Kays Translations

Chapter 85: Marchioness Mulan’s Request

By the time we completed the additional hot-and-cold air blowers, the sun was already sinking. Teaching the researchers while they built the second unit had taken longer than expected.

Chloe invited me to stay for tea, but I declined because of the hour.

“When will you leave?”

“I’ll visit Caro tomorrow, so probably the following morning. I still owe her a holy dragon stuffed toy.”

“I wish I could go with you.”

“A princess can’t casually follow a noble boy to his territorial capital.”

I laughed awkwardly. Unless Chloe and I became formally engaged, an extended stay in one particular territory could create unpleasant rumours.

No such arrangement existed, and I preferred to keep a little distance from the royal family. Their support was welcome, but constant official duties would leave me no time for potion-making.

Father collected me from the castle.

“Tomorrow I’ll pay my respects to Marchioness Mulan, and the morning after that I’ll return to the territorial capital.”

“Very well. I’ll arrange the journey. There’s little time left, but try to rest before you leave.”

Rest? I still had more stuffed toys to make.

Would Caro’s elder sister, Hilda, need one as well? Of course she would. Otherwise, the gift might cause a quarrel.

When we reached the House Heine townhouse, dinner preparations were already under way. Everyone had gathered in the sitting room. Mira rested on Mother’s lap while Cain stroked their fur. They had clearly become comfortable with the family during my absence.

“Mother, I’ve told Father that I’ll leave for the territorial capital the morning after tomorrow.”

“It feels too soon, but perhaps it’s safer to depart before more trouble finds you. Rosalia, what will you do?”

“I’m going home with Big brother and Mira.”

Her answer was immediate. Rosalia adored Mother and must have wanted to remain with her, yet she had already made up her mind.

“You need not force yourself,” I said. “I can manage.”

She shook her head.

“I’m going with you.”

I couldn’t argue with such determination. Rosalia was only six, but once she reached a decision she could be remarkably resolute.

The next morning, after finishing the additional toys, I went to the Mulan townhouse. I had sent notice of my visit in advance. Alex was attending the Royal Academy, which meant Hilda would probably be there as well.

I had been right to prepare two gifts.

“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Julius,” Caro said.

“Please forgive the sudden visit, Lady Carolina.”

We exchanged proper greetings. Caro handled noble etiquette effortlessly. Chloe could certainly learn from her.

A servant escorted us to the salon, where I explained my purpose immediately.

“Lady Carolina, this is for you. Please give the second one to Lady Hilda.”

“A holy dragon stuffed toy! It’s beautifully made. My sister will be delighted.”

“I’m glad. There’s one more matter. I’ll return to the Heine Margraviate tomorrow.”

Caro froze with the toy clutched to her chest.

I waved a hand before her face. Nothing.

Was the news truly that shocking?

“Good day. I heard Julius was visiting, so I came to greet him.”

Marchioness Mulan entered the salon.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, Marchioness. Please forgive my unannounced intrusion.”

“You’re always welcome. You came to see Carolina, did you not?” She looked at her daughter. “What happened to her? She appears to have turned to stone.”

“Well…”

When I explained that I was leaving the next morning, the Marchioness’s brows arched with concern.

“Oh dear. Carolina was looking forward to spending time with you. Your sudden departure must have shocked her. Carolina, come back to us.”

After her mother gently shook her twice, Caro finally blinked.

“Why are you leaving so suddenly?”

“Remaining in the royal capital with the holy dragon could cause a serious disturbance. We decided it would be safer to return home.”

Caro still looked unhappy.

She wasn’t going to demand to accompany us, was she? That would be difficult for everyone.

“So Carolina’s story was true,” the Marchioness said. “Then these toys are modelled after the real holy dragon?”

“Yes. Caro seemed very fond of Mira, so I hoped this would keep her from feeling lonely.”

“I see.”

Marchioness Mulan considered something in silence.

Please don’t ask me to take your daughter with me.

“Julius, you’re skilled at making stuffed toys.”

“Not especially.”

The two expertly made dragons in front of us made that denial unconvincing. I didn’t want to become a toy maker. I wanted to make potions.

“Carolina is sad that you’re leaving. Since you made a toy in Mira’s likeness, could you make one in your own likeness for her?”

How had the conversation reached that point?

Caro looked at me with unmistakable expectation.

“I don’t mind, but I have no materials with me.”

“That won’t be a problem. Carolina recently began making stuffed toys herself, so her room contains everything you need. I’ll arrange lunch while you work.”

“I… understand.”

There was no graceful way to refuse.

Perhaps the Marchioness judged this solution preferable to allowing Caro to beg to travel with me. She was probably right. If Caro had cried, I might have agreed without thinking.

Did that mean I liked her?

No. Surely not. My mind carried an adult’s memories. I couldn’t possibly view a child romantically.

Probably.

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