Is it alright if I wanted to ask some questions regarding the family?"
"Of course, you can ask anything."
"Well then----."
The contents of the question spanned many divergences.
What is her usual diet, in what amount, to which degree she exercises, and whether menstruation was taking place or not.
From questions regarding physical health,
To what degree she is able to live her everyday life, her usual behavior, and whether she has a wound in her heart.
To questions regarding mental health.
I fluently answered all the doctor-like questions.
Somethings that I didn't know of, Aisha was there to answer them.
Lilia might have been able to give a detailed explanation about all this, since she is not here it can't be helped.
"I see, I understand."
After writing down the answers in a small memo, he bowed.
And then, went towards Claire and started consultation while muttering.
"How is it?"
"Let's see. I don't think there are any problems. There is always one maid looking after her in constant attendance. There aren't any illness or injury on her. Even her mind seems to be stable."
"What about children?"
"Menstruation is taking place, that being the case to give birth......... If several people are nursing her in constant attendance it is possible."
"Alright."
What is 'alright' with this.
It feels like you have yet to give me the remainder of the story........
"It feels as if the conversation is going towards mother's second marriage."
I said that with the intention of a joke.
But, I got a cold-hearted look coming from Claire's direction instead.
A mighty terrifying look.
Without even saying anything, I can feel her enforcing intention from that glance.
".......In this holy country of Millis a woman's worth is regarded based upon her ability to give birth. If a child is born, the possibility of being ignored as a human can't exist."
I just want you to wait for a moment.
Can't be ignored......Really?
No, calm down.
Even if it's not ignored, it's still not confirmed.
She is just reciting the general knowledge of this country.
I don't believe that there is such a thing whether a woman's worth is based upon her ability to give birth, if this is something obaa-chan has decided by herself, then she might be under the impression that this is the truth.
"Ah that's right. You should cut you're bonds with the Priest of the Pope's faction."
"Eh?"
"I am well aware of your friendship with the Priest of the Pope's faction."
Yet again an abrupt change of subject, confusion is about to be born.
I was not able to seize authority to lead the conversation, I think it's because Claire has been speaking with a strong voice for a while now.
Or, I wonder if I have failed in initiating my response.
It's the former.
"Certainly, I get along well with Cliff.....but why is it necessary to cut my ties with him?"
"Currently, the Latreia have started to move as the Cardinal's faction, any person working under the Pope's faction is not allowed to be associated with."
The Cardinal's faction, it might be about the demon race's ostracism.
I think the Cardinal is at the top right now.
"Not particularly........I don't have any intention of supporting the Pope's faction by myself, won't that suffice?"
"No, it can't be permitted, if you want to stay at this house you have to abide by the rules of this house."
Hmm.
Hmm.
Well, certainly, since Cliff's position as a Pope is more or less guaranteed, I'll end up getting completely backed up by the pope's faction.
It's not like I don't understand such a strategy, if you comprehend it as such.
It's not that kind of a feeling.........
"Cliff has looked after me in school. He has also aided in Norn's growth........shouldn't it be alright to at least associate with him as a friend?"
"It can't be done, if you want to associate with the Priest of the Pope's faction no matter what, you will not be permitted to stay at this house---"
It's hopeless.
Alright, I understand.
Then, it's fine.
For today, let's stay at a different place.
Alright, it's fine. I'm not angry. I'm not angry at all.
I'm perfectly calm. I'm the calm and clever Rudeus.
There is no reason to panic. I was aware that Claire was this kind of woman. I was prepared for this.
My relationship with a friend would become an interference was outside my scope of assumption but.......we were incompatible like oil and water.
At least without quarreling I'll give my greetings and leave this house----.
"----Leave Zenith here, and quickly depart."
My thoughts suspended.