Chapter 279: Family Meeting

Our carriage arrived safely at the Heine Marquis estate. I’m relieved that there wasn’t a clichéd incident where we were attacked by shady characters.

Indeed, that’s right. Security in the Heine Marquis domain is remarkably good. It might be as good as the capital’s, or even better. Perhaps that’s one reason why Daniella, my sister-in-law, was allowed to marry into the Heine Marquis family.

“Welcome back, Julius. Did everything go smoothly?”

My greeting came from my elder brother, Alex. Behind his gentle smile, there was a hint of wariness towards me. Brother, you don’t really think of me as a walking bomb, do you?

“Of course, there were no issues at all. Right, guys?”

I glanced back at Nero and the others. They were nodding hesitantly. Could it be that they found out about the tampering with the ring? No, that couldn’t be it. Then, maybe…

“Something happened, didn’t it?”

“Um, well, I asked Miss Fabienne if she would consider an engagement with me.”

“Yeah. We need to have a family meeting right away.”

With that blunt remark, I was promptly escorted to my father’s study. I hoped for a little rest since I was tired… but that seemed unlikely. Soon after, my mother was also summoned.

There were four faces in the study.

“I see, I think I understand the situation.”

Father’s expression seemed somewhat relieved as he said this. Mother, with a composed demeanor, sipped the tea the servant had prepared. It seemed they weren’t opposed to the idea.

“If it’s Fabienne, I don’t foresee any problems.” 

Alex, trying to gauge Father’s reaction, commented. Father responded with a deep nod.

“Yeah, that’s right. The Amber Baron’s family currently lacks a legitimate heir. If things continue this way, Julius will likely become the next Baron Amber.”

“But if a child is born to the Baron Amber and it’s a boy… that would pose a bit of a problem, wouldn’t it?”

She pondered, holding a fan to her lips. Fabienne’s parents are still young. There’s a good chance they’ll have more children. Could there be potential conflict then? If so…

“If a legitimate son is born, I will step aside. I can make potions, so I can live as a commoner.”

When I said that, the three of them let out a big sigh. Huh? Was that a bad idea? I didn’t think there was any problem. In fact, I thought it was the best solution.

“That won’t do. We can’t just let Julius go free.”

Treating me like a dangerous dog without a collar. Even I can distinguish between right and wrong. Irritated, Mother gently stroked my head.

“You need support. As a commoner, you never know who might target you.”

Indeed, that’s a real possibility. If there’s a capable commoner, there will be plenty of people trying to take advantage of them. That would be troublesome.

“If Julius can’t inherit the baron’s title, then we’ll have to establish a new house.”

“Yes, that’s the only option.”

“I’ll convey that through Danielle-sama to His Majesty the King.”

“Please do so. His Majesty wouldn’t let Julius go easily, I’m sure.”

Oops, they’re discussing this without involving me. And the Amber Baron’s family seems to have already accepted me as if it’s decided.

Maybe this is moving too fast. Should I have consulted them first?

But starting a new house… can we easily create nobility at the Marquis’s convenience? If that happens, there’ll be a flood of people wanting to become nobles under the Marquis’s banner.

Lost in these thoughts, I was abruptly kicked out of the study. How rude. I’m the one involved here.

“Sigh… I might have stirred up something outrageous.”

“What on earth happened?”

Returning to the room, I couldn’t help but vent my frustrations. Hmm, it should be fine to talk to Nero about it, right? He’d probably follow me even if I leave the Marquis’s estate. I recounted what had just happened.

“So that’s what happened. Julius-sama, with your accomplishments, even if you were to continue at the Marquis’s estate, you could probably receive a new family name.”

“Is it really that easy?”

“No way!”

Nero looked at me as if to say, “What are you talking about?” It stung a little. Just then, the ring on my left ring finger started vibrating. It was reacting to its communication function.

Huh, that’s strange. I haven’t taught Fabienne how to use it. But the method isn’t that complex, so maybe she accidentally used it wrong.

To activate it, you grip the ring and strongly think of the person you want to talk to. Then, the ring autonomously uses the magical energy in your body to communicate.

…That’s what it means, right?

“Nero, from now on, keep what you’ve seen to yourself.”

“U-understood.”

Nero’s face stiffened at my unusually firm tone. I can’t let this secret function be known just yet. I clenched my fist and sent magic into the ring.

“Hellooo, can you hear me? Can you hear me?”

“Whaat!? I think I just heard Julius-sama’s voice… am I imagining things?”

“Nope, you’re not imagining things!”

“What’s happening!? The ring!? You can hear voices from the ring!?”

I couldn’t help but burst out laughing, picturing Fabienne in a panic.

“Julius-sama! This isn’t a laughing matter! What’s going on!? The ring!? Voices are coming from the ring!?”

There was a fluttering sound, probably her flapping a pillow or cushion.

“Sorry, sorry. Are you alone now?”

“Yes, I’m alone in my room. I was about to read a book.”

“Perfect. I want to keep this function a secret for now.”

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