Kays Translations

Chapter 343: Those Returning to the Royal Capital

I did not understand why Sister-in-law Daniela looked so unhappy, so I glanced at Brother Alex.

He noticed and frowned, plainly troubled by the same subject.

“Her Highness must return to the royal capital with us,” Sister-in-law Meeka explained.

“Why?”

My voice rose before I could stop it. I had assumed Sister-in-law Daniela would remain with House Heine from now on.

What would happen to her work with the Heine Trading Company? She and Brother Alex had devoted themselves to it throughout winter. Of course she was disappointed.

“She still has duties in the royal capital,” Brother Alex said. “This winter visit was also part of her preparation to join House Heine.”

“But the Heine Trading Company needs Sister-in-law Daniela.”

As I protested, Sister-in-law Daniela embraced me from behind. Her shoulders trembled, and I realised she was crying.

“Thank you, Julius. I am so happy that you feel that way.”

“It is not only me. Everyone in House Heine feels the same.”

The family nodded solemnly.

“Thank you,” she said. “I shall finish my duties in the royal capital and return as soon as I can.”

Her voice was unsteady at first, but it became firm by the end.

Sister-in-law Daniela had not spent winter merely enjoying herself. She had produced clear results for the territory and the trading company. Once she completed her remaining obligations, she would undoubtedly return.

“We shall be waiting for you, Your Highness,” Father said. “As Julius says, the Heine Trading Company needs you. Until you return, I shall keep Alex in line.”

“Father, I am no longer a child.”

Brother Alex gave him a strained smile, and everyone laughed.

Parting would be lonely, but I wanted us to part with hope rather than sorrow.

Preparations for the journey to the royal capital advanced rapidly as the roads cleared.

Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka went into the territorial capital to purchase supplies for the new Royal Academy term.

Visitors to the Heine Trading Company also increased. Brother Alex decided to recruit additional employees earlier than planned, and Sister-in-law Daniela helped conduct the preparations before her departure.

I inspected the workshops and reviewed the remaining materials.

Requiring written material records had made the work far easier. I wondered whether the Royal Magic Pharmacists' Corps maintained equally careful ledgers for its potions. I should verify that the next time I visited the royal capital.

“We need another order,” I said. “Stationery is selling faster than expected, especially pencils and erasers.”

“Merchants have been purchasing them in bulk,” Nero replied as he checked his notebook.

He recorded information so efficiently that he resembled a covert agent. At this rate, he might eventually need assistants of his own.

Lady Fabienne entered carrying a letter.

“Lord Julius, Father has replied. He says you may visit whenever you wish.”

“Thank you. Then let us go in two days. I shall send a reply, and perhaps you could add a short message.”

“Of course.”

She smiled brightly. She had not seen her parents throughout winter, so her excitement was natural. I had already prepared gifts for Baron and Baroness Ambert.

“Lord Julius,” Nero said, “the greenhouse plans have arrived.”

“Excellent. It seems we shall remain busy for some time.”

“Indeed.”

The three of us exchanged wry smiles. Work was increasing just as Brother Cain, Sister-in-law Meeka, and Sister-in-law Daniela prepared to leave.

As the territory prospered, the responsibilities of the ruling household multiplied. Finding trustworthy people would become one of House Heine's most important tasks.

Two days later, Lady Fabienne, Nero, and I travelled to the House Ambert estate.

Snow remained beside the roads, but the route through the territorial capital was clear and busy.

“Thank you for receiving us today,” I said.

“Not at all, Lord Julius,” Baron Ambert replied. “Our daughter has been in your care all winter.”

“House Heine is the grateful party. Without Lady Fabienne's assistance, the trading company's potion sales could not have succeeded.”

After exchanging greetings at the entrance, we entered the salon. A warm-air blower magic tool kept the room comfortable despite the snowy view beyond the windows.

“I brought the glass pens, magic-stone hand warmers, and fountain pens that I promised. The hand warmers are slightly out of season, I am afraid.”

“Cold days will continue for some time,” Baron Ambert said. “Thank you.”

“How beautiful,” Baroness Ambert said, examining the pens. “May we truly accept such fine gifts?”

They were made from the best materials available to me. Even high-ranking nobles rarely possessed such objects, while the royal family's versions were finer still.

I decided not to mention that detail. Baroness Ambert looked surprised enough already.

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