Kays Translations

Chapter 39: Everyone Goes to the Racetrack

The tension at the other table showed no sign of easing, so those of us on the sofa decided to play board games.

Our guests were surprised to learn that games now sold in the royal capital had originated in the Heine Margraviate. As usual, Rosalia proudly announced that her brother Julius had created them, causing another commotion.

I noticed a distinct change in the way Chloe and Caro looked at me. Their eyes resembled those of predators that had found prey, while I felt like a defenceless sheep. Brother Cain looked relieved that their attention had spared him.

Once everyone began playing, we stopped paying attention to Alex’s table. The others seemed to feel the same way, and their faces brightened.

We were still children. We ought to enjoy playing while we could.

As the sun began to set, the visit came to an end. Hilda, Caro, Daniela, and Chloe walked toward the entrance together, though the rivalry between their elder sisters had clearly not vanished.

Personally, I didn’t see much point in fighting when their parents would ultimately decide their marriages.

“Chloe, I’ll have your stuffed animal delivered as soon as it’s finished,” I said.

“No. Send me a letter, and I’ll come collect it.”

“She’s right,” Daniela added. “Since we imposed on you to make them, it’s only proper that we come to receive them.”

Daniela smiled sweetly. Hilda answered with a strained smile of her own.

Were those two truly friends at the academy? I would ask Alex after they left.

At last, time itself brought the storm to an end. I could only wonder whether they would all return together.

During dinner, I questioned an exhausted Alex about their relationship at school. His eyes were vacant, but I needed to reconsider how I dealt with Chloe and Caro. Becoming involved with the younger sisters might drag me into the elder sisters’ conflict.

“They’re normally good friends at the academy. I never imagined this would happen…” Alex said.

Apparently, the confrontation had surprised him as much as it surprised us. He had simply thought two friends were visiting together for an enjoyable afternoon. Reality had been less kind.

Father and Mother had sensed that something was wrong, so my question prompted them to interrogate Alex further.

This was his own fault. He would have to surrender and tell them everything. Otherwise, Father couldn’t properly consider whom Alex should marry.

In this kingdom, students came of age at fifteen when they graduated from the academy. Noble heirs were generally expected to have at least a provisional engagement arranged before then. Alex’s future bride therefore had to be considered soon. Father had a difficult task ahead.

When the stuffed animals were complete, Daniela and Chloe would need to be invited. But failing to invite Hilda and Caro at the same time would surely cause another problem.

When I discussed this with Father, he proposed inviting both families to watch the next horse race. That way, the stuffed animals could be presented in the presence of the royal family’s Count Crystal cover household and the Mulan family.

The situation was becoming far larger than I wanted, but Father had probably decided that meeting only Daniela and Hilda again would be unwise.

It also gave him an opportunity to speak directly with their parents, which would be politically useful.

I disliked the awkward atmosphere, so I agreed. All I had to do was finish the stuffed animals before race day. Somehow, that made me feel a little calmer.

On the morning of the race, our family completed its preparations and gathered at the entrance. Since everyone else would meet us at the racetrack, only members of House Heine rode in our carriage.

Even Father seemed nervous about meeting His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen in private.

“Everyone appears ready. I’ll remind you once more to behave properly,” he said.

We all nodded in silence. Any mistake could create a serious incident. The royal family was visiting privately, and if their presence became public, the racetrack would erupt into chaos.

Our carriage soon arrived. The racetrack had been renovated repeatedly since its construction and now resembled a small amusement park. The stalls that once lined the grounds had been replaced by sturdy shops.

The old open-air betting counter was now a splendid covered reception area staffed by numerous clerks. Some spectator stands had roofs as well. Horse racing was clearly generating substantial revenue.

Naturally, we arrived before our guests. We couldn’t keep them waiting.

We waited in a private room, and the Mulan party arrived soon afterward. Once the adults exchanged greetings, they immediately began discussing the day’s unusual gathering.

“I never imagined His Majesty and Her Majesty would attend in person,” Marquis Mulan said.

“Neither did I. They must be deeply interested in horse racing,” Father replied.

“If I recall correctly, His Majesty has always loved riding. That may explain it.”

The adults continued their conversation while the children sat quietly around the sweets. Even Hilda was meek as a mouse with the King and Queen expected at any moment.

It was impressive how thoroughly she could control herself when necessary.

“A guest has arrived,” a servant announced.

The entire room became tense.

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