Kays Translations

Chapter 72: Perhaps There Has Been a Misunderstanding

I was in serious trouble.

Chloe had insisted that I lie down on her bed. That much was understandable; she was worried about my condition.

What I hadn’t expected was for her to crawl in beside me, announce that she would sleep too, and promptly fall sound asleep.

How had this happened? If anyone discovered us, the situation would look terrible.

My stamina and mana had recovered enough for me to move. I needed to wake Chloe and leave at once, although disturbing her peaceful sleep felt cruel.

“Chloe. Wake up.”

Just then, someone knocked. My heart leapt.

“Chloe, are you inside? I haven’t seen Julius for some time. Do you know where he is?”

It was Princess Daniela.

More time must have passed than I realised. Perhaps I had dozed off as well.

“Chloe? I’m coming in.”

The door opened. Princess Daniela met my eyes, silently closed it again, and said nothing.

From the corridor came Brother Alex’s voice.

“Daniela, what’s wrong? Was Chloe not there?”

This was unquestionably going to be misunderstood.

“Chloe, wake up!” I whispered, shaking her more urgently.

“Mmm… soft…”

“Nothing is soft. Your sister has come looking for us.”

“My sister? Oh!”

Chloe sprang upright. Although still half asleep, she immediately began arranging her hair like a properly trained young lady.

I helped tidy it. I often assisted Rosalia, so dealing with a few loose strands was easy.

“What is it, Sister?”

Chloe opened the door and spoke as though nothing unusual had happened. Her performance deserved an award.

“Chloe… are you quite all right?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

Her innocent smile was slightly frightening. Daniela’s expression tightened. Chloe apparently intended to deny everything through sheer confidence.

Good luck, Chloe. Only you can save our reputations.

“No reason. As long as nothing is wrong. Alex and Julius must leave soon, so I came to call you.”

“Is it that late already? Julius, come again tomorrow. Promise me.”

She linked her little finger with mine in a pinkie promise. Brother Alex and Princess Daniela watched us with knowing expressions.

Daniela clearly suspected something, but perhaps considered it improper to question us directly.

During the carriage ride home, Alex began his interrogation.

“Julius, what exactly is happening between you and Princess Chloe?”

“Nothing improper. You were merely surprised to find me in her room, weren’t you? I assume guests aren’t normally permitted there.”

“That’s true, but Princess Daniela looked as though she had seen something she shouldn’t have.”

He studied me suspiciously. I pretended not to notice. Unless I confessed, he couldn’t know the truth.

“She must have misunderstood.”

She certainly had. Still, imagining a scandal merely because two exhausted eight-year-olds had fallen asleep beside each other seemed excessive.

Alex remained doubtful but didn’t press further.

For the moment, I would conceal the fact that I had entrusted Chloe with the Panacea. If Father learned I feared an attempt on His Majesty’s life, he might wonder whether an ordinary eight-year-old should think that way.

Perhaps it was already too late to appear ordinary, considering everything I had done. Even so, I wanted to behave like a child sometimes. I simply didn’t want my parents to worry.

After returning to the townhouse, I reported safely to Father and Mother and told them I intended to visit the royal castle again the next day.

“I see. You promised Princess Chloe, did you not? Very well, you may go.”

Father agreed readily. He seemed almost eager to encourage us. Was Brother Alex’s relationship with Princess Daniela progressing poorly? I couldn’t tell.

“Big brother, may I go too?” Rosalia asked.

“Of course. We’ll go together.”

Chloe had told me to return, but she hadn’t actually forbidden company. Since she was supposed to show me around the castle, bringing Rosalia—who was also visiting the royal capital for the first time—made perfect sense.

“The materials you requested for the magic tools have arrived,” Father added.

“Thank you. I’ll start making the hot-and-cold air blower immediately.”

“There should be enough material for several. Could you prepare one as a gift for the royal family?”

“Certainly, although it’ll require special decoration.”

A royal presentation piece couldn’t look identical to an ordinary commercial model. I would need a luxury version. Perhaps we could eventually sell both standard and premium models, increasing revenue further.

Rosalia and I began work at once. Alex and Cain watched with fascination as our practised hands assembled the components.

Perhaps they too would be drawn into the world of magic tools.

Could one of them eventually become interested in potions? Chloe might be a better candidate. She already knew my secret, which would be convenient, although her experience with foul-tasting potions made her wary.

Perhaps I should send her one of my improved potions someday. Once she tasted it, the world of magic pharmacy might gain another convert.

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