Act 2 The Noble Girl’s Outing Plans 1
コーデリアの手紙に対する思い出は、前世で『ヨウチエン』の時に流行った『オテガミコウカン』が最後の記憶だ。
The last time Cordelia remembered using a letter was in the previous world when she was in『kindergarten』and『exchanging letters』was still a fashionable thing.
元々筆まめな方ではなかったし、手紙でなければ連絡がとれないような相手はいなかった。だから良い記憶も悪い記憶も持っていない。
She had never been good at writing them, and there was no longer anybody who could only be contacted by letter. That’s why she didn’t have any bad or good memories regarding the experience.
だが、今、コーデリアは受け取った手紙に非常に感動していた。
However, now Cordelia was very impressed by the letters she had received.
（ハーブ、本当にたくさんある――）
(There are really a lot of herbs――)
コーデリアは高揚する気持ちを抑えるため一呼吸おき、再び料理長から受け取った手紙――もとい報告書――に目を落とした。そこには『香りが高い野草の一覧』、つまりハーブの生息地の一覧が記されている。その中でもミントやセージ、カモミールにラベンダーというなじみ深い品種は比較的邸宅のある首都から近い山に多く植わっているとの記載がある。コーデリアは口の端を上げた。
Cordelia took a breath to calm her excitement, and once again took the letter she received from the head chef―― More like a report―― and looked through it once more. There, a『summary of wild grasses with strong fragrances』was listed, in other words a list of where she could find these herbs was written down. It recorded herbs like mint and sage, chamomile and lavender that could all be found within a mountain nearby the capital city where her mansion resided. Cordelia raised the corner of her lips.
（上等だわ……）
(This is excellent……)
記憶の中の自分が得意とするハーブがいくつも記されているその手紙はまるで宝石箱だ。喜びしか感じられない。これらの薬草を手に入れることができたなら、きっと上々の滑り出しも可能だろう。だとすればどうやって研究を始めるかが肝心だ――コーデリアは思ったが、次の瞬間最初の難関にぶつかった。
The letter that contained information about many of the herbs she was experienced in handling from her previous life was like a treasure box filled with jewels. She could only feel joy. If she could get her hands on these herbs, then it would definitely be the best start she could wish for. If that’s the case, then it’s crucial to decide how I’ll begin my research―― Cordelia thought, but the next moment she bumped into a difficulty.
そう……ハーブの生息地は、山なのだ。
That’s right…… The habitat of these herbs, is a mountain.
「……貴族の令嬢が山に野草摘みなんて……行けるの、かしら？」
「……Is it very cultured for a young noble lady to go picking herbs and wildflowers in a field……I wonder if I can go?」
そう、近いといえども魔力が豊富な山の中。魔力が溢れているお陰で植物がよく育つのだが、同時に魔物の出現も考えられる。だからいくら娘を可愛がっている父親でも――いや、むしろ娘を可愛がってくれる父親だからこそ危険だと許してもらえない気がする。使用人に命じればいくつかの株を持ちかえらせる事は出来るだろう。しかしコーデリアはどうしても自分で足を運び、野生の状態を確認したかった。現地に足を運ぶことでここに記されている以外のハーブも発見できるかもしれない。
だがそれ以上に単純に屋敷の外に出て見たいと言う好奇心もあった。
Yes, even though it was close by to home, the mountain was abundant with magic. Thanks to the magic the plants grow well, but for the same reason, it’s plausible that monsters will appear as well. So even if her Father loved to spoil her rotten――no, in reverse it was because he loved her so much that he would bar her from going and argue it would be too dangerous. If she ordered the servants to go, they could bring back a fair share. But Cordelia wanted to head there herself with her own feet and confirm the status of the growth in the wild. If she went there herself there was the possibility of discovering other herbs not written in the list.
Even more so though, she was purely curious about what lay outside of the mansion and wanted to see it for herself.
コーデリアは生まれてこのかた殆ど外の世界に出た事が無い。
Ever since she was born Cordelia had almost never stepped outside.
直接外出禁止だと言い渡されている訳ではない。だがそれはそもそも『普通は出歩かない』からだろう。もしそうでなければコーデリアも世話役の侍女から何らかの提案を受けることもあっただろう。しかしそんな事は今まで一度も言われた事が無い。そもそも例え建国祭で大きなパレードがあっても「今日はお祭りですので、授業は無しです。バルコニーから外を眺めましょう」と言われる程なのだから、恐らく外に出ないのが普通なのだろう。（ちなみにバルコニーからは良い景色は眺めれたが祭りの様子はさっぱりわからなかった。）
It wasn’t like she was formally banned from going outside. But in the first place, she『did not go out usually.』Had the maid who had taken care of Cordelia ever suggested to, she would have followed. But she had never been told such a thing. For example, even if there was a parade celebrating the National Festival, she would be told「Today is the day of the festival, so classes are cancelled. You may look out from the balcony if you wish.」It was likely that not going outside was normal. (Incidentally, the view from the balcony is great, but I was unable to comprehend the state of the festival in the least.)
もちろん子供の外出が全面的に否定されている訳でもないのだろうが……書庫で読んだ本の中にはいくつか婚約者に会いに行く子供（但し保護者付き）という話があったので、もしかするとそういう目的があれば認められているという事なのかもしれない。
Of course, it wasn’t as if all children’s outings were prohibited, but…… In the books she had read in the archives, there were many children who had gone out to meet their fiancés and such (accompanied by a guardian,) so if it was for a reason like that then it might be acceptable.
（……婚約者ではないけれど私の運命の草花に会いたい……なんて、無理があるわね）
(……It’s not my fiancé, but I would like to meet my fated plants…… Just kidding, of course that would be a stretch.）
さて、どうしようか。
コーデリアは困ったとは思う反面、諦めるつもりは全くなかった。
Now then, what to do?
While Cordelia was troubled, she had no intention of giving up.
前世の自由に街中を歩き、自由に研究した記憶が『屋敷に閉じこもっていてはダメ』と言っている。自分はこの世界の常識外の事を行おうとしている。ならば人に頼るだけでは良い結果が出せるとは思わなかった。前世と現世で状況が全然違うのは分かっている。だが実験の成功と好奇心を満たす為にもそんなつまらない理由で目的を妨げられる訳にはいかないのだ。
Her memories of walking around as she wished in town and freely researching in the previous world were telling her『it wasn’t good to stay cooped up in the mansion.』She was operating according to the common sense of that world. That’s why she did not think that it was fine for her to depend on others to come to an acceptable conclusion. She knew that her situation from the past and the present were two entirely different things. But to resolve her experiment and to sate her curiosity, she could not let such trivial reasons disturb her objective.
だがつまらない常識でも立派な令嬢を目指すならば単に無視する事も出来ない。それならば考えるのは決して令嬢としての振舞いから逸脱することなく、しかし外に出るという目的をきっちりと叶える方法を考えなければいけない。
身辺警護もおろそかにならず、父親も納得させられる方法――……。
But if she was to aim at becoming a proper lady, then it would not be fit for her to ignore the trifling common sense outright. Then without fail, she would have to figure out a solution that wouldn’t deviate from the behaviour of a proper lady, but would let her fulfil her objective of going outside.
Without neglecting her escorts, a method that would convince her Father――……。
「あ」
「Ah.」
コーデリアはそこまで考え、たった一つの可能性を思いついた。
After thinking in depth, she realized that there was one possibility.
「イシュマ兄様の遠乗りに御一緒させてもらえれば……」
「If I were able to accompany Brother Ishma on his long ride……」
パメラディア家第三子にして次男、イシュマ・パメラディア。
その人を思い浮かべ、コーデリアはその可能性に賭ける事にした。
The Pameradia family’s third child and second son, Ishma Pameradia.
Recalling this person, Cordelia decided to stake her chances on the possibility.
コーデリアの兄姉には１４歳年上の長兄、そして既に公爵家の次男に嫁いでしまった長兄の双子の妹である姉、そして１２歳年上の次兄の三人がいる。
Cordelia had three siblings; her eldest brother, who was fourteen years her senior; the younger twin of her eldest brother, who had already been promised to the second son of another Duke’s family, her elder sister; and her second elder brother, who was twelve years older than her.
長兄と次兄はそれぞれ１５歳で国軍騎士団の任用試験を通過した騎士である。二人共入団後は騎士団の見習隊である若獅子隊に属し、１８歳で近衛隊に入隊したと聞いている。そんな兄達の出世速度は『疑うまでも無く早い』らしい。
Both of her elder brothers had each taken the entrance examination to the National Chivalric Order at the age of fifteen, and successfully became knights. After joining they were assigned to the apprentice unit called the Young Lions, and afterwards she heard they entered the Imperial Guards at the age of 18. It seemed that the speed of those brothers’ success were『without a doubt, fast.』
コーデリアの教養の師いわく兄達がかつて属した若獅子隊は通常の訓練部隊とは違い、一定以上の身分有る者ばかり集められているという。このような言葉だけを聞くとエコヒイキに聞こえるのだが、若獅子隊の訓練が通常の見習い部隊より厳しい事は騎士の中では常識だ。通常の体術や教養に加え、通常部隊では基本的に行われない魔術応用の演習まで行うなど、不眠不休の鍛錬で２年間みっちりと修練と実務訓練を行う。そのように二年間の課程を終えると一年間、自然が猛威を振るう国境警備隊へと出向し、その後復命した際に若獅子隊員としての総合評価を受ける。その評価によってようやく配属が決定する。
According to Cordelia’s teacher, the Young Lions unit had been a generic practice squad until that point, but after her brothers had joined it became an assembly of only those with high status. Hearing those words caused her to think that they were only being biased, but it was common sense in the Knights that the Young Lions training was much harsher than a normal practice unit’s training. In addition to the general martial arts and studies, unlike normal practice units they trained in applying magic and more, and forging themselves through restless days and nights, they diligently went through drills and practical training for two years. Like that they completed the two year curriculum in only one year, left for the naturally intense work of the Border Patrol, and after returning received the captain of the Young Lions’ comprehensive evaluation. They would finally be assigned accordingly determined by the assessment that they received.
もちろん厳しかろうが身分制度を色濃く反映していることで非貴族階級出身の騎士……主に訓練部隊養成課程所属の騎士から不満を抱かれる事もある。だが高濃度の魔力を秘める高位貴族の出身者を通常の訓練部隊に留めるのは実力の上でも無理が有る。例えば下手に混同させ魔術の演習等しようものなら怪我人が出かねない。故に現状が最適だとされている。もちろん高位貴族が皆一様に高い魔力持ちと言う訳ではない。しかし高位貴族で騎士になろうとする者の家系はほぼ確実に高い魔力を秘めているのだ。それに最終的に実務部隊で若獅子隊出身者と手合わせをした者は、制度そのものに反感を持っていようとも大概認識を改めざるを得ない状況に追い込まれる。実力に差がありすぎるのだ。だから本格的に制度改革が叫ばれたことはこれまで一度もなかった。
Naturally it was severe, but it deeply reflected the caste system of non-aristocratic knights…… The main offenders who held dissatisfaction were knights affiliated to the Training Unit in the training course. However, claiming that the nobles hailing from dignified families with high magic concentration were holding back the normal Training Unit would be unreasonable. For example if they were to poorly merge the magic training sessions together, there would be many injured people as a result. That’s why the current situation was the most optimal. It’s not like all high ranking nobles are equal in having strong magic either. However the high ranking nobles who went on to be knights were pretty much those who possessed strong magic. And of those from the practical units who went to challenge the Young Lions’ unit, even if they had resentment against the system itself, they were in a situation that forced to recognize them without being able to change anything. There was too much of a difference in their abilities. That’s why there hadn’t been any full blown cries for system reform yet.
しかしそんな特殊部隊養成所の若獅子隊出身でも、若獅子隊から隊員が近衛にそのまま入隊する事は稀であるらしい。普通は早くても１，２年別の部隊に所属するそうな。だがその“稀”を兄弟共に遂げて見せた第一近衛部隊副隊長の長兄、そして第二部隊所属の次兄はそれ程に強い、歴代上位の実力者……ということらしい。
But even within the Young Lion’s unit from the special forces training school, there were seldom members chosen to become Imperial Guards. Generally, even if it was hasty, they would be attached to another unit for one or two years. However, achieving that “seldom” was the sub-commanding officer of the First Regiment, the eldest brother, and the second eldest attached to the Second Regiment, showing that they were that powerful, and successors of superior ability holders……Or something accordingly.
話は少し逸れてしまったが、その第二部隊所属の次兄、イシュマは現在１０日に２日の非番が有る。兄は二人共通常宿舎生活を送っているのだが、その日ばかりは実家に帰宅する。そして帰宅するとイシュマは必ず遠乗りに出かけるのだ。彼にとって過酷な勤務を一番癒してくれるのは馬らしい。
The conversation has slightly strayed, but that second brother of the Second Regiment would have two days off duty in ten days time. Both brothers lived their lives in the general lodging house, and only on those days would they return home. Once he returned home, Ishma would head out on a long ride without exception. To him, the best method to heal him from his rigorous work was a horse.
当然実力が実力なので護衛は必要なく――とはいえ一人で行かせる事も屋敷の者としては出来ないらしく、いつも誰かが後を追っているのだが――山深い所へもしばしば赴く。
Naturally he was very capable, so he didn’t require an escort―― And while saying that, it seemed that no one from the mansion was able to keep up with him, and there would always be one chasing after him―― And he would often head towards the area deep in the mountains.
そんなイシュマは以前戯れのようにコーデリアに尋ねた事が有る。
Once before, Ishma had inquired Cordelia something in a playful manner.
「お前もついてくるか？」
「Do you want to come along too?」
その時のコーデリアは突然の事に驚いて返事が出来なかったが、言われた事はよく覚えている。
恐らくイシュマもその事を覚えているだろう。兄達の記憶能力は非常に高い。例え冗談で言っていたとしても、行かないと答えるのが前提の誘いで有ったとしても、一度誘った手前コーデリアが行きたいと希望すれば付いていけないことはないはずだ。
At that time, Cordelia had been too surprised at the suddenness and was unable to reply, but she clearly remembered what she had been told.
It was likely that Ishma remembered that incident as well. The brothers’ memorizing ability was extraordinarily high. Even if he had said it as a joke, and even if he had the assumption that she would refuse, if Cordelia, who was once invited before, said that she wished to accompany him then he couldn’t possibly say that she couldn’t go along with.
そう判断したコーデリアは早速便箋を取り出し、可能な限り丁寧な文字で文を綴った。
字は得意ではないのだが、検閲を受け他人の目に触れる手紙なのだからパメラディアの娘としても美しい文字をしたためなければならない。例え見た人が口外することが無くても、何人にも隙を見せないのが理想と言うもの。
そもそも兄に対する初めてのお願い事なのだから荒い文字なんてとんでもない。
Concluding that, Cordelia immediately pulled out some stationary and composed sentences with carefully written letters.
She wasn’t good with writing the characters, but because her letter would be inspected by another person’s eyes, as a daughter of the Pameradia family so she could only show the most beautiful characters. Even if the person who saw it did not disclose the contents, it was ideal to show the least openings as possible to other people.
In the first place it was her first request to her brother, so roughly made letters were out of the question.
（さて、お兄様のお返事はどうなるかしら）
（Now then, what will Brother’s response be?）
期待を込めて綴った苦手な文字も、今日ばかりは少し生き生きとしてのびやかだった。
With the letters she wrote filled with her hope, while a little restless, today she lived another carefree day.
だが、そんなコーデリアの手紙に兄からの返事は来なかった。
But Cordelia had yet to receive a reply about her letter from her elder brother.
一応近衛の最年少隊員であるイシュマは雑務も多く忙しいらしいと聞いている。だから返事が来ない事もコーデリアには想定出来ていた。そう、承諾はもらえないが返事が無いからと言って断られている訳ではない。結果は兄の帰宅と共にもたらされる事になるのだろう。
She had heard that Ishma was more or less the youngest member of his unit, and was very busy with his assigned duties. That’s why Cordelia was able to predict that she might not receive a reply. Yes, although she hadn’t gotten an acceptance, due to the fact that she had not received a reply, it didn’t mean that she had been rejected. It ended up that she would have to bring it up once her brother arrived back at home.
だからコーデリアはイシュマの非番日をひたすら待ち望んだ。ようやくその日が来ると朝から彼の帰宅が待ち遠しくて仕方が無く、エントランスで外を眺めながらジッと待機していた。
That’s why Cordelia intently waited earnestly for her Ishma’s off duty days. At last the morning of the days when he would return home came, and she had no choice but to await anxiously while staring outside, stationed on standby at the entrance.
本当ならこの時間はレッスンや勉学に励んでいる。しかし手紙を出した翌日からコーデリアは返答が無い中でも頑張ってペースを上げた。そのお陰で今日と明日の二日間は授業を免除されている。
In reality, she would be endeavoring in lessons or studies at this time. But the day after she sent out her letter, while yet to receive a reply, Cordelia did her best and raised her pace. Thanks to that, today and the day after, she was exempted from classes for the two day duration.
父親に関しては作戦を思いついたその日から三日をかけて説得した。
お兄様の遠乗りについて行きたい。コーデリアがそう初めて言った時、父親は非常に渋る様子を見せたが「馬に乗れるのか」という疑問を呟いた程度でそれ以外は了承も却下もされなかった。だからコーデリアは諦めずに許可が下りるまで父親にお願いを続けた。
In regards to her father, she thought of a plan and after three days, she was able to convince him.
I want to accompany Brother on his long ride. At first when Cordelia said those words, her father showed an extremely reluctant appearance and questioned in a murmur,「Can you even ride a horse?」but other than that he didn’t acknowledge or reject her. That’s why without abandoning hope, Cordelia requested from her father until he gave his consent.
そしてそのお願いに父親であるエルヴィスは非常に頭を悩ませていた。
Her father, Elvis, greatly considered her wish in his head.
山は危ない。魔物が出現してもコーデリアでは上手く逃げる手段を持たないだろう。しかしイシュマが同行するのであれば問題は起こらない。実力は知っている。流石にコーデリアが行動範囲を誤れば危険はあるが、娘が聞き訳の無い子供でない事はエルヴィスも把握している。それにイシュマが幼い妹から目を離す程、警戒を怠るとも思えない。イシュマの視野の広さと魔力感知は熟練者を圧倒する程だ。魔物の気配はかなり離れたところからでも気づけるはずなのだ。だから――そのように懸念が無い状況で有るのなら、むしろエルヴィスもこれはチャンスではないかと思うのだ。
The mountain is dangerous. If a monster appeared, it was unlikely that Cordelia had the means to run away skillfully. But if Ishma accompanied her, then no problems would occur. He knew of Ishma’s capabilities. All the same, if he erred in judging Cordelia’s area of activity then it would be dangerous, but Elvis understood that his daughter was a child who rarely asked for things. And, it was unthinkable that Ishma would be negligent in his vigilance to keep an eye on his young sister. The extent of Ishma’s field of vision and his magic perception was at the point that it would overwhelm an expert. Even if a monster was far away, he would be able to feel its presence. That’s why―― If it was a situation like this where there were no worries, rather, Elvis thought that this was a chance.
そう、エルヴィスはコーデリアに乗馬を習わせるきっかけを作りたいという考えていた。遠乗りをしたいと言う自発的な発言をエルヴィスは「馬に興味がある」という意味に受け取っていた。
Yes, Elvis wanted to create an occasion where Cordelia could get used to horse riding. When she voluntarily said that she had wanted to go on the long ride, Elvis took the meaning as「she has an interest in horses.」
この世界では馬は基本的に男性の乗り物であるが、極僅かな騎士の女性以外の貴族女性でも馬に乗る事は許容されている。特別に推奨されている訳ではないが、高貴な趣味の一つとして見なされているのだ。実はこの趣味は年頃になると役立つ。そう、男性と会話をする上で話のきっかけになることだ。男性貴族の場合は女性と違い乗馬スキルが必須とされている。これは馬に乗れて一人前と見なされていた時代の名残である。女性同士で有れば化粧や服飾、観劇や刺繍の話が出来るだろうが、男性相手だと同じようにはなかなかいかない。共通すると言えば食事の話くらいだろうか。もちろん外交や政治の話も悪くはないが、肩の力を抜く事が出来る話も大切だ。きっかけが作りやすい。顔を広めるためにも会話の引き出しは大いに越したことは無い。
Those who ride horses in this world are primarily men, but other than the few female knights it was permissible for noble women to ride horses as well. It wasn’t particularly recommended, but it was overlooked if treated as a high class hobby. As a matter of fact, this hobby was useful when they became of age. Yes, while interacting with a man it could become the start of a conversation. 男性貴族の場合は女性と違い乗馬スキルが必須とされている。これは馬に乗れて一人前と見なされていた時代の名残である。女性同士で有れば化粧や服飾、観劇や刺繍の話が出来るだろうが、男性相手だと同じようにはなかなかいかない。共通すると言えば食事の話くらいだろうか。もちろん外交や政治の話も悪くはないが、肩の力を抜く事が出来る話も大切だ。きっかけが作りやすい。顔を広めるためにも会話の引き出しは大いに越したことは無い。
しかしこのように利益があるスキルである反面、この特技は早めに会得させなければなかなか身に付くものではない。
単に上達までに年数がかかると言うだけの話では無い。もちろんそれもあるが、貴族女性は往々にしてお淑やかな教育を受けている。だから有る程度成長してから初めて馬の背に乗ると、慣れない視界の高さに恐怖を覚え恐れおののき全く技術が向上しないことが多いのだ。だから一人で乗るのではなく例えイシュマに乗せて貰う形をとろうとも、コーデリアをその高さに慣れさせる事が出来るのであればそれに越した事は無い。
まだまだ早いとは思っていたが、いつかは覚えさせようと思っていたその技術。本人が自発的に望むのであれば、それに越した事は無いだろう。もしも乗馬の技術を会得する事が出来れば、それは間違いなくコーデリアの将来にも役に立つ。それをエルヴィスは確信している。それは、いつかコーデリアが為政者となることを想定しているからだ。
エルヴィスとしては当初は……いや、今もコーデリアを王太子の妃にと考えている。だが今は想定通り行かなかった場合は妻の姉、つまりコーデリアの伯母に養子へ出す事も考えている。彼女の伯母であるニルパマ・ウェルトリア女伯は代々女領主が治める領地を持つ伯爵家の現当主。彼女は夫との間に子は居らず、近い血縁関係で言えばコーデリアか公爵家の次男へ嫁いだ長女かの二人しかいない。だからコーデリアが王太子に嫁がなかった場合、女伯が迎える養子としてはコーデリアが最有力だ。コーデリアの姉の夫は次男とはいえ、多く爵位を持つ公爵の息子。公爵とはいかずとも何らかの爵位は継承する事になるだろう。もちろん例え夫が爵位を賜ろうともその妻が爵位を継承できないという事はない。だがコーデリアを王家に嫁がせないのであれば、彼女に継承させ婿をとらせれる流れが一番スムーズだ。
無意識のうちに自身が「どうすればコーデリアが正当な理由で手元に残るか」という事を計算していることを考えず、エルヴィスはただ彼女の将来の為に情報を得る術を与えておきたいと考える。
……だが前提としてこのエルヴィスの考えは一般的な貴族の思考から少し外れている。そもそも女性が伯爵を継ぐのは稀なケースなので、一般的に『年頃に役立つ』といわれている所以は結婚を考えたときに相手と会話を弾ませることが出来るようになるからである。そしてそれは単に『結婚相手の候補と弾む会話を楽しむ』ためだけではなく、『デートの口実に遠乗りを提案する』『親密になれる』など色々な特典が付いてくるからなのだが、エルヴィスはまだその事は考慮していなかった。それこそコーデリアにはまだ早過ぎるという事が無意識のうちにそのような思考を妨げていたのだが、そもそもエルヴィスは乗馬が出来ようが出来まいが、互いに馬が好きであろうが埋まらない溝が有ると言う事を知っている。だから例え知っていたとしても考えることもなかったのだ。もしもそれが本当に心通わせる原因となるのであれば、現在パメラディア夫妻がこれほど距離を置くはずがなかたのだろうから。
だから例え乗馬を覚えたとしても打算的な付き合いの、それも表面上のきっかけ程度にしかならないだろうという事はエルヴィスも理解している。だが、それで良い。きっかけさえ作ることが出来れば、その後どう繋がりを持つかという判断を下す事が出来る。後は交流を持つにふさわしい、信用有る発言をする相手かを見極めるのは当人の力量次第だ。きっかけすらなければ繋がりを持つか、完全に切るかを判断する事も出来ないのだから。
もちろん純粋に馬を好むエルヴィスとしては娘が同じく馬を好むとなればそれも悪くないと思うのだが、やはり少々危険性についても不安がある。『やはりまだコーデリアは幼い。考え直すべきか』等色々思う事はあるのだが、自身が馬に初めて乗った時の年齢を考えれば問題無いとも思う。自分よりも利口であろうコーデリアなら尚更問題はないだろう……そう、エルヴィスは多少の親馬鹿を含めつつ最終的に結論付けた。こうしてエルヴィスはついに折れ『イシュマが良いと言えばかまわない』という答えをコーデリアに与えた。
もっとも此処までエルヴィスが考えていようともコーデリアはそんな父の胸の内なんて知った事ではなかったのだが。
ちなみにエルヴィスはコーデリアに答えを与えると同時に、要約すると『連れて行くのであればくれぐれも危険の無いよう』との手紙をすぐにイシュマ送ったのだが、その事はコーデリアには伝えられていない。手紙を受け取ったイシュマが半ば脅迫じみた手紙に見えたと思った事も、コーデリアには知らされていない。
何がともあれエルヴィスがその判断を委ねた事により、コーデリアが外出できるか否かは全てイシュマ次第ということになった。
（早くご帰宅なさって下さらないかしら）
（Won’t he return home sooner?）
いつも通りならイシュマが午前中に帰宅するという事はまず無いのだが『もしかしたら早めに帰ってくるかもしれない』と言う期待からコーデリアはただただ動かずイシュマを待ち続けた。珍しくエントランスから動こうとしないコーデリアに使用人達は『お嬢様が子供らしい行動をされるのは珍しい』と微笑ましく思ったのだが、彼らは何も言わなかった。コーデリアがその様子を知っていれば話し相手になって欲しいと思ったかもしれないが、生憎パメラディアの使用人は基本的に使用人の鏡で有り、例え相手が子供でも無駄口を叩かない主義である。だからコーデリアはイシュマの帰宅を今か今かと時が長いと感じながら待ちわびていた。
結局イシュマがその日帰宅したのは何時も通り、昼を少し過ぎてからの事だった。
当直明けに書類を片付けてきたらしいイシュマはただでさえも赤い目を更に赤くしているようにコーデリアには見えた。
イシュマは瞳以外の見目は長兄とは違い父に似ず、少し垂れ目で髪は栗毛、長身であるものの着痩せもするようでやや線の細い印象を受ける。そして前世の記憶に頼る言い方をするなら『チャラい』ようにも見える。きっちりと騎士服を着こなし、髪を後ろに撫で固めている正真正銘の騎士様なのだが、何故か空気が必要以上に柔らかく見える。その様子からコーデリアはもしも城下町にイシュマにファンクラブなるものが出来ていても何ら不思議ではないと思う。
だが流石にイシュマもパメラディア家の者である。浮ついた噂は今のところひとつもない。
心配するほどに、ない。
それはさておき、そんなイシュマも体力は十分すぎる程にあり、今はこれほどに疲れた様子を見せていても二刻程眠れば十分に体力を戻し動き回る。見かけによらず実に頑丈な兄である。
「随分首を長くして待っていたみたいだね。コーデリア」
「お勤めお疲れ様です、イシュマお兄様」
「You seem to be on quite the alert while waiting, Cordelia.」
「Good work, Brother Ishma.」
どうやらコーデリアの出迎えの意味を察したイシュマは苦笑いを隠さなかった。
「手紙の件は本気かい？」
「Is what the letter said true?」
背の低い妹に合わせ片膝を折るイシュマは唯一そっくりな赤い目でコーデリアの真意を探る。
少し細められた目にコーデリアは思わず息を詰めそうになるが、
「ええ、もちろんですわっ！」
「Yes, of course it is!」
負けじと大きな兄の右手を両手で持ち上げるとそのままコーデリアも勢いを落とさない。
「ねえ、お兄様。私も連れて行って下さいませ。シーヴェルフの森に行ってみたいのです」
「書庫と父上にべったりの妹が俺を指名してくれるとは。しかも森とは……母上に影響を受けたのかい？」
「母上？……お兄様はお母様にお会いされていますの？」
「Say, Elder Brother. Please take me along with you. I would like to go see the Seaverph Forest.」
「To think that my sister who was attached to the library and Father would designate me for the job. But the forest is…… I wonder if this is our Mother’s influence?」
「Mother? ……Have you met Mother before, Brother?」
想像もしていなかった問いかけにコーデリアは驚きイシュマに尋ね返してしまった。
滅多に会うことは無いが、もちろんコーデリアは母親を知らない訳ではない。母親はイシュマや姉と同じ柔らかな栗毛の髪を持つ美しい人だ。歩く動作ひとつだけでも気品が漂っておりその存在感は凄まじい。コーデリアの行儀作法の先生も美しい動作を教えてくれるが、先生と比べても……いや、比べられない程に洗練された美しさを携えている。何処がと口に出す事は難しいが、いうなればその存在そのものがという所だろうか。
コーデリアが美しさを追求するというのなら、彼女のような“お手本”が身近に存在する事はどんなレッスンを受けるよりも本来ならば意味があるだろう。だがその『本来ならば』と言葉が付いてしまう事が問題である。コーデリアは自らの母親とほとんど話をした事が無い。
コーデリアと母親の関係は極めて希薄で、屋敷で稀にすれ違う程度の関係だ。３歳の大病を患った時でさえ見舞われた事もない。すれ違ってもコーデリアが礼をとる程度で、母親から声を掛けられた事は無い。
だがそんな母親に対しコーデリアは幾度も接触しようと試み続けて来た。その理由第一の理由は恐ろしい未来を回避するためだ。パメラディア伯爵夫人となればパメラディア家で第二位の発言権を持つはずである。もしも彼女が父親と同じようにコーデリアに対し未来の王妃の座を求めるのならば、あるいは当然の事項として考えているのであればコーデリアとしても接触しない訳にはいかなかった。
だがそんな思いとは裏腹にコーデリアは未だ彼女への接触を成功させていない。会おうとアポイントメントをとろうとしても、いつも母親の侍女が断りの伝言を持ってくるだけだった。結局そんな事をしているうちにコーデリアも母親との接触を諦めてしまった。
しかし諦めたのは決して自分の未来を諦めるからではない。その逆だ。
コーデリアは自身の未来に母親の存在は何ら影響しない事に気付いてしまたのだ。
コーデリアは彼女との接触成功の為に子供らしく侍女に母親の話をせがんだりもした。だが少しずつ得た情報をまとめると、どうやら母親は『根本的にパメラディアの家に興味が無い』ことが分かったのだ。愛も憎悪も全て父親が対象、という具合で、家には興味がないようなのだ。
侍女から聞いた言葉は非常に遠まわしで、そして大分遠慮がちではあったが、要約すると『母は騎士だった父に惚れて母の父に頼みこむ形で自身を売り込み、婚姻を成立させた』『しかし父は物語の騎士のようには女性に対して優しくレディファーストな訳ではなかった』『おまけに陛下を護衛した際に負った傷が原因で騎士も辞してしまった』『騎士を辞めても父親は相変わらず夫婦らいし様子を見せようとしない為ツンとした態度をとっている』というのだ。むしろ『何か困ったことでも起きればいいんだわ』といった調子で夫人としての務めはしないらしい。
だから四歳になる前にコーデリアは母親と接触することをあきらめたのだが、どこかで『ゲームのコーデリアの我儘な振舞いは母親譲りなのか』と妙に納得してしまった。……いや、父親にも『お前は王太子に嫁ぐ』と言われ続けていたから『私がなって当然』と思っていたのかもしれないけれど。ただ、厳しく言い続けたとしても父親はヒロインを陰湿に苛めろとは言わないだろうとコーデリアは思った。
しかし母親も気に食わないのならばいっそ離縁したほうが良いのではないか。少なくとも父親は気にしないだろうとコーデリアも思ったが、それは母親のプライドが許さないのだとも推測される。恐らく父親が妻に逃げられたと周囲に見られることは無く、逆に母親が離縁されたと映る可能性の方が高い事は想像に難くない。対外的に父親はデキる人なのだ。社交界に一切姿を見せない母親の方が奇特に映っても不思議ではない。
けれど彼女の仕草は貴族のそれそのものだ。だから周囲にそのようにみられるのを嫌うだろう。例え式典であっても『病欠』する有様だが、家の中……例えば廊下であろうとも絶対に高貴な空気だけは外さない。プライドが高いのだろう。だから現状維持に努めている。そうとしか考えられなかった。そう考えるとコーデリアが生まれたのは奇跡に近いのではないか。……まぁ、『父親に興味を示されない事に拗ねている母親』であれば父に声をかけられればそれだけで機嫌が幾分マシになるのかもしれないが……そんな事はコーデリアには分からない事であるし、あまり分かりたいとも思えなかった。
そんなに気になるなら、自分から話しかけるように努めれば良いのに。そう思ってしまうからだ。自分が母親に会えれば橋渡しにもなれるだろうが、あって貰えないのだからどうしようもない。幸か不幸か父親に気にした様子がないのでそれ以上気を遣うつもりもないのだが。
とにかくコーデリアは前述の理由故に接触ミッションを一時中断させた。ひたすら拒否される状況下で打開策が見当たらなかったし、自分の不利益になり得無いと分かった以上、嫌がる相手に無理やり会おうとすることも気が引けた。もしも自分が会いたくないと言っている相手にしつこく面会要求をされるのは気分が良くない。
もしもコーデリアが本当に純粋な三歳児なのであればどう考えていたのかは分からない。だが前世の記憶のあるコーデリアはある程度人付き合いの雰囲気を感覚で覚えている。嫌がる相手に突進を続けた所で良い方向に転ぶことはまずないだろう。
ちなみにコーデリアの記憶は全てハッキリを覚えているという訳では無い。特に家族や友人に至る人間関係及び人物像……それから自分がどのように前世を終えたのか、ヴェールをかぶったようにハッキリ見えない。ゲームの登場人物を覚えていたのに、学校での様子や何をしていたかは覚えているのに、何故なのだろうと思う。しかしそのような事も深くは考えないようにしている。前世の記憶で使えるものは遠慮なく使うつもりだが、知らない記憶を無理に掘り起こすのは気が進まない。現在はこの世界が自分の生きる世界だ。仮に前世の人間関係を思い出しても……何も出来ることは無いだろう。思い出したことを後悔するようなことになる可能性だってある。
（前世は前世。仕方がないことだわ）
（The past is the past. It can’t be helped.）
そもそも思い出した記憶事態に自分が『死んだ』記憶がない。そう思えば思い出したいとも思えなかった。
（……って、今はそうじゃなくて）
（……Now is not the time for this.）
今は兄から聞いた母のことが意外な情報だったのだ。
まるでイシュマはコーデリアと母親が充分にコミュニケーションをとれる関係にあると思っている風である。それは少なくともイシュマが母親と会話をしている故の見解なのだろう。しかしイシュマが母親に会っているとなればコーデリアの考えは『母親はパメラディア家に興味が無い』という事自体が間違っていると言うことになるからだ。
その驚きのままにコーデリアはイシュマに尋ね返したのだが、イシュマはそんな妹を見て表情を硬くした。
「……お兄様？」
「いや、何でも無い。遠乗りへは明日行こう。朝露のきらめく森は綺麗だから、出発は早い時間だよ」
「え、ええ」
「悪いが少し寝てくる。コーデリアも部屋に戻りなさい」
「……Brother?」
「No, it’s nothing. We’ll set out tomorrow. Because the woods sparkling with morning dew is a beautiful sight, we’ll leave early in the morning.」
「Y-yes.」
「Excuse me, but I’ll be heading to sleep. You should also return to your room, Cordelia.」
コーデリアの期待とは対照的に言葉を濁したイシュマはコーデリアの頭を一撫ですると立ちあがり、屋敷の奥へと消えて行った。
（……やはり聞いてはいけない事だったのかしら）
（……As I thought, maybe that was something I wasn’t supposed to hear.）
明らかに子供相手の誤魔化しに走ったイシュマを見送りつつ、コーデリアはこっそりとため息をついた。
……まぁ、どんな理由であれ幼い我が子を避ける母親の話を聞きたがる娘相手に理由を説明する事は難しいだろう。母親を非難するわけにもいかないし、コーデリアが悪いと思わない言い回しでなければいけない。
コーデリアは自室に戻りながら、自分がどこか落胆している事に気がついた。
As Cordelia was returning to her room, she realized she was feeling dejected.
自分がというよりは、『本当に３歳のコーデリアが』というような……身体の、心の一部が痛むような不思議な感覚で有った。そして驚いた。顔を合わすだけの限りなく他人に近い相手だと自分で思っていたはずなのに、落胆する自分が……自分では無い、自分が身体の中に存在することに。コーデリアは口を引き結んだ。
「“貴族たるもの、時に感情を押し殺す事も必要です”だったっけ」
「”For those who are qualified as nobles, there are times when you must suppress your emotions,” something like that.」
そしてパタンとドアを閉めながら、何度も言われて来た嗜みの一つを小さく呟いた。動揺は顔に出してはダメだと、駆け引きも負けるし相手に見下げられる原因になると言われていたのに、今はそれが出来ている自信がなかった。むしろ恐らく全て表情に出てしまっているだろう。完璧な令嬢になるにはまだまだ道は険しそうだ。そう思いつつ、コーデリアは先ほどとは違い深くため息をついた。
（今日はレッスンが何も無くて良かったな）
（It’s good that there aren’t any lessons today.）
もし見つかっていたら恰好がつかないところだった。そう思いながらゆっくりと部屋の中を進み窓に寄ると、薄いレースのカーテンをすっと閉めた。
今日は朝からはしゃぎ過ぎ、少し疲れてしまっただけだ。そんな時に母親の事を兄に出されたから、少し動揺してしまっただけだ。深く気にしている訳ではない。そう思いながらゆっくりと、それでも貴族の令嬢としては非常に行儀悪くベッドに倒れ込んだ。
（大丈夫、眠って起きたら頭はきっとすっきりする――）
（It’s fine, once I go to sleep and wake up my head will feel better――）
だがそんなコーデリアの思いを邪魔するかのように、瞑った目の奥の暗い世界から小さな声がコーデリアに語り始める。
ねえ、お母様は家に興味がないんじゃなくて、貴女の事が嫌いなだけじゃない？
――うるさいなぁ。
Hey, if Mother isn’t interested in the house, doesn’t that just mean that she hates you?
――You’re noisy.
あなたのお母さんでしょう？お兄様には会ってるっていうのに、寂しくないの？
――だったらどうしろっていうのよ？
She’s your mother right? Even though she met with Brother, aren’t you lonely?
――Then what are you saying I should do?
煩い思考を振り払うかのようにコーデリアは一度寝返りを打ち、うっすらと目を開いた。たなびくカーテンが何かを訴えているようにも見えた。
To shake off the noisy thoughts, Cordelia rolled over once and slightly opened her eyes. It looked to her as if the hanging curtains were accusing her of something.
「………」
「………」
ばさり、ばさり。窓を閉じずに閉めたカーテンは声を立てていないのに、何かを強く訴えようとしている。
Rustle, rustle. Without closing the window, the shut curtains were not raising any voices, but they were strongly accusing her of something.
（……そうよ、何も思わないわ。寂しいような感情は嘘、私は一番彼女を反面教師にしなければならないのだから。自分の思い通りにならないからと意地を張る女性になんてならない。自分で障害を取り除く女性になる。それが例えこの世界の普通でなくとも――私は私の手で幸せを掴みとる）
（……That’s right, I don’t think anything of it. These feelings of loneliness are a lie, because I must learn from the best woman’s negative example. (?) Just because things don’t move as I want, I will not become a woman who exerts her will. I will become a woman who removes her obstacles. Even if it’s out of the ordinary in this world――I will grab hold unto happiness with my own hands.）
ようやくやって来た眠気にコーデリアは身を任せた。
Cordelia succumbed herself to the long awaited drowsiness.
（……はやく立派な令嬢になろう。感情に惑わされることなく、前を見据えられる令嬢に――）
（……Let’s become a proper lady quickly. Without being confused by my feelings, and keeping my gaze in front――）
薄れゆく意識の中でそう小さく決意しながら。
In her dimming consciousness, she made her small resolution.
Those who ride horses in this world are primarily men, but other than the few female knights it was permissible for noble women to ride horses as well. It wasn’t particularly recommended, but it was overlooked if treated as a high class hobby. As a matter of fact, this hobby was useful when they became of age. Yes, while interacting with a man it could become the start of a conversation. In the case of noble men, unlike the ladies, horseback riding was an indispensable skill. This was a remnant of the era in which riding a horse was regarded as coming of age. If among fellow ladies, then they would be able to talk about cosmetics, clothing and accessories, about the theatre or embroidery, but it won’t go as well with a man as an opponent. If speaking of common things, it was perhaps about meals only. Of course, conversations about diplomacy or politics weren’t bad too, but conversations that would allow one to relax were important as well. They were easier to create opportunities by. In order to spread her face around as well, there was nothing better than adding to her chest of conversation topics.
However, while this was a beneficial skill in this world, on the other hand, this special skill wasn’t something that was easy to master, unless it was mastered earlier on.
It wasn’t as simple as just taking many years to improve. Of course, there was that too, but noble women often receive ladylike education. So when they get on a horse’s back for the first time after growing up to a certain extent, it is common that they would feel fear from the unfamiliar height of the field of vision, tremble with fear, and not be able to improve in the skill at all. That’s why, even if she was not riding alone, but for example it was in the form of getting Ishma to let her ride with him, if it would let Cordelia get used to that height, then there would be nothing better.
He did think that it was still a bit early, but it was a skill that he intended to let her learn someday. If the person herself voluntarily wished for it, then there was nothing better than that, was there? If she was able to master the skills of horseback riding, it would without any doubt come in hand for Cordelia’s future as well. Elvis was convinced of that. That was because he assumed that Cordelia would become a ruler one day.
To Elvis, he at first…… no, even now he thinks of Cordelia as the crown prince’s princess. However now, in the case things didn’t go as he planned, he’s also thinking of giving her to his wife’s elder sister, in other words, Cordelia’s aunt, as an adopted child. Her aunt, Countess Nilpama Wertiria, is the current head of an earl House in possession of a territory governed by female lords for generations. She has no children between her and her husband, and if speaking of close blood relatives, there were only Cordelia and his eldest daughter who was marrying the second son of a duke House, those two. That’s why, in the case that Cordelia didn’t marry the crown prince, Cordelia was the top choice as the adopted child welcomed by the Countess. Even if Cordelia’s elder sister’s husband was the second son, he was the son of a duke, who had a high court rank. Even if he wasn’t going to become a duke, he will most likely still inherit some kind of court rank. Of course, even if the husband was bestowed a title, it wasn’t that his wife won’t be able to inherit a title. However, if Cordelia wasn’t going to marry into the royal family, then the course of events of making her inherit the title and get a son-in-law was the smoothest.
Not even subconsciously thinking of calculating “how to make Cordelia remain at hand?” Elvis was only thinking of wanting to give her the means to obtain information, for the sake of her future.
…… But this assumption of Elvis differs a little from the general nobility. In the first place, it is a rare case for a lady to succeed as an Earl, so the common reason that horseback riding is said to be of help “when they come of age” is that, when the time came to think about marriage, it will aid in making conversations. And not only just to “enjoy the conversation with the marriage partner candidate”, but it will also “become an excuse to propose long rides as dates”, and such many benefits in order for the two to “get closer to each other”, however, Elvis still wasn’t taking such considerations in mind yet. The thought that it was still too early for Cordelia subconsciously prevented him from doing so, but also in the first place, Elvis knew that aside from whether Cordelia could master horseback riding or not, and whether they mutually will have an interest in horses or not, there existed an obstacle that might not be able to be overcome. Therefore, even if for example he knew for sure, he still didn’t consider it. If horseback riding could truly become a reason for breaking through to the heart, then there wouldn’t have been such distance between the current Pameradia husband and wife.
That’s why, even for example if Cordelia managed to learn horseback riding, Elvis understands well that in a calculated relationship, this cannot become more than an opportunity on the surface only. However, even if that’s the case it is still fine. If you can create an opportunity, you can decide after how to go about making a connection. After that, for the one making the conversation, the decision of whether the other party is befitting to make trusted conversation with, is up to the abilities of the other person. After all, without an opportunity, it won’t be possible to determine whether to have a connection with them, or completely cut them off.
Of course, for Elvis who genuinely loves horses, if his daughter came to love horses as well, then he would think that it wasn’t bad at all, but would still in the end be concerned about the dangers involved. He has various things to think about, like “As I thought, Cordelia is still young. Perhaps I should reconsider” but, thinking back to the age at which he himself started riding horses, he would think that there wouldn’t be any problems. If it was Cordelia who was even smarter than he was, then probably all the more there wouldn’t be any problems…… Right, including some doting in, Elvis eventually came to a conclusion. That’s how finally Elvis gave in and gave the reply “If Ishma said it was fine, then I wouldn’t mind” to Cordelia.
But then, even if Elvis had thought all the way till there, Cordelia didn’t know what went through the heart of such a father, though.
Incidentally, at the same time Elvis gave his answer to Cordelia, he immediately sent a letter to Ishma that said, in short, “If you’re going to take her with you, don’t let any dangers befall her”, but that wasn’t told to Cordelia. The fact that Ishma thought that it looked like a threat letter half way through, also wasn’t told to Cordelia.
In any case, rather than leaving it to Elvis’s decision, whether Cordelia could go out or not, it all became dependent on Ishma.
(Won’t he return home sooner?）
If as usual, then Ishma coming home in the morning almost didn’t happen, but hoping that “maybe he would return home early” Cordelia didn’t move and just kept on waiting for Ishma. Seeing Cordelia who was unusually not moving away from the entrance, the servants thought, “Ojou-sama acting like a child is rare” heartwarmingly, but they didn’t say anything. They might have thought that if Cordelia knew about this situation, she would want them to become her conversation partner, but unfortunately, the Pameradia’s servants were the reflection of a servant, and wouldn’t strike up idle talk on principle, even if the other party were a child. That’s why, while feeling that the time wasn’t passing fast enough, thinking maybe now… maybe now, Cordelia continued to wait impatiently for Ishma’s return home.
In the end, Ishma’s return home that day was as usual, a little after noon.
Isham, who apparently came after taking care of official documents after his duty, looked to Cordelia as if his originally red eyes were even redder.
Ishma’s appearance, with the exception of his pupils was, unlike their elder brother, similar to their father, with slightly drooping eyes and chestnut coloured hair, and was tall as well as slender, slightly giving off the impression of a thin line. And if she was speaking in the terms by relying on her memories of her previous life, then he looked like a “player”, too. He was a genuine knight-sama, dressed sharply in a knight’s uniform with his hair slicked back, but for some reason the air surrounding him looked softer than necessary. From this appearance, even if the castle town had a fan club for Ishma, Cordelia wouldn’t find it strange.
But as expected, Ishma is also a member of the Pameradia House. There were no rumors floating about him at the moment.
None, to the extent that makes one worries.
Leaving that aside, this Ishma has enough stamina as to be too much, and even if he showed this much exhausted appearance right now, if he sleeps for as much as he can, he would have recovered enough strength to be up and moving around. He’s a really sturdy elder brother, despite his appearance.
「You seem to be on quite the alert while waiting, Cordelia.」
「Good work, Brother Ishma.」
Ishma, who apparently guessed the meaning behind Cordelia’s reception, didn’t hid his bitter smile.
「Is what the letter said true?」
Folding one knee to match his shorter younger sister’s height, Ishma searched Cordelia’s unique red eyes, similar to his, for her true intentions.
At those slightly narrowed eyes, Cordelia involuntarily caught her breath, however,
Not about to lose, Cordelia lifted her elder brother’s big right hand with both of hers, and just like that didn’t let her spirit drop.
「Say, Elder Brother. Please take me along with you. I would like to go see the Seaverph Forest.」
「To think that my sister who was attached to the library and Father would designate me for the job. But the forest is…… I wonder if this is our Mother’s influence?」
「Mother? ……Have you met Mother before, Brother?」
The relationship between Cordelia and their mother was extremely thin, as it was only a relationship to the degree of rarely passing each other in the mansion. She didn’t even visit her when she was suffering from the serious illness when she was 3 years old. Even when they pass by each other and Cordelia greets her, her mother never called out to her.
At the unexpected question, Cordelia asked the surprised Ishma a question in return.
Although it is not that they seldom meet, it is not like Cordelia doesn’t know her mother. Their mother was a beautiful who had the same soft brown hair as Ishma and their elder sister. She had an amazing presence that exuded elegance with even just a single step she took. Cordelia’s etiquette teacher is also teaching her how to walk beautifully however, compared to her teacher, too…… No, she carried a beauty so refined that it cannot be compared. It would be difficult to put to words which part of it exactly, but if someone would, then it would probably be her very own existence itself.
If Cordelia was to pursue beauty, then making such a close existence a “role model” would be, under normal circumstances, more meaningful than taking any lessons. However, the problem poses itself here with the words “under normal circumstances”. Cordelia has almost never spoken with her own mother.
The relationship between Cordelia and her mother is extremely thin, and does not go past rarely passing by each other in the mansion. She did not visit her even when Cordelia was suffering from that severe illness when she was three years old. Even if they happened to pass by each other, and Cordelia went to the extent of greeting her, her mother never said anything to her.
But even for such a mother, Cordelia continued to attempt contacting her. The most prominent reason for that was for the sake of avoiding a terrible future. If she were to become the Pameradia Countess, then she would have the second largest right to speak in the Pameradia House. If her mother, like her father, wanted Cordelia to obtain the position of the future Queen, or perhaps even thinks of it as a matter of course, then it wouldn’t do for Cordelia as well to not have any contact with her.
However, contrary to such thoughts, Cordelia is still yet not successful in contacting her. Even if she tried to make an appointment in order to meet with her, it was always just her mother’s maidservant who would bring back her mother’s refusal. In the end, while doing this, Cordelia gave up on contacting her mother.
But, giving up was by no means because she gave up on her own future. It was just the opposite of that.
It was because Cordelia realized that her mother’s presence did not have any impact on her own future.
In order to succeed in contacting her, Cordelia had childishly pestered the maidservant for stories about her mother. But when she put together the information she was able to obtain little by little, she understood that apparently her mother has “fundamentally no interest in the Pameradia household. The subject of all of her love and hate being Cordelia’s father, in such a condition, it seemed that she had no interest in the House.
The words heard from the maid were very indirect, and were said with great reserve, but to summarize “Mother who fell in love with Father who was a knight, requested earnestly from her father while appealing herself, and got him to arrange their marriage”, “However, Father was not the gentle to all women, ladies-first, fairytale knight”, “On top of that, because of the injury he suffered while escorting His Majesty, he had to resign from being a knight”, “Father, who quit being a knight, as usual, in order to not show his uncertainty to his wife, took a cold attitude with her” is what she said. Rather, saying, “It would be good if something bad was to happen”, with this attitude, she doesn’t fulfill her duties as a wife, it seems.
That’s why, even before turning four years old, Cordelia had already given up on contacting her mother, but somewhere in her mind, she came to the weird understanding that “the in-game Cordelia’s selfish behavior was inherited from her mother, huh”. ……No, perhaps it was because her father also kept on saying that “you will marry the Crown Prince” that she came to think “It is natural that I will become his wife”. However, even if he continued to speak strictly, Cordelia though that it can’t be said that he treated the Heroine unkindly.
Nonetheless, if her mother too were unable to stand the way things are, then wouldn’t it be better to sooner get a divorce? At least, Cordelia thought that her father wouldn’t mind, but estimated that her mother’s pride didn’t allow that. Most probably, that her father wasn’t seen around her mother wasn’t because he was running away from his wife, conversely, the likelihood that her mother was projecting being divorced, being higher wasn’t hard to imagine. On the outside, her father was a capable person. It was no wonder that her mother, who has never once shown up in high society, appeared to be more praiseworthy.
However, her temperament was something nobles would have. That’s why, she would hate that it was seen by those around her this way. If there was a ceremony, she would still give an excuse of being “sick”, but inside the house…… for example in the hallway of the house, no matter what, she would never drop her high class air. She has a high pride, after all. That’s why she works hard at maintaining the current state of things. She didn’t think of anything other than that. If you think about it in this way, wasn’t Cordelia being born something that was close to a miracle? ……Anyways, if it was “her mother who was pouting by not showing interest in her father”, then calling out to her father, with that alone it might somewhat improve her mood, but…… it was not something that Cordelia understood, and didn’t think about wanting to understand it either.
If she was bothered by it this much, then it would be better if she made the effort to go talk to her herself. It was because she thought like that. If she herself could meet her mother, then that itself might become a bridge between them, but it was because she couldn’t meet her that there was nothing she could do. Since for better or worse her father didn’t seem to care, she didn’t intend to worry about it more than this.
Anyways, due to the aforementioned reasons, Cordelia had to suspend the contacting mission for the time being. She wasn’t able to find a breakthrough under the circumstances of being continuously rejected, and aside from coming to understand that it won’t become a disadvantage to herself, she also felt awkward trying to forcefully meet an unwilling person. If the person themselves were saying that they didn’t want to meet, then persistently requesting to meet with them wouldn’t feel good.
If Cordelia was truly a genuine three-years-old child, then it was unknown what she would have thought. But Cordelia, who had the memories of her previous life, remembered to a certain extent in her senses the atmosphere of socializing. Continuing t rush an unwilling opponent was unlikely to end in a good way.
Incidentally, it is not as if Cordelia’s remembered everything clearly. Especially the people she was close with and what they looked like…… that, and also as if there was a vail covering it, she couldn’t remember clearly how her previous life ended. Even though she remembered the characters that appeared in the game, even though she could remember what her school looked like and what she did, she wondered why. However, she decided to not think too deeply about the matter. She intended to unreservedly use anything that could be used of the memories of her previous life, but she didn’t feel inclined to try and forcibly dig up the missing memories. This world is the world that she lived in now. Even if she did remember the people she had been close with…… there was nothing she could do. The possibility that she would regret remembering existed, after all.
（The past is the past. It can’t be helped.）
In the first place, within the memories she remembered currently, there was no memories of “dying”. Thinking of this, she never thought of wanting to remember.
（……Now is not the time for this.）
What she heard from her elder brother just now was unexpected information about their mother.
It was in a manner as if Ishma thought that Cordelia and their mother were in a relationship where they had plenty of communication. At the very least, it was an opinion that had to have originated because of Ishma having conversations with their mother. However, if Ishma had indeed met their mother, then Cordelia’s idea itself that “her mother had no interest in the Pameradia House” would have to be wrong.
With such astonishment, Cordelia returned a question to Ishma, but seeing his little sister like that, his expression stiffened.
「……Brother?」
「No, it’s nothing. We’ll set out tomorrow. Because the woods sparkling with morning dew is a beautiful sight, we’ll leave early in the morning.」
「Y-yes.」
「Excuse me, but I’ll be heading to sleep. You should also return to your room, Cordelia.」
Ishma, whose words were heavy as opposed to Cordelia’s expectations, stroked her head once and stood up, then disappeared to the inside of the mansion.
（……As I thought, maybe that was something I wasn’t supposed to hear.）
Seeing off Ishma who clearly ran away in order to deceive the child her, Cordelia sighed inwardly.
……Well, whatever reason a mother had to avoid her young child, it would be difficult to explain that reason to the daughter who wanted to hear about her mother. Since it wouldn’t do to blame their mother, it wouldn’t have don’t not to express to Cordelia to not feel bad about it.
As Cordelia was returning to her room, she realized she was feeling dejected.
Rather than herself, it seems that the “truly three years old Cordelia”…… felt a strange feeling similar to pain in a part of her body, her heart. And she was surprised. She was supposed to have only thought of her as a stranger with more than just a similar face who was close to her, but her dejected self…… not herself, it was the other existence within her body. Cordelia pulled a mouth.
「”For those who are qualified as nobles, there are times when you must suppress your emotions,” something like that.」
And while letting the door slam behind her, she muttered a piece of common sense that she had been told many times. Even though she had been told that she shouldn’t let her agitation show on her face, and that letting her strategies show would cause her opponents to look down on her, right now she had no confidence that she would be able to do that. In fact, more likely it would all show on her face. The road to becoming a flawless lady was still very long, it seems. Thinking of that, Cordelia let out a deep sigh that was different from the one she let out just before.
（It’s good that there aren’t any lessons today.）
Because if she was found out, then she wouldn’t have been able to keep her composure. While thinking like that, she slowly crossed the room and approached the window, then quickly shut the thin lace curtains.
She was only a bit tired because she had been in high spirits since morning today. She was only a bit upset because her elder brother had brought up their mother at such a time. It is not as if she was deeply concerned about it. Even while slowly thinking like this, she still collapsed on the bed in a way that would have been considered bad manners for a noble lady.
（It’s fine, once I go to sleep and wake up my head will feel better――）
But as if to interfere with the thought of Cordelia who was like that, a small voice from the dark world behind her shut eyes started to speak to her.
Hey, if Mother isn’t interested in the house, doesn’t that just mean that she hates you?
――You’re noisy.
She’s your mother right? Even though she met with Brother, aren’t you lonely?
――Then what are you saying I should do?
To shake off the noisy thoughts, Cordelia rolled over once and slightly opened her eyes. It looked to her as if the hanging curtains were accusing her of something.
「………」
Rustle, rustle. Without closing the window, the shut curtains were not raising any voices, but they were strongly accusing her of something.
（……That’s right, I don’t think anything of it. These feelings of loneliness are a lie, because I must learn from the best woman’s negative example. (?) (mojotranslations put a question mark there because they weren’t sure of the sentence’s translation, so I decided to translate it as well. My TL: because I should learn the most from her negative example.) Just because things don’t move as I want, I will not become a woman who exerts her will. I will become a woman who removes her obstacles. Even if it’s out of the ordinary in this world――I will grab hold unto happiness with my own hands.）
Cordelia succumbed herself to the long awaited drowsiness.
（……Let’s become a proper lady quickly. Without being confused by my feelings, and keeping my gaze in front――）
In her dimming consciousness, she made her small resolution.
Act 2 The Noble Girl’s Outing Plans 1
コーデリアの手紙に対する思い出は、前世で『ヨウチエン』の時に流行った『オテガミコウカン』が最後の記憶だ。
The last time Cordelia remembered using a letter was in the previous world when she was in『kindergarten』and『exchanging letters』was still a fashionable thing.
元々筆まめな方ではなかったし、手紙でなければ連絡がとれないような相手はいなかった。だから良い記憶も悪い記憶も持っていない。
She had never been good at writing them, and there was no longer anybody who could only be contacted by letter. That’s why she didn’t have any bad or good memories regarding the experience.
だが、今、コーデリアは受け取った手紙に非常に感動していた。
However, now Cordelia was very impressed by the letters she had received.
（ハーブ、本当にたくさんある――）
(There are really a lot of herbs――)
コーデリアは高揚する気持ちを抑えるため一呼吸おき、再び料理長から受け取った手紙――もとい報告書――に目を落とした。そこには『香りが高い野草の一覧』、つまりハーブの生息地の一覧が記されている。その中でもミントやセージ、カモミールにラベンダーというなじみ深い品種は比較的邸宅のある首都から近い山に多く植わっているとの記載がある。コーデリアは口の端を上げた。
Cordelia took a breath to calm her excitement, and once again took the letter she received from the head chef―― More like a report―― and looked through it once more. There, a『summary of wild grasses with strong fragrances』was listed, in other words a list of where she could find these herbs was written down. It recorded herbs like mint and sage, chamomile and lavender that could all be found within a mountain nearby the capital city where her mansion resided. Cordelia raised the corner of her lips.
（上等だわ……）
(This is excellent……)
記憶の中の自分が得意とするハーブがいくつも記されているその手紙はまるで宝石箱だ。喜びしか感じられない。これらの薬草を手に入れることができたなら、きっと上々の滑り出しも可能だろう。だとすればどうやって研究を始めるかが肝心だ――コーデリアは思ったが、次の瞬間最初の難関にぶつかった。
The letter that contained information about many of the herbs she was experienced in handling from her previous life was like a treasure box filled with jewels. She could only feel joy. If she could get her hands on these herbs, then it would definitely be the best start she could wish for. If that’s the case, then it’s crucial to decide how I’ll begin my research―― Cordelia thought, but the next moment she bumped into a difficulty.
そう……ハーブの生息地は、山なのだ。
That’s right…… The habitat of these herbs, is a mountain.
「……貴族の令嬢が山に野草摘みなんて……行けるの、かしら？」
「……Is it very cultured for a young noble lady to go picking herbs and wildflowers in a field……I wonder if I can go?」
そう、近いといえども魔力が豊富な山の中。魔力が溢れているお陰で植物がよく育つのだが、同時に魔物の出現も考えられる。だからいくら娘を可愛がっている父親でも――いや、むしろ娘を可愛がってくれる父親だからこそ危険だと許してもらえない気がする。使用人に命じればいくつかの株を持ちかえらせる事は出来るだろう。しかしコーデリアはどうしても自分で足を運び、野生の状態を確認したかった。現地に足を運ぶことでここに記されている以外のハーブも発見できるかもしれない。
だがそれ以上に単純に屋敷の外に出て見たいと言う好奇心もあった。
Yes, even though it was close by to home, the mountain was abundant with magic. Thanks to the magic the plants grow well, but for the same reason, it’s plausible that monsters will appear as well. So even if her Father loved to spoil her rotten――no, in reverse it was because he loved her so much that he would bar her from going and argue it would be too dangerous. If she ordered the servants to go, they could bring back a fair share. But Cordelia wanted to head there herself with her own feet and confirm the status of the growth in the wild. If she went there herself there was the possibility of discovering other herbs not written in the list.
Even more so though, she was purely curious about what lay outside of the mansion and wanted to see it for herself.
コーデリアは生まれてこのかた殆ど外の世界に出た事が無い。
Ever since she was born Cordelia had almost never stepped outside.
直接外出禁止だと言い渡されている訳ではない。だがそれはそもそも『普通は出歩かない』からだろう。もしそうでなければコーデリアも世話役の侍女から何らかの提案を受けることもあっただろう。しかしそんな事は今まで一度も言われた事が無い。そもそも例え建国祭で大きなパレードがあっても「今日はお祭りですので、授業は無しです。バルコニーから外を眺めましょう」と言われる程なのだから、恐らく外に出ないのが普通なのだろう。（ちなみにバルコニーからは良い景色は眺めれたが祭りの様子はさっぱりわからなかった。）
It wasn’t like she was formally banned from going outside. But in the first place, she『did not go out usually.』Had the maid who had taken care of Cordelia ever suggested to, she would have followed. But she had never been told such a thing. For example, even if there was a parade celebrating the National Festival, she would be told「Today is the day of the festival, so classes are cancelled. You may look out from the balcony if you wish.」It was likely that not going outside was normal. (Incidentally, the view from the balcony is great, but I was unable to comprehend the state of the festival in the least.)
もちろん子供の外出が全面的に否定されている訳でもないのだろうが……書庫で読んだ本の中にはいくつか婚約者に会いに行く子供（但し保護者付き）という話があったので、もしかするとそういう目的があれば認められているという事なのかもしれない。
Of course, it wasn’t as if all children’s outings were prohibited, but…… In the books she had read in the archives, there were many children who had gone out to meet their fiancés and such (accompanied by a guardian,) so if it was for a reason like that then it might be acceptable.
（……婚約者ではないけれど私の運命の草花に会いたい……なんて、無理があるわね）
(……It’s not my fiancé, but I would like to meet my fated plants…… Just kidding, of course that would be a stretch.）
さて、どうしようか。
コーデリアは困ったとは思う反面、諦めるつもりは全くなかった。
Now then, what to do?
While Cordelia was troubled, she had no intention of giving up.
前世の自由に街中を歩き、自由に研究した記憶が『屋敷に閉じこもっていてはダメ』と言っている。自分はこの世界の常識外の事を行おうとしている。ならば人に頼るだけでは良い結果が出せるとは思わなかった。前世と現世で状況が全然違うのは分かっている。だが実験の成功と好奇心を満たす為にもそんなつまらない理由で目的を妨げられる訳にはいかないのだ。
Her memories of walking around as she wished in town and freely researching in the previous world were telling her『it wasn’t good to stay cooped up in the mansion.』She was operating according to the common sense of that world. That’s why she did not think that it was fine for her to depend on others to come to an acceptable conclusion. She knew that her situation from the past and the present were two entirely different things. But to resolve her experiment and to sate her curiosity, she could not let such trivial reasons disturb her objective.
だがつまらない常識でも立派な令嬢を目指すならば単に無視する事も出来ない。それならば考えるのは決して令嬢としての振舞いから逸脱することなく、しかし外に出るという目的をきっちりと叶える方法を考えなければいけない。
身辺警護もおろそかにならず、父親も納得させられる方法――……。
But if she was to aim at becoming a proper lady, then it would not be fit for her to ignore the trifling common sense outright. Then without fail, she would have to figure out a solution that wouldn’t deviate from the behaviour of a proper lady, but would let her fulfil her objective of going outside.
Without neglecting her escorts, a method that would convince her Father――……。
「あ」
「Ah.」
コーデリアはそこまで考え、たった一つの可能性を思いついた。
After thinking in depth, she realized that there was one possibility.
「イシュマ兄様の遠乗りに御一緒させてもらえれば……」
「If I were able to accompany Brother Ishma on his long ride……」
パメラディア家第三子にして次男、イシュマ・パメラディア。
その人を思い浮かべ、コーデリアはその可能性に賭ける事にした。
The Pameradia family’s third child and second son, Ishma Pameradia.
Recalling this person, Cordelia decided to stake her chances on the possibility.
コーデリアの兄姉には１４歳年上の長兄、そして既に公爵家の次男に嫁いでしまった長兄の双子の妹である姉、そして１２歳年上の次兄の三人がいる。
Cordelia had three siblings; her eldest brother, who was fourteen years her senior; the younger twin of her eldest brother, who had already been promised to the second son of another Duke’s family, her elder sister; and her second elder brother, who was twelve years older than her.
長兄と次兄はそれぞれ１５歳で国軍騎士団の任用試験を通過した騎士である。二人共入団後は騎士団の見習隊である若獅子隊に属し、１８歳で近衛隊に入隊したと聞いている。そんな兄達の出世速度は『疑うまでも無く早い』らしい。
Both of her elder brothers had each taken the entrance examination to the National Chivalric Order at the age of fifteen, and successfully became knights. After joining they were assigned to the apprentice unit called the Young Lions, and afterwards she heard they entered the Imperial Guards at the age of 18. It seemed that the speed of those brothers’ success were『without a doubt, fast.』
コーデリアの教養の師いわく兄達がかつて属した若獅子隊は通常の訓練部隊とは違い、一定以上の身分有る者ばかり集められているという。このような言葉だけを聞くとエコヒイキに聞こえるのだが、若獅子隊の訓練が通常の見習い部隊より厳しい事は騎士の中では常識だ。通常の体術や教養に加え、通常部隊では基本的に行われない魔術応用の演習まで行うなど、不眠不休の鍛錬で２年間みっちりと修練と実務訓練を行う。そのように二年間の課程を終えると一年間、自然が猛威を振るう国境警備隊へと出向し、その後復命した際に若獅子隊員としての総合評価を受ける。その評価によってようやく配属が決定する。
According to Cordelia’s teacher, the Young Lions unit had been a generic practice squad until that point, but after her brothers had joined it became an assembly of only those with high status. Hearing those words caused her to think that they were only being biased, but it was common sense in the Knights that the Young Lions training was much harsher than a normal practice unit’s training. In addition to the general martial arts and studies, unlike normal practice units they trained in applying magic and more, and forging themselves through restless days and nights, they diligently went through drills and practical training for two years. Like that they completed the two year curriculum in only one year, left for the naturally intense work of the Border Patrol, and after returning received the captain of the Young Lions’ comprehensive evaluation. They would finally be assigned accordingly determined by the assessment that they received.
もちろん厳しかろうが身分制度を色濃く反映していることで非貴族階級出身の騎士……主に訓練部隊養成課程所属の騎士から不満を抱かれる事もある。だが高濃度の魔力を秘める高位貴族の出身者を通常の訓練部隊に留めるのは実力の上でも無理が有る。例えば下手に混同させ魔術の演習等しようものなら怪我人が出かねない。故に現状が最適だとされている。もちろん高位貴族が皆一様に高い魔力持ちと言う訳ではない。しかし高位貴族で騎士になろうとする者の家系はほぼ確実に高い魔力を秘めているのだ。それに最終的に実務部隊で若獅子隊出身者と手合わせをした者は、制度そのものに反感を持っていようとも大概認識を改めざるを得ない状況に追い込まれる。実力に差がありすぎるのだ。だから本格的に制度改革が叫ばれたことはこれまで一度もなかった。
Naturally it was severe, but it deeply reflected the caste system of non-aristocratic knights…… The main offenders who held dissatisfaction were knights affiliated to the Training Unit in the training course. However, claiming that the nobles hailing from dignified families with high magic concentration were holding back the normal Training Unit would be unreasonable. For example if they were to poorly merge the magic training sessions together, there would be many injured people as a result. That’s why the current situation was the most optimal. It’s not like all high ranking nobles are equal in having strong magic either. However the high ranking nobles who went on to be knights were pretty much those who possessed strong magic. And of those from the practical units who went to challenge the Young Lions’ unit, even if they had resentment against the system itself, they were in a situation that forced to recognize them without being able to change anything. There was too much of a difference in their abilities. That’s why there hadn’t been any full blown cries for system reform yet.
しかしそんな特殊部隊養成所の若獅子隊出身でも、若獅子隊から隊員が近衛にそのまま入隊する事は稀であるらしい。普通は早くても１，２年別の部隊に所属するそうな。だがその“稀”を兄弟共に遂げて見せた第一近衛部隊副隊長の長兄、そして第二部隊所属の次兄はそれ程に強い、歴代上位の実力者……ということらしい。
But even within the Young Lion’s unit from the special forces training school, there were seldom members chosen to become Imperial Guards. Generally, even if it was hasty, they would be attached to another unit for one or two years. However, achieving that “seldom” was the sub-commanding officer of the First Regiment, the eldest brother, and the second eldest attached to the Second Regiment, showing that they were that powerful, and successors of superior ability holders……Or something accordingly.
話は少し逸れてしまったが、その第二部隊所属の次兄、イシュマは現在１０日に２日の非番が有る。兄は二人共通常宿舎生活を送っているのだが、その日ばかりは実家に帰宅する。そして帰宅するとイシュマは必ず遠乗りに出かけるのだ。彼にとって過酷な勤務を一番癒してくれるのは馬らしい。
The conversation has slightly strayed, but that second brother of the Second Regiment would have two days off duty in ten days time. Both brothers lived their lives in the general lodging house, and only on those days would they return home. Once he returned home, Ishma would head out on a long ride without exception. To him, the best method to heal him from his rigorous work was a horse.
当然実力が実力なので護衛は必要なく――とはいえ一人で行かせる事も屋敷の者としては出来ないらしく、いつも誰かが後を追っているのだが――山深い所へもしばしば赴く。
Naturally he was very capable, so he didn’t require an escort―― And while saying that, it seemed that no one from the mansion was able to keep up with him, and there would always be one chasing after him―― And he would often head towards the area deep in the mountains.
そんなイシュマは以前戯れのようにコーデリアに尋ねた事が有る。
Once before, Ishma had inquired Cordelia something in a playful manner.
「お前もついてくるか？」
「Do you want to come along too?」
その時のコーデリアは突然の事に驚いて返事が出来なかったが、言われた事はよく覚えている。
恐らくイシュマもその事を覚えているだろう。兄達の記憶能力は非常に高い。例え冗談で言っていたとしても、行かないと答えるのが前提の誘いで有ったとしても、一度誘った手前コーデリアが行きたいと希望すれば付いていけないことはないはずだ。
At that time, Cordelia had been too surprised at the suddenness and was unable to reply, but she clearly remembered what she had been told.
It was likely that Ishma remembered that incident as well. The brothers’ memorizing ability was extraordinarily high. Even if he had said it as a joke, and even if he had the assumption that she would refuse, if Cordelia, who was once invited before, said that she wished to accompany him then he couldn’t possibly say that she couldn’t go along with.
そう判断したコーデリアは早速便箋を取り出し、可能な限り丁寧な文字で文を綴った。
字は得意ではないのだが、検閲を受け他人の目に触れる手紙なのだからパメラディアの娘としても美しい文字をしたためなければならない。例え見た人が口外することが無くても、何人にも隙を見せないのが理想と言うもの。
そもそも兄に対する初めてのお願い事なのだから荒い文字なんてとんでもない。
Concluding that, Cordelia immediately pulled out some stationary and composed sentences with carefully written letters.
She wasn’t good with writing the characters, but because her letter would be inspected by another person’s eyes, as a daughter of the Pameradia family so she could only show the most beautiful characters. Even if the person who saw it did not disclose the contents, it was ideal to show the least openings as possible to other people.
In the first place it was her first request to her brother, so roughly made letters were out of the question.
（さて、お兄様のお返事はどうなるかしら）
（Now then, what will Brother’s response be?）
期待を込めて綴った苦手な文字も、今日ばかりは少し生き生きとしてのびやかだった。
With the letters she wrote filled with her hope, while a little restless, today she lived another carefree day.
だが、そんなコーデリアの手紙に兄からの返事は来なかった。
But Cordelia had yet to receive a reply about her letter from her elder brother.
一応近衛の最年少隊員であるイシュマは雑務も多く忙しいらしいと聞いている。だから返事が来ない事もコーデリアには想定出来ていた。そう、承諾はもらえないが返事が無いからと言って断られている訳ではない。結果は兄の帰宅と共にもたらされる事になるのだろう。
She had heard that Ishma was more or less the youngest member of his unit, and was very busy with his assigned duties. That’s why Cordelia was able to predict that she might not receive a reply. Yes, although she hadn’t gotten an acceptance, due to the fact that she had not received a reply, it didn’t mean that she had been rejected. It ended up that she would have to bring it up once her brother arrived back at home.
だからコーデリアはイシュマの非番日をひたすら待ち望んだ。ようやくその日が来ると朝から彼の帰宅が待ち遠しくて仕方が無く、エントランスで外を眺めながらジッと待機していた。
That’s why Cordelia intently waited earnestly for her Ishma’s off duty days. At last the morning of the days when he would return home came, and she had no choice but to await anxiously while staring outside, stationed on standby at the entrance.
本当ならこの時間はレッスンや勉学に励んでいる。しかし手紙を出した翌日からコーデリアは返答が無い中でも頑張ってペースを上げた。そのお陰で今日と明日の二日間は授業を免除されている。
In reality, she would be endeavoring in lessons or studies at this time. But the day after she sent out her letter, while yet to receive a reply, Cordelia did her best and raised her pace. Thanks to that, today and the day after, she was exempted from classes for the two day duration.
父親に関しては作戦を思いついたその日から三日をかけて説得した。
お兄様の遠乗りについて行きたい。コーデリアがそう初めて言った時、父親は非常に渋る様子を見せたが「馬に乗れるのか」という疑問を呟いた程度でそれ以外は了承も却下もされなかった。だからコーデリアは諦めずに許可が下りるまで父親にお願いを続けた。
In regards to her father, she thought of a plan and after three days, she was able to convince him.
I want to accompany Brother on his long ride. At first when Cordelia said those words, her father showed an extremely reluctant appearance and questioned in a murmur,「Can you even ride a horse?」but other than that he didn’t acknowledge or reject her. That’s why without abandoning hope, Cordelia requested from her father until he gave his consent.
そしてそのお願いに父親であるエルヴィスは非常に頭を悩ませていた。
Her father, Elvis, greatly considered her wish in his head.
山は危ない。魔物が出現してもコーデリアでは上手く逃げる手段を持たないだろう。しかしイシュマが同行するのであれば問題は起こらない。実力は知っている。流石にコーデリアが行動範囲を誤れば危険はあるが、娘が聞き訳の無い子供でない事はエルヴィスも把握している。それにイシュマが幼い妹から目を離す程、警戒を怠るとも思えない。イシュマの視野の広さと魔力感知は熟練者を圧倒する程だ。魔物の気配はかなり離れたところからでも気づけるはずなのだ。だから――そのように懸念が無い状況で有るのなら、むしろエルヴィスもこれはチャンスではないかと思うのだ。
The mountain is dangerous. If a monster appeared, it was unlikely that Cordelia had the means to run away skillfully. But if Ishma accompanied her, then no problems would occur. He knew of Ishma’s capabilities. All the same, if he erred in judging Cordelia’s area of activity then it would be dangerous, but Elvis understood that his daughter was a child who rarely asked for things. And, it was unthinkable that Ishma would be negligent in his vigilance to keep an eye on his young sister. The extent of Ishma’s field of vision and his magic perception was at the point that it would overwhelm an expert. Even if a monster was far away, he would be able to feel its presence. That’s why―― If it was a situation like this where there were no worries, rather, Elvis thought that this was a chance.
そう、エルヴィスはコーデリアに乗馬を習わせるきっかけを作りたいという考えていた。遠乗りをしたいと言う自発的な発言をエルヴィスは「馬に興味がある」という意味に受け取っていた。
Yes, Elvis wanted to create an occasion where Cordelia could get used to horse riding. When she voluntarily said that she had wanted to go on the long ride, Elvis took the meaning as「she has an interest in horses.」
この世界では馬は基本的に男性の乗り物であるが、極僅かな騎士の女性以外の貴族女性でも馬に乗る事は許容されている。特別に推奨されている訳ではないが、高貴な趣味の一つとして見なされているのだ。実はこの趣味は年頃になると役立つ。そう、男性と会話をする上で話のきっかけになることだ。男性貴族の場合は女性と違い乗馬スキルが必須とされている。これは馬に乗れて一人前と見なされていた時代の名残である。女性同士で有れば化粧や服飾、観劇や刺繍の話が出来るだろうが、男性相手だと同じようにはなかなかいかない。共通すると言えば食事の話くらいだろうか。もちろん外交や政治の話も悪くはないが、肩の力を抜く事が出来る話も大切だ。きっかけが作りやすい。顔を広めるためにも会話の引き出しは大いに越したことは無い。
Those who ride horses in this world are primarily men, but other than the few female knights it was permissible for noble women to ride horses as well. It wasn’t particularly recommended, but it was overlooked if treated as a high class hobby. As a matter of fact, this hobby was useful when they became of age. Yes, while interacting with a man it could become the start of a conversation. 男性貴族の場合は女性と違い乗馬スキルが必須とされている。これは馬に乗れて一人前と見なされていた時代の名残である。女性同士で有れば化粧や服飾、観劇や刺繍の話が出来るだろうが、男性相手だと同じようにはなかなかいかない。共通すると言えば食事の話くらいだろうか。もちろん外交や政治の話も悪くはないが、肩の力を抜く事が出来る話も大切だ。きっかけが作りやすい。顔を広めるためにも会話の引き出しは大いに越したことは無い。
しかしこのように利益があるスキルである反面、この特技は早めに会得させなければなかなか身に付くものではない。
単に上達までに年数がかかると言うだけの話では無い。もちろんそれもあるが、貴族女性は往々にしてお淑やかな教育を受けている。だから有る程度成長してから初めて馬の背に乗ると、慣れない視界の高さに恐怖を覚え恐れおののき全く技術が向上しないことが多いのだ。だから一人で乗るのではなく例えイシュマに乗せて貰う形をとろうとも、コーデリアをその高さに慣れさせる事が出来るのであればそれに越した事は無い。
まだまだ早いとは思っていたが、いつかは覚えさせようと思っていたその技術。本人が自発的に望むのであれば、それに越した事は無いだろう。もしも乗馬の技術を会得する事が出来れば、それは間違いなくコーデリアの将来にも役に立つ。それをエルヴィスは確信している。それは、いつかコーデリアが為政者となることを想定しているからだ。
エルヴィスとしては当初は……いや、今もコーデリアを王太子の妃にと考えている。だが今は想定通り行かなかった場合は妻の姉、つまりコーデリアの伯母に養子へ出す事も考えている。彼女の伯母であるニルパマ・ウェルトリア女伯は代々女領主が治める領地を持つ伯爵家の現当主。彼女は夫との間に子は居らず、近い血縁関係で言えばコーデリアか公爵家の次男へ嫁いだ長女かの二人しかいない。だからコーデリアが王太子に嫁がなかった場合、女伯が迎える養子としてはコーデリアが最有力だ。コーデリアの姉の夫は次男とはいえ、多く爵位を持つ公爵の息子。公爵とはいかずとも何らかの爵位は継承する事になるだろう。もちろん例え夫が爵位を賜ろうともその妻が爵位を継承できないという事はない。だがコーデリアを王家に嫁がせないのであれば、彼女に継承させ婿をとらせれる流れが一番スムーズだ。
無意識のうちに自身が「どうすればコーデリアが正当な理由で手元に残るか」という事を計算していることを考えず、エルヴィスはただ彼女の将来の為に情報を得る術を与えておきたいと考える。
……だが前提としてこのエルヴィスの考えは一般的な貴族の思考から少し外れている。そもそも女性が伯爵を継ぐのは稀なケースなので、一般的に『年頃に役立つ』といわれている所以は結婚を考えたときに相手と会話を弾ませることが出来るようになるからである。そしてそれは単に『結婚相手の候補と弾む会話を楽しむ』ためだけではなく、『デートの口実に遠乗りを提案する』『親密になれる』など色々な特典が付いてくるからなのだが、エルヴィスはまだその事は考慮していなかった。それこそコーデリアにはまだ早過ぎるという事が無意識のうちにそのような思考を妨げていたのだが、そもそもエルヴィスは乗馬が出来ようが出来まいが、互いに馬が好きであろうが埋まらない溝が有ると言う事を知っている。だから例え知っていたとしても考えることもなかったのだ。もしもそれが本当に心通わせる原因となるのであれば、現在パメラディア夫妻がこれほど距離を置くはずがなかたのだろうから。
だから例え乗馬を覚えたとしても打算的な付き合いの、それも表面上のきっかけ程度にしかならないだろうという事はエルヴィスも理解している。だが、それで良い。きっかけさえ作ることが出来れば、その後どう繋がりを持つかという判断を下す事が出来る。後は交流を持つにふさわしい、信用有る発言をする相手かを見極めるのは当人の力量次第だ。きっかけすらなければ繋がりを持つか、完全に切るかを判断する事も出来ないのだから。
もちろん純粋に馬を好むエルヴィスとしては娘が同じく馬を好むとなればそれも悪くないと思うのだが、やはり少々危険性についても不安がある。『やはりまだコーデリアは幼い。考え直すべきか』等色々思う事はあるのだが、自身が馬に初めて乗った時の年齢を考えれば問題無いとも思う。自分よりも利口であろうコーデリアなら尚更問題はないだろう……そう、エルヴィスは多少の親馬鹿を含めつつ最終的に結論付けた。こうしてエルヴィスはついに折れ『イシュマが良いと言えばかまわない』という答えをコーデリアに与えた。
もっとも此処までエルヴィスが考えていようともコーデリアはそんな父の胸の内なんて知った事ではなかったのだが。
ちなみにエルヴィスはコーデリアに答えを与えると同時に、要約すると『連れて行くのであればくれぐれも危険の無いよう』との手紙をすぐにイシュマ送ったのだが、その事はコーデリアには伝えられていない。手紙を受け取ったイシュマが半ば脅迫じみた手紙に見えたと思った事も、コーデリアには知らされていない。
何がともあれエルヴィスがその判断を委ねた事により、コーデリアが外出できるか否かは全てイシュマ次第ということになった。
（早くご帰宅なさって下さらないかしら）
（Won’t he return home sooner?）
いつも通りならイシュマが午前中に帰宅するという事はまず無いのだが『もしかしたら早めに帰ってくるかもしれない』と言う期待からコーデリアはただただ動かずイシュマを待ち続けた。珍しくエントランスから動こうとしないコーデリアに使用人達は『お嬢様が子供らしい行動をされるのは珍しい』と微笑ましく思ったのだが、彼らは何も言わなかった。コーデリアがその様子を知っていれば話し相手になって欲しいと思ったかもしれないが、生憎パメラディアの使用人は基本的に使用人の鏡で有り、例え相手が子供でも無駄口を叩かない主義である。だからコーデリアはイシュマの帰宅を今か今かと時が長いと感じながら待ちわびていた。
結局イシュマがその日帰宅したのは何時も通り、昼を少し過ぎてからの事だった。
当直明けに書類を片付けてきたらしいイシュマはただでさえも赤い目を更に赤くしているようにコーデリアには見えた。
イシュマは瞳以外の見目は長兄とは違い父に似ず、少し垂れ目で髪は栗毛、長身であるものの着痩せもするようでやや線の細い印象を受ける。そして前世の記憶に頼る言い方をするなら『チャラい』ようにも見える。きっちりと騎士服を着こなし、髪を後ろに撫で固めている正真正銘の騎士様なのだが、何故か空気が必要以上に柔らかく見える。その様子からコーデリアはもしも城下町にイシュマにファンクラブなるものが出来ていても何ら不思議ではないと思う。
だが流石にイシュマもパメラディア家の者である。浮ついた噂は今のところひとつもない。
心配するほどに、ない。
それはさておき、そんなイシュマも体力は十分すぎる程にあり、今はこれほどに疲れた様子を見せていても二刻程眠れば十分に体力を戻し動き回る。見かけによらず実に頑丈な兄である。
「随分首を長くして待っていたみたいだね。コーデリア」
「お勤めお疲れ様です、イシュマお兄様」
「You seem to be on quite the alert while waiting, Cordelia.」
「Good work, Brother Ishma.」
どうやらコーデリアの出迎えの意味を察したイシュマは苦笑いを隠さなかった。
「手紙の件は本気かい？」
「Is what the letter said true?」
背の低い妹に合わせ片膝を折るイシュマは唯一そっくりな赤い目でコーデリアの真意を探る。
少し細められた目にコーデリアは思わず息を詰めそうになるが、
「ええ、もちろんですわっ！」
「Yes, of course it is!」
負けじと大きな兄の右手を両手で持ち上げるとそのままコーデリアも勢いを落とさない。
「ねえ、お兄様。私も連れて行って下さいませ。シーヴェルフの森に行ってみたいのです」
「書庫と父上にべったりの妹が俺を指名してくれるとは。しかも森とは……母上に影響を受けたのかい？」
「母上？……お兄様はお母様にお会いされていますの？」
「Say, Elder Brother. Please take me along with you. I would like to go see the Seaverph Forest.」
「To think that my sister who was attached to the library and Father would designate me for the job. But the forest is…… I wonder if this is our Mother’s influence?」
「Mother? ……Have you met Mother before, Brother?」
想像もしていなかった問いかけにコーデリアは驚きイシュマに尋ね返してしまった。
滅多に会うことは無いが、もちろんコーデリアは母親を知らない訳ではない。母親はイシュマや姉と同じ柔らかな栗毛の髪を持つ美しい人だ。歩く動作ひとつだけでも気品が漂っておりその存在感は凄まじい。コーデリアの行儀作法の先生も美しい動作を教えてくれるが、先生と比べても……いや、比べられない程に洗練された美しさを携えている。何処がと口に出す事は難しいが、いうなればその存在そのものがという所だろうか。
コーデリアが美しさを追求するというのなら、彼女のような“お手本”が身近に存在する事はどんなレッスンを受けるよりも本来ならば意味があるだろう。だがその『本来ならば』と言葉が付いてしまう事が問題である。コーデリアは自らの母親とほとんど話をした事が無い。
コーデリアと母親の関係は極めて希薄で、屋敷で稀にすれ違う程度の関係だ。３歳の大病を患った時でさえ見舞われた事もない。すれ違ってもコーデリアが礼をとる程度で、母親から声を掛けられた事は無い。
だがそんな母親に対しコーデリアは幾度も接触しようと試み続けて来た。その理由第一の理由は恐ろしい未来を回避するためだ。パメラディア伯爵夫人となればパメラディア家で第二位の発言権を持つはずである。もしも彼女が父親と同じようにコーデリアに対し未来の王妃の座を求めるのならば、あるいは当然の事項として考えているのであればコーデリアとしても接触しない訳にはいかなかった。
だがそんな思いとは裏腹にコーデリアは未だ彼女への接触を成功させていない。会おうとアポイントメントをとろうとしても、いつも母親の侍女が断りの伝言を持ってくるだけだった。結局そんな事をしているうちにコーデリアも母親との接触を諦めてしまった。
しかし諦めたのは決して自分の未来を諦めるからではない。その逆だ。
コーデリアは自身の未来に母親の存在は何ら影響しない事に気付いてしまたのだ。
コーデリアは彼女との接触成功の為に子供らしく侍女に母親の話をせがんだりもした。だが少しずつ得た情報をまとめると、どうやら母親は『根本的にパメラディアの家に興味が無い』ことが分かったのだ。愛も憎悪も全て父親が対象、という具合で、家には興味がないようなのだ。
侍女から聞いた言葉は非常に遠まわしで、そして大分遠慮がちではあったが、要約すると『母は騎士だった父に惚れて母の父に頼みこむ形で自身を売り込み、婚姻を成立させた』『しかし父は物語の騎士のようには女性に対して優しくレディファーストな訳ではなかった』『おまけに陛下を護衛した際に負った傷が原因で騎士も辞してしまった』『騎士を辞めても父親は相変わらず夫婦らいし様子を見せようとしない為ツンとした態度をとっている』というのだ。むしろ『何か困ったことでも起きればいいんだわ』といった調子で夫人としての務めはしないらしい。
だから四歳になる前にコーデリアは母親と接触することをあきらめたのだが、どこかで『ゲームのコーデリアの我儘な振舞いは母親譲りなのか』と妙に納得してしまった。……いや、父親にも『お前は王太子に嫁ぐ』と言われ続けていたから『私がなって当然』と思っていたのかもしれないけれど。ただ、厳しく言い続けたとしても父親はヒロインを陰湿に苛めろとは言わないだろうとコーデリアは思った。
しかし母親も気に食わないのならばいっそ離縁したほうが良いのではないか。少なくとも父親は気にしないだろうとコーデリアも思ったが、それは母親のプライドが許さないのだとも推測される。恐らく父親が妻に逃げられたと周囲に見られることは無く、逆に母親が離縁されたと映る可能性の方が高い事は想像に難くない。対外的に父親はデキる人なのだ。社交界に一切姿を見せない母親の方が奇特に映っても不思議ではない。
けれど彼女の仕草は貴族のそれそのものだ。だから周囲にそのようにみられるのを嫌うだろう。例え式典であっても『病欠』する有様だが、家の中……例えば廊下であろうとも絶対に高貴な空気だけは外さない。プライドが高いのだろう。だから現状維持に努めている。そうとしか考えられなかった。そう考えるとコーデリアが生まれたのは奇跡に近いのではないか。……まぁ、『父親に興味を示されない事に拗ねている母親』であれば父に声をかけられればそれだけで機嫌が幾分マシになるのかもしれないが……そんな事はコーデリアには分からない事であるし、あまり分かりたいとも思えなかった。
そんなに気になるなら、自分から話しかけるように努めれば良いのに。そう思ってしまうからだ。自分が母親に会えれば橋渡しにもなれるだろうが、あって貰えないのだからどうしようもない。幸か不幸か父親に気にした様子がないのでそれ以上気を遣うつもりもないのだが。
とにかくコーデリアは前述の理由故に接触ミッションを一時中断させた。ひたすら拒否される状況下で打開策が見当たらなかったし、自分の不利益になり得無いと分かった以上、嫌がる相手に無理やり会おうとすることも気が引けた。もしも自分が会いたくないと言っている相手にしつこく面会要求をされるのは気分が良くない。
もしもコーデリアが本当に純粋な三歳児なのであればどう考えていたのかは分からない。だが前世の記憶のあるコーデリアはある程度人付き合いの雰囲気を感覚で覚えている。嫌がる相手に突進を続けた所で良い方向に転ぶことはまずないだろう。
ちなみにコーデリアの記憶は全てハッキリを覚えているという訳では無い。特に家族や友人に至る人間関係及び人物像……それから自分がどのように前世を終えたのか、ヴェールをかぶったようにハッキリ見えない。ゲームの登場人物を覚えていたのに、学校での様子や何をしていたかは覚えているのに、何故なのだろうと思う。しかしそのような事も深くは考えないようにしている。前世の記憶で使えるものは遠慮なく使うつもりだが、知らない記憶を無理に掘り起こすのは気が進まない。現在はこの世界が自分の生きる世界だ。仮に前世の人間関係を思い出しても……何も出来ることは無いだろう。思い出したことを後悔するようなことになる可能性だってある。
（前世は前世。仕方がないことだわ）
（The past is the past. It can’t be helped.）
そもそも思い出した記憶事態に自分が『死んだ』記憶がない。そう思えば思い出したいとも思えなかった。
（……って、今はそうじゃなくて）
（……Now is not the time for this.）
今は兄から聞いた母のことが意外な情報だったのだ。
まるでイシュマはコーデリアと母親が充分にコミュニケーションをとれる関係にあると思っている風である。それは少なくともイシュマが母親と会話をしている故の見解なのだろう。しかしイシュマが母親に会っているとなればコーデリアの考えは『母親はパメラディア家に興味が無い』という事自体が間違っていると言うことになるからだ。
その驚きのままにコーデリアはイシュマに尋ね返したのだが、イシュマはそんな妹を見て表情を硬くした。
「……お兄様？」
「いや、何でも無い。遠乗りへは明日行こう。朝露のきらめく森は綺麗だから、出発は早い時間だよ」
「え、ええ」
「悪いが少し寝てくる。コーデリアも部屋に戻りなさい」
「……Brother?」
「No, it’s nothing. We’ll set out tomorrow. Because the woods sparkling with morning dew is a beautiful sight, we’ll leave early in the morning.」
「Y-yes.」
「Excuse me, but I’ll be heading to sleep. You should also return to your room, Cordelia.」
コーデリアの期待とは対照的に言葉を濁したイシュマはコーデリアの頭を一撫ですると立ちあがり、屋敷の奥へと消えて行った。
（……やはり聞いてはいけない事だったのかしら）
（……As I thought, maybe that was something I wasn’t supposed to hear.）
明らかに子供相手の誤魔化しに走ったイシュマを見送りつつ、コーデリアはこっそりとため息をついた。
……まぁ、どんな理由であれ幼い我が子を避ける母親の話を聞きたがる娘相手に理由を説明する事は難しいだろう。母親を非難するわけにもいかないし、コーデリアが悪いと思わない言い回しでなければいけない。
コーデリアは自室に戻りながら、自分がどこか落胆している事に気がついた。
As Cordelia was returning to her room, she realized she was feeling dejected.
自分がというよりは、『本当に３歳のコーデリアが』というような……身体の、心の一部が痛むような不思議な感覚で有った。そして驚いた。顔を合わすだけの限りなく他人に近い相手だと自分で思っていたはずなのに、落胆する自分が……自分では無い、自分が身体の中に存在することに。コーデリアは口を引き結んだ。
「“貴族たるもの、時に感情を押し殺す事も必要です”だったっけ」
「”For those who are qualified as nobles, there are times when you must suppress your emotions,” something like that.」
そしてパタンとドアを閉めながら、何度も言われて来た嗜みの一つを小さく呟いた。動揺は顔に出してはダメだと、駆け引きも負けるし相手に見下げられる原因になると言われていたのに、今はそれが出来ている自信がなかった。むしろ恐らく全て表情に出てしまっているだろう。完璧な令嬢になるにはまだまだ道は険しそうだ。そう思いつつ、コーデリアは先ほどとは違い深くため息をついた。
（今日はレッスンが何も無くて良かったな）
（It’s good that there aren’t any lessons today.）
もし見つかっていたら恰好がつかないところだった。そう思いながらゆっくりと部屋の中を進み窓に寄ると、薄いレースのカーテンをすっと閉めた。
今日は朝からはしゃぎ過ぎ、少し疲れてしまっただけだ。そんな時に母親の事を兄に出されたから、少し動揺してしまっただけだ。深く気にしている訳ではない。そう思いながらゆっくりと、それでも貴族の令嬢としては非常に行儀悪くベッドに倒れ込んだ。
（大丈夫、眠って起きたら頭はきっとすっきりする――）
（It’s fine, once I go to sleep and wake up my head will feel better――）
だがそんなコーデリアの思いを邪魔するかのように、瞑った目の奥の暗い世界から小さな声がコーデリアに語り始める。
ねえ、お母様は家に興味がないんじゃなくて、貴女の事が嫌いなだけじゃない？
――うるさいなぁ。
Hey, if Mother isn’t interested in the house, doesn’t that just mean that she hates you?
――You’re noisy.
あなたのお母さんでしょう？お兄様には会ってるっていうのに、寂しくないの？
――だったらどうしろっていうのよ？
She’s your mother right? Even though she met with Brother, aren’t you lonely?
――Then what are you saying I should do?
煩い思考を振り払うかのようにコーデリアは一度寝返りを打ち、うっすらと目を開いた。たなびくカーテンが何かを訴えているようにも見えた。
To shake off the noisy thoughts, Cordelia rolled over once and slightly opened her eyes. It looked to her as if the hanging curtains were accusing her of something.
「………」
「………」
ばさり、ばさり。窓を閉じずに閉めたカーテンは声を立てていないのに、何かを強く訴えようとしている。
Rustle, rustle. Without closing the window, the shut curtains were not raising any voices, but they were strongly accusing her of something.
（……そうよ、何も思わないわ。寂しいような感情は嘘、私は一番彼女を反面教師にしなければならないのだから。自分の思い通りにならないからと意地を張る女性になんてならない。自分で障害を取り除く女性になる。それが例えこの世界の普通でなくとも――私は私の手で幸せを掴みとる）
（……That’s right, I don’t think anything of it. These feelings of loneliness are a lie, because I must learn from the best woman’s negative example. (?) Just because things don’t move as I want, I will not become a woman who exerts her will. I will become a woman who removes her obstacles. Even if it’s out of the ordinary in this world――I will grab hold unto happiness with my own hands.）
ようやくやって来た眠気にコーデリアは身を任せた。
Cordelia succumbed herself to the long awaited drowsiness.
（……はやく立派な令嬢になろう。感情に惑わされることなく、前を見据えられる令嬢に――）
（……Let’s become a proper lady quickly. Without being confused by my feelings, and keeping my gaze in front――）
薄れゆく意識の中でそう小さく決意しながら。
In her dimming consciousness, she made her small resolution.
Those who ride horses in this world are primarily men, but other than the few female knights it was permissible for noble women to ride horses as well. It wasn’t particularly recommended, but it was overlooked if treated as a high class hobby. As a matter of fact, this hobby was useful when they became of age. Yes, while interacting with a man it could become the start of a conversation. In the case of noble men, unlike the ladies, horseback riding was an indispensable skill. This was a remnant of the era in which riding a horse was regarded as coming of age. If among fellow ladies, then they would be able to talk about cosmetics, clothing and accessories, about the theatre or embroidery, but it won’t go as well with a man as an opponent. If speaking of common things, it was perhaps about meals only. Of course, conversations about diplomacy or politics weren’t bad too, but conversations that would allow one to relax were important as well. They were easier to create opportunities by. In order to spread her face around as well, there was nothing better than adding to her chest of conversation topics.
However, while this was a beneficial skill in this world, on the other hand, this special skill wasn’t something that was easy to master, unless it was mastered earlier on.
It wasn’t as simple as just taking many years to improve. Of course, there was that too, but noble women often receive ladylike education. So when they get on a horse’s back for the first time after growing up to a certain extent, it is common that they would feel fear from the unfamiliar height of the field of vision, tremble with fear, and not be able to improve in the skill at all. That’s why, even if she was not riding alone, but for example it was in the form of getting Ishma to let her ride with him, if it would let Cordelia get used to that height, then there would be nothing better.
He did think that it was still a bit early, but it was a skill that he intended to let her learn someday. If the person herself voluntarily wished for it, then there was nothing better than that, was there? If she was able to master the skills of horseback riding, it would without any doubt come in hand for Cordelia’s future as well. Elvis was convinced of that. That was because he assumed that Cordelia would become a ruler one day.
To Elvis, he at first…… no, even now he thinks of Cordelia as the crown prince’s princess. However now, in the case things didn’t go as he planned, he’s also thinking of giving her to his wife’s elder sister, in other words, Cordelia’s aunt, as an adopted child. Her aunt, Countess Nilpama Wertiria, is the current head of an earl House in possession of a territory governed by female lords for generations. She has no children between her and her husband, and if speaking of close blood relatives, there were only Cordelia and his eldest daughter who was marrying the second son of a duke House, those two. That’s why, in the case that Cordelia didn’t marry the crown prince, Cordelia was the top choice as the adopted child welcomed by the Countess. Even if Cordelia’s elder sister’s husband was the second son, he was the son of a duke, who had a high court rank. Even if he wasn’t going to become a duke, he will most likely still inherit some kind of court rank. Of course, even if the husband was bestowed a title, it wasn’t that his wife won’t be able to inherit a title. However, if Cordelia wasn’t going to marry into the royal family, then the course of events of making her inherit the title and get a son-in-law was the smoothest.
Not even subconsciously thinking of calculating “how to make Cordelia remain at hand?” Elvis was only thinking of wanting to give her the means to obtain information, for the sake of her future.
…… But this assumption of Elvis differs a little from the general nobility. In the first place, it is a rare case for a lady to succeed as an Earl, so the common reason that horseback riding is said to be of help “when they come of age” is that, when the time came to think about marriage, it will aid in making conversations. And not only just to “enjoy the conversation with the marriage partner candidate”, but it will also “become an excuse to propose long rides as dates”, and such many benefits in order for the two to “get closer to each other”, however, Elvis still wasn’t taking such considerations in mind yet. The thought that it was still too early for Cordelia subconsciously prevented him from doing so, but also in the first place, Elvis knew that aside from whether Cordelia could master horseback riding or not, and whether they mutually will have an interest in horses or not, there existed an obstacle that might not be able to be overcome. Therefore, even if for example he knew for sure, he still didn’t consider it. If horseback riding could truly become a reason for breaking through to the heart, then there wouldn’t have been such distance between the current Pameradia husband and wife.
That’s why, even for example if Cordelia managed to learn horseback riding, Elvis understands well that in a calculated relationship, this cannot become more than an opportunity on the surface only. However, even if that’s the case it is still fine. If you can create an opportunity, you can decide after how to go about making a connection. After that, for the one making the conversation, the decision of whether the other party is befitting to make trusted conversation with, is up to the abilities of the other person. After all, without an opportunity, it won’t be possible to determine whether to have a connection with them, or completely cut them off.
Of course, for Elvis who genuinely loves horses, if his daughter came to love horses as well, then he would think that it wasn’t bad at all, but would still in the end be concerned about the dangers involved. He has various things to think about, like “As I thought, Cordelia is still young. Perhaps I should reconsider” but, thinking back to the age at which he himself started riding horses, he would think that there wouldn’t be any problems. If it was Cordelia who was even smarter than he was, then probably all the more there wouldn’t be any problems…… Right, including some doting in, Elvis eventually came to a conclusion. That’s how finally Elvis gave in and gave the reply “If Ishma said it was fine, then I wouldn’t mind” to Cordelia.
But then, even if Elvis had thought all the way till there, Cordelia didn’t know what went through the heart of such a father, though.
Incidentally, at the same time Elvis gave his answer to Cordelia, he immediately sent a letter to Ishma that said, in short, “If you’re going to take her with you, don’t let any dangers befall her”, but that wasn’t told to Cordelia. The fact that Ishma thought that it looked like a threat letter half way through, also wasn’t told to Cordelia.
In any case, rather than leaving it to Elvis’s decision, whether Cordelia could go out or not, it all became dependent on Ishma.
(Won’t he return home sooner?）
If as usual, then Ishma coming home in the morning almost didn’t happen, but hoping that “maybe he would return home early” Cordelia didn’t move and just kept on waiting for Ishma. Seeing Cordelia who was unusually not moving away from the entrance, the servants thought, “Ojou-sama acting like a child is rare” heartwarmingly, but they didn’t say anything. They might have thought that if Cordelia knew about this situation, she would want them to become her conversation partner, but unfortunately, the Pameradia’s servants were the reflection of a servant, and wouldn’t strike up idle talk on principle, even if the other party were a child. That’s why, while feeling that the time wasn’t passing fast enough, thinking maybe now… maybe now, Cordelia continued to wait impatiently for Ishma’s return home.
In the end, Ishma’s return home that day was as usual, a little after noon.
Isham, who apparently came after taking care of official documents after his duty, looked to Cordelia as if his originally red eyes were even redder.
Ishma’s appearance, with the exception of his pupils was, unlike their elder brother, similar to their father, with slightly drooping eyes and chestnut coloured hair, and was tall as well as slender, slightly giving off the impression of a thin line. And if she was speaking in the terms by relying on her memories of her previous life, then he looked like a “player”, too. He was a genuine knight-sama, dressed sharply in a knight’s uniform with his hair slicked back, but for some reason the air surrounding him looked softer than necessary. From this appearance, even if the castle town had a fan club for Ishma, Cordelia wouldn’t find it strange.
But as expected, Ishma is also a member of the Pameradia House. There were no rumors floating about him at the moment.
None, to the extent that makes one worries.
Leaving that aside, this Ishma has enough stamina as to be too much, and even if he showed this much exhausted appearance right now, if he sleeps for as much as he can, he would have recovered enough strength to be up and moving around. He’s a really sturdy elder brother, despite his appearance.
「You seem to be on quite the alert while waiting, Cordelia.」
「Good work, Brother Ishma.」
Ishma, who apparently guessed the meaning behind Cordelia’s reception, didn’t hid his bitter smile.
「Is what the letter said true?」
Folding one knee to match his shorter younger sister’s height, Ishma searched Cordelia’s unique red eyes, similar to his, for her true intentions.
At those slightly narrowed eyes, Cordelia involuntarily caught her breath, however,
Not about to lose, Cordelia lifted her elder brother’s big right hand with both of hers, and just like that didn’t let her spirit drop.
「Say, Elder Brother. Please take me along with you. I would like to go see the Seaverph Forest.」
「To think that my sister who was attached to the library and Father would designate me for the job. But the forest is…… I wonder if this is our Mother’s influence?」
「Mother? ……Have you met Mother before, Brother?」
The relationship between Cordelia and their mother was extremely thin, as it was only a relationship to the degree of rarely passing each other in the mansion. She didn’t even visit her when she was suffering from the serious illness when she was 3 years old. Even when they pass by each other and Cordelia greets her, her mother never called out to her.
At the unexpected question, Cordelia asked the surprised Ishma a question in return.
Although it is not that they seldom meet, it is not like Cordelia doesn’t know her mother. Their mother was a beautiful who had the same soft brown hair as Ishma and their elder sister. She had an amazing presence that exuded elegance with even just a single step she took. Cordelia’s etiquette teacher is also teaching her how to walk beautifully however, compared to her teacher, too…… No, she carried a beauty so refined that it cannot be compared. It would be difficult to put to words which part of it exactly, but if someone would, then it would probably be her very own existence itself.
If Cordelia was to pursue beauty, then making such a close existence a “role model” would be, under normal circumstances, more meaningful than taking any lessons. However, the problem poses itself here with the words “under normal circumstances”. Cordelia has almost never spoken with her own mother.
The relationship between Cordelia and her mother is extremely thin, and does not go past rarely passing by each other in the mansion. She did not visit her even when Cordelia was suffering from that severe illness when she was three years old. Even if they happened to pass by each other, and Cordelia went to the extent of greeting her, her mother never said anything to her.
But even for such a mother, Cordelia continued to attempt contacting her. The most prominent reason for that was for the sake of avoiding a terrible future. If she were to become the Pameradia Countess, then she would have the second largest right to speak in the Pameradia House. If her mother, like her father, wanted Cordelia to obtain the position of the future Queen, or perhaps even thinks of it as a matter of course, then it wouldn’t do for Cordelia as well to not have any contact with her.
However, contrary to such thoughts, Cordelia is still yet not successful in contacting her. Even if she tried to make an appointment in order to meet with her, it was always just her mother’s maidservant who would bring back her mother’s refusal. In the end, while doing this, Cordelia gave up on contacting her mother.
But, giving up was by no means because she gave up on her own future. It was just the opposite of that.
It was because Cordelia realized that her mother’s presence did not have any impact on her own future.
In order to succeed in contacting her, Cordelia had childishly pestered the maidservant for stories about her mother. But when she put together the information she was able to obtain little by little, she understood that apparently her mother has “fundamentally no interest in the Pameradia household. The subject of all of her love and hate being Cordelia’s father, in such a condition, it seemed that she had no interest in the House.
The words heard from the maid were very indirect, and were said with great reserve, but to summarize “Mother who fell in love with Father who was a knight, requested earnestly from her father while appealing herself, and got him to arrange their marriage”, “However, Father was not the gentle to all women, ladies-first, fairytale knight”, “On top of that, because of the injury he suffered while escorting His Majesty, he had to resign from being a knight”, “Father, who quit being a knight, as usual, in order to not show his uncertainty to his wife, took a cold attitude with her” is what she said. Rather, saying, “It would be good if something bad was to happen”, with this attitude, she doesn’t fulfill her duties as a wife, it seems.
That’s why, even before turning four years old, Cordelia had already given up on contacting her mother, but somewhere in her mind, she came to the weird understanding that “the in-game Cordelia’s selfish behavior was inherited from her mother, huh”. ……No, perhaps it was because her father also kept on saying that “you will marry the Crown Prince” that she came to think “It is natural that I will become his wife”. However, even if he continued to speak strictly, Cordelia though that it can’t be said that he treated the Heroine unkindly.
Nonetheless, if her mother too were unable to stand the way things are, then wouldn’t it be better to sooner get a divorce? At least, Cordelia thought that her father wouldn’t mind, but estimated that her mother’s pride didn’t allow that. Most probably, that her father wasn’t seen around her mother wasn’t because he was running away from his wife, conversely, the likelihood that her mother was projecting being divorced, being higher wasn’t hard to imagine. On the outside, her father was a capable person. It was no wonder that her mother, who has never once shown up in high society, appeared to be more praiseworthy.
However, her temperament was something nobles would have. That’s why, she would hate that it was seen by those around her this way. If there was a ceremony, she would still give an excuse of being “sick”, but inside the house…… for example in the hallway of the house, no matter what, she would never drop her high class air. She has a high pride, after all. That’s why she works hard at maintaining the current state of things. She didn’t think of anything other than that. If you think about it in this way, wasn’t Cordelia being born something that was close to a miracle? ……Anyways, if it was “her mother who was pouting by not showing interest in her father”, then calling out to her father, with that alone it might somewhat improve her mood, but…… it was not something that Cordelia understood, and didn’t think about wanting to understand it either.
If she was bothered by it this much, then it would be better if she made the effort to go talk to her herself. It was because she thought like that. If she herself could meet her mother, then that itself might become a bridge between them, but it was because she couldn’t meet her that there was nothing she could do. Since for better or worse her father didn’t seem to care, she didn’t intend to worry about it more than this.
Anyways, due to the aforementioned reasons, Cordelia had to suspend the contacting mission for the time being. She wasn’t able to find a breakthrough under the circumstances of being continuously rejected, and aside from coming to understand that it won’t become a disadvantage to herself, she also felt awkward trying to forcefully meet an unwilling person. If the person themselves were saying that they didn’t want to meet, then persistently requesting to meet with them wouldn’t feel good.
If Cordelia was truly a genuine three-years-old child, then it was unknown what she would have thought. But Cordelia, who had the memories of her previous life, remembered to a certain extent in her senses the atmosphere of socializing. Continuing t rush an unwilling opponent was unlikely to end in a good way.
Incidentally, it is not as if Cordelia’s remembered everything clearly. Especially the people she was close with and what they looked like…… that, and also as if there was a vail covering it, she couldn’t remember clearly how her previous life ended. Even though she remembered the characters that appeared in the game, even though she could remember what her school looked like and what she did, she wondered why. However, she decided to not think too deeply about the matter. She intended to unreservedly use anything that could be used of the memories of her previous life, but she didn’t feel inclined to try and forcibly dig up the missing memories. This world is the world that she lived in now. Even if she did remember the people she had been close with…… there was nothing she could do. The possibility that she would regret remembering existed, after all.
（The past is the past. It can’t be helped.）
In the first place, within the memories she remembered currently, there was no memories of “dying”. Thinking of this, she never thought of wanting to remember.
（……Now is not the time for this.）
What she heard from her elder brother just now was unexpected information about their mother.
It was in a manner as if Ishma thought that Cordelia and their mother were in a relationship where they had plenty of communication. At the very least, it was an opinion that had to have originated because of Ishma having conversations with their mother. However, if Ishma had indeed met their mother, then Cordelia’s idea itself that “her mother had no interest in the Pameradia House” would have to be wrong.
With such astonishment, Cordelia returned a question to Ishma, but seeing his little sister like that, his expression stiffened.
「……Brother?」
「No, it’s nothing. We’ll set out tomorrow. Because the woods sparkling with morning dew is a beautiful sight, we’ll leave early in the morning.」
「Y-yes.」
「Excuse me, but I’ll be heading to sleep. You should also return to your room, Cordelia.」
Ishma, whose words were heavy as opposed to Cordelia’s expectations, stroked her head once and stood up, then disappeared to the inside of the mansion.
（……As I thought, maybe that was something I wasn’t supposed to hear.）
Seeing off Ishma who clearly ran away in order to deceive the child her, Cordelia sighed inwardly.
……Well, whatever reason a mother had to avoid her young child, it would be difficult to explain that reason to the daughter who wanted to hear about her mother. Since it wouldn’t do to blame their mother, it wouldn’t have don’t not to express to Cordelia to not feel bad about it.
As Cordelia was returning to her room, she realized she was feeling dejected.
Rather than herself, it seems that the “truly three years old Cordelia”…… felt a strange feeling similar to pain in a part of her body, her heart. And she was surprised. She was supposed to have only thought of her as a stranger with more than just a similar face who was close to her, but her dejected self…… not herself, it was the other existence within her body. Cordelia pulled a mouth.
「”For those who are qualified as nobles, there are times when you must suppress your emotions,” something like that.」
And while letting the door slam behind her, she muttered a piece of common sense that she had been told many times. Even though she had been told that she shouldn’t let her agitation show on her face, and that letting her strategies show would cause her opponents to look down on her, right now she had no confidence that she would be able to do that. In fact, more likely it would all show on her face. The road to becoming a flawless lady was still very long, it seems. Thinking of that, Cordelia let out a deep sigh that was different from the one she let out just before.
（It’s good that there aren’t any lessons today.）
Because if she was found out, then she wouldn’t have been able to keep her composure. While thinking like that, she slowly crossed the room and approached the window, then quickly shut the thin lace curtains.
She was only a bit tired because she had been in high spirits since morning today. She was only a bit upset because her elder brother had brought up their mother at such a time. It is not as if she was deeply concerned about it. Even while slowly thinking like this, she still collapsed on the bed in a way that would have been considered bad manners for a noble lady.
（It’s fine, once I go to sleep and wake up my head will feel better――）
But as if to interfere with the thought of Cordelia who was like that, a small voice from the dark world behind her shut eyes started to speak to her.
Hey, if Mother isn’t interested in the house, doesn’t that just mean that she hates you?
――You’re noisy.
She’s your mother right? Even though she met with Brother, aren’t you lonely?
――Then what are you saying I should do?
To shake off the noisy thoughts, Cordelia rolled over once and slightly opened her eyes. It looked to her as if the hanging curtains were accusing her of something.
「………」
Rustle, rustle. Without closing the window, the shut curtains were not raising any voices, but they were strongly accusing her of something.
（……That’s right, I don’t think anything of it. These feelings of loneliness are a lie, because I must learn from the best woman’s negative example. (?) (mojotranslations put a question mark there because they weren’t sure of the sentence’s translation, so I decided to translate it as well. My TL: because I should learn the most from her negative example.) Just because things don’t move as I want, I will not become a woman who exerts her will. I will become a woman who removes her obstacles. Even if it’s out of the ordinary in this world――I will grab hold unto happiness with my own hands.）
Cordelia succumbed herself to the long awaited drowsiness.
（……Let’s become a proper lady quickly. Without being confused by my feelings, and keeping my gaze in front――）
In her dimming consciousness, she made her small resolution.
