“Why? When? Where are you thinking of going?”

Dawson, who still didn’t know the situation, asked urgently with clenched fists. Only then did I realize that Dawson knew nothing about this.

I felt a bit sorry for Dawson. He had been so helpful. Feeling guilty for not telling him in advance, I decided to explain kindly and opened my mouth.

“I’m tired of being treated like an unwanted person in this house. So I’m leaving. I’ll be 18 next year, so I’ll leave then. Probably to the north?”

Hmm, this should be enough explanation. While I was self-praising it as a concise yet detailed explanation, the expressions of the people in the room and the person on the screen were not good.

“Why? It’s not like I’m being kicked out. I’m leaving on my own terms after becoming rich, so don’t make those faces. But how did you know about this?”

“The rumors were rampant. That the crazy- no, illegitimate- no, young lady of the Epine family is going to the north for recuperation.”

Casto stumbled through the gossip about me, and I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.

“You deliberately pretended to make those mistakes while saying that, didn’t you?”

“…No, I didn’t.”

“Why the pause? Do you really want to see the crazy illegitimate child of the Epine family?”

“Hahaha, I’m sorry. I ended up saying it as it was. I absolutely don’t think that way, it’s just people…”

As I narrowed my eyes and glared at him, excuses flew left and right. However, none of it made any sense.

Casto, who was rolling his eyes and trying to read the atmosphere in my silence, finally shouted loudly.

“I’m sorry!”

“I’ll let it slide this once.”

“Yes.”

Why make a futile rebellion in the first place?

I clicked my tongue, and the others gave him a look of disdain.

I returned to a serious mode and opened my mouth.

“I want to live freely.”

As a free unemployed person.

I swallowed the last part. Unlike some people, I didn’t have a habit of saying unnecessary things and getting scolded.

“That’s right. They say women in the north are freer than in the capital. You’ll do well there, my lady.”

“Demian, you’re not against it?”

“It’s your choice, my lady.”

Demian, unaware of my pathetic plan, calmly agreed.

Nevertheless, I was inwardly surprised as I didn’t think he would approve.

At that moment, Dawson, with slumped shoulders, hesitantly opened his mouth.

“Why didn’t you tell me in advance?”

“Because you didn’t ask.”

I said lightly, and this time he looked up at the ceiling with an annoyed expression.

He seemed to be cooling down his anger.

Oh right. I was supposed to speak kindly.

I reflected for a moment, and Dawson returned with an expression that seemed enlightened after gathering his thoughts.

“Are you all prepared to leave? Even though you say next year, it’s not far off. You’ll have a lot to do, like finding a mansion, hiring servants.”

“That’s right, I’m thinking of starting preparations once I receive the final payment from the Helena merchant group.”

“I see.”

“My lady has everything planned…”

“My lady.”

“Sigh.”

In the solemn atmosphere, I felt like I should say something.

After all, these were the people who had taken care of me here. It seems I had grown attached to them, even if it was for a short time.

“Don’t feel too bad. It’s not like we’ll never see each other again.”

“That’s true.”

The three men, except Irena, smiled bitterly. I just smiled awkwardly, not having anything more to say. The feeling was strange.

Dawson was the one who broke the continued silence.

“If you need anything or have any questions, please let me know.”

“Shall I look for a house for you? Our merchant group extends there too, so we can find you a good house.”

“If there’s anything I can help with, I will.”

“Shall I bring you something delicious?”

Their offers made me chuckle.

Why are they trying to do so much for me? I felt a bit touched.

“Thank you, everyone. And Dawson, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in advance.”

“It’s alright.”

As I apologized while looking at him with a gentle gaze, Dawson accepted it while avoiding my eyes.

After that brief conversation, everyone started to get up one by one in a warm atmosphere.

“My lady, then I’ll be taking my leave.”

“I’ll be going to wrap up the merchant group’s business now. Well then.”

“Rest well, my lady.”

“Umm. Wait a moment! Actually, there is something I need.”

“Yes?”

As I called them back, they all looked at me with puzzled expressions.

I chuckled once and then opened my mouth.

“Dawson, once Casto pays, report to Father and then check if the contracted amount is deposited into my account. And Casto, look for a mansion in the southern part of the north and make a list of good places.”

“My lady, what about me?”

“Irena, could you go and bring some fruit tarts? Demian, when Casto sends the list, let’s go look at houses and hire servants together.”

I rapidly listed what I needed. Everyone seemed taken aback as if they hadn’t expected me to state my needs so quickly.

“Why? Wouldn’t it be better to finish while we’re all gathered here, rather than calling each of you separately later? It would be troublesome.”

“That’s right. Leave it to me.”

“It is troublesome. Where in the southern part of the north?”

“I’d prefer the southernmost part. I want it to be warm. And I’d like a city with all the amenities. The mansion doesn’t need to be too big, just a sturdy building in a quiet area would be fine.”

“Hmm. Yes, I understand.”

Dawson and Casto nodded.

Next was Demian, but he had a very displeased expression.

“Why do I have to go along?”

“Didn’t you say you’d help if there was anything you could do?”

“…”

“Then should I go alone?”

“Let’s go together.”

“Okay.”

You were going to do it anyway.

As I smiled brightly, Demian let out a deflated laugh.