So she had a fight with her parents.
Anyone who lives in the capital would instantly know what that means. This isn’t like your normal fight between parent and child. A fight between parent and child in the historied and prominent Floyd family could have repercussions for the whole capital.
I have Sieglinde sit on the sofa and head to the kitchen. I come back with warm coffee, and see exhaustion on her face.
…It must have been a pretty big verbal battle, if it led to her leaving home.
“Sorry… for barging in all of a sudden.”
Sieglinde takes the mug, and whispers while looking at the steam.
“Don’t worry about it. So what happened? Have you ever fought with your parents?”
At the very least, I don’t remember ever hearing about it back when we were in school. If that happened then, I feel like she would have had no problem telling me.
“No… It’s just…”
Sieglinde is evasive, and sips her coffee.
“…It’s hot. But has a calming taste.”
Sieglinde looks at the table. I’m curious, but I’ll just watch over her and say nothing. I’m not in any position to say anything. I keep bothering and worrying her.
“Ahh…”
I don’t know how much time passes, but she lets out a big sigh. And just as I’m thinking I should say something…
“…My father learned I got married. He was furious. I have never seen him so emotional in my entire life.”
“…Ah?”
My thoughts freeze. My whole body breaks out sweating. Wait wait, what do you mean!?
“W-wait. You didn’t get their permission!?”
Considering her family, she can’t just decide who to marry. That’s why I assumed she had her parents’ consent when she proposed she’d be Ririi’s mother.
“Of course I didn’t… Marrying you…”
Sieglinde mumbles. It’s like she’s cursing her family’s background. Not being able to decide for herself must have stressed her more than I thought.
…This is no time for me to make a scene.
“He wanted me to bring you to him. I couldn’t get you involved, so I left. But in the end, coming here involved you even more…”
“That’s fine. I’d feel bad if you went somewhere else. Family helps each other, right?”
I say with a self-deprecating tone, talking over her. I didn’t want her to talk in that distant manner anymore.
…But leaving that aside…
“So what are you actually going to do?”
If I have to face the Floyd family, I should prepare. Worst case scenario, I might leave the capital.
“My mother is mediating things, so I think she will tell me if something happens.”
“She’s on your side?”
“I don’t know. Maybe she was just trying to soothe things over because my father was so furious. But she has a stronger voice than you’d think, so it should be all right for now.”
“I see… That’s good to hear.”
Well, I can’t be optimistic. I should do what I can to prepare.
“Just sleep for today. You’re tired, right?”
“…Yes. I will.”
After unpacking just what she needs for now, Sieglinde heads to the bedroom, which was decided just now. The living room is silent again, and I drink the coffee that’s cold before I know it.
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