Chapter 217:  Sister-in-law Daniela

　Having managed to avoid death by asphyxiation, I waved goodbye to the carriage in which my brother Cain and sister-in-law Meeka were riding until it was out of sight. As they were leaving, my sister-in-law exclaimed, “Next time I’ll have one full point.” I’ll have to do this the next time she comes to visit. I’ll have to stay away as much as possible.

“I’ve heard stories, but I guess it’s true.”

“What?”

“The story about Lionel bending the knee to you.”

“He didn’t bend the knee!　Who is spreading that irresponsible rumor?”

　I’m not joking. I’m sure we’ve fought evenly before, but I’ve never won. As you can imagine, I wouldn’t do anything that would make me stand out that much. If I did, I might be called a “frontier sword saint” or something like that.

“If you saw the fight just now, everyone will think it’s true. Are you going to become a swordman?”

“Who told you that?　I will not become such a thing. Is it that servant?!”

　I turned around with a start, but no one was there. How fast he ran away! Is he a ninja?　On the contrary, I’m scared. I sighed heavily at how unreasonable it was, and my brother Alex patted me on the head.

“As your older brother, you can count on me.”

“Really?

“Of course. I’m sure Daniela-sama will be happy too.”

　You are pushing Daniela-sama very hard. Do you think I hate her?　That’s not the case at all. She’s a princess, so I’m just shying away from it.

　Brother Alex didn’t seem to think anything of it, but then I wonder what brother Cain thinks of it.

　Does he see me as a rival? I wonder if he’ll start to think of me as a troublesome younger brother getting in his way. Does he think that there is no younger brother who is better than the older brother? I don’t feel like it’s good. Besides, being super close to sister-in-law Meeka would probably be bad.

“Brother, what does Brother Cain think of me?”

“You’re not going to join the Margrave Heine’s knight order?　And You’re  not going to enroll in the academy here in the capital either.

“Yes.”

“Then that’s all right. You won’t be Cain’s rival. Miss Meeka has always wanted a little brother. I think that feeling is exploding now.. Besides, you saved her life. It’s no problem.”

　Saying this, he patted my head again. But his face looked a little sad.

　I guess this is a headache for my brother, the next head of the family. I, on my part, have to try not to cause any trouble as much as possible.

　I’m trying my best, but it’s not going well. People around me won’t leave me alone, just kidding; not!

　As soon as I got back to my room, I wrote a follow-up letter to my brother Cain. I’m jealous of how perfect of a couple they are. I wrote that I’m glad I have a wonderful sister-in-law too. Now he will understand that I see my sister-in-law Meeka as my sister-in-law and not as a woman.

　The next day, after finishing the ice room improvements just like yesterday, I was having my daily “three o’clock tea party” with Axel and Ijidol, when my brother Alex came over.

　I have a bad feeling about this. Is it my imagination?

“Axel, Ijidol, you’ve always been a great help to my brother.”

“That’s not true. He is the one taking care of us.”

“Axel is right. We are always indebted to him.”

　The two of them said that while straightening their backs. The atmosphere always gets stiff when my brother comes. I think it’s okay to be a little more relaxed, but it’s really difficult I guess.

“What’s wrong, brother? Did something happen?”

“Yes. Daniela-sama wants to talk to you.”

“I see. I understand. Please show me the way. I’m sorry,  Axel , Ijidol. This is where we say goodbye for today.”

“Oh, we didn’t mean ……. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Good day to you, Julius-sama.”

　The two of them said that while getting frozen stiff. It would be better to get used to this on a regular basis. It might be better to make some time to practice Talking in noble mode and having conversations. Let’s do that right away starting tomorrow.

“Um, are you sure it’s okay?　Coming to a place like this again.”

“It’s all right. Daniela has given me permission.”

　We were once again stepping into the private space of the royal family. I don’t really like it, though, because it makes me feel like I’m stepping into some forbidden territory.

　In the meantime, we arrived at a familiar door. How much more familiar can you become with the door of a princess’s room?

“Dear Daniela, it’s Alex.”

“I’ve been expecting you.”

　Immediately the door opened and Lady Daniela welcomed us. How is it that a princess opens the door in person? Daniela-sama seemed to immediately find me next to her.

“Welcome, Julius-chan.”

“Oh, hello., sister-in-law Daniela.”

　When I said that, Daniela-sama smiled at me. It seems I passed the test.

　She called me “chan,” which she usually doesn’t do. She must have heard the exchange between me and sister-in-law, Meeka, yesterday. I was glad that I had called her “sister-in-law” as well.

　When I entered the room, sweets were already prepared on the table. After we sat down, Daniela-sama started talking.

“I invited Julius-chan here for no other reason than that. I want you to join me and Alec at the next social event.”

“Alec?!”

　I couldn’t help but look at my brother when I heard that name for the first time. he was smiling, but His eyes were clearly saying, “Don’t say a word.” I hurriedly covered my mouth with both hands. This is taboo.

“I understand. That’s how important it is, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is. It’s a social gathering organized by the duke of the north. That’s why many of the northern nobles will be there.”

“So the Margrave Heine family, who are located on the northern frontier, are no exception.

“That’s what it is.”

　I see. I pretty much got it. It looks like they are going to report to the Duke of the North that they are going to marry the Princess. I guess he wants to bring me along at that time. But what kind of person is he?

“Um, what is the relationship between the Duke of the North and the Margrave Heine family like?”

“I think it’s neither good nor bad. I think the duke is happy that Daniela’s power will be extended to the north.”

“I’m relieved. I guess there won’t be any problems then.”

　As long as the relationship isn’t strained, there’s no problem. The reason I was called here was probably to make sure I didn’t do something. I’m not trying to cause trouble either

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