VTGWH 507

507

I find myself comparing Gordon-san and Uncle Will a little.

I felt a sense of nostalgia for the inclusiveness I saw in his dignity.

"Does the young lady feel lonely?"

After a short pause after Gordon-san and I had finished talking, Gilbert said something. He had been speaking to me informally from the start, so I didn't feel any discomfort.

Normally, it would be impossible for Gilbert, in his position, to speak so familiarly to the daughter of one of the Five Great Noble Families...

Loneliness...

The words that came out of his mouth were replayed in my mind.

Why have I been asked so many questions about concepts since just now? Was I being evaluated as a person with these questions...? 

"You're asking that question again..."

Gordon-san muttered in exasperation. I looked Gilbert straight in the eyes.

His eyes didn't seem to be making fun of me. He really wanted to know how I interpreted the word "loneliness".

"If you give me a satisfactory answer, I'll tell you the information you want to know whether it's Julie-sama or whatever. ...Isn't that fine, Father?"

"Yes. ...You should use honorifics when speaking to Alicia-sama."

"It's fine. Remember your words, Gilbert."

"Of course."

He gave a slight, wry smile.

Everyone had their own way of dealing with and viewing loneliness. I had to put it into words and convince him.

...but I had a feeling like he was not going to tell me anything.

I had a feeling that even if he was satisfied, he wouldn't provide me any information.

I have no choice but to lose this time. No matter how hard I struggle, Gilbert had no intention of letting me win. Nevertheless, I had to give a proper answer here.

There was no helping it. This time I'll lose. ...Rather than thinking of it as a loss, it might be better to think of it as the first step towards winning.

"I think that loneliness is a luxury that is given to individuals, and not anyone else."

I honestly gave my opinion.

I could have fudged my answer any way I wanted, but if I lied here, Gilbert would see right through me.

Gilbert's eyes widened at my reply.

Oh, he was actually surprised. ...Well, though, wasn't the way he was surprised a little strange? 

He should at least pretend to be dissatisfied with my answer.

He froze for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. I couldn't help but be startled by his sudden change from his usual gruffness.

What's going on? 

Neither Gilles nor I could quite grasp the situation.

Gordon-san looked at me with a surprised expression on his face, then laughed a little. I was sure that his smile wasn't one that was mocking me.

"I never intended to provide you any information. I certainly understand that you are a rare young lady, but I don't like people in this world who think they can get everything they want. So no matter what the answer, I was never going to be satisfied."

Yes, I had guessed that.

I nodded to myself.

"But when I get a response like this..."

"What do you mean?"

I could tell that Gilbert was telling me what was on his mind, but I still couldn't grasp his intentions.

"I know another person who said that loneliness is a luxury."

I understood Gilbert's point with those words.

"...Julie-sama."

My small voice echoed quietly around the room.