Kays Translations

Chapter 346: The Royal Capital Group Departs

Mira had returned to their usual size and was running around the garden with Rosalia. Fabienne and I decided to relax there as well.

The air was still chilly, but the clear sky made it feel as though spring was steadily drawing nearer.

“Brother Cain and the others will leave for the royal capital soon.”

“The estate will feel lonely without them.”

“Your parents must have felt the same way during the winter. I am glad we did not force the matter.”

“Lord Julius… thank you.”

Fabienne's expression softened, and she leaned against me as I gently supported her.

Maintaining a good relationship with House Ambert was important. A prospective son-in-law who used House Heine's authority to force his wishes through would only earn resentment. Perhaps this compromise had improved their opinion of me a little.

“Our brothers are back!”

“Kyuu!”

Rosalia and Mira came racing towards us. Brother Cain and the others had returned from shopping in the territorial capital.

Only a few days remained before their departure, so I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible.

At last, the day came for the royal-capital party to leave.

Sister-in-law Daniela and Sister-in-law Meeka were travelling with Brother Cain, so the escort was larger than usual. Knights and luggage-laden carriages stood in orderly rows before the estate entrance.

“Father, Mother, we are leaving now.”

“Cain, protect Lady Daniela and Lady Meeka.”

“Leave it to me.”

Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka had trained together with House Heine's territorial knights throughout the winter and had developed strong mutual trust. His confident answer reassured me about their future.

“Cain, please take care of Daniela for me,” Brother Alex said. “I would go with you if I could, but…”

“Do not worry. I will protect both of them. When we return for the summer holiday, I look forward to seeing how much the Heine Trading Company has grown.”

“I will make sure it meets your expectations.”

Brother Alex and Brother Cain bumped fists. Brother Alex plainly wished he could accompany them; he already looked lonely.

He and Sister-in-law Daniela had grown much closer over the winter. Their future together also seemed secure.

“It will be lonely without you, Julius,” Sister-in-law Daniela said.

“I will miss you and Sister-in-law Meeka as well.”

“Could you visit the royal capital quickly if you rode Mira?” Sister-in-law Meeka asked.

“The journey would probably exhaust Mira, and arriving on a holy dragon would attract far too much attention.”

The people of the territorial capital trusted House Heine and were accustomed to unusual events around us. The royal capital, however, gathered people from many territories and foreign countries. There was no knowing how they might react.

Sister-in-law Meeka's hopeful expression fell. She had apparently been serious.

“The bathing garment Julius made for me will certainly be useful,” she said.

“It need not be useful at all. You are planning to take swimming lessons, are you not? Please be careful. Brother Cain looks worried too.”

“But Cain has one as well. He could wear it during the academy's swimming lessons.”

I had heard that swimming was offered as part of the outdoor swordsmanship course. It was optional for most students, but those who seriously pursued knighthood were encouraged to learn. A knight who could not swim would be unable to rescue someone swept away by a river—or so the instructors argued.

Brother Cain still looked troubled.

“I shall introduce the bathing garments to the royal family,” Sister-in-law Daniela declared.

“Please do not overdo it.”

Her delighted smile made it clear that she was serious. Orders from the royal family might arrive before long, and I had no desire to be sent Her Majesty's measurements.

“Brother Cain, please look after my sisters-in-law.”

“You truly do not trust me, do you?”

“It is the opposite.”

I moved closer and lowered my voice.

“You understand what worries me, do you not? Sister-in-law Daniela and Sister-in-law Meeka are the unpredictable ones.”

“I shall pretend I did not hear that,” he murmured. “But I understand. That is what you are concerned about.”

“Please be firm when necessary.”

“…I will do my best.”

Brother Cain was kind-hearted and sometimes found it difficult to refuse people. Learning to draw a firm line when needed would be one of his future challenges.

Finally, the carriages began to move. Those of us remaining in the territory waved until the party vanished from sight.

It was lonely, but this was not a permanent farewell. I would work hard so that everyone would be surprised by our progress when they returned for the summer holiday.

First came construction of the new greenhouse. I would tackle each task in order and make sure it was done properly.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter