Kays Translations

Chapter 320: The Stand-In

Brother Alex and Sister-in-law Daniela appeared deep in thought. Had a problem arisen? If I were already an adult, it might not matter, but I still had about five years to go. We could not wait that long.

“We may need to appoint a stand-in.”

“Could we not use Brother Alex’s name?”

“That would mean taking credit for Julius’s achievements, so I would rather not.”

As expected, Brother Alex was not the sort of person who would steal someone else’s credit. Plenty of people would have seized the opportunity, but my brother was too honest for that.

“A stand-in, then. Is that permitted?”

“As long as we document the arrangement properly and submit it to the Crown, it should be acceptable. Stand-ins have been used before.”

Brother Alex glanced at Sister-in-law Daniela, and she nodded firmly. There was precedent for the arrangement, which was reassuring.

“The Crown will reveal the truth when Julius comes of age. That is the condition.”

“I see. By guaranteeing the arrangement, the Crown strengthens its connection with the person behind the stand-in.”

“Exactly.”

For the kingdom, it was a way to secure an exceptional individual and establish a firm relationship with him. There was no disadvantage. Letting my name become too widely known, on the other hand, would be dangerous. Ill-intentioned people existed everywhere.

Besides, I was already connected to the royal family through Sister-in-law Daniela, so the condition did not trouble me.

“I understand. Brother Alex, could you arrange a stand-in for me?”

“Very well. We will do that.”

“I will take responsibility for preparing the documents for the Crown. Leave them to me.”

Sister-in-law Daniela readily took charge. Brother Alex was occupied with establishing the trading company. She was undoubtedly busy as well, but he was directing the work at the forefront, so she probably had slightly more room in her schedule.

Once again, I had increased their workload. I wanted to do something to show my gratitude.

“Now we need a name for the stand-in. What shall we choose? How about Mr. Y?”

“What?”

“Yes, I think that will do.”

“You are serious? Is that really acceptable?”

Both of them laughed, apparently amused by my surprise. Still, was that not far too casual? Rosalia, Nero, and Lelie looked ready to pop their eyes out. Mira did not seem to understand; they merely looked up and tilted their head.

“Very well. From today onwards, Mr. Y will serve as Julius’s stand-in. All future inventions will be credited to Mr. Y. Naturally, this information must not leave the family.”

Brother Alex managed to exert pressure while smiling. Unlike Lionel’s overwhelming Intensity, his approach was refined. I wanted to master it someday; it might prove useful when I entered the academy.

Sister-in-law Daniela immediately began preparing the documents. She smiled, said, “Leave it to me,” and returned to her room. By dinnertime, they were almost complete. She worked remarkably quickly.

Sister-in-law Daniela clearly possessed excellent administrative skills. With her supporting him, Brother Alex could delegate work with confidence.

My parents were surprised by Sister-in-law Daniela’s sudden announcement, but they accepted the plan once they heard the explanation. They agreed to leave the matter entirely in her hands.

Sister-in-law Daniela looked extremely proud. She must have been delighted that my parents recognised her abilities. She would prove herself through results and show that she was not merely an ornamental future marchioness. No wonder she was pleased.

“Well, then, is there anything else you have been hiding?”

“You probably already know about it, but I made a potion called Hot Cookies.”

Everyone nodded. They had probably all tasted it already. The territorial knights would surely request more before long. At least no one had objected to it so far, so it seemed to be considered acceptable.

“Just to confirm, it is a potion rather than an ordinary confection, correct?”

“Yes. It is classified as a potion and warms the body.”

“In that case, we are not ready to sell it yet. We will simply register it as a development by Mr. Y.”

“I am sorry to trouble you.”

Brother Alex looked disappointed; he had probably hoped to sell it. However, the company did not yet have room in its budget to hire a magic pharmacist. Even assembling enough craftspeople had been difficult.

“We finally have enough staff. I believe we can formally launch the trading company next week.”

“I see. You have done well, Brother Alex.”

Father looked pleased. The future Margrave was independently launching a business of his own. Of course Father would be proud.

Even before the launch, horse racing and the territory’s new products were already generating a respectable profit. Brother Alex’s trading company would further revitalise the territorial capital and enrich the margraviate.

Ordinarily, that success might create many enemies, but House Heine had Sister-in-law Daniela, a member of the royal family. No noble would lightly antagonise royalty. She was like a guardian deity of the Heine Margraviate, and we had to treasure her.

Brother Alex turned towards us.

“I want Julius and Rosalia to teach the hired craftspeople how to make the products.”

“Leave it to me.”

“Understood!”

Rosalia thrust both fists forwards with an eager smile. She was happy to have a role of her own. Meanwhile, Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka looked dissatisfied. Brother Alex gave them a strained smile.

“I would like Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka to oversee the trading company’s security. Establish its patrol schedule and security procedures, and coordinate with Lionel. The company holds many secrets, after all.”

“Understood.”

“Leave it to me.”

The two answered together, their eyes shining. My parents smiled. With that, the entire House Heine family would be involved. We were going to be busy for a while.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter