Kays Translations

Chapter 121: Brother Alex’s Situation

We immediately made our preparations and departed for the royal capital. We told Mother and Rosalia only that His Majesty had summoned us. Father apparently wanted to keep the existence of the Panacea as secret as possible.

Mother looked deeply suspicious, but she understood the gravity of the situation. She said nothing and prevented Rosalia from pressing us for answers.

I left Mira with Rosalia. Had I taken Mira as well, Rosalia might have tried to follow us.

Nothing of note happened on the journey. Once we reached the townhouse in the royal capital, Father immediately began arranging an audience with His Majesty. We could do nothing but wait for the reply.

His Majesty was undoubtedly busy, so we would have to be patient. Should I tell Princess Chloe that I was in the royal capital? Was Caro here as well? I had no idea.

While I was passing the time at the townhouse, Alex returned from the Royal Academy dormitory. His Majesty had probably informed Princess Daniela, who had then passed the news to him.

“You reached the royal capital quickly. I thought the journey would take longer.”

“This matter should be resolved as soon as possible. We can’t allow it to drag on until the horse-racing season.”

“That’s true.”

Horse racing had become a major source of income for the Heine Margraviate. Other territories held races too, but none on our scale. I had heard that they were particularly popular among commoners.

“I’m glad you came as well, Julius. I thought you disliked the royal capital so much that you might refuse.”

“I’ll come when there’s a genuine need.”

I couldn’t help smiling wryly. It was true that I disliked coming here. There was very little I could do in the royal capital. I couldn’t compound potions or make magic tools. The only thing I could produce at short notice was another stuffed toy, and I had no desire to become a professional toy maker.

There was a vast library in the royal capital, but only adults were allowed inside. Naturally, I couldn’t enter. In other words, I was bored.

“May I ask why you were summoned?” Alex said. “Princess Daniela told me that Julius had to be called here, but why you specifically?”

“I’m not particularly close to Princess Daniela. We have only met a few times.”

“Then was it Princess Chloe’s request?”

Alex folded his arms and thought. Father merely watched him in silence. It seemed he was still keeping the secret even from Alex. Hang in there, Brother Alex.

Alex decided to stay at the townhouse for a while. I learned that he had been appointed vice-president of the student council, just as expected, while Princess Daniela was president.

The appointment had naturally provoked jealousy. Students frequently came to his dormitory and caused disturbances.

It wasn’t only male students. Female students came as well. Alex was the future Margrave of Heine, handsome and intelligent. There was no chance that ambitious families would overlook such a desirable match.

I wanted to ask how matters stood between him and Princess Daniela, but Father didn’t bring it up. That probably meant things were progressing as intended. Alex was an excellent match for her. Had their engagement effectively been decided?

If so, the likelihood of Princess Chloe and me being matched would almost disappear. His Majesty could preserve her marriage as another diplomatic option.

“I haven’t heard anything directly from Princess Chloe,” I said. “By the way, is Lady Carolina Mulan in the royal capital?”

“I’m not sure. I haven’t had many opportunities to speak with Lady Hilda lately.”

Alex considered it. That nearly confirmed my suspicion: he was likely to marry Princess Daniela rather than Hilda. It was unfortunate for Hilda, but she was beautiful and from a powerful house. She would have no shortage of prospects.

Brother Alex, you didn’t choose between them merely because of their figures, did you? I believe in you.

“I see.”

“Are you worried about Caro?”

“Not exactly. But if Lady Carolina is in the royal capital, failing to greet her could cause needless offence.”

“That’s true.”

We shouldn’t allow such a small oversight to complicate relations with House Mulan, especially when Alex’s relationship with Hilda might already be strained. I quietly asked the townhouse servants to investigate.

A few days after our arrival, notice of an audience came from the royal castle. The reply had come sooner than I expected. They must have wanted to summon us quickly while avoiding anything that might attract attention.

Father and I would attend. Alex hadn’t been summoned. He looked suspicious but didn’t question us again. He had clearly realised that something unusual was happening.

“Are you ready, Julius?”

“Of course. I have also copied out the recipe for the Panacea.”

“Are you certain about giving it to them?”

“Yes. I believe Grandmother would have done the same.”

“I see.”

The carriage of House Heine waited outside the townhouse. Ordinarily, a royal carriage might have collected us after a summons from the Crown, but none had been sent this time. They were exercising extreme caution.

Once we were aboard, our carriage headed directly for the royal castle.

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