Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 42: Bear With Me, It’s Complicated

Chapter 42: Bear With Me, It’s Complicated

Katherine had just finished tidying up the kitchen when Laura insisted on helping, despite Katherine’s polite decline. She felt odd having the princess assist with the cleanup, but she didn’t protest.

"Are we almost done?" Laura asked, her voice light, though a softness lingered in her eyes.

Katherine hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Yes," she said, gesturing toward the last few items. "I’m just finishing up."

Laura stepped further into the kitchen, her gaze immediately landing on the tray of freshly made treats Katherine had set aside. "These look wonderful," she said with an approving nod. "I hope I’m not interrupting anything."

"No, nothing at all," Katherine replied, though she couldn’t help but notice the concern that seemed to cloud Laura’s eyes. She hadn’t seen the princess act this way before—not with her, at least. "I just wanted to get some time to myself."

Laura nodded knowingly, her eyes softening. "I can understand that. But maybe... a little company wouldn’t hurt?"

Katherine felt a flicker of warmth at her words, though the invitation made her hesitate. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to talk about what had been weighing on her, but Laura didn’t seem like someone who would push. "I suppose it wouldn’t hurt," Katherine said quietly, gesturing toward the small table where she had set the sweets.

Katherine followed the princess down the hall, the tray of treats in her hands. They passed quietly through the halls, the sound of their footsteps the only noise in the otherwise peaceful corridor.

When they entered Laura’s room, Katherine paused for a moment, taking in the space. She’d been in here a few times before but had never really looked around. Now, with the calmness of the moment, she finally took notice of the luxurious yet simple elegance that filled the room. The walls were adorned with soft, muted tones, and the furniture was sleek and minimalist—nothing too extravagant, but clearly of fine quality. The room reflected Laura’s personality: regal but understated, a space that exuded calm and grace.

Laura turned to her with a slight smile. "You didn’t attend class today?" she asked, her voice curious but gentle.

"No," Katherine replied. "I skipped today."

Laura raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. "Understandable," she said, nodding. "Most of the things taught here were already covered by my tutors back at the palace."

"I see," Katherine said, as they moved toward the seating area.

Laura gestured to the plush chairs, a warm smile on her face. "Please, make yourself at home," she said warmly. "I’m excited to try the sweets!"

Katherine smiled, setting the tray on the table. She sat down opposite Laura, though a sense of unease lingered. It had been a long day of thinking—too much thinking—and she wasn’t sure how to voice the thoughts that had been building up. The academy, her place here, the uncertainty. But Laura had been kind, and something about the quiet of her room made her feel like she could open up, if only a little.

As they shared the treats, Katherine found herself speaking about her dilemma. "It’s just... so much to take in," she murmured, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of her teacup. "I can’t help but feel like I don’t belong here, like I’m... out of place."

Laura listened intently, her eyes soft with understanding. "I can’t imagine what it must feel like," she said quietly, her voice steady. "But I think... you’re not the only one who feels that way sometimes. I certainly have." She paused, her gaze searching Katherine’s. "Being here, living up to certain expectations—sometimes it can make anyone feel lost."

Katherine’s heart tightened. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear that, to know that she wasn’t alone in feeling this way. "I just... don’t know if I’ll ever feel like I fit in," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Laura reached out and placed a hand over Katherine’s, the simple gesture both grounding and comforting. "You don’t have to figure it all out right away," she said gently. "It’s okay to take your time. And... if you need someone to talk to, I’m here."

Katherine smiled weakly, feeling a small but meaningful weight lift from her chest. "Thank you, Your Highness. I’m really glad you’re here."

Laura smiled back, squeezing Katherine’s hand. "I’m glad you’re here too. And you will find your place, I’m sure of it."

The princess rang her bell, and a servant promptly entered, setting down a teacup and teapot before bowing and leaving in a swift motion.

Katherine had settled into the plush chair, the weight of the day beginning to lift with each passing minute of quiet conversation. Laura’s presence was unhurried and calming, and as the princess spoke, Katherine felt her guard lower more and more. The sense of alienation that had weighed on her earlier started to fade, replaced with a warmth she hadn’t expected to find. It was easier than she thought to talk, to share her thoughts without fear of judgment.

She leaned back slightly in her chair, feeling more at ease as Laura listened with an understanding smile. The soft clink of their teacups and the faint murmur of their voices filled the room, creating a peaceful rhythm. Katherine couldn’t help but let a small smile slip as she glanced around, her gaze resting on the simple elegance of Laura’s room. Everything in it felt familiar now, less intimidating—as though she belonged here all along.

But the moment of calm was broken when Katherine’s eyes landed on something that stood out on Laura’s desk: a small teddy bear, nestled beside a flower vase. Its soft beige fur, little button eyes, and red ribbon around its neck immediately caught her attention. Katherine blinked in surprise, recognition striking her. The teddy bear looked nearly identical to the one she and Adolfo had seen in the shop just days ago.

Curiosity piqued, she asked, "Your Highness, where did you get that teddy bear?"

Laura followed her gaze, her expression instantly clouding with mild annoyance. "Oh, that," she sighed, leaning back in her seat. "An attendant sent it to me. Apparently, it’s from Adolfo." She ran a finger along the bear’s edge as though it were a bothersome trinket. "I didn’t ask for it, but I have to accept them. At the end of the day, he is a marriage candidate."

Katherine felt a sharp pang in her chest, a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite name. She had known, of course, that Adolfo was a marriage candidate, that the royal family likely viewed him as a suitable match for Laura. But hearing it said so plainly, so matter-of-factly, made something inside her tighten. She had felt a flicker of something deeper for Adolfo, something more than friendship. But now... now it seemed distant and out of reach, like something she could never have.

Her attention wandered to the Mais Con Yelo in front of her, the ice almost completely melted, blending with the sweet, creamy mixture. What had once been comforting now tasted bittersweet. She scooped up a small spoonful, letting the sweetness wash over her, but the taste seemed to fade as she listened to Laura’s voice continue in the background.

Katherine’s fingers trembled slightly as she stirred the dessert with her spoon. The sharp pang in her chest turned into a mix of jealousy, longing, and resignation—an odd combination that made the food feel almost too sweet to swallow. She took another sip, but the coldness of the Mais Con Yelo offered little comfort now.

As she set the spoon down, Katherine caught Laura’s gaze. The princess’s eyes were soft, but perceptive, as if she had noticed the shift in her expression. "Are you alright?" Laura asked gently.

Katherine smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I’m fine," she replied quietly, taking a breath to steady herself. "Just... a lot to think about, I guess."

Laura nodded, her expression understanding, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she leaned back, her gaze turning inward for a moment as if she were reflecting on her own thoughts. The room seemed quieter now, as if the weight of the conversation had settled between them.

Katherine took another bite of her Mais Con Yelo, the coldness easing the tightness in her chest, but the lingering pang didn’t fade. She knew it was foolish to let it bother her this much, but the truth was, hearing about Adolfo’s gift—his role as a potential match for Laura—had stirred feelings Katherine wasn’t ready to face.

As she sat there, the weight of the dessert in her hand, Katherine wondered if she would ever truly feel like she belonged here—or if she would always be haunted by the things she could never have.

"Lady Katherine, do you have feelings for Count Adolfo?"

Katherine was caught off guard by the question, so much so that the spoon slipped from her hand and clattered onto the floor in shock.

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