Kays Translations

Chapter 312: A Little Celebration

When Rosalia and I reached the dining room, Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela were already there. This was my chance to raise the subject discreetly before everyone else arrived.

"Brother Alex."

"Julius, it seems like you've been quite active. What's up?"

Brother Alex sounded slightly sarcastic, as though he had a few thoughts about my recent activities. Sister-in-law Daniela, seated beside him, appeared to be in good spirits. More importantly…

"Have you heard that Rosalia improved the magic-stone hand warmer I made?"

"Yeah, I've heard about it."

"Good. Rosalia just taught me how to make it, and it’s an excellent design. I think the Heine Trading Company should sell her improved version."

Rosalia lowered her head and fidgeted shyly as I spoke. My little sister was always cute, but she looked especially adorable now—enough to awaken anyone’s protective instincts.

"Coming from you, Julius, that is high praise… Very well. We’ll sell Rosalia’s improved magic-stone hand warmer through the trading company. Is that acceptable to you, Rosalia?"

"Of course!"

Rosalia answered with a bright, blushing face. She was practically bouncing with joy at having her skill recognised. Sister-in-law Daniela watched from behind her fan, smiling in amusement.

"Oh, and Julius made an amazing glass pen!"

Now it was Rosalia’s turn to speak enthusiastically. Please stop, Rosalia. Don’t spread that around too widely, or I’ll attract even more attention.

"Oh, what kind of glass pen is it?"

"It’s a glass pen that captures the starry sky inside!"

"Captures the starry sky?"

Sister-in-law Daniela leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued. Rosalia eagerly tried to explain the pen while everyone else gradually gathered in the dining room.

Today’s gathering included not only the House Heine family, but also Lionel, commander of House Heine’s territorial knights, the commander of the territorial mages, their deputies and the unit leaders.

"It looks as though everyone is here. Cain, Julius, thank you for your hard work on the mission. Lionel has told me about your accomplishments. You served House Heine well, and every member of the investigation team performed admirably."

The dining room fell completely silent. Delicious-looking dishes prepared with care by the chefs were brought out before us. There was golden soup, roast turkey, as well as fish dishes, meat dishes, and pasta.

"Thanks to the efforts of the investigation team, the operation ended without significant damage. Although the situation still requires caution, it can be said that the immediate crisis has passed."

Father looked towards Mother, Sister-in-law Daniela, Rosalia and Sister-in-law Meeka. Sister-in-law Meeka had probably heard the full account from Brother Cain, while Sister-in-law Daniela had likely learned some of it from Brother Alex.

Mother and Rosalia were probably the only ones who had not heard every detail. Rosalia had fled when the conversation turned to the Snow Worm’s innards spilling out.

"With this, we should be able to enjoy some peace for a while. Let’s toast to the investigation team who fulfilled their mission and to everyone who protected our territory."

Everyone raised their glasses for the toast. Naturally, ours contained juice. Alcohol would have to wait until we came of age. Apparently, people in this world were considered adults and allowed to drink at fifteen. That seemed rather young.

The dining room grew lively after Father’s toast. A celebration was probably under way at the territorial knights’ quarters as well. With most of the senior officers here, the remaining knights might be holding quite a party. Hopefully they would not overdo it and earn a lecture from Lionel later.

"Thank you for your hard work, Lord Julius."

"Lionel, how much did you tell Father?"

"I told him everything. It is important for the Margrave to understand you better, Lord Julius."

Whether that consideration was helpful or troublesome was difficult to judge. Father needed to know the truth about my abilities, whether I chose to reveal or conceal them elsewhere. On the other hand, knowing everything meant he might question me in detail. What should I do?

"By the way, an improved magic-stone hand warmer will be available soon."

"You've already made something like that?"

"Not me. It’s Rosalia."

Rosalia puffed out her chest as though to say, ‘What do you think of that?’ Still flat, I see. Well, she probably would not grow much larger.

"Lady Rosalia… Excellent work. Like Lord Julius, you possess remarkable talent. This will greatly improve conditions for the territorial knights. Thank you."

Lionel bowed deeply to Rosalia, and she seemed flustered. This must be her first time experiencing something like this. I’m already used to it, though.

The celebration continued as Lionel praised Rosalia, Mira ate fruit, and I chatted with the commander of the territorial mages.

"Alright, it’s time for the children to get ready for the night."

Mother clapped her hands, signalling that Rosalia and I should prepare for bed. The adults intended to continue drinking. I was glad I had given the head chef those basic stamina-recovery potions; the cooks appeared to be in for a long night.

Apparently, Father would not summon me until the day after tomorrow at the earliest. Perhaps he would forget about it entirely. I could only hope.

"Come on, Rosalia, let’s go."

I tugged on the sulking Rosalia’s hand as we were ushered out.

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