Chapter 113: Order Request

　Outside the window, snow was piling up. It was the beginning of winter in earnest. Thanks to the cold/warm air blower, the room was warm enough even without having to light the fireplace.

“I’m glad I made the cold/warm air blower. Every year, it seems that the servants have a hard time lighting the fireplace. It also reduces the consumption of firewood, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone.”

“Kyu”

“Good morning, Mira. You’re looking good today.”

“Kyu!”

　Lately, Mira has been taking turns sleeping in bed with me and my sister, Rosalia. Until the family returned from the Royal Capital, the three of us, including Mira, used to sleep together, but as expected, mother made us stop.

　Is that it, or is she thinking that I might do something to Rosalia?　Even though I wouldn’t do that. Rosalia was biting Mother with great force, but to no avail. It seemed that Mother was about to raise Rosalia as a respectable lady.

　When I got ready and headed to the dining room, I found Rosalia there.

“Mira!　You slept at brother’s place.  Mira is the only one who gets to sleep at your place.”

　Rosalia glared at Mira who was in my arms saying that. I don’t know what to say to that. As I sat in the dining room, I thought about how I should convince Rosalia.

“Rosalia, you’re six years old now, and you should be able to sleep on your own. And it’s not good for siblings to  sleep together, even if they are siblings. Because, you see, you don’t sleep with brother Alex or  brother Cain, do you?”

“Except your different, brother.”

　Except, what?　Does that mean you don’t consider me as a masculine object?　What does that mean? While I was at a loss for an answer, Mother, who had come to the dining room, interrupted me.

“Rosalia, are you still talking like that?　You can’t sleep with Julius anymore. You can’t be selfish forever.”

　Rosalia, who had been offended, bowed her head in dejection. I began to feel sorry for her and asked Mira to sleep at Rosalia’s place from now on.

　After finishing breakfast, the morning study period began. In the winter, I spend less time outside, so that gives me more time to study.

　Most of the teachers employed by the Margrave Heine family had a guest room in the mansion, and they taught us to study as live-in teachers. I once asked the teachers if they felt cramped doing so, but most of them said they were very grateful because they did not have to pay for food and living expenses. Maybe it is a good time for teachers to earn money during the winter.

　After a hard morning of studying, it was time for lunch.  I can finally catch my breath here. While I was waiting for my lunch to be prepared in the cafeteria, father who came later approached me. Then he suddenly pulled out a letter from his pocket.

“Julius, I received a letter from the Royal Capital. It seems that the cold/Hot air blower you built has caught the attention of the nobles there. It looks like they won’t be able to produce it in the Royal Capital in time.”

　Saying this, he presented me with the letter. The sender was His Majesty the King. My stomach began to hurt. A quick check of the contents revealed that the letter said, “We can’t produce the goods in time, so please make and deliver them to us.”

“Magic tool masters in the territory are also making them, so why don’t you send them to the royal capital?”

　This way, the masters would make money, and the taxes they would pay would enrich our family. And I don’t have to make them either. Isn’t that good? I thought it was a good idea, but father’s face clouded over and his brow wrinkled.

“oh, it seems you don’t know. Even in the capital, the cold/hot air blower magic tool is very popular, and there’s a waiting list for reservations.

“οh!”

　I didn’t know. I had no idea it had become that way. That information certainly hasn’t come to me. Perhaps they are trying to keep that information from reaching Rosalia.

　If Rosalia knew that, she would probably say that she would build the cold/hot air blowers, which she lacks. Apparently, he doesn’t want to do that. Maybe that’s why he brought it up when it was just the two of us, me and him.

“There is no need to make and send a large quantity, just make them when you have time. Of course, I’ll give you a reward for it.”

“ I understand. If those conditions are acceptable, I will accept your offer.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t neglect a request from the royal family.”

“I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

　It must be hard for father, who is caught between the state and me. I am sure that if he had ordered me to do something, it would have been enough, but father has his own reservations about me. Are you that scared of me?　It’s a little hurtful.

　By the time we had finished talking, my older brothers had arrived.

“Julius, are you in trouble again?”

“Brother Alex, that’s a terrible thing to say.”

　Brother Alex gave me a nice smile. You can’t say what you want because it’s not about you.

　Alex is currently studying the management of the territory while working as an assistant under father. I’m sure he’s having a harder time than I am. In that case, I’ll forgive him for this kind of teasing.

“That’s how much Julius is relied on. I’m relying on Julius, too.”

“What?”

“What’s with that reaction? Are you saying you won’t help me?”

“I’m joking, I’m joking. Of course I’ll help you as much as I can.”

“I’ve got your word, right?”

“eh.”

　I wonder what it is, but I’m scared of Brother Alex’s smile. But it’s as much as I can do. I didn’t say I’ll help you with everything.

“Julius is doing his best, so I guess I’ll have it easy. I’m going to become an adventurer after I graduate from the academy.”

“Cain, you will help me too. After graduating from the Royal Academy, you’ll join the Knights of the Margrave Heine family and lead the knighthood. I have high expectations for you, with your talent for swordsmanship.”

“Eh?”

“…… am I really that amoral?”

“Jeez, I’m just kidding, Brother Alex.”

　Brother Cain and I decided to encourage Brother Alex, who was seriously depressed.

　Although he doesn’t show it, Alex’s shoulders are probably feeling the pressure of the situation. After all, the lives of the people in his domain are at stake. If I were in his shoes, I might have been crushed by it.

　I’ll have to do my best to lighten that burden.

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