After evacuating out of the back alley, smoke began to billow out of it. The explosion from that spell probably spread fire on the empty crates and barrels down there.

Father and I watched the black smoke rising. Father exhaled sharply through his nose, almost frustrated. “To think he would sacrifice himself just to kill us… He truly lost his mind.”

I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I just stood there, continuing to watch the smoke fill the sky. I turned my heel to look in the direction of the castle, and it seemed like the smoke from there was already starting to dissipate.

“Feyt,” Father called out. 

“Huh? What is it, Instructor?”

“…Tell me, do you truly believe that you have [Enhanced Hearing] as a Talent?” Father continued, his eyes still locked onto the sky.

I thought about his question hard and came to one conclusion.

“…I’m not sure.”

With how many people seemed to be surprised that I could hear even whispers from afar, maybe [Enhanced Hearing] really wasn’t my Talent?

“Hmm…” Father stayed there for a moment. Then, he turned his heel and faced the knights. “Return to the mansion for now, Feyt. I’ll have to take this criminal for further questioning,” he said, looking at the passed-out stocky man.

“Y-Yes, Instructor!” 

Father addressed one of the knights and told him to escort me home safely. After that, he and the rest of the knights carried the culprit away deeper into the square. I was left alone with the knight who didn’t waste a single time leading the way.

Thankfully, he walked at a leisurely pace. It gave me enough time to think things through.

—

Back at the infirmary room. The saint had already left. I didn’t have any chance to properly talk to her, as she left as soon as she attended to every patient in the room. It was a shame, as I had too many questions to count about her healing magic. Oh well, perhaps I would meet her again in the future, I thought.

As I continued to wait patiently on the hard mattress, one by one the families of the victims arrived. They all expressed their own emotions. Some were bawling their eyes out, while others were scolded for some reason.

I began to have a sinking feeling in my heart that the latter was the fate awaiting me. After all, I totally failed to make any kind of connection with the First Prince besides being one of his invitees. With how Father and Mother pushed for me to make the most of the party, for it to be canceled like this felt like a kick in the head. 

But surely, Mother would understand that the terrorist attack was good enough of a reason to call off that operation… right? But knowing her, maybe not?

This self-doubt was starting to gnaw at me. And as if on cue, the next person to pass through those doors were Mother and several of the mansion’s maids.

I straightened my back instinctively while still sitting in the bed. “M-Mother…” I braced myself for whatever she was going to throw at me—

—However, I didn’t expect that she would throw her body as she rushed in for a hug.

“Carine! Oh, my dear!” She enveloped me in a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay!” Her arms squeezed me tight, like, really, really tight. I thought only Father and Fray were capable of this bear hug, but to think Mother was the same…

“A-Ack—!!” My back was screaming for mercy. The stinging pain was so strong I couldn’t even make a pained grunt.

After a few pain-filled seconds, Mother finally released her hug and cupped my face in her hands, her eyes full of worry. “Are you hurt anywhere, dear?”

If I’m not before, I definitely am now.

Also, why does this keep happening?

The maids behind her shuffled into action between my bed and Leila’s. They were carrying all sorts of things, from a neatly folded blanket and dress to medical supplies and such. My eyes flicked to Leila, she was still sleeping peacefully despite everything that had happened.

Mother continued to examine me carefully, her hands hovering over my body inspecting for any injuries. Her eyes locked to my burnt dress, the one she had prepared for me for this big day. “My, look at your dress… To think some fool would dare attack the castle in broad daylight… Tch!” She clicked her tongue, more to herself than to me. “Why did this have to happen today of all days?”

I was… surprised. Mother’s first instinct wasn’t to scold me. My body, which had been tense expecting a lecture, relaxed. I let out a quiet sigh of relief. Mother’s hands were warm as she gently checked me for anything out of the ordinary.

Meanwhile, the maids behind her started checking up on Leila, checking her condition carefully. They probably figured it was best to give us both some space, which I appreciated. 

“Were you treated properly? Did the saint see to your needs? If any of them has mistreated you, tell me this instant,” she said with such conviction that I felt she was ready to execute whoever I decided to name at this moment.

“Mother, I’m fine. Really,” I reassured her, attempting to sit up straighter despite the soreness in my back. “The saint… she treated me herself. I just need some rest. The same goes for Leila.”

Mother turned around to look upon the sleeping maid, and then she nodded. “Rest, yes, of course.” Mother stood up and regained her usual composure. “I’ll clear your schedule for the next week so you can recuperate.”

I nearly choked.

Mother! That was the best gift you could ever give me!

I couldn’t even begin to explain how much burden on my shoulders was lifted when Mother said that. Finally, some free time!!

“Can you walk, Carine?” Mother asked. Then, as if questioning her own sanity, she shook her head. “What am I saying? You need rest.” She turned to one of the maids who was tending to Leila. “Ellie, carry Carine on your back on our way to the carriage.”

“Of course, My Lady—”

“No, wait a second!” I interrupted, nearly jumping out of bed. A sharp twinge of pain shot through my muscles, but I forced myself to stand. “I—I can walk just fine. There’s no need to trouble Ellie.”

Mother’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied me. A moment later, she chuckled softly. “Very well, then. Walk you shall.”

“Ah, wait a moment. What about Leila?” I asked.

Mother turned her attention back to Leila and asked, “What did the doctor say her injuries were?”

“He told me she was just… tired?”

Mother didn’t respond, but as the air almost turned awkward, she nodded. “Understandable, I believe it is best we have her take a week-long break as well.”

I nodded. “Yes, I agree.”

With how much overtime she had garnered, she definitely needed that rest. Hopefully, she’ll be as delighted as I was to learn the news when she wakes up.

“Well then, let’s head for the carriage, Carine.”

“Yes, Mother.”

I walked at a slow pace behind Mother as the two maids followed steadily behind us. One of the maids, Ellie, was carrying the sleeping Leila on her back. She carried her effortlessly, could she have an [Enhanced Strength] Talent perhaps? It looked almost endearing.

The walk was slow as the room was crowded beyond belief. Doctors and nurses trying to do their work, visitors moving here and there as they chat with patients, and the castle knights trying to keep order. Combine them all together and we had indoor traffic.

I could tell Mother was… slightly

infuriated by this. She kept narrowing her eyes at anyone who stood in her way.

As Mother and I approached the doors of the infirmary, two knights opened it for us. But, the moment we passed through the doorway, Mother and I stopped in our tracks.

“Oh my, what a coincidence!” a bubbly voice said. 

Mother was as shocked as I am by her sudden appearance, but she was quick to respond. “Ah, Your Highness. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Mother greeted with a bow.

That’s right, it was Munith herself standing before us. Her lustrous silver hair along with her smile still shone brightly as if the tragedy had never happened in the first place. 

“Your Highness, while I would be honored to spend time with you, I am currently escorting my daughter to the mansion so she may rest.”

“Oh, is that so?” Munith said, tilting her head slightly. “That’s a shame. I walked all the way here just to talk to Carine,” she said as she gazed my way, her mouth pouting.

Uhh, what?

“Talk to… Carine?” Mother asked, clearly unsure if she heard right.

Munith nodded energetically, “Yep! She and I had a chance to talk before… that happened. I’m happy to say that I consider her my friend now!”

A friend? I barely introduced myself to her!

I answered all of her questions about me mostly absent-mindedly, and I’ll tell you right now, none of them were questions warranting a friendship with the future wife of the future king!

“O-Oh? Is that so?” Mother responded. “S-Still, I must escort her home, for now, Your Highness. She needs rest after what she has been through.”

“That’s quite alright! However, may I come to visit Carine sometime in the future? I still have so many questions about her!”

Mother nodded, weirdly energetically. “W-Why yes! Of course, Your Highness! It would be an honor to welcome you to our residence!”

“Really? Yay!” Munith clasped her hands in excitement. “It’s settled then! Oh, and…” Munith stepped to the side. “Sorry for taking your time!”

“Please think nothing of it, Your Highness,” Mother bowed. “W-Well then, we must be off. Farewell.”

“Of course! Safe travels!” Munith turned her attention to me. “See you soon, Carine! We’ll talk lots later!”

“A-Ah… yes?” I answered to the best of my capability.

Munith flashed a gentle smile and waved us goodbye. The moment we stepped out of the castle and into the courtyard, several of the castle knights escorted us to the gate into our carriage.

I sat inside the comfortably familiar carriage. The three maids: two awake, one sleeping, sat across from both Mother and me. The carriage rattled into life and we started our journey back to the mansion.

Meanwhile, my mind was still pondering… What the heck just happened?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep