Kays Translations

Chapter 94: Requests and Invitations

After discussing the new watering device with Rosalia, it was time for our bath.

I had expected Mira’s apron to make cleaning easier, but I still ended up washing their entire body. Mira apparently enjoyed being clean and seemed delighted by the bath.

What would we do after they grew larger? We might eventually need a bathing room built specifically for a holy dragon.

“Mira, you don’t have to bathe every day.”

“Kyu!”

They shook their head vigorously.

Perhaps Mira remained clingy because they had only just hatched. Once they matured and became more independent, they would probably settle down.

“Mira wants to bathe with us, Big brother,” Rosalia said. “It would be cruel to leave them out.”

“Kyu!”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

Rosalia herself would also have to stop bathing with her brother eventually. At eight and six, we could still be excused as young children, but continuing much longer would invite criticism. Next year might be the natural point to change our routine.

“I think the flowers should be watered like this shower,” Rosalia said, watching water flow from the shower magic tool.

That was a promising observation. With a few changes, the shower’s structure could inspire the watering device.

“Study it carefully and think about how its principles can be adapted.”

“Have you already thought of an answer?”

“Perhaps, but I’m keeping it secret.”

Rosalia pouted. Giving her the solution would defeat the purpose of the exercise, so I pretended not to notice and played with Mira in the water.

At breakfast the next morning, I asked a servant to deliver my two collection requests to the Adventurers’ Guild: poison-toad mucus and cordyceps. Neither could be cultivated in my garden, but neither was especially rare. Prompt delivery should preserve acceptable quality.

The morning schedule included etiquette lessons followed by dance practice. Between them, I also needed to write invitations. It was time to introduce Mira to my friends.

Mira would be raised in the Heine Margraviate, so the people of our lands would eventually learn that a holy dragon lived here. Introducing them first to trusted friends presented no serious risk. Besides, we could hardly leave Mira alone.

“I’m thinking of holding a tea party to introduce Mira,” I told Rosalia. “What do you think?”

“May I invite my friends too?”

“Certainly. The purpose is to introduce Mira to everyone. You must write your invitations properly.”

“I will.”

Rosalia smiled brightly. Mira looked between us and bounced in excitement, apparently sensing that something enjoyable was being planned.

Before our instructor arrived, I went to water the medicinal-herb garden and greenhouse. Fetching and carrying that much water was tedious, so I used magic instead.

“You’re remarkably skilled with magic, Lord Julius,” Lionel said.

I answered vaguely and didn’t explain that I had created a small, localised rain shower by manipulating the weather. If people realised I could influence the weather, they might begin treating me like a divine figure.

We needed that sprinkler magic tool quickly. I would have to encourage Rosalia without giving away the answer.

“Lionel, have you heard from Mount Claire?”

“I have contacted the manager. A reply should arrive shortly.”

“Good. The visible side of the mountain is densely wooded, so there may be no problem, but I want to confirm its condition personally.”

Replacing firewood with magic stones could also threaten the livelihoods of forestry workers. I needed to understand the industry before making broad changes.

If the economy of the territory collapsed, I would never have time to research potions in peace. Alex would have to become an excellent margrave.

After watering the plants, we began etiquette training. My future visits to the royal castle might include formal meals, and I refused to embarrass House Heine.

Perhaps Mira would also require manners training. I should ask Mars whether holy-dragon etiquette existed.

Our instructor extended the lesson through lunch, correcting every movement while we ate. By the end, I scarcely felt as though I had eaten at all. I vaguely remembered bread, soup, salad, and a small steak, but not their flavours—or even the conversation.

I had believed my table manners were adequate. Evidently, I still needed considerable practice.

Rosalia sat holding Mira with empty, exhausted eyes.

“Rosalia, dance practice is beginning. You must let Mira go.”

“Kyu!”

Mira clung to her, apparently worried.

It was all right. This suffering was simply part of Rosalia’s climb towards adulthood.

I gently separated them and led Rosalia into the dance hall.

“Don’t worry. Once dance practice ends, we’ll have free time to work on the new magic tool together.”

The light returned to her eyes.

That promise would keep her moving. Still, I resolved never again to schedule etiquette training and dance practice on the same day. The combined damage was excessive.

Our instructors weren’t cruel; they were simply driven by a sincere determination to make us a proper gentleman and lady.

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