Kays Translations

Chapter 297: Once again, I’m at a loss as to where to look

“Ugh, I almost had a terrible time because of you, Julius-chan.”

“Don’t just blame me. If anything, it’s Rosalia’s fault.”

“Oniichan, it’s not my fault!”

“Kyuu!”

Rosalia and Mira are denying it, but it’s clearly Rosalia’s fault. Sister-in-law Mika knows that, and she’s deliberately shifting the blame to me. She probably thinks that if she seriously blames Rosalia, she might start crying.

After that, Mother noticed I was watching sister-in-law Mika’s reaction. She smiled and said to sister-in-law Mika, “You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

Sister-in-law Mika, who was overly conscious of her dining etiquette, managed to get through the meal without being re-educated. Cain-niisan was probably also being observed by Mother, so he must have had a tasteless meal.

And now, we’re all in the bath together. Why, you ask? I’d like to know too.

I was looking forward to a relaxing bath today, but when I got in, sister-in-law Mika and Rosalia came in to join me later.

I checked with Nero. Did you make sure to put up the “currently in use” sign before the bath? He said, “Yes, the sign was up.”

…So why did they come in? The sign was pointless.

According to sister-in-law Mika, since I had bathed with sister-in-law Daniela yesterday, it was her turn today. It seems she wanted to thank me for the fountain pen. So, it means she really liked it. I don’t mind that.

Then, it seems Rosalia was wandering around outside the bath with Mira, so sister-in-law Mika invited her to join us. Sister-in-law Mika, that’s a bit too free-spirited. What kind of education is the Viscount Laniemi family giving you? It’s unacceptable.

If this gets out later, I might get a scolding from Cain-niisan from behind. But today, Nero is also here. With the two of us, we might manage. Still, seeing the floating breasts in the bath is quite a sight.

“I’ve always thought that Nero-chan really looks like a girl. Although, he’s actually a boy.”

“Oh, um, thank you?”

Sister-in-law Mika’s comment left Nero looking puzzled. He seems to be bothered by it, but he hesitates to mention it to sister-in-law Mika. By the way, Nero’s Cerberus seems to be downcast, possibly due to nervousness.

In the awkward silence, Nero’s younger sister, Lelie, decided to step in to ease the situation.

“Julius-sama, let me wash your back.”

“Oh, it’s okay. Nero can do it.”

“Then I will wash your back.”

Just then, sister-in-law Mika intervened.

“No, I will wash Julius-chan’s back.”

“That’s not fair, sister-in-law Mika. I also want to wash oniichan’s back.”

Why did it come to this? The two of them started a futile argument over who would wash my back. Not wanting to let this drag on, I decided to let them wash it half and half. And I made sure to get them to agree, saying “Only this time,” so they wouldn’t barge into the bath again.

“I’m glad you liked the fountain pen.”

“I absolutely love it. Thank you, Julius-chan. I’m so happy to be marrying into the Heine family.”

“Well, we haven’t had the official wedding yet, so it’s just a formality for now.”

“Oh, don’t be so cruel. It’s already decided. It’s just a matter of time.”

Is that so? I didn’t know it was already that settled. Sister-in-law Mika’s character isn’t bad, and the Viscount Laniemi, who is settled in the capital, is a very important figure for the Heine family living in the frontier.

With the power of the royal family behind them, the Heine family can be said to be gaining significant strength.

“To think my oniichan made such a wonderful fountain pen. I wish I could have seen him making it. I still have a long way to go.”

“That’s not true. In just three years, you’ll quickly surpass me.”

Rosalia is three years younger than me. Three years ago, I wasn’t as skilled in crafting as she is now. If she continues to practice, she’ll become a craftsman as skilled as I am in no time.

“Oh, that’s right. I also have Rosalia’s fountain pen ready. I’ll give it to you once we’re out of the bath.”

“Really!? Let’s get out immediately!”

Rosalia jumped up abruptly, even though she had just finished washing and was soaking in the tub. She’d catch a chill if she stayed like this. That wouldn’t be good.

“Calm down, Rosalia. Make sure you stay in the bath up to your shoulders and warm up properly first. Otherwise, you’ll catch a cold.”

“Can I also see it after Rosalia-chan has finished her bath?”

“Of course.”

Thanks to sister-in-law Mika, Rosalia hesitated to get out of the bath. Sister-in-law Mika really knows how to handle children. If she ever has kids, she’ll likely be a very devoted mother.

“Sister-in-law Mika, how was your date today?”

“It was fun… Oh, not a date, but an inspection of the territory.”

Sister-in-law Mika puffed out her cheeks a bit, but it lacked convincing power. Then, as if she remembered something, she clasped her hands in front of her, accentuating her chest.

“By the way, I heard there have been reports of damage from Snow Wolves in a nearby village.”

“Snow Wolves? I’ve never heard of them attacking a village before.”

“Yes, it seems so. That’s why everyone’s been suspicious. I wonder what’s going on?”

Snow Wolves usually appear on the roads through the forest. Therefore, winter roads can be quite dangerous. In fact, we were attacked by Snow Wolves on the road ourselves.

But that was likely just because the Snow Wolves mistook the early snowfall for the start of winter.

If the reports of the village being attacked are true, there might be some trouble in the Snow Wolves’ habitat. This means the attack we experienced wasn’t just due to the early snow.

“It might be necessary to investigate this.”

“Cain-kun said the same thing. He might be discussing it with the Heine Border Baron right now.”

I see. So that’s why they barged into the bath I was in. If there was no one to stop them, that’s what would happen.

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