Home/I Became the Emergency Food Supply of the Bear Family/ch48

Chapter 48

The Imperial Academy entrance ceremony concluded with applause from parents and faculty.

Under the dazzling light of chandeliers studded with dozens of crystals, the ceremony held in the vast hall—supported by countless pillars—was splendid and grand.

Truly the Imperial Academy!

Even as she clapped, Ber frantically took in every corner of the hall.

Ever since arriving in the capital, it had been one thrill after another.

The streets Einja had walked. The school Einja had attended. This must be what they called a pilgrimage.

Having safely delivered the letter to the elderly couple, she'd accomplished everything she needed to in the capital. Now she could leisurely continue her pilgrimage.

"We will now begin dormitory assignments. New students, please follow me."

At the instructor's direction, the new students lined up and began filing out of the hall.

From across the hall, Ferdinand waved to Louis and Ber. Each time he waved, the epaulets on his uniform shoulders swayed.

Several female students glanced at Ferdinand and let out small squeals. Clothes do make the man—the gray uniform suited him so well that he looked like a young noble.

Well, he was always handsome.

Ber's shoulders puffed up involuntarily.

See you later, Ferdinand. She mouthed and waved enthusiastically.

After Ferdinand left, Louis spoke to Theodor.

"Then I'll be going too, Father."

At Ber's questioning look, Louis explained:

"I applied for a campus tour. I'll look around the Academy."

"I'll accompany you. Since Young Master Louis is scheduled to enter next year, I'd like to submit his documents in advance."

"I see. Have fun!"

As Ber waved to Louis and Demi Rune, Theodor also gave a single nod as if to say go ahead.

Left in the hall, Ber, Theodor, Alexei, and Olsen moved to the building set aside for guardians' waiting room.

Maybe I should have followed Louis.

Sitting in the waiting room, staring blankly out the window, Ber thought.

She'd made it to the capital, but who knew when she'd visit the Imperial Academy again? She wanted to do more pilgrimage. Above all, the weather was beautiful.

How wonderful it would be to stroll through the Academy gardens on a day like this! The very garden where Einja and the male lead, Adrian, had first met!

Lost in thought, she turned to Theodor. Their eyes met, and he tilted his head slightly.

"Do you have something to say?"

"Ah... no, Count."

She swallowed the words I want to go outside that had risen to her lips.

Theodor and Rib were overprotective. Of course, she'd needed to come to the capital for the sake of the Grizzly family's safety, but she was grateful they'd allowed this journey.

I don't want to worry them more.

Ber pressed her lips together and gripped her knees.

Theodor watched her silently, his eyes moving slowly. After several moments of contemplation, he finally spoke.

"It's a nice day."

"Pardon?"

At the voice, barely above a murmur, Ber turned. Theodor cleared his throat awkwardly and continued slowly:

"Shall we take a walk?"

The awkward tone and clumsy offer—a father with a way with words and warmth wouldn't propose a walk like this. His brow furrowed with inexplicable embarrassment. But—

"......"

At Ber's startlingly bright expression, Theodor was momentarily stunned.

"Yes! I'd love to, a walk!"

Ber sprang up as if she'd been waiting. Theodor found himself laughing.

As they left the waiting room and walked down the corridor, someone greeted Theodor.

"Count Grizzly. Meeting you here!"

Viscount Balan—one of the rare central nobles who neither looked down on nor opposed the Grizzly family.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, the Viscount asked Theodor:

"I heard you had an audience with His Majesty. How did he seem?"

"...What do you mean?"

Though he was certain the Emperor's health was poor, Theodor feigned ignorance.

"Actually, there's been much troubling talk about His Majesty's health these past few years. I heard no imperial events have been held for two or three years, and he hasn't appeared at administrative councils for long periods. Since you're close to His Majesty, I thought you might know something."

The information fit perfectly. The Imperial Court had been seeking spring's power for at least six years. That meant the Emperor's health issues were old, and had begun worsening significantly about two years ago.

"Still, I'm feeling better than usual today."

The Emperor's words were likely true.

An illness—or old age—that required finding spring's power. It couldn't have suddenly improved. It was only a temporary favorable condition.

But he couldn't let a central noble know he'd noticed anything.

"I see. I did hear His Majesty mentioned knee pain."

"Indeed—it's been so many years since His Majesty ascended the throne."

The Viscount nodded to himself in understanding, then took his leave with a brief farewell.

After the short conversation, Theodor turned—but the face he'd been watching was gone. As he looked around, Olsen spoke:

"The young lady went out first. She seemed eager to take that walk."

Even at Olsen's explanation, Theodor's expression remained tight. He hurried down the corridor—and Olsen followed.

"Count, the Imperial Academy is as safe as the palace. Alexei went with her, and the young lady is already fourteen. Surely she can take a walk freely."

"......"

Theodor slowly stopped.

He knew Olsen was right. He also knew he couldn't keep her confined forever.

But even so, she was special. He'd made a vow for her, and he didn't begrudge his own life. She was as precious as—no, more than—blood family.

Theodor's pace quickened again.

---

In truth, Ber hadn't planned to go out first.

While Theodor was speaking with an acquaintance, a window caught her eye. Tall trees lined beneath the high autumn sky. One tree in particular stood out strangely.

Beneath the tree, hidden in shadow—something darker than the shade was visible.

Ber moved toward the window as if drawn. Soon, her face was pressed against the cold glass, staring at the base of the tree.

Watching her press her cheeks flat against the window, Alexei called out. But Ber heard nothing.

Someone's collapsed.

Even from the window, the tree was far. Yet Ber was certain. And the moment she was sure, she ran.

"Young lady?"

Young lady, where are you going! Alexei called after her, trying to stop her—but Ber didn't slow.

It was an unfamiliar place. She'd come to a building never described in the original. Yet she knew—if she kept going, there'd be a back gate. That path would lead to the tree, to the person collapsed beneath it.

It was a strange certainty. But she had to trust it. It was, in a sense, instinct.

Predator scents. The way quietly falling snow turns into a blizzard. Edible and inedible plants. Things you naturally come to know without anyone telling you.

As if proving her certainty correct, a small back gate appeared at the end of the corridor. Fortunately, it was open. She burst through, running across the grass.

As she ran, another conviction came to her.

That person is in danger.

Death was near. Left as they were, they'd surely die within a few years.

The ominous thought made her shake her head. Why am I acting like this? Why am I so anxious? She clenched her sweaty hands and kept running.

Soon she reached the tree. Without pausing to catch her breath, Ber knelt on the ground.

"Young lady! Running off like that—"

"Sei."

Turning to Alexei, who was voicing his complaint, Ber's expression was grave.

Beneath the tree's shade, a dog lay collapsed.

Leaning against the trunk, it breathed in shallow gasps.

Back   Next