Kays Translations

Chapter 247: Mira’s Growth

　The tea party finally ended once everyone had relaxed. We spent the rest of the day showing my sisters-in-law around the mansion and examining the new magic tools Rosalia had developed.

　After dinner, Father and Mother gave me a thorough scolding. Apparently, Father was not the only one with something to say. In the end, they looked exhausted and simply begged me to calm down.

　Admittedly, I had caused most of the trouble, but not every part of it was my fault. The situation still felt a little unfair.

“Haaah…”

“You have worked very hard, Lord Julius.”

“You’re the only one who says that, Nero.”

“That isn’t true. Everyone thinks so.”

　Nero brought me hot milk while I lay face-down on the desk in my room. His room was next to mine, while Lelie’s had somehow been moved beside Rosalia’s. Our parents had clearly decided to make Lelie Rosalia’s personal attendant.

　Perhaps because of that, Rosalia did not burst into my room demanding that we sleep together. I was a little lonely. Mira was with Rosalia too, which made me even lonelier.

“Tomorrow, I’ll introduce you to House Heine’s territorial knights.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

　Nero would train there with me from now on; he still had a great deal of strength to gain. But wait—would Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka come to train as well? If they did, one of them would certainly demand a sparring match with me.

“…I suddenly don’t want to go.”

“……”

　When I woke the next morning, Mira was asleep beside me. When had they entered my bed? I had not noticed at all. As I stroked Mira’s soft fur, someone knocked at the door.

“Lord Julius, are you awake?”

“Yes.”

　Nero entered, already dressed, and briskly began preparing my clothes. He showed no reaction at all; apparently he had not noticed Mira.

“Nero, did you let Mira into the room?”

“What? Wh-when did that happen?”

　Nero stared at Mira in shock, then his expression darkened. Was he ashamed that he had failed to notice Mira entering? His special training had only just begun, so there was no need to take it so seriously.

“So it wasn’t you. Then Mira opened the door alone. When did they become clever enough to do that?”

　I might have to lock my room. Mira must have worked hard to open the door with those short limbs. The image was adorable, but my privacy had vanished.

　Then again, would Mira sulk if the door would not open? That would be troublesome too.

“Kyu!”

　Our conversation must have woken Mira. They leapt into my arms, and I smoothed the sleep-tousled fur with my fingers.

“Good morning, Mira. You must not enter my room without permission. You startled me.”

“Kyu?”

　Mira tilted their head to the left. Adorable. Who had taught them that gesture—Rosalia? It was far too cute and made scolding them almost impossible. I changed into the clothes Nero had prepared and went to wash.

“Good morning, Brother Alex.”

“Good morning, Julius. Good morning, Mira.”

“Kyu!”

　Mira raised one paw in reply, looking remarkably proud. Brother Alex smiled at the sight. He probably wanted to spend time with Mira too, so I left them together while I finished preparing.

“I intend to greet the territorial knights this morning.”

“That is a good idea. I will visit the various guilds in the territorial capital. Princess Daniela will accompany me, of course.”

“What about Brother Cain?”

“He will probably visit the knights with you—and immediately challenge them to spar.”

“I knew it.”

　I would use that opportunity to return to the mansion. I wanted Nero to spar with them too, but that could wait for another day. I had other work to do.

　That afternoon, I would write to Lady Fabienne and tell her I had returned safely and would visit soon.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Julius. I hear you are visiting the knights today. Give Lionel my regards.”

“I will.”

　Father was already in the dining room when I arrived. The ladies were still preparing, so I used the time to explain my plans. Once I was old enough to graduate from the academy, I could arrange each day at my own discretion. For now, I still needed parental permission.

“You’re visiting the knights too, Julius? Then perhaps we could spar—”

“Brother Cain, I’m only going to greet them today. I must also write a letter and introduce Nero to Giles and Christopher.”

“I see. You’re busy as well. We’ll do it another time.”

　He clearly had no intention of giving up. Had sparring with Sister-in-law Meeka been a mistake? At the time, refusing had seemed impossible.

　Perhaps I would simply have to accept a bout with Brother Cain. While I considered that grim prospect, everyone gathered for breakfast.

“When I woke up, Mira was gone. So they came to Brother’s room? That’s unfair, Mira.”

“Kyu?”

　Mira tilted their head, pretending complete innocence. No, they were almost certainly feigning ignorance. What a strategist. Mira really had grown. Then Rosalia announced that she would sleep with me too, and calming her became an ordeal. I managed it for now, but the matter was probably not over.

　I might have to do something about Mira’s new habit. As I considered it, Sister-in-law Meeka turned to Brother Cain.

“I heard you are taking me to meet the knights today. I’m looking forward to it. Should I bring my sword?”

“Oh, no, um, ……”

　Brother Cain glanced towards Father for guidance. It would hardly be proper for a young lady to begin training among the knights on her second day in the mansion. Father gave a small shake of his head.

“Meeka, today is only an introduction. First, everyone in the mansion needs to become acquainted with you.”

“I see. What a pity.”

　Sister-in-law Meeka’s shoulders slumped, and Brother Cain gently rubbed her back. They really were a muscle-brained couple.

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