Kays Translations

Chapter 213: Discussing Nero

　Even after Their Majesties left, we continued talking in Princess Daniela's private room. I wondered whether it was proper to remain there for so long, but then remembered that I had once spent quite some time in Princess Chloe's room as well. I hoped that would remain a pleasant memory.

　“You have been very supportive of the orphanage, Julius. Is there a particular reason?”

　“Oh, have I?”

　They both watched me with knowing smiles. This seemed like the right time to discuss Nero. I straightened in my seat and faced them. Sensing that the subject was serious, they naturally straightened as well.

　“Actually, there is someone I would like to take into my service.”

　“And that child lives at the orphanage?”

　“Yes.”

　I told them everything that had happened during my visits to the orphanage. Brother Alex had undoubtedly heard reports from the servants accompanying me, but he wouldn't know what I myself was thinking.

　I made a particular point of Nero's speed. He was also perceptive and thoughtful. And even when I tested him a little, he had remained properly cautious.

　Brother Alex folded his arms, closed his eyes and hummed thoughtfully. He wasn't going to refuse, was he? Surely he didn't think it was improper for the son of a margrave to take an orphan into his service.

　“I understand. I will discuss it with Father. You would want his sister, Lelie, to accompany him, correct?”

　“Yes, if possible…”

　When I answered hesitantly, Brother Alex nodded firmly. Beside me, Princess Daniela clapped her hands, the light sound echoing through the room.

　“Then I shall write to Margrave Heine as well. That should make the discussion easier. Oh, and perhaps I will ask Mother to send a letter too.”

　“Wouldn't that be going a little too far? I have a feeling Father will lecture me when we return home.”

　Princess Daniela laughed. She was teasing me again, wasn't she? Still, I thought Father's stomach might genuinely suffer if he received a letter from Her Majesty the Queen.

　I was certain that Brother Alex would immediately recognise Nero's talent if they met. If that happened, I would have to be careful. Brother Alex might want Nero for himself.

　The time passed quickly as the three of us talked. Was it always like this when Brother Alex met Princess Daniela? I envied him a little.

　“Is Lelie cute?”

　“Huh? Yes… I suppose she is.”

　I thought she was cute. She looked a great deal like Nero, which meant Nero was rather cute too.

　“It seems you are not interested in Lelie that way.”

　“Of course not!”

　“Then is there someone else you are interested in? I am a little concerned because you have never mentioned anyone, although I have heard a certain rumour.”

　Why was Brother Alex so worried? If I had to, I would marry whomever my family chose, and I didn't think I necessarily needed to decide anything yet. While I was becoming a little flustered, Princess Daniela gently patted my head.

　“If you come to care for someone, you should make your intentions clear. Sometimes it is too late by the time you finally speak.”

　Could she be talking about Princess Chloe? Or perhaps she was speaking from her own experience.

　Children of noble houses were little more than political pieces for their parents. Even so, their wishes might be taken into consideration in some cases. It was better to say something than to stay silent.

　“I will think about it…”

　Afterwards, I returned to the townhouse with Brother Alex rather than remaining at the royal castle. I considered continuing the icehouse work, but I wasn't really in the mood anymore. Marriage. I sighed at the thought of having to consider such things when I was only ten.

　“Welcome back, Brother Alex. Julius, you are back too.”

　“Brother Cain? What are you doing here? What about the academy?”

　“There are no classes tomorrow.”

　“But you do not usually come home merely because there are no classes…”

　“Julius!”

　“Lady Meeka—”

　Before I could finish, Lady Meeka crushed me against her chest with a little squeak from me. I was drowning. Drowning in her breasts! I hurriedly tapped her, and she finally loosened her hold just enough for my face to emerge from between them. That's it. She was doing this on purpose. Was this some kind of service? Oh, Brother Cain had a frightening smile on his face. This wasn't my fault. Probably.

　“What is this about, Cain? I heard nothing about you returning.”

　“I am sorry. While Lady Meeka and I were talking, we decided that we should thank Julius properly here at the townhouse…”

　“So you returned without warning. This is your home, so you may come whenever you please, but you should still have sent word. We might have been able to finish our business and return earlier.”

　“I am sorry.”

　Brother Cain apologised, and Lady Meeka bowed along with him. Since she was still holding me, I was forced to bend as well. Please let me go.

　“Very well. I will overlook it this time, but be more careful in future. We must not forget our responsibilities as nobles.”

　“Yes, Brother.”

　Brother Alex clearly intended to embody the ideal nobleman. No doubt that was partly for Princess Daniela's sake as well. Aristocratic marriage really was difficult. Depending on one's partner, it could demand even more effort.

　We moved to the salon. First of all, Brother Cain and Lady Meeka intended to thank me. Personally, I didn't think I had done anything worthy of special gratitude, but apparently they disagreed.

　Perhaps they regarded me as Lady Meeka's lifesaver. Still, helping my future sister-in-law seemed perfectly natural to me.

　Lady Meeka carried me all the way to the salon without loosening her embrace. She was much stronger than she looked. There was no logical route of escape. I was being held far too tightly.

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