Chapter 24

[Imperial Calendar, 767th year, October 15th. In commemoration of the founding day, a banquet is scheduled to be held. All individuals with noble titles within the Lux Empire are requested to attend without exception.]

The contents of the letter could be written as an invitation but read as a summons. The seal stamped at the bottom confirmed that it was indeed sent from the royal family. After reading the entire message, I examined the front and back again, but there were no additional comments. I sighed and placed the letter back on the desk. Then, I slumped into the chair, lost in thought.

‘Everyone with a noble title in the Lux Empire means that the fallen nobles are included, right?’

Probably right. So it must have been a letter to me as well. But is it because of my mood? To my eyes, this letter felt like the emperor was calling me out directly.

‘There was no such thing in the book in the first place.’

Of course, there were countless events like banquets and parties in the background, but even after reviewing the contents of the books, I couldn’t find any events where fallen nobility were allowed to attend. I felt a shadow cast over my face and murmured softly.

“Should I sell my viscount title instead…?”

Even though I have fallen, there are many people who still desire the empty prestige of a noble title. Since I have paid off all my debts, there is a chance for a comeback if I manage things well. If I sell the title to a wealthy buyer without a title, I could fetch a fairly high price.

“But if I do that, there is a risk of potentially losing the <Sierra’s Orphanage>.”

To be precise, the Sierra’s Orphanage belongs to the Viscount Peirunte, so if I hastily transfer the title, there was a high possibility that the orphanage would be transferred as well. Even if that’s not the case, the noble title could serve as a protective shield for me and my children in case of unforeseen circumstances.

And even if I were to sell my noble title, it would only be a temporary solution. I can’t avoid the emperor’s eyes’

In the first place, by selling off even the viscount title while the emperor already harbored doubts about me, it could raise even more suspicion.

‘Let’s go to the banquet.’

I made up my mind. It would be better to confront the situation directly rather than fleeing in fear.

If I appeared too ordinary, the emperor might become even more suspicious. Besides, there was a place I wanted to visit during this opportunity. As soon as I heard about the imperial founding commemoration banquet, a particular place came to mind. If I went there, I might find a helpful ally. With my decision made, I stood up and opened the closet door with a determined expression. There was only a week left until the banquet.

I needed to prepare quickly. However, as I examined the inside of my closet, my expression stiffened and became desolate.

‘… … I don’t have any clothes to wear to the banquet.’

That’s right. I had sold all of Sirella’s dresses last time, so there were no suitable dresses left in the closet for the banquet. I had left a few plain dresses, but they were nothing more than everyday attire and not suitable for a formal event. I let out a deep sigh upon confirming the empty closet.

‘for now… … .’

I need to get a dress to wear.

* * *

The next day, I hurriedly prepared to go out. There was only a week left until the banquet, so there were many things to prepare. I woke up early in the morning, prepared breakfast for the children, and was about to leave in a hurry when I felt someone pulling my clothes from behind. It was Chloran who pulled my clothes. I looked at him with a puzzled face.

“Chloran? What’s wrong?”

“Are you going out alone again?”

“huh?”

Chloran, puffed up his cheeks as if expressing dissatisfaction with my difficult-to-understand words. I gave Jake a questioning look, but he turned away from me. It was hard to hide my confusion. Chloran tugged at my clothes even harder.

“You always go out alone, leaving us behind.”

Only then did I realize what Chloran was dissatisfied with. It seemed that he had accumulated dissatisfaction with me going out alone all this time. I tried to appease Chloran.

“I’m sorry. Next time, let’s go out together.”

I tried to console him with a gentle voice, but Chloran’s discontented expression didn’t ease. Although Chloran was always outspoken and grumbling, a few words from me would usually resolve the situation. This awkward situation made me feel perplexed. At that moment, Jake spoke up.

“Not only Chloran, but all the children want to go out.”

At that, I turned my head. Ren, Eddy, and Roddy, who were gathered, were looking at me. Judging by their lack of denial, it seemed that Jake’s statement was true, and all the children wanted to go out.

‘Come to think of it, how long has it been since the children went out of the orphanage?’

I pondered, but it was difficult to estimate the exact time. Except for the time when Ren fell ill shortly after I entered Sierra’s body, the children had never been outside even once. Even then, the situation was urgent, and it was nighttime, so the children couldn’t feel the outside world.

‘At least one month, I suppose.’

Thinking about it, I felt frustrated myself. Even if there were play facilities and a spacious courtyard, there would undoubtedly be a significant difference beyond the walls.

I looked at Chloran and the children. Although there had been many instances where the children showed hostility towards me since I entered Sierra’s body, they rarely made any demands. If anything, they would ask for a bit more snack to eat. The fact that they were now directly demanding something from me meant that it was something they desperately wanted.

While I was contemplating, the children stared at me without making a sound. After a while, I nodded my head and said,

“Alright. Let’s all go to the market today.”

“Really?”

Chloran’s eyes widened, and he asked in disbelief. It seemed like he didn’t expect me to agree for real. Finding his reaction adorable, I smiled and ruffled Chloran’s black hair. Despite usually disliking being treated like a child, Chloran, at this moment, simply looked at me with sparkling eyes. I nodded my head.

“Yes, really. But you mustn’t wander off on your own once we’re outside.”

“Of course!”

Chloran shouted confidently and immediately ran towards where Ren was. When Clowen looked at her like a puppy seeking praise, Ren gently stroked his hair. Eddy and roddy were also gleaming beside them. Proudly observing the children, I placed my hand on my waist and spoke with a stern face.