Chapter 16: Daughter of Two I

Milene walks beside me, her elegant pace unwavering as we make our way through the palace corridors. The walls are lined with gold-trimmed portraits, the floors polished to a perfect shine. This place is just as excessive as the Lafans' manor—just more tasteful and with well fed servants. She sighs, glancing down at me. "Leon, you do realize I don't have all day for this, yes? I still have a kingdom to manage."
I smirk. "And yet, you still made time for me. I feel special."
She chuckles. "If Erica does not wish for visitors, you should go home."
"Got it, got it," I say casually. "But I think she'll see me."

We stop before a set of grand doors. A servant steps forward, bowing deeply before opening them. Inside, the room is bright, warmed by the soft glow of afternoon light streaming through tall windows. Near the center, seated gracefully on a cushioned chair, is Princess Erica. She is small for her age, with delicate features and dark blue hair cascading past her shoulders. Her blue eyes, sharp yet kind, shift to Milene as we enter. Milene gives her daughter a measured nod. "Erica."
"Mother," Erica replies just as formally, bowing her head slightly. The distance between them is… something.
Milene gestures toward me. "This is Lord Leon Fou Bartfort, son of the newly appointed Viscount Bartfort. He wishes to meet you."
I take a step forward, hands in my pockets, and give a casual nod. "Ohio."

A pause.

Milene's gaze snaps to me, slightly blushing. "Leon. Manners."
I let out a small laugh, scratching the back of my head. "Sorry, sorry. I was just trying to lighten the mood." I glance at Erica, but her expression remains composed—completely unaffected. So, no reaction, huh?
I sigh dramatically. "Fine. Let's try this again." I straighten slightly, giving a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess."
Erica watches me for a moment before smiling faintly. "Likewise, Lord Bartfort."

We sit down together, the air still carrying a hint of formality. The conversation moves politely, carefully. Nothing too personal.
And I hate it. The tension between Erica and Milene is so thick you could cut it with a sword. They speak to each other like political allies, not like mother and daughter.
Eventually, I can't take it anymore. I huff and lean back, crossing my arms. "You know, Mama Milene, you really shouldn't be surprised that your kids are so distant when you act the same way."
Milene freezes. Erica tilts her head slightly, looking between us. Then—
"LEON!" Milene's face flushes as she leans forward. "I told you not to—!"
But I'm already grinning as I turn to Erica, completely ignoring Milene's flustered reaction. "See?" I say to her. "She acts all composed, but she's actually really easy to tease."
Milene groans, rubbing her temples.
"Mama Milene gets lonely, you know? She wishes her kids were closer to her."
Milene lets out a sharp breath. "Leon!"
I only smirk. Erica, for her part, remains perfectly calm. But her fingers tighten slightly around her sleeve. Her gaze wanders toward Milene.
Milene, still flustered, straightens in her seat, smoothing out the fabric of her dress as if that might restore her dignity. "That is—" She exhales, composing herself. "That is not something you should just announce so casually, Leon."
I smirk. "Why not? It's true."
Erica doesn't respond immediately. Instead, she studies her mother with quiet scrutiny. Milene, for her part, looks away, as if unwilling to meet her daughter's gaze. Erica's fingers tighten slightly over the hem of her dress. Then, slowly, carefully, she shifts closer—just an inch. It's hesitant, uncertain, like she's testing the waters. Milene notices. Her brows lift slightly in surprise, but she doesn't comment.
I lean forward with a knowing grin. "See? Progress."
Milene shoots me a half-hearted glare. "Leon."
Erica watches our exchange, and after a moment, she does something unexpected—she chuckles. So soft, you could almost miss it, but it's there. I blink. Huh. That's the first time she's dropped the formal act even a little.
Milene turns to her, eyes widening slightly. Erica meets her gaze, then carefully—deliberately—reaches out and rests a hand atop Milene's. "I do not mind… trying," she says quietly. "If it would make you happy."
Milene stares at her. Then, slowly, hesitantly, she turns her palm upward and gently clasps Erica's fingers.
I just watch, thoroughly pleased with myself. "Looks like I was right," I say, smug.
Milene sighs but doesn't let go of Erica's hand. "Leon, sometimes I wonder if I should exile you."
"You wouldn't…" I gaze at her with puppy dog eyes.
Erica, watching us, lets out another quiet chuckle. Milene looks at her daughter, something questioning in her expression. Then, at last, she smiles. Just a little.
Yeah. This was definitely worth it.

Milene eventually stands, smoothing her skirts with a sigh. "I should return to work. Erica, please rest. Leon…" She glances at me, clearly weighing her words. "Don't cause trouble."
"I'll be good," I say innocently.
She doesn't believe me. But before she can comment, Erica speaks. "Mom," she says softly, with just a hint of uncertainty. "Would it be alright if Leon stayed with me for a while?"
Milene blinks, clearly surprised. She looks between us again, then exhales—this time, the sigh carries something gentler. "Very well. Just don't let him talk you into anything foolish."
With one last glance—half warning, half fond—she turns and leaves. The heavy door clicks shut behind her, leaving only the soft rustle of fabric and the quiet hum of the palace halls beyond.

Erica turns to me the moment we're alone. Her tone is calm, but there's something sharp beneath the surface. "So, you really are a reincarnator," she says. "But how did you find me? And who are you? I don't remember anyone like you from the game."
"Wait.. wait just to be sure," I cut in, raising a hand. "You died of old age, right? Peacefully? After a long life? And your mom, well... her partner, you know… but you were already living with your grandparents by then?"
Erica blinks, caught off guard. "Yes, but—"
"Oh, thank goodness." I let out a laugh—relieved, awkward, a little too loud. "For a second, I thought I'd messed up and found the wrong person." She opens her mouth to reply, but I rush ahead again. "I already found your mom. She's been reborn too. Things are… messy, but I'm working on getting her out. I thought maybe I could do something nice and reunite you two early."
Erica stares at me for a moment. "You mean… my mother from Japan?"
"Exactly. Her name's Marie here."
Her voice drops, softer now. "And you are...?"
"Your uncle. You know, the one who fell down the stairs before you were born." I rub the back of my neck, sheepish. "It was after pulling too many all-nighters grinding through the game this world is based on. My sister forced me to finish it."

There's a moment of silence.

"…Are your memories fuzzy?" I ask quickly, eyeing her. "You do remember me, right?"
Erica hesitates. Then, carefully, she smiles. "No. I do."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Good. I was starting to think I really was the only one."
She watches me a moment longer, her gaze steady and kind. "You're not," she says, quiet but firm. There's a warmth in her voice, something calm and grounding. "You have my mother, don't you?"
I blink, unsure how to respond, until I hear another voice—light, cheerful. "Master! You are never alone. I remain at your side, always." Cleare's voice chimed from nearby, sounding far too pleased with herself. "May I reveal myself now? I want to test your claims about her."
Right. I'd completely forgotten she was still in hiding. I take a quick look around—no open windows, only the sun kissed sky, no one to hear or see us—and give her a nod.

Erica turns toward Cleare appearing out of thin air. She doesn't flinch, but her eyes linger on Cleare with quiet curiosity. "It is a pleasure to formally meet you, Princess Erica. Would you allow me to examine your condition? I believe I may be able to help with your illness."
I resist the urge to groan. That's not all Cleare's thinking. I know that tone—too sweet, too eager. Helping is just a convenient bonus. What she really wants is to study Erica. If there's a mystery in front of her, she's going to poke it until it tells her everything.
Erica glances over at me, then back at Cleare with a faint smile. "The pleasure is mine, Cleare. I'll be in your care too, then."
Cleare buzzed softly, her voice chipper. "Understood! I shall begin a light diagnostic scan."
Of course she will.

A/N

I'm back. Sorry for the long wait. Motivation wasn't on my side. My main problem was Erica, at first she was a second Marie and I got stuck on that for a long time. I hope the characterizations are good enough. I don't want to work this chapter over anymore. But any tips on how to write specific characters would be greatly appreciated. Maybe I rework this chapter a bit.
Also, the second part is close to finished, so it shouldn't be more than a couple of day until the next update.

Like always, please comment if there is anything on your mind. All non shitposts are appreciated.