Kays Translations

 Chapter 109: Preparing for Winter

I was pressed by Rosalia for an answer and couldn't come up with a response. If I say I like her, it will surely reach our parents and older brothers. I can't predict what the outcome will be. So for now, it's better to brush it off.

"Well, hmm, I guess I like her as much as I like Rosalia and Mira?"

"That means you really like her!"

"Kyuu!"

How did it turn out like this? Where does your confidence come from? Perhaps I gave the wrong answer? Oh well, it's fine. If I'm asked again, I can just say the same thing. Then they'll understand it as "liking her as much as everyone else."

After that, Edward came to visit, and Fabienne brought sweets as a thank-you gift. Time passed by.

And finally, the day when the family would return from the capital was approaching.

"They should arrive tomorrow. We need to prepare to welcome them properly."

"Understood. I will arrange the new magical tools in the salon!"

"No, that's not it. We don't need to show off the magical tools just yet."

Or rather, it's not that we don't need to, but I have a bad feeling about it. Somehow, I feel like I've messed up again.

In addition to the greenhouse renovation, there were sprinklers, plant nutrients, facial toners, and hand creams. Did I overdo it in a month and a half? Now even the faces and hands of the servants are sparkling. This might be bad. The incident with "making the seedlings grow big" will definitely result in a summon from Father.

"That's unfortunate. Then I'll tidy up the salon."

Rosalia headed towards the salon, which she usually uses as a workshop. Yes, that's a good idea. I definitely need to secure a workshop. Even if the salon isn't used much, it would be bad if there were iron plates, screws, nails, and wires scattered around. Mother would scream.

Feeling concerned, I followed Rosalia and helped her tidy up. The servants also lent a hand. It seems Rosalia told them not to touch anything while she was working. I understand how she feels. But isn't it a bit too messy? It took quite some time to clean up.

"It seems that Mira doesn't need to be groomed..."

"Kyuu?"

Mira's fur is always glossy and smooth. That's right. Rosalia, Mars-san, and I take turns brushing her. It has become a habit. Mira doesn't seem to mind the brushing and might even enjoy it.

During the preparations, the day when everyone would return arrived. The carriage arrived just as it was approaching snack time at three o'clock. Rosalia and I, who were in the salon near the entrance, immediately headed there upon hearing the clattering sound.

"Welcome back."

"Welcome back."

"Kyuu!"

Rosalia and I greeted them in unison. Mira was calmly held in Rosalia's arms. Family members disembarked from the carriage one after another. They looked tired, but everyone seemed energetic.

"We're back. It seems there were no problems."

"Yes, everything went smoothly."

Father answered with a smile to the question. Huh? Father seems to be smiling wryly. That's the face of someone who doesn't believe it. No doubt about it. While we were heading back into the mansion, the servants were carrying luggage from the carriage.

With a brief greeting, I guided everyone to the salon, where tea was already prepared. Of course, it was the grandest salon in the mansion. As soon as we arrived, a servant promptly served warm tea.

"Although the townhouse in the capital is nice, I feel most relaxed at the mansion in the provincial capital."

"Yes, that's true. Oh, this tea is delicious."

Mother and Father's expressions softened. The tea served was the one Fabienne brought. As her favorite tea, it is incredibly delicious. I also enjoy it.

"Did everything go well for both of you? It was quite chaotic in the capital with all the fuss about the Holy Dragon. We had constant visitors at the townhouse. Returning to the provincial capital earlier was the right decision, I think."

At that moment, Alex smiled wryly, as if he remembered something. Cain, who was sitting next to him, had a similar expression. Well, it's to be expected.

"I was asked a lot about it at the academy. Quite a few people said they wanted to see it, so I think next summer will be busy, don't you think?"

Uh-oh, I already have a bad feeling. But Father will surely handle it somehow. The summer season in the Haine Margraviate is a period when horse racing events are held, bringing prosperity to the provincial capital. They wouldn't let that opportunity slip away.

Hmm? I've been glancing at Mother's gaze as she keeps an eye on the servants who pour tea and replenish the sweets.

If it weren't for me, she probably would have missed it. Anticipating that possibility, I smoothly handed something I had prepared to Mother.

"Mother, this is a present for you. I made facial toner and hand cream. The servants have been using them, and they seem to be quite popular."

I directed an innocent smile towards Mother. She returned a lovely smile my way. It seems she understood. Phew, that was close. It would have been scary if she approached me later with a terrifying smile.

"Thank you, Julius. I'll make sure to use them right away."

"So you can make something like that too, huh? Well, I do feel like their skin is more beautiful than the people we hire in the capital."

The servants, who were being stared at by the handsome Father, squirmed. Wow, they're in for it later. It's not my fault, Mother. I tried my best not to look at her and turned the conversation towards Cain.

"Cain, you'll be attending the academy in the capital from next year, right? Are you getting used to life there?"

"I'm fine, Julius. I made friends while in the capital and went out with them. I'm looking forward to attending the academy together next year."

He seemed genuinely excited and had a really good smile. It seems Cain had a fulfilling social life in the capital. I didn't ask, but I wonder if he found someone he likes. I kind of want to find out indirectly, but I have a feeling it would lead to trouble. It would be awkward if he asked me, "What about you?"

Speaking of which, what about Alex? Did he choose Daniela-sama?

"Mother, I made new magical tools with Alex. I'll show you later!"

"Oh, really? I'll look forward to it."

Mother said while stroking Rosalia. She then proceeded to stroke Mira, who was with Rosalia. Mira seemed to be enjoying it. Alex and Cain were gazing at her with the same desire to pet her. Mira is popular, huh? It seems she'll be the center of attention during the winter.

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