Kays Translations

Chapter 313: Drink in Moderation

After leaving the dining room, our group consisted of Rosalia, Mira, Brother Cain, Sister-in-law Meeka and me. The latter two had apparently been classified as ‘children’ as well, and both wore similar expressions.

"I didn’t expect us to be sent out with Julius and Rosalia."

"It can’t be helped, Cain. We aren’t adults yet."

"No, it can’t be helped."

Perhaps they had wanted a drink or two. Sister-in-law Meeka looked slightly disappointed as well. Rosalia, Mira and I tried to console them.

"Let’s save that pleasure until we’re adults."

"Yes. Some pleasures are better saved for later."

"Kyuu."

"That’s right."

"Yes."

They seemed somewhat satisfied by that answer. Rosalia was already looking sleepy, so I needed to get her bathed and into bed. I said goodnight to Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka, then left Rosalia in the servants’ care.

Lelie was doing her best, but if Rosalia was sleepy, Lelie—who was the same age—must have been tired too.

Back in my room, I told Nero to prepare it for the night and dismissed him. I immediately contacted Lady Fabienne, told her about our small celebration and said that I hoped to visit soon.

"I’m relieved to hear you returned safely. You can come visit anytime. Winter preparations have fully started, and there are no plans for outings or visitors at the moment."

"That’s convenient. I’ll plan to visit before the snow gets too deep."

That settled it. I only needed to wrap the gifts and choose a date for the visit. Nero returned just then, so I decided to ask his advice.

"Nero, I’m thinking of visiting Lady Fabienne soon. When would be a good time?"

"Let’s see."

Nero flipped through his planner. He had fully settled into his role as my personal attendant, and I expected to rely on him a great deal.

"This weekend would be suitable. The investigation disrupted your lessons, so you need to make up the lost study time. Once the snow becomes heavier, the tutors may be unable to reach the mansion."

"Ah, that makes sense. Alright, then I’ll ask Father to schedule it for that date."

I wrote a letter to Lady Fabienne while waiting for my turn in the bath.

The next morning, nearly everyone was absent from the breakfast table. Only Brother Cain, Rosalia and Sister-in-law Meeka were present, with Mira naturally sitting on my lap. Just how late had the adults been drinking?

As I smiled wryly, the cooks brought out breakfast with brisk, energetic movements. The basic stamina-recovery potions were clearly working. I was glad I had distributed them.

“Julius, what do you think?”

“It seems like it would be better to drink in moderation. It was supposed to be a small celebration, wasn’t it?”

“I heard that too.”

Everyone else was apparently still asleep and might not wake until after noon. My tutor would arrive in the afternoon, so before then I needed to prepare the gifts, visit the training ground and tell Giles and Christopher about the investigation.

“Will we be able to do proper training today?”

“…Since they were also drinking, it might not be possible.”

“What are you planning to do if something comes up?”

Brother Cain sounded exasperated, and rightly so. How had things reached this point? Heavy winter snow brought the region almost to a standstill, making it relatively safe, but that was no excuse to lower our guard completely.

I would have to speak seriously with Father and the others later. They might listen if the criticism came from their own children.

While we ate, the head chef came to thank me for the potions. Apparently, the previous night had been a battlefield. According to him, everyone had treated it like a final feast before hibernating for winter.

“I’m glad the potion I handed out was useful.”

“Yes. Without it, things would have been quite a mess.”

The head chef smiled wryly, probably expressing the feelings of every cook. It might be wise to bring them additional supplies soon. Since proper training seemed impossible this morning, perhaps I should make more potions.

“Julius, what kind of potion did you give them?”

“Ah, well…”

What should I do? If I mentioned the basic stamina-recovery potion, Sister-in-law Meeka might immediately ask for one.

Brother Cain began speaking proudly before noticing my hesitation.

"Perhaps you mean the basic stamina-recovery potion. It’s an excellent magic potion."

"Did Lord Cain drink one as well?"

"Of course. I drank one after returning from the expedition. The fatigue vanished almost instantly."

Brother Cain closed his eyes and gazed upwards, apparently reliving the moment. His mouth twisted into such a blissful grin that even a century-old romance would have cooled at the sight.

“Julius-chan, I’d like to drink some too.”

Sister-in-law Meeka probably remembered the pleasant fizz of the basic stamina-recovery potion and began pleading for one. However, as a magic pharmacist, I could not recommend consuming potions without need.

"Sister-in-law Meeka, you aren’t tired. You should only drink one when it is necessary."

“Well, that’s true. In that case, since I’ll be tired after training, can I drink it then?”

She clasped her hands and looked at me with sparkling eyes full of expectation. I can’t refuse this. It’s okay if it’s after training, right?

“Alright. However, since it’s not unlimited, please make it just this once.”

"What? But don’t we regularly supply that potion to House Heine’s territorial knights? I heard about it recently. Doesn’t that mean there is plenty?"

Brother Cain tilted his head. Curse that unnecessary information.

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