I’m a hero, but I don’t know if I should retire

Tea parties would provide an excellent excuse.

They would allow her to frequently leave the duchy under the pretense of socializing and forming friendships.

‘If I stay cooped up at home, I can’t accomplish anything.’

Having resolved to save Theos and Derek, she needed to uncover the reasons behind their deaths on the battlefield.

‘And for that, I need information.’

It was clear that their deaths were somehow tied to the imperial court.

Such dangerous and secretive information wouldn’t simply fall into her lap while she stayed locked up at home.

‘There’s a guild renowned for its intelligence network.’

In her previous life as a mercenary, Adelia had connections with a guild she’d once worked alongside. It was one of the places she needed to visit once she left the duchy.

‘I might even pick up something useful from the conversations at the tea party.’

Sigh. What have I done with my life to reach the age of seven without making a single friend?

Adelia let out a self-deprecating sigh.

She was living her second life now, so shouldn’t things be a little easier this time around?

‘Even making just one friend feels this hard.’

Now that she thought about it, how did she make friends in her previous life?

As a knight, there were people she could call comrades, maybe even friends.

‘Or were they more like colleagues than friends…?’

Reflecting on how she’d grown close to them, no vivid memories came to mind.

‘I think we mostly became friends after fighting together.’

But she couldn’t possibly use the same approach with noble girls her age. If she drew a sword, they’d be startled and run away in fear.

“Should I just host a tea party myself?”

“Pardon? What did you say, my lady?”

“Hm? Oh, nothing, nothing.”

Adelia waved her hand at Sera with a smile.

‘There’s no need to rush into it recklessly.’

She didn’t know the atmosphere or how a tea party was typically conducted.

Relying solely on the knowledge of Sera or the other maids had its limits as well.

‘It’s better to attend a few first and learn how they’re done rather than forcing myself to host one right away.’

Adelia spoke to Sera.

“For now, if any tea party invitations come, bring them to me immediately.”

“Ah… Yes, I’ll do that…”

‘If they come… if they even come at all…’

Sera’s expression seemed uncharacteristically somber, her gaze heavy with unspoken doubt.

After Sera left the room, Adelia walked over to the window.

Opening the large glass pane, she let the cool breeze of the transitioning season—summer into autumn—wash over her.

Outside, the estate’s servants were bustling about, busy with their various tasks.

“So peaceful…”

Indeed, it was peaceful. But it was also frustrating, knowing that even wandering around freely wasn’t something she could easily do.

‘This peace will last at most two years.’

‘I can’t afford to stay trapped like this. I need to quickly sort out the academy matter and get outside to gather information…’

As Adelia rested her chin on the windowsill, staring outside, she noticed a carriage entering through the distant main gate.

“Hm?”

Could it be? Is Father already back?

No, that’s impossible. There’s no way he could have arrived so soon, and besides, Father returning in a carriage doesn’t make sense either.

‘Ah. Then maybe it’s a tea party invitation?’

Straightening up, Adelia fixed her gaze on the approaching carriage. Painted in a deep red with golden trim, it radiated extravagance.

Atop the carriage roof stood a sharp, gilded eagle ornament, and golden patterns adorned the sides, adding to its splendor.

“Ah…”

As the carriage drew closer, the crest engraved on it became clear.

Recognizing the family it belonged to, Adelia muttered softly.

“Carllina…?”

***

In the Rosiante Empire, there were three ducal families and five marquess families.

Beneath them were numerous other noble families.

Carllina Rosehill was the eldest daughter of the Rosehill Marquessate.

Before Ireneia, Derek and Adelia’s mother, passed away, the two families had maintained frequent contact.

The Marchioness of Rosehill and Ireneia had been close friends, and as a result, Derek and the Rosehill children had also been close since childhood.

‘What did they call that? Childhood friends.’

After Ireneia’s death, the grief of losing her had reportedly caused the Marchioness to fall ill as well.

“How is the Marchioness doing these days?”

“…She’s gradually getting better.”

After briefly exchanging pleasantries, the two sat across from each other at a table in the drawing room.

Carllina, seated opposite Adelia, stared at her intently. She seemed perplexed by the situation of the two of them having tea alone.

Adelia, understanding her confusion, offered a soft smile and spoke.

“I’ve prepared the floral tea you like, Carllina. These cookies are from Larten, my favorite shop. I didn’t have pudding brought out because I thought you wouldn’t enjoy it. Or do you like pudding?”

“…”

With an innocent smile, Adelia asked her question. Carllina, who had been silently observing her, responded curtly.

“I apologize for coming unannounced. But if I’d known Derek wasn’t here, I would’ve turned back at the gate.”

Since Derek had joined the Imperial Knights, Carllina hadn’t been able to see him as often.

Carllina must have rushed over upon hearing that Derek had returned to the duchy, eager to see him even for a brief moment.

However, Derek wasn’t here. He had stepped out, saying there was something he needed to attend to.

Still, Adelia couldn’t let Carllina leave just like that.

After all, Adelia had wanted to meet her.

With a bright smile, Adelia replied, “I know. That’s why I didn’t tell you. I thought you’d leave immediately if you knew.”

“…Why?”

“Because I wanted to see you, Carllina.”

Carllina’s previously composed expression faltered as her brow subtly furrowed.

“Didn’t you dislike me?”

“…”

Faced with Carllina’s blunt question, Adelia smiled softly, her gaze dropping slightly.

“I don’t dislike you.”

Not anymore.

Carllina wasn’t wrong—seven-year-old Adelia had disliked her.

Somehow, it felt like Carllina was stealing Derek away from her.

In the lonely duchy, where even her father was absent on the battlefield, Derek had been the only one who understood her loneliness and comforted her.

To Adelia, Derek’s presence had been incredibly precious and desperately needed.

‘I don’t have such childish feelings now, but back then… I couldn’t help it.’

Besides,

‘I misunderstood her intentions, thinking it wasn’t love for Derek, but ambition for the duchess’s seat.’

“Think wisely, Derek. Our family is far more beneficial than some middling house. I get to become the Duchess, which is great for me, and House Esther gains the exclusive mining rights in the northern region, which benefits you.”

While political marriages were commonplace among the nobility, seven-year-old Adelia had seen her only as a woman chasing power.

‘And then I met Carllina again after Derek’s death.’

Not long after the loss of Theos and Derek, House Esther – suddenly bereft of both its head and its heir – was plunged into an atmosphere of despair and ruin.

No one dared offer comfort, and worse, some factions took the opportunity to accuse House Esther of colluding with the rebels in an attempt to destroy them once and for all.

Amidst this chaos, Carllina came to the duchy.

“Adelia, please… just hold on a little longer. Don’t give up. You’re not the kind of person who would die for nothing. I’m not asking you to trust me. Just… please don’t give up, Adelia.”

When all the noble families turned their backs on House Esther, Carllina was the only one who stood up for them.

But in the end, even Carllina’s family, the Rosehill Marquessate, was banished from the Empire.

“I’m sorry, Adelia… If only I’d been a little stronger. If I had, I could have been of real help to you… I’m so, so sorry.”

Her words on the day she left the Empire lingered in Adelia’s ears.

‘If anything, I was the one who should have apologized…’

Adelia silently gazed at Carllina, who sat across the table from her.

Under the unfamiliar intensity of Adelia’s stare, the usually proud and bold Carllina looked flustered.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because you’re beautiful.”

“…”

Carllina’s eyes widened and her cheeks flushed red.

‘Her emotions show so easily.’

She was such an honest person. Back then, Adelia hadn’t seen it—the transparency of Carllina’s sincerity.

Flustered, Carllina asked, “Are you teasing me?”

“No? I’m being honest. I really like your golden hair, Carllina.”

“…”

“I also like your fair skin that looks stunning in red dresses, and your clear, sky-colored eyes.”

I like your voice—not too high or low—and the way you carry yourself with confidence and grace.

Startled by Adelia’s sudden confession, Carllina sharply inhaled and replied.

“Wh-Why are you acting like this all of a sudden? Did you eat something strange? Or… have you decided to change your tactics for kicking me out?”

Seeing Carllina stumble over her words in flustered confusion, Adelia chuckled, her eyes crinkling softly.

‘It’s understandable for her to think this way.’

Had Carllina not stood up for House Esther in the past, revealing her true sincerity, Adelia’s feelings toward her likely wouldn’t have changed either.

With an innocent smile, Adelia lifted her teacup and said, “Come visit often, Carllina.”

“…”

“And don’t just play with my brother when you do—play with me too.”

“Play… with you?”

“Yes. I… always wished I had an older sister.”

“…!”

Carllina’s eyes widened again. She gasped sharply, then suddenly pressed a fist against her chest.

“Carllina?”

Startled, Adelia climbed down from the sofa and approached her. But before she could get closer, Carllina stretched out a hand to stop her.

“S-Stop right there.”

“Are you feeling unwell? Should I call a doctor?”

“I don’t know. My heart suddenly started racing, and it’s hard to breathe.”

“Try drinking some water, Sister.”

At that, Carllina’s head snapped toward Adelia.

S-Sister?

Adelia looked at Carllina with eyebrows drooping in concern, her gaze filled with worry.

‘Was this little one always this adorable?’

There was no denying that Adelia was pretty. After all, everyone from House Esther was renowned for their beauty.

But until now, Adelia had always regarded Carllina with sharp, prickly eyes, making it nearly impossible to form any attachment.

‘But now… she’s different. She really is.’

Carllina shook her head slightly, then straightened herself. After taking a deep breath, she spoke firmly,

“Return to your seat, Lady Esther.”

As a noblewoman who had already come of age, Carllina couldn’t allow herself to appear flustered in front of a girl twelve years her junior.

She adjusted her outfit, composed herself, and sat upright with perfect poise.

“But…”

“I’m fine.”

Carllina said, rising from the sofa.

“Today doesn’t seem to be the right day. I’ll come back when Derek is here.”

Her expression and tone erected a wall once more—a clear determination not to let herself be shaken by this little girl again. However…

“Come back? When? Tomorrow?”

“…What?”

Adelia’s small hand gently reached out and clasped the tips of Carllina’s fingers.

Carllina found herself momentarily flustered as she looked into the large, earnest eyes staring up at her.

“You said you’d come back when my brother is here. So, you’re coming tomorrow, right?”

“…”

For some reason, Adelia’s jewel-like eyes seemed to shimmer, almost as if pleading.

Carllina, unable to hold her gaze, let out a small, stifled sound and looked away, barely managing to reply.

“T-Two days from now…”

At that, Adelia’s face brightened instantly.

“Really? I’ll be waiting, Sister.”

“…”

Carllina’s eyes twitched as her fragile, hastily erected wall came crashing down all over again.

***

After Carllina left, Adelia couldn’t fall asleep, even as the night deepened into early morning.

Lying in bed, she stared at the ceiling for what felt like hours, her thoughts drifting back to Carllina’s visit earlier that day.

‘Carllina wouldn’t remember…’

Though it was a kindness owed from her past life, Adelia was the only one who carried those memories.

Still, she wanted to repay Carllina for the debt of gratitude she owed.

‘At the very least, I shouldn’t become an obstacle between her and Brother.’

She wasn’t planning to go out of her way to help, but she resolved not to interfere. Adelia recalled Carllina and the Rosehill family from her previous life, strengthening her determination.

‘Quietly… come to think of it…’

‘The fate of the Rosehill Marquessate also ultimately depends on whether Father and Brother survive.’

Adelia sprang out of bed and walked over to her desk. She pulled out a pen and paper, placing them neatly on the surface before seating herself and gripping the pen firmly.

Tap, tap, tap. The end of the pen touched her chin habitually as she mulled over her thoughts.

‘Sure, playing the role of a duchess who happily spends the wealth and power Father has built sounds fun, but to enjoy that for a long time, there’s something I need to solve first.’

The prerequisite to her peaceful retirement:

Adelia began to carefully fill the blank page in front of her.

‘To achieve that, Father must not go to the Roschark War.’

But realistically, that wasn’t possible.

‘Without an aura or the Holy Sword, I can’t go in his place.’

Adelia scribbled her thoughts succinctly onto the paper.

Theos was currently the Empire’s war hero. Having once been called a hero herself by virtue of the Holy Sword’s choice, Adelia understood how difficult it was to relinquish that position.

On top of that—

“Father made a promise to His Majesty. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Father won’t have to go to war anymore.”

She recalled a conversation she’d had with Derek in the past.

‘A promise, huh…’

Regardless, because of that promise, Theos was compelled to keep going to war.

‘Wait.’

The current emperor—Crown Prince Carsses’s father—wouldn’t live to see the next two years.

And according to his will, the throne wouldn’t pass to Crown Prince Carsses but instead to Grand Duke Axiderm.

Ah…

‘So that’s why the Crown Prince never became emperor.’

‘That’s where everything went wrong.’

If that condition hadn’t been fulfilled, it might explain why Theos’s retirement was delayed as well.

‘Well then, this is simple!’

A carefree smile spread across Adelia’s lips.

‘All I have to do is prevent Axiderm from becoming emperor and ensure the Crown Prince ascends the throne instead, right?’