Chapter 226: After-Dinner Gathering

　After dinner, there is free time. It seems that Nero and the servants will eat at this time. I’m sure Lelie will probably be with them, so I don’t have to worry. I asked my brother Alex, and he said that Nero and Lelie are in the same room, and that the room has already been prepared for them.

“Thank you for everything.”

“It’s all right. I’ve never been able to do anything for you as a big brother before.”

“That’s not true.”

　It’s true that there was a period when I was separated from my brother, but I never felt that he did nothing for me. Rather, I thought that since he was busy as the next head of the family, it was only natural that he couldn’t take care of me.

“Brother, let’s take a bath together tomorrow.”

“Julius…… yes, let’s take a bath together.”

　His eyes narrowed and his mouth relaxed. He looks somewhat happy.  Come to think of it, I haven’t bathed with brother Cain very often either. Maybe next time I will invite him to join me.

　Oh, but Brother Cain takes a bath with everyone in the swordsmanship club at the school, so I don’t think he ever takes a bath alone. For some reason, Cain-niisama smells like an athlete.

　Brother Alex seems to be making preparations for the tea party he mentioned earlier, so he headed to his office with the family orderly. We were left in the salon and each of us looked around to see what we were going to do.

“I think I’ll draw a blueprint of the ice room. What about you two?”

“Well, there’s nothing much to do.”

“I’ll just sit next to you while you draw, Julius.”

“Might not be as much fun, you know?”

　Then there was no need to go back to my room. I decided to draw a blueprint in the salon. I asked him to bring a piece of paper, a pen, and a ruler, and immediately began to draw on a large piece of paper. They looked at it with interest.

　Since I had the blueprint of the ice room in my head, all I had to do was to copy it directly onto the paper. There were three types of magic circles among them.

“How do you draw magic circles so smoothly?”

“You’re a first-rate Magic tool master, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not. I’m a first-rate potion master.”

　It seems to me that it is already too late. When I completed the ice room, Daniela-sama must have fully recognized me as a magic tool maker. I never thought that she would come to check on me.

　While I was busy scribbling away, Nero came back. It seemed that he had finished eating.

“Did you have a nice meal?”

“Yes. Thanks to you, I was able to take my time eating.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

　The meal seemed a bit short, but if Nero says so, it must be so. I had tea served at a table near the sofa. It’s time to take a break.

“I see that Julius-sama also makes magical tools.”

“Somewhat.”

　I replied with a wry smile at Nero who seemed deeply moved. Come to think of it, Nero didn’t know yet. I wonder what kind of face he would make if he found out that I make various other magic tools.

“What’s more, your sword skills are on par with a swordsman.”

“And His magic is on par with that of a sage.”

“You two, don’t ever talk about that in front of  brother, okay?”

“We know. It’s between us.”

　Axel says so, but I doubt if it is really “between us”. As long as we’re staying in the townhouse, it’s safe to assume that what we say is completely in the open 

　Brother Alex’s periodic reports are getting thicker. Ah, Nero is taken aback.. His clingy eyes are cute.

　I assured Nero that what I had just said was just a joke, and after that we spent the evening chatting and drawing plans.

　The next day, the four of us, including Nero, began the etiquette course. Apparently, the orphanage also provided some lessons in manners, and Nero learned one thing after another.

“As expected of Nero. You’re just as I thought you’d be.”

“Thank you.”

　After the morning training was over, we were taking a short break when Brother Alex came in. Behind him are a number of servants, each holding some kind of box. What’s going on?

“We finally have clothes for everyone. I want you to wear them right away.”

“Huh? You even have clothes prepared for us!?”

　Clothes came out of the box one after another in front of Axel’s surprised eyes. The clothes were all so glamorous and elegant that even a high ranking nobleman would have no problem wearing them. How much did they cost? It must be a very important evening party for him to have prepared enough for everyone.

　You said, “finally,” when exactly did you start preparing for this?　Had they already predicted that this would happen? If so, that’s scary.

“Of course. We are the ones who are asking you to attend the soiree. It’s only natural for us to make this much preparation. Come on, try it on.”

　The elder brother urged them to put their sleeves through their clothes. Although they probably feel like they’re being dressed up, they’re gentleman by all accounts. Axel and Ijidol began to get stiltedness.

　I see, he made them wear this outfit to get them used to it. By the way, Nero is in a butler’s uniform, so he doesn’t seem to be too nervous.

“All three of you look great. You’ll be practicing in these clothes from now on.”

　He smiled at the two who looked nervous. They smiled back, but it was an awkward smile.

“I don’t feel comfortable because I feel like I’m going to get it dirty.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“That’s why you have to get used to it now. What will you do if you end up in this situation during the actual performance?”

　The two of them agree that this is also true. They paced back and forth in the salon as if to check their movements with their clothes on. Onii-sama was smiling as if he was satisfied watching the two of them.

“I’ve decided on a date for the tea party. It’s a little sudden, but we’re going to do it tomorrow, so plan on it.”

“It’s really sudden. Is something wrong?”

　I asked my brother, tilting my head. To be honest, I didn’t expect it to be decided so quickly. I thought it would be the day before the evening party or something.

“Yeah. I got a request to do it tomorrow if we’re going to do it. I just couldn’t refuse.”

“I see.”

　What’s that, I have a bad feeling about that. There are only so many people who can make a request to Alex’s brother, right? I Hope it’s Daniela-sama, but it doesn’t come plus extra, right?

　I guess there was a question mark on my face. When I looked at my brother, he just smiled.

“You’ll have to wait until the day of the event to find out who’s coming.”

　This is a pattern of a considerable person coming. It is unlikely to be His Majesty the King. Then, I guess it would be Her Royal Highness the Queen. It’s possible.

　Hearing this, Axel and Ijidol, who had guessed what was going on, let out a “huh”. Sorry, both of you. I’ll prepare a good stomach medicine, so please don’t worry.

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