Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 127: Making the Rounds
Once my opening declaration ended, magic of light and sound soared into the sky to announce the beginning of the races.
The mage corps performed the display every year and evidently practised regularly. Their skill had improved considerably; perfectly timed bursts of light and sound coloured the blue sky.
“At least the opening went smoothly.”
“That was an excellent declaration, Lord Julius,” Gyre said.
“Thank you, Gyre.”
Gyre and Christopher approached. With so many knights assigned elsewhere, the two of them were invaluable escorts.
I joined Mother and began making the formal rounds. We followed the guest list she had prepared and sought out the important nobles currently visiting the territory.
“My lady, over there,” said the tallest servant accompanying Mother.
“Thank you.”
I was too short to see across the crowd, and Mother wasn’t especially tall either. Having someone who could survey the entire gathering was extremely useful.
We continued greeting guests for some time. The first day drew the largest crowd and the most influential visitors. If we survived today, the remaining days should be easier. With that thought, I carried out my assigned duties.
“Julius, you already look exhausted,” Mother said. “You need more practice greeting people. Perhaps you should accompany me to the royal capital for this year’s social season.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary…”
No. I didn’t want to travel to the royal capital, where I had nothing useful to do, solely to attend social gatherings.
“You’ll need the experience eventually. If you refuse to go, we shall hold more tea parties here instead. Yes, let us do that.”
Mother nodded as though the matter were settled. Marchioness Heine looked gentle, but her will was unyielding.
More tea parties were still preferable to the royal capital, so I stopped objecting.
After lunch, we resumed the rounds and found Marquis Mulan with his family. Naturally, we approached them at once.
“Marquis Mulan, it’s been some time,” Mother said. “We’re delighted to welcome you again this year.”
“Marchioness Heine, it’s good to see you. Where’s the Margrave?”
“He’s occupied with important work, so Julius and I are receiving our guests today.”
Mother smiled. The Marquis seemed to sense something behind that smile and asked no further questions. Caro stepped out from behind him.
“Lord Julius! I’ve been looking forward to seeing you.”
“Lady Carolina, it’s been some time. I’m glad to see you well.”
“We haven’t met since the royal castle. Princess Chloe has also been longing to see you.”
It was unsurprising that Princess Chloe hadn’t come. His Majesty had recently survived an assassination attempt. The royal family couldn’t casually leave the castle.
At least until several Panaceas had been secured, restricting their movements was sensible. Perhaps I was expected to visit the castle whenever I wished to see her, but the royal capital wasn’t close. For now, she would have to endure letters.
“Her Highness must be very busy. I’m sorry she couldn’t attend, but I hope you enjoy your stay, Lady Carolina.”
“I shall.”
After greeting the rest of House Mulan, we resumed our rounds. Hilda hadn’t accompanied them; she was apparently studying for her graduation examinations.
The greetings also served as a patrol. We found no problems, and the first day ended peacefully after we greeted the adventurers we knew.
Several uneventful days passed.
When I finally had spare time, Caro sent a message asking to visit the Heine mansion. She undoubtedly wanted to see Mira.
There was no reason to refuse, so I invited her and left the preparations to the servants. I caught Mira, who was growing bored because they couldn’t go outside for walks.
“Kyu.”
“I’m sorry. There are too many visitors in the territorial capital. If someone saw you outside, it would cause an enormous commotion. You must be patient a little longer.”
Rumours of Mira already circulated in some circles. No foolish noble had attempted anything because they knew the holy dragon was protected by House Heine, but that might not remain true forever. Keeping Mira out of sight was safest for now.
When word came that Caro had arrived, I went to meet her at the entrance.
“Welcome, Lady Carolina.”
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“Kyu!”
“Mira! You’ve grown!”
Grown? I hadn’t noticed any change, but perhaps Mira looked larger to someone who hadn’t seen them for months.
Puzzled, I led Caro to the salon. Tea had already been prepared.
I seated her, placed Mira on her lap and took the chair opposite. A servant soon poured the tea while Caro stroked Mira’s fur as though checking their size.
“The real Mira is different after all. Not that I’m dissatisfied with the stuffed holy dragon you made. I treasure that one too—and the doll that resembles you…”
“I see.”
For some reason, a chill ran through me. What was Caro doing with my doll? It was merely children’s make-believe, surely. If Marquis Mulan misunderstood its purpose, he might become furious with me.
“Princess Chloe wanted to come as well, but she wasn’t permitted to leave. Has something happened? I’m worried.”
“I understand. I’m worried too.”
So even Caro hadn’t been told the truth. The royal family was exercising extreme caution.
If only we knew whether the Kingdom of Lund Al was friend or enemy. Then the nations of this continent might be able to unite against the Lazar Empire.