Kays Translations

Chapter 3: Everyday life with Celia

"Leonhardt-sama, here is your tea."

"Ah, thank you, Celia."

And so, Celia's ordinary days began. It seemed she was training to become a maid under my supervision.

Fortunately, Celia can write and quickly grasps etiquette. She's a capable maid.

However, she never smiles.

I understand why she can't smile.

She lost her homeland, her family, and her position as a princess. Now she's nothing more than a slave to me, someone she's just met.

But I wanted to see Celia smile. I wanted to see that smile.

I know it's selfish of me. That's why I won't force it, but I hope that one day Celia will smile naturally.

"Celia."

"Yes?"

She still had that expression of melancholy.

"Would you join me for tea?"

"Huh?"

"I want to talk with you, Celia."

"..."

Celia glanced at Camilla with a troubled look.

Camilla, who had been observing Celia's manners, shrugged as if indicating a dilemma, then nodded to Celia.

"I apologize for the intrusion."

Celia sat opposite me on the sofa.

"Well then, what should we talk about? Are you getting used to life here?"

"A little..."

"No one's been bullying you, right? If anything happens, please tell me immediately, no matter how trivial."

"No, everyone has been very kind to me..."

"That's good to hear."

After that, I talked about various things with Celia—childhood mishaps, funny stories.

But Celia didn't even chuckle.

I wanted to tell her about how Ifrit had worried about Celestine until the end, about how I knew Celia's secret and still vowed to protect her.

However, I couldn't do that because of the final promise I made with Ifrit.

I think Ifrit wanted to leave Celestine with hope. Even though it's tough now, there's hope that the great spirit Ifrit will come to her aid someday.

I can't trample on Ifrit's feelings.

"Um, Leonhardt-sama..."

"What is it? Do you want something?"

I was delighted that Celia spoke to me, and my spirits soared.

However, Celia's next words sent me crashing back down from the heavens.

"I want to cut my hair. May I have your permission?"

"Your hair...?"

Perhaps Celia wants to change her appearance even a little.

Right now, the royal family is desperately searching for Celestine.

They want to secure Celestine and justify their rule over the Kingdom of Lucrelle.

That's why  Celia is saying she wants to cut her hair.

As a slave, she can't even cut her own hair freely. So she's asking me, her master.

Ideally, I'd like to free  Celia from her status as a slave as soon as possible. I oppose the whole institution of slavery. But there's also the aspect of protecting  Celia as my slave.

If she were just a commoner, she could be treated with disrespect, but as the legitimate son of the Marquis, even his slave cannot be treated disrespectfully.

Moreover, if she were found by the royal family, as long as  Celia is my slave, I don't have to hand her over if I say no. At that time, the one who would be resented would be me, not  Celia.

It's sad, but I'll let  Celia remain a slave.

This will also help protect her in the future.

"I think  Celia's long hair is very beautiful, but I'm curious about the new hairstyle. It's okay, from now on  Celia is free to choose her hairstyle and clothes."

"Thank you..."

The magical tattoo on  Celia's neck, proof of her status as a slave. Despite feeling bitter about it, I deliberately spoke in a cheerful tone.

"Today we have math class. Oh right, Celia, you should join too."

"Huh?"

"I mean, let's take math class together, Celia. It's no fun alone."

"Um...?"

"It's fine, isn't it, Camilla? Celia should learn math too, there's no harm in it."

"I suppose so. Celia, please attend math class with Leonhardt-sama."

"Is that alright?"

"Of course it is. I've always thought it's more engaging to study together rather than alone."

With that said, I decided to have Celia attend math class.

I'll have her attend other classes in this manner too.

It's because I wanted to give Celia, who had been deprived of the opportunity to learn, at least some chance to study.

In my previous life as a working adult, I believed I understood the importance of studying a bit. It seemed pitiful to not have time to study due to being caught up in work.

Perhaps Celia also studied properly in the Kingdom of Lucrelle. But she's only nine years old. There must be many things left incomplete.

I hope to make up for that, even if only a little.

"There's supposed to be a quiz today. Let's see who can get a higher score."

"Yes..."

I tried to cheer her up like a child would, but Celia's expression remained gloomy.

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