Chapter 104

"They crossed the mountains? Just so that they could move to the Duchy?"

"Yes. It seems that their lives in their hometown must have been very difficult. So after hearing rumors of how our Duchy has a low tax rate and no oppression, the family recklessly decided to head over the mountains..."

It seems that they were out of luck. Perhaps that was why they encountered a monster in the midst of crossing the mountains.

"...for something like that to have happened."

"But the fortunate thing was, that day just so happened to coincide with one of our lord's regular trips into the mountains to clear the area of any remaining monsters."

Thanks to the assistance of Kaywhin, whom they had encountered by chance, they were at least able to avoid the tragic situation of the entire family perishing together. However, the head of the family, who moments earlier had chosen to confront the monsters in order to protect his loved ones, died on the spot.

"As both families lost their fathers from this, the lord decided that, since fate had brought them together, he might as well take responsibility and support each of the families financially until their children had fully grown up..."

"Hold on. Both families?"

Yelena picked up on an inconsistency in Ben's words.

"Oh, that's right, I forgot to mention it."

Ben quickly tacked on an explanation.

"In addition to Anna, a child named Hans is also being sponsored by the castle."

"...did you say, Hans?"

"He's a young boy around the same age as Anna, but since their families get along so well, it's almost like they're all one family. So at that time, they actually crossed the mountain together."

"..."

"Milady?"

"...ah, it's nothing."

With a shake of her head, Yelena continued speaking.

"In any case, that's how it is. So those are the circumstances behind the children's sponsorship... Hm, and I suppose that the children are capable of growing quickly once they start eating better?"

"That's how it usually goes. We should be able to see a lot of changes in their heights from one month to the next."

"Then that's fine."

With this final question answered, Yelena turned to look out the window. At some point, the sun had already begun to set outside.

***

The next day, Yelena postponed the painting lessons for another day and headed out once more. This was because she still had yet to buy the paint that she was looking for.

As she was riding the carriage on her way to the shopping district, Yelena thought about Anna and Hans. Hans was the name of Anna's husband, the man who ran the <Sun-Rising Forest> along with Anna.

Although she had still been doubtful after meeting Anna, now that she had heard Han's name, she was certain. Unless this was all some incredible coincidence, something that would only happen once in a million lifetimes, then there was only one possibility.

They were 'her' Anna and Hans. There was no mistaking it.

"We have arrived, my lady."

"...very well."

Yelena descended from the carriage. Today there were only two painting supplies stores that she needed to visit. So if nothing out-of-the-ordinary happened, then she believed that her outing should be over soon, and this prediction proved to be completely accurate.

After being unable to find a paint that completely satisfied her at the final store, Yelena left after compromising and buying a slightly lacking shade of paint.

"Would you like to return to the Duke's Castle directly?"

By the way, Max was the one escorting Yelena today. This was because Yelena had decided to have the three men -Max, Colin, and Thomas- take turns escorting her, in order to prevent any more infighting.

"...no, hold on."

Just as she was about to tell him to start heading back, Yelena changed her mind.

"Let's drop by somewhere for a short visit."

After stopping by the tart shop from yesterday and purchasing an assortment of the various tarts on display, Yelena then headed over to Anna's house.

Taking a chance, she had asked the store if they knew the way to Anna's house.

'One moment please. The delivery men should have gone there not too long ago. Her house is at...'

Fortunately, the store had been able to provide her the exact location.

After riding in the carriage for a while, they soon arrived at a narrow alleyway.

"It looks like we will have to walk from here."

"Would you like me to make the visit while you wait here, my lady?"

"No. Let's go together."

Accompanied by Max and today's attending maid, Yelena got off the carriage and walked straight into the alley.

It was at that moment.

"Get out of our fief!"

"You don't deserve to be here, so just leave!"

"Foreigner! Outsider!"

Inside the alley, a group of small children were crowding around a single child and driving them into a corner.

Yelena blinked, unable to believe the sight that was taking place right in front of her eyes.

"...Anna?"

The child being driven into a corner was definitely Anna. Although she was only able to catch glimpses of the child through the crowd, Yelena was certain of her judgment.

"Stop polluting our air and disappear immediately, you parasite!" a boy shouted as he raised his fist into the air.

Upon noticing the stone held in his hand, Yelena panicked and urgently shouted, "Sir Max!"

Max responded quickly. He leapt forward in a flash and within an instant he was holding the boy up in the air by the back of his collar.

"Ack! Who are you!"

Caught right before he could throw the stone held in his hand at Anana, the boy thrashed about in midair.

"My lady, what would you like me to do with him?"

"For now, just keep holding him like that."

With a cold expression, Yelena walked up to the children. As soon as they spotted Yelena, the children who had been making a racket instantly fell silent. This was also the case for the boy who had been flailing around in the knight's grip.

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