Chapter 255 – The Path She Chooses

After hearing how I’ve lived since being exiled from the Orlando family, Kaine fixed me with a resolute gaze. 

「I’m glad I met you. I never expected to gain such clarity from this encounter.」 

「? Uh… is that so?」 

It seemed she had reached a conclusion about something within herself. Her previously tense expression softened into one as clear and refreshing as a cloudless sky. 

「Well then, I’ll take my leave. I apologize for causing such a commotion.」 

「Wait… Ah, Kaine.」 

「Yes?」 

「Good luck.」 

When I said that, she responded with a bright smile. ‘You too.’ she said. 

And so, the engagement uproar involving the Orlando and Bridges families came to an end—or so it seemed. Truthfully, it’s far too early to let our guard down. 

Her fiancé was Dirk Orlando. 

While this is purely my conjecture, I don’t think Kaine has given up on breaking off the engagement. She’ll likely take this time to learn at the academy, meet new people, and eventually make her own decision. Exactly what that decision will be, no one can say. 

…Though perhaps, deep down, she already knows the answer. 

「Kaine Bridges… she’s going to be our junior, isn’t she?」 

「That’s right desu wa. Shall we attend the entrance ceremony this year?」 

「…………」 

「What’s with the sudden silence?」 

「Oh, I just realized how rare it is for us to agree on something, Charlotte.」 

「Stop being so misleading!」 

Ah, things are as lively as ever on this end. 

At the very least, it’s clear the Orlando family wasn’t the one behind this engagement plan. 

However… what comes next is anyone’s guess. 

Even though I firmly denied any possibility of reconciliation, I can’t predict what methods my ambitious father might resort to. 

With the medal I’ve received and my current role as a farmer-cum-special knight, it’s unlikely they can act freely against me. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that something might be brewing. 

After seeing Kaine and her escort knights off, we left the trading company and made our way home. 

-0-

Back at the treehouse, I wasted no time recounting the day’s events to everyone. 

The moment they heard about a potential fiancée, the house erupted into chaos. When they realized it was all a near-miss (or maybe not even that), they seemed visibly relieved. 

「Even so, that girl Kaine… it feels like she’s found some clarity through all of this.」 

「You think so too, Hanon?」 

From her demeanor, it doesn’t seem like she’s planning anything reckless. Rather, she’s probably determined not to be dictated to by her father anymore. 

Perhaps Kaine has decided to find a new path for herself, one she can call her own. She seemed intrigued by my life as a farmer, showing interest in my choices and even asking if I felt any anxiety about them. 

Whatever the case, I hope she finds an answer that satisfies her.