Kays Translations

Chapter 212: As Expected of Julius

　Despite my hopes, word soon arrived that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen would be joining us. I had suspected as much from what I had heard earlier, but it seemed Her Majesty really was coming too. Princess Chloe wouldn't be with them, would she? Things might become a little awkward if she was.

　The door opened and Their Majesties entered. Brother Alex and I bowed together. Princess Chloe didn't appear to be with them. I could see only their feet from where I was bowing, but there was no one who looked like her.

　“Both of you, please raise your heads. Today's business is personal, so you may behave as you normally would.”

　I raised my head at His Majesty's words. Even so, I could hardly reply, “Very well,” and relax. I waited until Their Majesties had taken their seats before sitting down. My chair was directly opposite His Majesty, which must have been why Princess Daniela had recommended it.

　“You have been of tremendous help, Julius. I heard about the Panacea. All three batches were completed successfully, and the Royal Magic Pharmacists' Corps told me it was only possible because of Julius-sensei's help.”

　His Majesty spoke with a delighted grin. Don't tell me they had called me Julius-sensei even in front of His Majesty the King! Oh no!

　A stifled giggle came from beside me. It was Princess Daniela.

　“You needn't hold back, Princess Daniela. I'd laugh too.”

　“Indeed. I heard that even the servants have begun calling you their teacher. So it was true.”

　Brother Alex laughed aloud instead, and the rest of us joined him.

　“But they aren't exaggerating. You didn't merely teach them to make Panacea. You also taught them to prepare cold remedies, lung-disease medicine and elementary healing potions, didn't you? They're all of excellent quality, and the people who have used them are delighted. It's no wonder they call you a teacher. You're bringing innovation to magic potions.”

　Her Majesty looked genuinely pleased. The people's happiness seemed to be her own; she truly was the mother of the nation. I could only force a smile. Did no one see a problem with everyone calling me their teacher? I dreaded what might come of it.

　“I believe you deserve a reward. Yet I hear you have declined the medal.”

　“Yes, Your Majesty. I am only ten years old. Awarding such a prestigious medal to someone who is not yet recognised as an adult could cause confusion throughout the kingdom. I am deeply grateful for the honour, but I must decline.”

　I refused plainly. Would His Majesty be offended because I rejected his reward? Even so, if offending him spared the country turmoil, that would be preferable. The Lazar Empire was watching us closely, and we couldn't afford to give it an opening.

　“As expected of you, Julius.”

　“Indeed.”

　His Majesty nodded broadly, while Her Majesty smiled. Wait—had this been some sort of test? Should I simply have accepted?

　“It is difficult to believe you are only ten. You are remarkably perceptive. Few adults think as carefully as you do. Most people offered a medal would be dazzled by it—and understandably so, for such a medal carries immense value.”

　“Quite so. If only Chloe were as understanding as you, Julius.”

　Her Majesty looked troubled. This must concern Princess Chloe's prospective engagement to the Kingdom of Lund Al. Perhaps Princess Chloe hadn't accepted it. Had I become too friendly with her?

　At the time, I had thought there was a chance Princess Chloe and I might one day marry, so I had tried to build a good relationship with her. Apparently, that had backfired.

　It might also make things awkward with Lady Carolina. She could resent Princess Daniela because her elder sister, Lady Hilda, had lost out to her.

　“Oh, I'm not blaming you, Julius. Please don't look so worried.”

　The comparison between Princess Chloe and me must simply have made Her Majesty's true feelings slip out. Being in Princess Daniela's private room may also have helped her relax.

　“Is there anything you would like instead? Naturally, there are requests I can grant and others I cannot.”

　His Majesty changed the subject. Something I wanted? Nothing immediately came to mind. Then I had an idea.

　“In that case, I would ask for more generous support for the orphanage in the royal capital. Supplies rather than money would be preferable, if possible.”

　“Supplies, such as food?”

　“Yes. Food, magic potions and picture books that can help the children learn to read would all be useful.”

　“I see. You are thinking of the children's future as well. Very well. I will arrange as much as I can.”

　“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

　That was a relief. If we gave them money, there was no telling what it might be used for. In the worst case, the adults could use it for themselves. Actual goods would be much harder to turn into cash.

　From the Crown's side, it would also be enough to send things that were no longer needed or were surplus at the royal castle, which should reduce waste.

　We discussed several other matters before the visit ended, including the icehouse. His Majesty was highly amused when I told him that we had nearly frozen everyone inside it only a short while earlier.

　Reports of failed experiments probably didn't often reach His Majesty. People naturally tried to hide things that were inconvenient for them. I wouldn't. If a failure became an amusing story, then it had value of its own. All I had to do was make sure I didn't repeat the same mistake.

　I sagged in relief after Their Majesties left the room. Even with Princess Daniela still present, I slumped back in my chair without thinking.

　“You worked very hard, Julius.”

　“Ah, forgive me…”

　I hurried to sit properly, but Princess Daniela pulled me into a hug instead. She was soft and warm, and she smelled nice. Her chest felt every bit as comfortable as Lady Meeka's. They were both huge. No explanation necessary.

　“I cannot believe you asked for support for the orphanage instead of a reward for yourself. As expected of you, Julius.”

　I thought Brother Alex might scold me for enjoying Princess Daniela's embrace a little too much, but apparently not. Instead, he looked proud of my suggestion. What was going on? I couldn't help tilting my head.

　“Oh? Perhaps you didn't know. I once made a similar proposal to His Majesty, but at the time he simply said, ‘I will consider it,’ and nothing came of it.”

　I see. Without realising it, I had ended up supporting Princess Daniela's cause. I had only been thinking of the children at the orphanage. Was that why she had hugged me so enthusiastically? Well, that was fine by me.

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