Chapter 245: Debriefing

　While receiving an enthusiastic welcome from Rosalia and Mira, brother Alex and sister-in-law Daniela also got out of the carriage.

“Welcome back safe and sound. And Daniela-sama, you are also welcome.”

“I’ll be with you for a while. Margrave Heine, Countess Heine.”

“It will not be the same as the royal castle, but we will do our best to make you feel at home.”

　Mother smiled, as if to say, “This is the epitome of a lady.

　While the parents were exchanging greetings with  sister-in-law Daniela, the last carriage arrived. Brother Cain, with a hard expression on his face, came down from the carriage while holding Sister-in-law Meeka’s hand.

“I’m back.”

“Welcome home, Cain. Is that Miss Meeka?”

“My name is Meeka Raniemi. Forgive my unexpected visit.

　Sister-in-law Meeka bowed deeply. Could it be that he brought her here without asking for permission in advance?　That would be a little bad, wouldn’t it? I’m here for you as your brother-in-law–.

“Look up. I was the one who told Cain, “Whenever you find a good person, bring them to me.” Miss Meeka, welcome to the Margrave Heine household. You are welcome.”

　Father was smiling gently. Next to him, mother was smiling as well. There was an air of relief on her face. I guess she was glad that brother Cain’s brain wasn’t full of swordsmanship.

“The reason Cain wanted to go to the academy so much was because he wanted to meet Meeka-san. I finally understand now.”

　Mother held a fan to her mouth and grinned with her eyes only. She is very intelligent. Sister-in-law Meeka noticed this, her face turned red and she looked down. How cute. To prevent her from being looked at, brother Cain hid her behind his back.

“Julius is home too. A lot has happened, hasn’t it?”

“Yeah, well, a lot has happened.”

　As if as an afterthought, my father approached me. I am sure he has a lot to say to me. There will be plenty of time for nitpicking later, but for now, There are some things that need to be done. 

“This is Nero, who will be my servant. Next to me is his sister Lelie.”

　They bowed together. Rosalia’s eyes looked like shiitake mushrooms  as she notices that there is a girl around her age.

“Alex has told me about you. I’m sure you’ll have to deal with Julius a lot, but I’m counting on you to take good care of him.”

“Thank you for your concern. I learn so much from Julius-sama every day.”

“I-I see.”

　 Father has a puzzled look on his face. He looks as if he’s thinking Just when he had found the right restrainer, he might have to add two more problem children to the list, or something rude like that. I am sure that he is driven by a fear of the unknown.

“Come on, let’s not stay out here talking forever, let’s go inside. I’ve prepared some tea.”

　Everyone started to move at mother’s prompting. Rosalia immediately shared Mira with Lelie. I think rather than making Lelie my personal servant, it might be better to make her Rosalia’s. That’s something to consider.

　The salon, which had the most sunlight in Margrave Heine’s house, was filled with a warm atmosphere that didn’t make you feel like winter was coming. It was a bit cold during the carriage ride, so I felt somewhat relieved. The room was well equipped with the magic cold/hot air blower. There was a fire in the fireplace, but it was very low.

“I’m sure you must be tired from your long journey.　We’ll hear your report tomorrow, but for now, take it easy and get some rest.”

“I would like to do so, but there is something I would like to report immediately…”

“What is it, ……?”

　Father’s mouth twitched as he deftly raised one eyebrow. His face seemed to say, “Did something happen again?”  brother Alex told him “The story about the snow spirit and me” and “The story about the snow wolf and me.” I’m involved in both!

　I just kept my face blank and drank my tea. It was a comforting drink.

“Julius, please come to my office later.”

“……, yes.”

　I knew it wasn’t allowed. It seems that I’ll have to give a separate report from brother Alex. I know it can’t be helped, but it’s mostly the things I can’t avoid, right?　I just got caught up in it, didn’t I?

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

“Kyu!”

“that would be good, wouldn’t it?　That is, only if father gives you permission. ……”

　Father had deep wrinkles between his eyebrows. He seems to be wondering if it’s okay to let Rosalia do it. I wonder if that’s it, maybe he doesn’t want Rosalia to be a magic tool maker? Rosalia is going to have to leave home eventually, so I think she should have a job in hand.

“Father, I want to build an icehouse.”

　Oooh, Rosalia’s begging attack has exploded!　A clean hit!　Father’s expression shook as if he had received an uppercut. What are you going to do?　Are you going to do it!　Can you still do it?

“Rosalia, your mother will talk to Julius about it.”

　Oh, father has thrown in the towel!　It seems that he has decided that the odds are against him!

　And for some reason, I’m being quoted. Why? Oh, mother’s eyes aren’t smiling. She looks like he’s said something he shouldn’t have. I wonder if Mother is also against Rosalia becoming a magic tool maker.　I’ll have to listen to her carefully.

“Ah, Mira-chan. What a wonderful hug…”

　　Mira passed from Rosalia’s hands to sister-in-law Meeka’s and was held tightly. I think Sister-in-law Mika will inhale Mira eventually. When I looked closely, I saw that  sister-in-law Daniela was also wagging her hands, as if she wanted to hold her in her arms. I guess they will fight over this later.

　I feel a little bit jealous. I’m sure brother Alex and brother Cain feel it even more.

　Rosalia and Lelie seemed to have already become good friends, and when they moved to the sofa seats, they started playing Sugoroku. It seems that I don’t have to worry about Lelie being isolated in the mansion. I felt a little relieved.

　After that, we talked to each other about the events that had happened so far.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter