Kays Translations

Chapter 442: Restless Thoughts

Dinner was over, and we had finished bathing. The evening had ended with something rather outrageous: everyone, including the entire Mulan family, had bathed together.

Even House Mulan’s enormous bath felt slightly crowded. For many of them, however, it must have been a new experience, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Marquis Mulan had enjoyed it so much that he wanted to do it again. It would undoubtedly become a treasured memory. Marchioness Mulan also looked pleased to see how much her husband’s fatigue had eased.

About half of that was probably thanks to the basic stamina-recovery potion, another reminder of how remarkable magic potions could be.

After drying my hair and returning to our room, all that remained was to sleep. Two beds had been neatly prepared, naturally one for Fabienne and one for me. Mira was staying with us too.

“Julius-sama, what were you discussing with Ijidol earlier?”

“Huh? What are you talking about?”

“Kyuu…”

Mira fixed me with a stare that clearly said, “Do not dodge the question.” Stop, Mira. Continuing this subject was dangerous. I tried to distract Mira by petting them all over, but Fabienne, who was seated beside me, leaned closer.

“Is it something you can’t tell me?”

“No, uh…”

Fabienne looked up at me through her lashes. When had she learned a technique like that? Who had taught such a thing to the innocent Fabienne? Lady Hilda? Caro?

At that point I had no choice but to brace myself and tell her. It was better than letting her think I was hiding something. Besides, we were going to marry someday, so she would learn eventually. If I had to tell her, now was the time.

I leaned in and whispered into Fabienne’s ear.

Fabienne flushed bright red from head to toe.

Although I had done nothing beyond explaining, I began to feel guilty. The fact that Fabienne did not look offended only made it worse. Calm down. I needed to calm down.

I rapidly stroked Mira’s fur. Mira stared at me in confusion.

That night, I remained too restless to fall asleep. Several heavy sighs came from the neighbouring bed. Fabienne apparently could not sleep either.

A few days later, during our usual morning training, word arrived that Margrave Draken would soon reach the estate.

We hurriedly changed and gathered in the salon. Axel and Ijidol accompanied us, of course.

“I don’t look strange, do I?”

“As always, Julius-sama, you look very gallant.”

Fabienne blushed slightly as she said it, and I thought I did as well. Everyone else’s mildly exasperated expressions seemed to say, “Why are those two flirting again?” Leave us alone.

Before long, Marquis Mulan entered the salon with Margrave Draken. The margrave cut a striking figure, with a magnificent beard running from his sideburns along his jaw to his chin. So impressive.

“Everyone is here. Allow me to introduce Karl Draken, the Eastern Margrave.”

“My decision to visit House Mulan was rather sudden, so I am sure I surprised you. Even so, I wished to express my gratitude in person.”

Margrave Draken smiled as he spoke, and we exchanged introductions. When I gave my name, he nodded several times with an interested “Mm-hmm.”

How much had he heard about me? He probably knew everything Marquis Mulan did. The question was whether he possessed any additional information.

He must also have spoken with Lady Hilda. I wondered how many stories about me she had shared. I would need to choose my words carefully so I did not reveal too much.

Margrave Draken first thanked us. Apparently, roughly thirty percent of the elementary healing potions we had initially supplied were sent to House Draken. Its knights had been astonished after drinking them.

“I had heard the rumours, but I could not believe them until I drank one myself. Once I did, everyone was in an uproar, saying they could never return to the old potions. Naturally, I felt the same.”

Margrave Draken laughed. That was a frightening thing to admit so casually. If he had needed an elementary healing potion, he must have been injured in battle. I was afraid to ask. Judging by the way Lady Hilda held her head in her hands, he had almost certainly fought on the front line.

“I hear House Mulan will supply those potions from now on. I look forward to your work, Leon.”

“Y-yes! Leave it to me!”

Leon replied firmly, his face flushed. He must have been delighted to know that his efforts were proving useful. As his teacher, I was also pleased to see his ability recognised.

The conversation then turned to the battle in the forest. Even Marquis Mulan had apparently not heard every detail, and he listened with a grave expression.

Monster outbreaks were exceedingly rare in this region. The incident would therefore be recorded in detail in House Draken’s chronicles, so that any similar event in the distant future could be handled quickly.

Margrave Draken described the sudden rain and wind, and how they had dramatically turned the battle in the subjugation force’s favour.

Marquis Mulan and the others, unaware of what had truly happened, questioned him closely. In the end, they concluded that it had unquestionably been divine intervention.

There is only one truth. Sometimes, however, that truth cannot be spoken. Such is life.

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