Kays Translations

Chapter 219: When the Three of Us Are Together

　The entire conversation unfolded at Princess Daniela’s pace. When we finally left her room, Brother Alex looked exhausted. Cheer up, Brother. Hearing your secret only made me like you and my future sister-in-law more.

“Julius, about what we discussed earlier…”

“Do not worry. I will keep it to myself.”

“I would appreciate that.”

　It was the first time I had seen my normally commanding brother so helpless. Princess Daniela would undoubtedly keep him under her thumb in the future, just as Mother did Father. Perhaps that too was a House Heine tradition.

　When we returned to the townhouse, Brother Alex looked at me seriously.

“Write to Lady Fabienne from time to time. When I was in the territorial capital, I often wrote to Princess Daniela.”

“I will. Thank you.”

　Brother Alex was evidently concerned about my relationship with Lady Fabienne. Perhaps that was why he did not intend to introduce me actively to noble daughters at the upcoming soirée. Was he gently pushing me towards her? If I married into an exceptionally powerful house, it could create difficulties for House Heine.

　Lady Fabienne might therefore be a suitable match. She was the daughter of a baron from our own territory, and her family’s political backing was modest enough that the marriage would not upset the balance of power. With that thought in mind, I wrote her a letter in my room.

　What did Lady Fabienne think of me? I believed she liked me at least a little, but now I was beginning to worry.

“What is wrong, Julius? Did you not sleep well?”

　I had paused while cutting materials for the icehouse, and Ijidol had noticed. His guess was correct.

“I was thinking about something and could not sleep.”

“You could not sleep? What in the world were you thinking about? Do not tell me you invented a new sword technique!”

“No. Something else.”

　Why did Axel insist on turning me into a master swordsman? I had repeatedly told him I had no intention of following that path, but he never seemed to believe me.

“I was thinking of asking you and Ijidol to accompany me to the next soirée.”

“What?”

“Absolutely not!”

　They rejected the idea immediately, but I would not surrender. If I gave up now, it was over. I turned towards them with my brightest smile.

“We are friends, are we not?”

“Well… yes.”

“Of course we are.”

　Both smiled bitterly. It was a slightly underhanded appeal, but I intended to remain their friend for years to come. We would therefore have many future opportunities to enter noble society together.

“Think of it as practice. This will be my first social gathering too.”

“Really? I suppose that makes sense.”

“Wait, Axel—have you attended one before?”

“A few times with my parents.”

　As expected from someone two years older than me, Axel had more experience. Ijidol was my age and had not yet made his social debut, so he would be doing so beside me. That was a serious responsibility. I would have to ensure he had suitable clothes.

“Senior Axel, I shall rely on your guidance.”

“Then I do not need to go, correct?”

“Well, that is…”

　Axel was about to answer when someone interrupted us.

“That would be troublesome. I have already arranged Ijidol’s formal attire.”

“Brother Alex! What are you doing here?”

“I came to inspect the icehouse. Princess Daniela is with me.”

　I turned and saw Princess Daniela accompanied by royal guards. I dropped to one knee, and Axel and Ijidol followed a moment later. Everyone helping with the icehouse had stopped work and turned towards her as well.

“Please continue working. I came only to observe and thank you today.”

　Her gentle voice echoed through the icehouse. I was glad the cooling magic circle was not active; otherwise, Princess Daniela might have become cold.

　At her words, everyone rose and hesitantly resumed working.

“I did not expect Your Highness to come to a place like this.”

“Forgive me for surprising you. I heard the work was nearly complete and came as soon as I could. I cannot adequately express my gratitude to everyone labouring for the kingdom without thought of reward.”

“Your words are more than enough thanks.”

　In truth, the project expenses were paid by the Crown. The Royal Magic Pharmacists’ Corps received salaries, as did House Heine’s servants. They were certainly not working without compensation.

　The only unpaid workers were… me, Axel and Ijidol. Should I pay the other two wages myself?

　When I suggested it, both refused.

“What are you saying, Julius? I mean, Lord Julius. I already received a shower magic tool from you.”

“So did I.”

　Ijidol, I understood that he was trying his best, but he desperately needed practice. Brother Alex and Princess Daniela were smiling, although inwardly they were probably holding their heads in despair. Axel looked equally uneasy and had wisely limited himself to a single sentence.

　I glanced at Brother Alex. He understood immediately and nodded.

“The three of you must work hard in your etiquette lessons.”

“What? Me too?”

　Oh no.

“Yes. As long as the three of you support one another and compensate for each other’s weaknesses, you will be fine. There is no need to worry. Princess Daniela and I will help you.”

　Brother Alex and Princess Daniela smiled encouragingly. The three of us trembled.

　Thus began our hellish etiquette lessons in preparation for the soirée.

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