Kays Translations

 Chapter 109: Preparing for Winter

Rosalia refused to let the question disappear.

If I plainly said that I liked Fabienne, the answer would undoubtedly reach Father, Mother, and my older brothers. I couldn’t predict what investigation, teasing, or marriage discussions would follow.

For now, ambiguity was safer.

“I like Fabienne as much as I like you and Mira.”

“That means you like her very much.”

“Kyu!”

How had that answer produced the opposite of what I intended?

I decided not to argue. If questioned later, I could honestly explain that I cared for Fabienne as I cared for my other friends and family.

The days passed. Edward visited to discuss magic tools, and Fabienne sent sweets in thanks for the lesson.

Soon, the family’s return from the royal capital was only a day away.

“We must prepare a proper welcome,” I said.

“I’ll arrange all our new magic tools in the salon,” Rosalia replied.

“No. We shouldn’t display everything immediately.”

A growing sense of danger had taken hold of me.

In roughly a month and a half, we had restored the greenhouse, developed the Sprinkler, produced Plant Nutrient, made facial toner and hand cream, and transformed the servants’ skin. The Mount Claire incident alone guaranteed a serious conversation with Father.

Rosalia went to clear the salon she had been using as a workshop. A dedicated room had become essential. Metal plates, screws, nails, wire, and half-finished components couldn’t remain scattered through a formal reception room. Mother would be horrified.

I followed and helped. The servants joined us, having apparently been forbidden to move anything while Rosalia was working. I understood her concern about losing parts, but the disorder was worse than I had imagined.

“Mira requires no special grooming for the welcome,” I said once we finished.

“Kyu?”

Their fur was always glossy because Rosalia, Mars, and I brushed them daily. Mira appeared to enjoy the routine.

The family carriage arrived the following afternoon, shortly before three-o’clock tea. Rosalia and I hurried from the nearby salon when we heard the wheels.

“Welcome home.”

“Welcome home.”

“Kyu!”

Mira rested calmly in Rosalia’s arms as Father, Mother, Alex, and Cain stepped down. They looked tired but healthy.

“We’re home,” Father said. “I trust nothing serious occurred.”

“Everything went smoothly,” I answered.

His wry smile suggested he believed the exact opposite.

While servants unloaded the luggage, we led everyone to the grand salon, where hot tea and sweets were waiting.

“The townhouse is comfortable,” Mother said, “but I relax most easily here in the territorial capital.”

Father agreed and praised the tea. It was the blend Fabienne had sent and had quickly become one of my favourites.

“How were matters here?” Alex asked. “The royal capital was filled with rumours about the holy dragon. Visitors came to the townhouse almost every day. Sending you home early was definitely wise.”

Cain nodded with the same exhausted expression.

“Many students at the Royal Academy asked about Mira,” Alex continued. “A considerable number want to visit next summer.”

That promised trouble. Summer already brought crowds to the territorial capital for the horse races. Father and Alex would probably turn the interest into an opportunity for the territory, but managing it would require careful planning.

Mother’s gaze repeatedly moved towards the servants pouring tea. Their unusually smooth hands and bright complexions were impossible to miss.

Before she could begin questioning them, I presented the gifts I had prepared.

“Mother, I made facial toner and hand cream for you. The servants tested them and found them very effective.”

I gave her my most innocent smile. She returned a beautiful smile that made it clear she understood everything.

“Thank you, Julius. I’ll use them tonight.”

“So you made those as well,” Father said, studying the servants. “Their skin does look healthier than that of the townhouse staff.”

Several attendants became visibly nervous under his attention. Mother would probably question them later. I had done what I could.

I turned to Cain.

“You’ll attend the Royal Academy next year. Did you become comfortable in the royal capital?”

“Yes. I made friends and went out with them. I’m looking forward to studying together.”

His smile was genuine. Cain had clearly enjoyed the social season. I wondered whether he had met someone special, but asking might invite the same question in return.

And what about Alex and Princess Daniela? Their relationship remained equally interesting and equally dangerous to investigate.

“Mother,” Rosalia said, “I developed new magic tools with Edward. I’ll show you later.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Mother stroked Rosalia’s hair, then Mira’s fur. Alex and Cain watched with obvious envy until Mira moved close enough for them to pet them as well.

Mira would undoubtedly remain the centre of the family throughout the winter.

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