Kays Translations

Chapter 40: Everyone Has Their Own Agenda

A servant ushered in a party escorted by armed knights. The visitors wore clothing several grades less formal than their usual royal attire, but their commanding presence was unmistakable.

His Majesty the King had arrived.

I was amazed that ordinary spectators outside had failed to recognise him.

Her Majesty the Queen walked beside him, accompanied by Daniela and Chloe. The princesses wore the same understated clothing they had worn during their visit to our home, while the Queen was dressed much like Mother. At a glance, they could pass for a family of high-ranking nobles.

Even Father, who had met the King many times, appeared nervous as he greeted them. Marquis Mulan was no different.

Seeing the adults so tense made the children nervous too, and our greetings came out stiff and awkward.

This was my first time seeing the King in person. He had the unmistakable aura of someone accustomed to standing above others, though he seemed to be suppressing it as much as possible.

As soon as the formal greetings ended, Chloe hurried toward us. Her objective was obviously the stuffed animal.

“Julius!”

“I have prepared what I promised you, Lady Chloe.”

“Oh, you’re being so formal. You can call me what you usually do.”

Even if Chloe didn’t mind, calling a princess casually in front of both royal parents seemed dangerous. While I hesitated, I made eye contact with the King.

“This is a private occasion,” he said. “You may continue associating with my daughters as you have until now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As you command.”

I bowed. Once the King had given permission, refusing would be more disrespectful than obeying.

“Chloe, here is the stuffed cat I promised. I made yours identical to Daniela’s so the two of you wouldn’t quarrel.”

I handed both cats to Chloe. She hugged them and looked from one to the other with longing eyes. She truly did love cats.

“Can I keep both?”

“No. Please give one to Daniela.”

Surely the sisters wouldn’t actually fight over them… would they?

As I worried, Daniela approached. For some reason, the Queen followed her.

Oh no.

“What an adorable stuffed animal,” Her Majesty said. “Daniela was right. Looking at it makes me want one too.”

She stared enviously at the cat in Chloe’s arms.

So this was the pattern where the Queen requested one as well.

Even after Chloe handed Daniela her cat, Her Majesty continued gazing at it.

“Mother, your weakness for cute things is showing again,” Daniela said with exasperation. “When you look at me like that, I begin to feel guilty for keeping it.”

Both princesses hugged their cats more tightly.

So the Queen loved cute things. That was valuable—and dangerous—information.

“Oh, surely I may admire it a little. Looking won’t make it disappear. I heard that little Julius made these himself. Is that true?”

“Y-yes, Your Majesty. I’m only an amateur, so they aren’t suitable for sale…”

“That’s not true!” Chloe protested. “Julius makes the best stuffed animals. I want a rabbit next!”

Wait a moment, Chloe. Why was she already ordering another one? The Queen now looked as though she wanted a rabbit too.

This was getting dangerous.

I looked desperately toward Father.

“Then perhaps it’s time for me to show Your Majesties the racetrack,” he said. “I would be honoured to introduce the finest horses bred in the Heine Margraviate.”

“I look forward to it. You’ll guide us personally, I trust?” the King replied.

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Well done, Father. For the moment, I had escaped.

I hoped the subject would be forgotten once everyone became absorbed in the races, but the girls’ pressure was stronger than expected. Rosalia, Chloe, and Caro all followed me, while Daniela and Hilda naturally remained close to Alex.

Brother Cain, who had no one beside him, looked slightly lonely.

I would gladly have traded places with him.

“That horse has an excellent coat,” Father explained as we toured the paddock. “It’s both fast and exceptionally durable. The brown horse beside it’s extremely powerful and well suited to pulling carriages.”

Father was promoting the territory’s horses to the King. If His Majesty purchased one, royal endorsement would add enormous prestige to Heine-bred horses. Buyers from other territories would soon follow.

Meanwhile, the first race of the day was approaching. People lined up at the betting counters, including servants who had presumably been sent to place wagers for their noble employers.

“Can we buy betting tickets too?” Chloe asked.

“Not until we come of age.”

“Why not?”

“To keep children from becoming involved in gambling-related trouble and crime.”

That explanation seemed to satisfy her.

Using Appraisal, I examined the horses entered in the first race. The horse in the fourth gate appeared to be in especially good condition.

The King and Queen also seemed to be purchasing tickets. Did they enjoy gambling? I hoped they regarded it merely as entertainment.

The race began.

The horses thundered past directly in front of us. No matter how often I watched, the speed and force of a race remained thrilling. Riding at that pace must feel incredible.

I was still considered too young to ride, so I envied Brother Cain whenever I watched him practice horsemanship.

“That was incredible! They were so fast!” Caro exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement.

“It’s impressive, isn’t it? People rarely see horses sprint at full speed like this. Everyone is astonished the first time.”

Caro’s frightened reserve from our first meeting had completely disappeared. Her delighted expression was rather charming.

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