The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 91
Chapter 91: The fat aristocrat knows responsibility
Lattier’s words made Mitrof widen his eyes. His heart was beating fast.
“…I won’t force Grace.”
“I know you’re not that kind of person—Grace always praises you—that’s why she’ll go to the labyrinth ‘for you’, using the excuse of paying back a debt—and she might die in the labyrinth—are you not worried about that?”
“She’s your precious little sister—of course, you want her to live far from danger and stay healthy.”
Lattier’s lines were thin, and her eyes were soft. However, there was a strength in her words to protect Grace and her feelings for her that Mitrof could not easily refute.
“I appreciate you for helping Grace; I also thank you for helping the village. Will you allow me to serve you? on her behalf.”
‘So let Grace be free…’ Without being expressed as a sound, Mitrof understood the meaning of those words.
He had a responsibility.
A chill ran down Mitrof’s back.
When he had helped Grace, Mitrof had not thought deeply about it. He just wanted to help a troubled woman. He had wanted to do what he could. That was how he felt.
He did not fully understand the meaning of helping others.
Mitrof had helped Grace. He did not see it as a debt that needed to be repaid. Nor did he intend to demand something in return, like a financial transaction.
But what about Grace?
She was a serious person. Even if Mitrof didn’t worry about it, she would worry.
Even if Mitrof said he didn’t need it, she wouldn’t be satisfied.
As long as it was given as it was, it was not equal. Because of her nobility, Grace could not be satisfied until she returned the same amount to Mitrof.
That’s why she’s going to the labyrinth.
At first, it was to protect the village.
Now, it is to repay Mitrof’s favor.
Grace’s only reason for challenging the labyrinth was that Mitrof was there.
If she happened to lose her life in the labyrinth, Mitrof would be responsible for it.
By helping Grace, Mitrof had added another chain to her burden. This chain was connected to the labyrinth, and Lattier wanted to break it for her.
To protect Grace’s life and the hearts of the children who looked up to her.
She was determined to sacrifice herself if necessary.
In front of a woman who seemed delicate in appearance but held a formidable will like steel, Mitrof had no words.
“Oh, are you two having a friendly chat?”
Grace returned with the children in tow.
Mitrof smiled at the teasing tone of her voice.
“I was just hearing what Lattier-dono had to say. It seems she had plenty of praise for me.”
“…What did you talk about, Sister?”
Lattier smiled wryly at Grace’s narrowed eyes.
“It’s what you always talked about—Mitrof-san is a reliable and good person.”
“My sister has a bad habit of exaggerating—don’t misunderstand, Mitrof.”
Grace suddenly spoke faster.
“Yes, I understand.”
“Do you really understand? Of course I acknowledge you, but there’s no special meaning to it.”
“Ah! the old hag’s cheeks turned red!”
Kou remarked as if he were simply pointing out what he saw.
Grace turned her face sharply towards Kou, her eyes narrowing slightly. Her cheeks did indeed seem to have a faint blush.
“I’ve been running around just now; that’s why!”
“Don’t be shy at your age; you’re not a kid, you know!”
Kou laughed while turning away.
“Kou, that’s not good… wait for me!”
As Kai gave the warning, she quickly moved away upon seeing Grace’s expression.
“If you dare provoke me, it means you haven’t had enough of running.”
“…Yikes.”
“Come on, try and catch me!”
Chasing after Kou, who had run off, Grace also started running again. The children divided themselves into those who joined the chase, those who were tired and rowed the boat on chairs, and those who reached out to grab the food left on the dining table.
The atmosphere was lively but gentle. Grace running around in the garden did not have the tense pressure that she had in the labyrinth.
Mitrof thought that perhaps that was Grace’s true nature.
If that was the case, he wondered if his presence, which would pull her away through the use of words such as “debt” and “help,” would actually benefit her. Even Mitrof struggled to determine that.
Mitrof took the napkin from his collar and neatly folded it, then put it in his pocket.
Saffron and the nuns picked up the children, who were already falling asleep, and began cleaning up the food.
Lattier understood the situation from the sound of the movement.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I have work to attend to.”
“We’ve been treated to dinner—we should leave our seats soon.”
“I would be happy to talk to you again at another time.”
With a deep bow, Lattier returned to the church.
Mitrof knew that even without someone guiding her, she could walk around the church, as it was a familiar place.
The children who had been running around started to help clean up when Saffron called out to them.
There were rules to living here, and Grace seemed to have become completely accustomed to being within that circle.
Mitrof reached into his pocket to search for a silver coin from his wallet and tucked it under his glass.
Saffron and the others must have used the food they had stored to welcome Mitrof and Canule tonight. This was how they showed hospitality.
Feeling grateful for their consideration, Mitrof ate without hesitation, even though it was originally intended for the children’s meals. He made an excuse to himself that this was his donation to the church before getting up from his seat.
Mitrof informed Canule and Saffron of his departure, and there was not much weight to the parting. Grace would remain at the church. Mitrof knew he could come back here anytime—tomorrow or the day after.
He said goodbye, promising to meet again, and left the church.