Kays Translations

Chapter 245: Debriefing

　As Rosalia and Mira welcomed me home, Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela also stepped down from their carriage.

“Welcome home safely. And welcome to our home, Your Highness.”

“I will be staying with you for a while. Thank you for receiving me, Margrave and Marchioness Heine.”

“It may not compare with the royal castle, but we will do everything possible to make you comfortable.”

　Mother smiled with perfect noble grace.

　While our parents exchanged greetings with Sister-in-law Daniela, the final carriage arrived. Brother Cain descended with a stiff expression, holding Sister-in-law Meeka’s hand.

“I’m home.”

“Welcome home, Cain. Is this Lady Meeka?”

“My name is Meeka Raniemi. Please forgive my arriving without prior notice.”

　Sister-in-law Meeka bowed deeply. Had Brother Cain brought her without obtaining permission beforehand? That might be troublesome. As her future brother-in-law, I wanted to support her.

“Please raise your head. I was the one who told Cain to bring home anyone he regarded seriously. Lady Meeka, welcome to House Heine.”

　Father smiled gently, and Mother smiled beside him with visible relief. Perhaps she was glad Brother Cain’s head contained something besides swordsmanship.

“Now I understand why Cain was so eager to attend the academy. He wanted to meet Lady Meeka.”

　Mother hid her mouth behind her fan and smiled knowingly. Sister-in-law Meeka understood the implication; her face reddened and she lowered her gaze. Brother Cain quickly stepped in front of her to shield her from further teasing.

“Julius is home as well. It seems a great deal happened.”

“Yes. Quite a lot.”

　Father approached me almost as an afterthought. I was sure he had plenty to say, but the criticism could wait. There were introductions to make first.

“This is Nero, my personal attendant. Beside him is his younger sister, Lelie.”

　They bowed together. Rosalia’s eyes widened when she noticed a girl close to her own age.

“Alex has told me about you. Dealing with Julius will not always be easy, but I am counting on you to look after him.”

“Thank you, my lord. I learn something from Lord Julius every day.”

“I-I see.”

　Father looked troubled, as though he feared the two attendants might become additional problem children rather than the restraints he had hoped for. How rude.

“Let us not remain outside forever. Come in; tea is ready.”

　Everyone moved at Mother’s prompting. Rosalia immediately let Lelie hold Mira. Perhaps Lelie would be better suited to serving Rosalia than me. It was something worth considering.

　The sunniest salon in the mansion was warm enough to make the approaching winter easy to forget. After the chilly carriage journey, I relaxed at once. A cold/warm-air blower magic tool heated the room, while only a small fire burned in the fireplace.

“You must all be tired after such a long journey. We can hear the full report tomorrow. For now, please rest.”

“I would like to, but there is one matter I should report immediately…”

“What is it?”

　Father’s mouth twitched as one eyebrow rose. His expression plainly asked whether something had happened yet again. Brother Alex told him about my encounter with the Snow Spirit and the attack by the Snow Wolves. I featured prominently in both stories.

　I kept my face blank and drank my tea. It was wonderfully comforting.

“Julius, come to my office later.”

“…Yes, Father.”

　I had expected as much. Brother Alex’s report would not spare me from giving my own account. Most of it had been unavoidable, though. I had merely been caught up in events—hadn’t I?

“I heard you made an icehouse, Brother Julius. I want to make one too!”

“Kyu!”

“That sounds good—provided Father gives permission.”

　A deep crease formed between Father’s brows. Was he reluctant to let Rosalia become a magic-tool maker? She would eventually leave home, so I thought it sensible for her to possess a profession of her own.

“Father, I want to build an icehouse.”

　Rosalia launched her most powerful pleading attack. A direct hit! Father’s expression wavered as though he had taken an uppercut. Would he withstand it?

“Rosalia, I will discuss it with Julius.”

　Mother had thrown in the towel. She had apparently decided resistance was futile.

　And somehow I had been drawn into the matter. Mother’s eyes were not smiling. Perhaps she too had reservations about Rosalia becoming a magic-tool maker. I would have to ask her carefully.

“Ah, Mira. What a wonderful cuddle…”

　Mira passed from Rosalia’s arms into Sister-in-law Meeka’s and was hugged tightly. At this rate Sister-in-law Meeka might try to absorb Mira entirely. Sister-in-law Daniela was holding out her hands as well, clearly waiting for her turn. They might end up competing over Mira.

　I felt slightly jealous. Brother Alex and Brother Cain probably felt it even more.

　Rosalia and Lelie had already become friends. They moved to the sofa and began playing sugoroku together. It seemed I did not need to worry about Lelie feeling isolated in the mansion.

　After that, everyone exchanged stories about what had happened while we were apart.

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