Ken yo, kaku katariki – 68
11 – My Fault?
Aize’s eyes widened as she was led to the hotel by her father.
It was one of the most well-known luxury hotels in the old capital. Amidst the rapid development of the city center, this was the only building that exceeded thirty floors.
“How did you afford a room at this hotel…”
“Well, nevermind that. We have a reservation at the restaurant here. Now, let’s go.”
Her father said with a chuckle, and Aize’s discomfort grew.
The Lilieth family was poor. They would not have the money to stay here. And yet, her father seemed so confident.
“Aize, I’m glad you are here.”
A nervous woman’s voice. A familiar voice.
Fenia Lilieth. She wore thick makeup that lightened her skin, and was wearing expensive jewelry.
“…Mom.”
“Call me mother. Really…what do they even teach you in that school…”
She said with a frown.
“We sent you there because it was supposed to be a well respected academy among nobles… But apparently, it is quite different. If only we knew…”
“I am paying for it with my own money. You have no right to complain.”
“So what? You are still our daughter…”
“Now, now. Let’s not talk about that. We have not sat like this in a while. We should put such matters aside.”
‘If you insist.’ She muttered, and turned her back away.
That back… It did not fill her with anger. Just sadness. And pain that made her want to cry.
And so she sat down in the seat that she was guided to.
Her father then raised a wine glass.
“To celebrate this reunion and Aize’s victory.”
He said, and then Aize looked down.
As expected, the plates in front of them were filled with expensive food.
“What is the matter, Aize? Aren’t you going to eat? It’s not every day we get to eat like this. You should enjoy it.”
“…I want to ask you something first. How did you pay for this?”
They should not have the money.
They were nobles in name alone.
People would say to her. You are a noble, aren’t you rich? You must have had an easy life.
If she told them that when she was young, she and her younger sister subsisted on stale bread and soup, how would they react?
The Lilieth family’s income came solely from a small piece of land that they owned. It was hardly anything, but they held onto it desperately.
On top of that, in order to keep up appearances, their debts were ever increasing.
And since Aize knew this, she had to ask about it.
“We don’t have the money to stay here or eat such food. Surely you didn’t borrow again…”
“Haha. There is no need to worry about that.”
Her father laughed while tipping his wine glass.
Even her mother, who was usually tense, smiled as she ate.
…This was strange. Why were they acting so calm? They were usually so quick to anger.
The first thought that came to her was her former betrothed.
No, that was impossible.
Iria had told her that it was officially over. And the Count had been notified of it.
Surely her parents knew of it by now. Besides, wasn’t that why her father apologized?
Then why…
“You scared me. How you complained about your engagement and broke it off without telling us.”
“…I didn’t ask him to break it off.”
He wouldn’t have listened to her if she did. That was how marriages worked amongst nobles.
He had done it of his own accord.
…She could never thank Iria and the Count enough.
“But thanks to that, we now have a connection with the Count. You did well for once.”
“…If you are thinking about using Iria, I won’t let you.”
She suddenly felt enraged, and spoke forcefully.
There were too many debts for her to ever repay her. Not only that, but Iria was also a friend.
“Don’t worry. We have no intention of doing that. After all, the Orlandos are not from our faction.”
“Ah, not that we care too much about factions. You should still keep her as a close friend, Aize.”
Her father wiped his mouth with a napkin and chuckled.
“Aize. We will not force any marriages on you from now on. Still, you are our oldest daughter.”
“No matter what you say, I will not change my mind.”
“You would tarnish the Lilieth name?”
“…Name. It has been tarnished a long time ago.”
“No!”
Her father suddenly slammed his fist onto the table. The plates clattered, but nothing fell onto the floor.
“My father abandoned our country because those fools rebelled against the royal family! And then they let the country fall! We made a wise decision!”
“…”
She had heard it all before.
He always became passionate when it came to this subject. She knew this, and should not have even brought it up.
Her mother seemed to notice the stares they were getting, and so she coughed. With an awkward expression, her father lowered his hand.
“In any case. We will not force you to marry anymore. But we want you to return. Mimi is waiting for you too.”
“Mimi…”
Mimi Lilieth.
Her sister.
The sister that she had sworn to protect.
“…How is she?”
“She is doing well. I am sure that she is waiting for your blessing as well.”
“…What?”
“Ah, I forgot to tell you. She is going to be married.”
“…What?!”
“Her betrothed is paying for this hotel and dinner. An impressive young man. He is…”
—What was he talking about?
Her mouth hung open, and then her mother said in a whispering voice.
“Your marriage was called off. And we were at a loss over what to do… But you see, one has to be resourceful.”
In other words…
(…This is my fault?)
She felt as if her head had been hit with a hammer.
Thanks for the chapter, yep a good example of trashy parents.