HowDeadTL: Chapter 1 Part 21

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The Reincarnated Thirty-Something Woman’s Otherworldly Reform Life

[Gai's Report]

Translated by: ME

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Gai himself could only obtain information confirming that Gerald intended to send Magnolia to a monastery in the not-too-distant future.

That said, it didn't seem immediately urgent; there was still some leeway for now.

However, before that happens, Magnolia herself seemed likely to run away. Given she was a young lady who couldn't be left unattended for a moment, action was probably needed as soon as possible.

He pushed himself, shortening the three-day journey from the royal capital to two days, hurrying to the Azenda Border County where Servas and Claude awaited.

***

After hearing Gai's report, Servas was grinding his back teeth, and Claude wore a deeply troubled expression.

「...Are you certain she is truly my brother's child?」

「Yes, I've confirmed it. And she looks just like Lady Azelia.」

「Grandmother...」

Claude muttered as if tracing his thoughts, then lowered his bluish-purple eyes, seeming to gather his thoughts.

More concerning was Servas, who continued to clench his jaw. Gai looked up at his master, the Border Count, worried his teeth might shatter.

...... ............

...A demon. There's a demon here.

The demon growled low and asked.

「Her name... what was her name?」

「'Magnolia,' milord. Lady Magnolia Gilmore.」

「…………」

「No middle name?... For the daughter of a Marquis house.」

「No, milord. It seems she is eventually intended for marriage into a tight-lipped, low-ranking noble in the provinces. Apparently, they refrained from giving her one to avoid speculation about her origins.」

「――――」

Claude, speaking in his silent father's stead, confirmed this, but upon hearing the answer, he too pressed his lips into a thin line and clenched his fists, just like his father.

In the Ascald Kingdom, it was customary for children born into families of Marquis rank or higher to be given a middle name. It was a system where just seeing or hearing the name would identify one as being of noble birth.

While they were upper nobles, this did not apply to Count families, which were relatively numerous.

Not having a middle name was akin to the parents explicitly stating that she was not a recognized child of the Marquis house.

For Claude, who, despite being an adopted son, had been given a middle name, his unseen little niece-by-marriage seemed utterly pitiable.

She was given food, but ignored by her family, dressed in shabby clothes... and, of all things, deprived of her freedom, confined to her room.

Not given the name she deserved, not presented to society. Despite having no flaws herself, she was about to be forced into a monastery.

Though a Marquis's daughter, her status was hidden, unnecessary flaws were being attached, and she was to be married off to a low-ranking noble.

(Brother...)

「That Lady Magnolia's birthday is this weekend.」

「Her birthday!?」

「This weekend? That's the day after tomorrow!」

Servas closed his open mouth with a groan, then shut his eyes once and slowly opened them.

The anger that had been overflowing until now dissipated like mist, replaced by a simmering, formidable aura.

This is... Gai thought, it's just like when my master takes the battlefield.

The calm and composed Claude admonished him in a quiet voice.

「Father... please, be discreet.」

「I know. I'm going.」

After those brief words, he snatched up his cloak, swirling it around his shoulders with a loud rustle, and strode briskly out of the room.

His movements were agile, belying his sixty years – truly worthy of the Demon General.

He was going to war.

「So, how is Magnolia... now?」

「Saving money, training her body... She intends to run away in the near future.」

「...Run away?」

This utterly unexpected word left the conventional Claude flabbergasted.

Looking flustered, Claude also grabbed his cloak and hurried after his father.

As he walked quickly, the seasoned steward approached him. Still walking, Claude gave instructions for his absence while slipping his arms into his cloak sleeves.

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