.
"Yes, with pleasure! Look, Ms. Monica and Thea, it's tea time! Please step back!"
"Yumie, let me serve you..."
"No way! Now, please sit properly."
"Mm..."
While getting the spoiled Thea to sit, we waited for Gray to serve.
The way he nervously served with unsteady hands was simply adorable.
"Phew... there's still a long way to go."
"Uh... I'm sorry, Ms. Lisa."
"You're just starting, so I won't criticize for minor things. But please learn as quickly as you can, for the sake of the young lady."
"...Yes!!"
Although scolded by Lisa, his eyes reflected an unprecedented determination and hope for the future.
He said he also intends to be Thea's personal technician, but I worry he won't collapse from being too busy.
That's the only thing I'm worried about.
"I think Mr. Gray should be more concerned about whether he will be accepted by the Granbell family than about his butler etiquette..."
"Is it because Gray is from the Neithardt family? My father don't discriminate against him because of that."
After all, I'm an illegitimate child.
Fathers would never discriminate against people because of their place of origin.
After I told her that, Monica shrugged her shoulders in exasperation.
"The important thing is that 'Ms. Yumie introduced a boy'. It doesn't matter if the person is Prince Sigurt."
"...??"
Not understanding the meaning, I tilt my head.
Introducing a boy, but isn't it normal for a male to be a butler apprentice?
Ah, well, it's not like there aren't female butlers, right?
It's just that I don't have much of an image of them.
But, was that completely off base?
I was met with exasperated looks not just from Monica, but also from Lisa and Thea.
...Huh, does Thea understand what's going on too?
Am I the only one who doesn't get it?
That's a bit shocking.
"W-well, it'll work out somehow! If it comes down to it, I'll just cry and plead to have Gray accepted!"
"I think that'll only complicate matters further, so I'd recommend explaining things in a straightforward and courteous manner."
My attempt to gloss over things was swiftly cut down by Monica, and while whistling, I fed Thea a snack with an "ahh".
Seeing a delighted Thea caused Monica to join in with "Me too!!", so I successfully managed to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Alright!
"Anyway, um... now I can finally focus on treating Ms. Yumie."
"Yes, Doctor Seius said I should be fully recovered soon."
As Monica murmured while swallowing a snack, I couldn't help but smile.
I've finally gotten to the point where I can walk around without crutches, and I feel like I might soon be able to run around.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
Once I'm fully recovered, I plan to return to the Ortria Kingdom.
In this unstable political situation, there have been no major incidents so far and everyone seems to be living safely, but I'm still worried.
Besides... I'm starting to miss my family.
"If that's the case, then you'll have to work hard on your rehabilitation so that you can get better as quickly as possible."
"Yes, of course!"
With a 'fist' I pumped myself up and became motivated.
At that time, I had no doubts.
I hope that I will recover from my injuries, return to the Ortria Kingdom, and return to a life where I can laugh together as a family like before.
But this world is not kind enough to give "happiness" so easily.
It's been about a month since I was kidnapped.
While I was spending time with the rescued Golden Fox children, Thea, and Monica, I received urgent news.
The Bezelus Empire declared war on the Ortria Kingdom.
There was a letter stating that they had entered a state of conflict.
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