Kays Translations

Chapter 235: After the Rain, the Ground Hardens

Duke Hayden stared regretfully at the empty bottle. What a child. I offered him the elementary healing potion next.

“This one is sweetened as well, Your Grace, so there is nothing to fear.”

“I see. Then let us proceed… It is sweet! Is this truly an elementary healing potion? Hm? The pain in my lungs has vanished completely. I had not realised how badly they hurt!”

Duke Hayden leapt up in excitement, oblivious to the indulgent looks around him. Pain in the lungs was no minor matter. Why had he left it untreated for so long? Had he waited much longer, it might have been too late.

Perhaps sensing my anger, Commander Giovanni turned a stern face towards him. Good. Give Duke Hayden a proper scolding!

“This is no time to marvel, Your Grace. You should have taken medicine as soon as your condition became so severe. It is fortunate Lord Julius recognised the problem and carried exactly what you needed. You came close to losing your life.”

“Lord Julius…”

Duke Hayden looked at me as if I were a holy figure. Commander Giovanni, stop. The Duke's faith in me was rising far too quickly.

“Julius, surely you did not…”

“That is not what happened, Brother. I did not anticipate this situation at all.”

The four of them still looked doubtful. Princess Daniela, Axel and Ijidol too? Commander Giovanni, do not give me that triumphant look. How had this happened?

“I apologise. You have every right to be angry, Lord Julius. I am truly sorry.”

“P-please raise your head, Your Grace. I merely did what was necessary!”

I had made a duke bow to me. What a dreadful child I was. Worse, he had naturally begun addressing me as 'Lord Julius' with almost reverential respect. Correcting a duke of higher rank was no easy matter.

“I am astonished. I never imagined potions had advanced this far.”

“Indeed. It is not publicly known, but thanks to Lord Julius, this kingdom’s magic pharmacology has reached a level unmatched by any other nation.”

“Not publicly known?”

“We would gladly proclaim it, but His Majesty intends to keep the matter confidential while Lord Julius is still a child.”

Well done, Your Majesty. He was far more dependable than Commander Giovanni. If matters were left to my enthusiastic followers, I would be in terrible trouble.

Duke Hayden nodded as though the explanation made perfect sense.

“His Majesty is correct. We cannot allow another nation to learn of this and target Lord Julius. Regrettable though it is, we shall remain silent for now.”

The Church of Julius had gained another disappointed believer. Welcome, I suppose—but I neither wanted worshippers nor offered blessings.

“Lord Alex, I cannot thank you enough. Had you not brought your brother tonight, I do not know what would have become of me.”

“You honour us, Your Grace. I am simply delighted that this has deepened the bond between House Hayden and House Heine.”

After the rain, the ground hardens. Our relationship with Duke Hayden had been ordinary until now, but this incident would make it much closer. With Princess Daniela marrying into House Heine, he would surely become a powerful ally.

We shook hands and returned to the ballroom. I hoped my role was finished and that I might be allowed to go home, but no such luck.

Restored to full health, Duke Hayden spoke to his guests with more vigour than before. Those around him clearly sensed that something had changed, and the room filled with cheerful conversation.

The dancing began with Brother Alex and Princess Daniela. Everyone sighed at how perfectly they moved together. We were no exception.

“Princess Daniela is incredible.”

Her dress shimmered beautifully with every turn. She moved with such grace that it was difficult to look away.

“Were you watching her footwork at all, Axel?”

Our rather childish commentary ended when we were invited to join the dancing. This was a relaxed gathering where children could participate, so we danced freely with various young ladies and broadened our circle of acquaintances. No one could accuse me of favouring a particular family.

Axel and Ijidol danced as well, including with girls who had accompanied other noble families. Some might one day enter House Heine's service; we would inevitably need to employ more female attendants in the future.

Nero could not join because he attended as a servant. That was unfortunate, since several people clearly admired him.

“You appeared to enjoy yourself.”

“I did. Of course, I was also observing everyone carefully.”

Brother Alex and I discussed the evening in the carriage home. I made certain he knew I had done my duty properly. He had probably kept an eye on me even while dancing with Princess Daniela, although she also had to dance with several nobles for political reasons.

Perhaps he had been a little jealous. Brother Alex always wore a smile, so small changes in his expression were difficult to read.

“Did any girl catch your interest?”

“No one in particular. But I will continue attending social gatherings, and it seems wise to build a wide circle of connections.”

“I see. I am glad I brought you. Thank you as well, Axel and Ijidol. You must be exhausted.”

The two boys had been slumped against their seats, but immediately straightened when addressed.

“Not at all. It was a valuable experience. Thank you.”

“I feel the same as Axel.”

Their manners had improved enormously in a short time. Even if they eventually served another noble house, these skills would help them survive. The training had been rather severe, though. I hoped they would forgive me.

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