When I became a Commoner, They Broke Off Our Engagement! Chapter 13

Age 14 Part 4 

With no clear answer in sight, it was dinnertime. We had soup and bread for dinner.

They moved so quickly that there was no chance to help. They ate quickly too, and I couldn't help but remark, "That's fast."

My siblings glanced at me briefly and continued eating silently.

Mother smiled wryly and said, "It might not suit your taste."

Indeed, this was my first time eating commoners' food, and I didn't like it. I tried to keep a normal expression, but the rock-hard bread remained in my mouth for ages. It didn't become flavorful the more I chewed; it was just hard. If I tried to swallow it, I'd probably choke to death.

I couldn't do something as rude as taking it out of my mouth, so I kept chewing until my jaw hurt.

As I was wondering what to do, I noticed Annie soaking her bread in the soup. I suppose she couldn't chew it with her teeth. It was sad to be on the same level as a six-year-old, but there was no helping it. I softened the bread in the soup and swallowed it.

"Phew, I thought I might die... I'm not exaggerating; it was really dangerous. Who knew commoners' food could be this hazardous..."

"You have a weak jaw. You should check what you're eating before you put it in your mouth."

If I died choking on bread, I'd become a laughingstock. As Clew said, I ate while checking the food before putting it in my mouth. It seemed wise to follow Annie's example.

After that, I tore the bread into small pieces and soaked it in the soup like Annie. Sadly, by the time I finished eating, the cleanup was already done. At this rate, they'd think I was useless.

After the dinner, I was led to a room where there were three large boxes.

"These boxes are yours. They were brought here by the Marquis' family before you arrived."

I only responded with, "I see," to Mother's words.

"If you're going to live here, you should wear Annette's clothes. They seem to be the same size, so no alterations should be necessary."

"Do my clothes really stand out that much?"

If possible, I'd like to wear my own.

"You might get kidnapped if you wear that."

It wasn't a joke; Mother looked serious. It seemed I finally understood why there were guards when I went out.

I thought Mother might ask me something, but she left the room without saying a word. Wouldn't she have anything to ask her daughter after fourteen years apart?

"Aren't you going to open the boxes?"

"A lot happened today. I'm too tired; I'll do it tomorrow."

"That's right, but I think that staying here is better than at an inn."

"Yes. Though I'm not recognized as family, it's better than being alone."

Clew never talked about that family. I was relieved by that. I didn't want to think about it now—about my parents or my brother.

Being treated coldly by my current family was something I could accept, but being rejected by my former family was harder than I had imagined.

I used the cleaning magic to thoroughly clean the room. This magic, which removes even invisible dirt, was exactly what I needed now. The bed was just a sheet laid over straw, so it wouldn't be surprising if there were small bugs. Thanks to this magic, I could sleep comfortably even in this bed.

I cast the spell on myself as well. My sweat-sticky body felt refreshed. This house probably didn't have a bath. Maybe I should use this magic on my siblings tomorrow. They looked rather dishevelled. But if I don't handle it well, they might get upset. As I was thinking about this, I fell asleep before I knew it.

It seemed I had more nerves than I thought.

I woke up in the middle of the night to find my face wet. I had a really bad dream. I tried to get up from the bed and realized this wasn't where I used to live.

The sad dream was a reality. I had been abandoned by my parents and brother. I knew the Senette family prioritized lineage over anything else, but I still had hope. We had lived together happily for a long time, so I had thought that maybe there was a chance. But this was for the best. A clean break would leave no lingering attachment.

Clew was curled up at my feet, sleeping. So even fairies sleep, I thought. He usually hid by the time I went to bed, so I didn't know.

Maybe he was worried about me and slept with me tonight.

I wonder if Annette is sleeping well now. Perhaps she's also not used to an unfamiliar bed.