Kays Translations

Chapter 251: Act Like an Aristocrat

My sisters-in-law grew more and more animated, and this time they started talking about all the things that had happened around me. Apparently, this was the first time Father and Mother had heard the stories directly from the people involved, and their ears seemed to grow bigger. No, it wasn't only my parents. Rosalia's ears and Mira's ears seemed to grow bigger too.

When Sister-in-law Meeka told them how I'd cut through a wooden sword with another wooden sword, Father gave me a slight glare that seemed to say, "I never heard about that." I would've liked to keep it a secret too if things hadn't turned out this way. By tomorrow, the story would probably have spread among the territorial knights as well.

The second half of dinner left me feeling as though I were barely alive. By the time it ended and I returned to my room, I was completely drained. I flopped untidily onto the bed, and Mira climbed right on top of me.

While I fussed over Mira, Nero prepared writing paper for me.

"Thanks, Nero. I need to finish writing my letter to Lady Fabienne."

"Um, Lord Julius, I don't believe it's very proper for you to thank me, your attendant…"

Nero pointed that out hesitantly. That's right. This was a world where those above didn't thank those below them. I'd never had a personal attendant before, so I hadn't paid much attention to it, but apparently I'd have to start watching myself from now on. Frankly, it was a nuisance. I wanted to become a commoner as soon as possible.

"That's right. I'll be careful. If I say or do anything unbecoming of a noble, please point it out like you just did. I'm not perfect either."

"Understood. Even so, Lord Julius is a wonderful person."

Yeah, it seemed Nero was quite the "Julius believer." If someone founded the Church of Julius, he'd probably be the very first to join. I'd better be careful. It would be a problem if he started saying things like, "I'll die in Lord Julius's place." If Nero died, Lelie would be heartbroken.

I carefully chose my words as I continued writing the letter. I absolutely couldn't let the subject of tonight's dinner reach Lady Fabienne's ears. If it did, she might decide I was a troublemaker and start keeping her distance from me. That would hurt.

"Nero, could you read this for me? Do you think there's anything wrong with it?"

"Whaaat!? That's a little… I don't think I should be reading Lord Julius's love letter…"

"It's fine. I'm sure Father had servants ghostwrite his love letters too."

"…Understood."

I said whatever came to mind, true or not, and somehow got Nero to check the letter. It couldn't be helped. I'd never written a love letter before. What was I supposed to do if I sent something completely outside common sense and scared her off?

I waited with my heart pounding. When Nero finished reading, he gave a small nod.

"I don't see any problems. But if you want to be absolutely certain, I think you should have Madam or Princess Daniela read it as well."

"You've got a point. All right, I'll show it to Mother tomorrow."

As expected, he didn't mention Sister-in-law Meeka. He really did think of his master. Sister-in-law Meeka would probably give me full marks no matter how awful the prose was. She was member number two of the Church of Julius. I'd have to be careful with her too. Number three was… Rosalia, maybe?

"Kyu, kyu!"

"Yes, yes. Mira can read it too and tell me what they think."

"Kyu!"

Maybe Mira was number three after all. Please don't tear the letter apart with those sharp claws, Mira.

Come to think of it, those claws might be dangerous. I decided to trim them for Mira. One was starting to curl inward, so the timing was just right. Mira really needed something to sharpen their claws on. I'd have to find some kind of paper that could substitute for cardboard.

The next morning, after breakfast, I showed the letter to Mother. Once she gave it a passing grade, I immediately entrusted it to a servant. I'd written that I'd let Lady Fabienne know the date of my visit later, so I needed to find a present as quickly as possible. I couldn't keep her waiting.

I was wondering whether I should train in the morning or go into the territorial capital with Sister-in-law Daniela to buy a present when Mother came over.

"Julius, a jeweller will be coming this afternoon. Keep your schedule open. I'll tell Princess Daniela myself."

"Understood. Then I'll finish my training this morning."

"Ah, about that. Could you look after Rosalia this morning? I don't think you'll have any time this afternoon."

I see. So we were going to spend the entire afternoon choosing jewellery. Maybe merchants other than the jeweller would be coming as well. Were we going to have new clothes made too? This was shaping up to be an extremely tiring day.

I made it through the morning without incident and somehow soothed Rosalia, whose eyes were sparkling as she said, "Let's keep making things together after lunch!" Then the important afternoon began.

I had to decide on Lady Fabienne's present here and now. I had nowhere left to retreat.

"Huh? Are my brothers joining us too?"

"Hello, Julius. Of course we are. Didn't you know?"

Beside Brother Alex, Brother Cain wore a look of utter shock. Apparently, he hadn't known either.

I'd had a feeling Brother Cain would be called in too. He ought to give Sister-in-law Meeka something shiny as well. And by shiny, I didn't mean a sword.

We gathered in the largest salon in House Heine's mansion. The sunlight was only so-so, but it was perfect for doing something with a large group. Apparently, preparations had been underway since the morning: several tables had already been set up, with all sorts of jewels laid out across them.

"It looks like everyone's here."

The salon door opened, and Father came in.

"Father! You're joining us too?"

"Of course. I'd like to give my beloved wife a present too."

…That sounded fake. Father didn't look particularly pleased. The steward or someone had probably told him that if his sons were giving presents, the head of the family had to do the same. He was busy enough already. I felt a little guilty for taking up his time.

"All right, everyone's here, so let's begin!"

Mother said it cheerfully, clearly in high spirits.

…Were we really not going to call Rosalia? If that caused a commotion later, it wasn't my problem. I secretly sent Nero a hand signal.

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