Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 217: Sister-in-Law Daniela
Having narrowly survived Lady Meeka’s crushing farewell embrace, I waved to the carriage carrying her and Brother Cain until it disappeared. As they left, she called, “Next time, I shall score a clean point!” Apparently, she intended to challenge me again on her next visit. I would keep my distance if at all possible.
“I had heard the stories, but it seems they were true.”
“What stories?”
“The rumour that Lionel was forced to acknowledge your superior skill.”
“He did nothing of the sort! Who is spreading such an irresponsible rumour?”
This was no joke. Lionel and I had fought on even terms before, but I had never defeated him. I would never do anything that made me stand out so dramatically. Otherwise, people might start calling me the Frontier Sword Saint or some other ridiculous title.
“Anyone who witnessed that bout would believe the rumour. Do you intend to become a swordsman?”
“Who told you that? I have no intention of becoming one. Was it that servant?”
I spun around, but no one was there. How had he fled so quickly? Was he some sort of ninja? That was almost frightening. I released a heavy sigh, and Brother Alex patted my head.
“You can rely on your elder brother.”
“Truly?”
“Of course. I am sure Princess Daniela will be pleased as well.”
He was promoting Princess Daniela remarkably hard. Did he think I disliked her? That was not true at all. She was a princess, so naturally I hesitated to behave too familiarly around her.
Brother Alex seemed unconcerned, but I wondered what Brother Cain thought of me.
Did he regard me as a rival or a troublesome younger brother who might get in his way? People sometimes said that elder brothers disliked being surpassed. I also worried that Lady Meeka’s excessive affection might make him uncomfortable.
“Brother Alex, what does Brother Cain think of me?”
“You do not intend to join House Heine’s knight order, do you? Nor do you plan to enrol at the Royal Academy.”
“No.”
“Then there is no problem. You will not become Cain’s rival. Lady Meeka has always wanted a younger brother, and those feelings are overflowing now. Besides, you saved her life.”
He patted my head again, although his expression was slightly troubled.
These matters must be a constant headache for Brother Alex as House Heine’s future head. I needed to avoid causing him any more problems.
I was trying my best, but things never went as planned. People simply would not leave me alone—and unfortunately, that was not a joke.
As soon as I returned to my room, I wrote a follow-up letter to Brother Cain. I told him that he and Lady Meeka were a wonderful couple and that I was delighted to have such a splendid future sister-in-law. That should make it clear that I regarded Lady Meeka only as family.
The next day, after working on the icehouse as usual, I was enjoying our daily three-o’clock tea break with Axel and Ijidol when Brother Alex arrived.
I had a bad feeling. Surely it was only my imagination.
“Axel, Ijidol, thank you for always helping my brother.”
“It is the other way around. Julius is always helping us.”
“Axel is right. We owe him a great deal.”
Both of them straightened their backs as they spoke. The atmosphere always became formal when Brother Alex appeared. I wished they could relax a little, although I understood why that was difficult.
“What brings you here, Brother Alex? Has something happened?”
“Yes. Princess Daniela wishes to speak with you.”
“I understand. Please lead the way. Forgive me, Axel and Ijidol, but we must end here for today.”
“There is no need to apologise. We shall see you tomorrow.”
“Good day, Lord Julius.”
They became painfully stiff and formal. It might be wise to practise polite conversation regularly, since they would need such skills in noble society. We could begin tomorrow.
“Are you certain it is all right for us to enter this area again?”
“It is. Princess Daniela gave permission.”
Once again, we entered the royal family’s private quarters. I could not become comfortable there; every step felt like crossing into forbidden territory.
Before long, we reached a familiar door. How many visits did it take before the entrance to a princess’s room became familiar?
“Daniela, it is Alex.”
“I have been expecting you.”
The door opened immediately, and Princess Daniela herself welcomed us. Why was a princess answering her own door? She noticed me beside Brother Alex at once.
“Welcome, Julius.”
“G-good afternoon, Sister Daniela.”
Princess Daniela beamed. Apparently, I had passed her little test.
She had greeted me in an unusually affectionate tone, no doubt because she had heard about my exchange with Lady Meeka the previous day. I was glad I had responded by calling her my sister.
Sweets had already been arranged on the table. Once we were seated, Princess Daniela began.
“I invited you here because I would like you to accompany Alec and me to the next social gathering.”
“Alec?”
I could not help staring at Brother Alex when I heard that name for the first time. He was smiling, but his eyes clearly warned me not to say a word. I quickly covered my mouth with both hands. This was forbidden territory.
“I understand. It must be an important occasion.”
“It is. The Duke of the North is hosting the gathering, so many northern nobles will attend.”
“Then House Heine, which guards the northern frontier, cannot be absent.”
“Precisely.”
I understood. They intended to inform the Duke of the North formally that Brother Alex would marry the princess, and apparently they wanted me present as well. What sort of person was the duke?
“What is the relationship between the Duke of the North and House Heine?”
“Neither especially good nor bad. I imagine the duke welcomes the prospect of Princess Daniela’s influence extending northward.”
“That is reassuring. Then there should be no difficulty.”
As long as the relationship was not hostile, things should be fine. They had probably summoned me chiefly to ensure I did not cause an incident. I had no intention of causing one either.
Poor MC.