Kays Translations

Chapter 242: It Can’t Be Helped

　My wish was in vain, and no more snow fell. That was good—of course it was—but now I had no excuse to delay giving Father a full report.

　As we continued towards the territorial capital, patches of snow remained along the road. They must have been left by the unseasonal snowfall the Snow Spirit had mentioned. Fortunately, the snow was not deep enough to hinder the carriages.

“Thanks to Julius, it looks as though we can return to the territorial capital without any trouble. We will have to report this to Father as well.”

“Will you report it with me, Brother Alex?”

“Of course. I am responsible for this journey.”

　Good. At least I would not be the only one getting scolded. If Sister-in-law Daniela accompanied us, Father might be less severe. Then again, he might simply summon me separately. What a predicament.

“What is it? Is something wrong?”

　Noticing my expression, Sister-in-law Daniela peered into my face. The more I looked at her, the more impressive she seemed. Had I been older, perhaps I might even have presented myself as a candidate for her fiancé.

“I’m fine. I’m only feeling gloomy because I received the Snow Spirit’s blessing without permission, and I’m afraid Father will be angry.”

“You needn’t worry. I’ll report it with Alex and make certain Julius is not punished.”

　She answered with a confident smile. Perhaps she thought her younger brother-in-law was rather unreliable. Maybe I should not have admitted how worried I was.

　The carriage continued onwards with me sitting dejectedly inside. If everything went smoothly, we would reach the next town soon.

“Lord Alex, we have trouble! The wagons ahead are being attacked by twenty Snow Wolves!”

“What? Snow Wolves are already active—and in such numbers?”

“The recent abnormal weather may have affected the monsters as well.”

　The knight’s report set the entire convoy in motion. I could hear armour and weapons clattering around our carriage.

　House Heine’s carriage was guarded by knights, so even twenty Snow Wolves should have been driven off easily. But what about the wagons ahead of us?

“Brother, shouldn’t we help them? Those wagons are probably heading for the territorial capital.”

“I know, but…”

“Oh no! Lord Cain and Lady Meeka!”

“I knew it! I was just wondering how to stop those two!”

　“Honestly!” Brother Alex exclaimed as he leapt from the carriage. Riding to the front would take too long, so he set off on foot. He went himself because he knew an ordinary warning from the knights would not stop the pair.

“Julius, protect Princess Daniela! Several of you, follow me!”

　He ran forwards with several of the guards. Sister-in-law Daniela and I were left in the carriage. Perhaps she was anxious, because she pulled me into a protective hug.

“It’s all right, Sister-in-law Daniela. Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka are both strong. They won’t lose to Snow Wolves.”

“I know… Aren’t you frightened, Julius?”

“Frightened? No, not particularly.”

　I understood then. For a princess raised within the safety of the royal castle, this might have been her first encounter with monsters. No wonder she was afraid. Then I sensed another pack approaching from the left—thirteen Snow Wolves. The surrounding knights should have been enough, but allowing the monsters close to the carriage would only frighten Sister-in-law Daniela further. I opened the window.

“Thirteen Snow Wolves are approaching from the left.”

“What? I understand. Reinforce the defence!”

　Sister-in-law Daniela tightened her hold on me. I needed to go outside, however. For some reason, the knights had frozen in place; without their commander, no one seemed willing to give orders.

“Sister-in-law Daniela, please remain here. I’ll go as well.”

“No, it’s too dangerous!”

　Her arms tightened again. This was no time to hesitate. I gently slipped free and prepared to leave the carriage.

“I’ll be fine. People already call me a Sword Saint and a great mage, after all.”

　I winked to reassure her, but Sister-in-law Daniela’s eyes widened.

“So that rumour was true after all.”

“No, that’s not exactly—”

　This was bad. I had not realised the rumour had even reached the royal family. I could not stop to deny it now, so I escaped from her loosened arms.

　What was I going to do about that rumour? Truly, what was I going to do?

“Nero, do not let Sister-in-law Daniela leave the carriage.”

“Understood. Good luck, my lord!”

　He was not going to stop me? For a moment I expected him to volunteer in my place, but Nero was still training in both swordsmanship and magic. I was relieved that he could judge his own limits clearly. His shining eyes, however, looked remarkably like Sister-in-law Daniela’s.

　Surely he was not staying behind merely because he wanted to watch me fight. I believed in you, Nero.

“Protect the carriage. Do not allow any monsters to approach!”

“Leave it to us!”

　That was not reassuring. They looked far too relieved to receive instructions from a ten-year-old. I would have to report this to Brother Alex and have them retrained.

“Lord Julius, it’s dangerous!”

　Several knights hurried over. Could I rely on them now?

“I understand the danger. Here they come!”

　A Snow Wolf burst from between the trees and lunged at us. It was time to test the katana Brother Cain had bought me in the royal capital. My Katana Training skill was reasonably high, so I should at least be able to use it properly.

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