Chapter 457: The Craftsmen of the Heine Company

After successfully completing the new star-themed magical device and sharing stories with Rosaria and the others about our time at the Marquis Mulan’s estate, it was time for dinner. When we headed to the dining room, a lavish meal was laid out for us. It seemed they were celebrating our safe return.

“Everyone’s here, right? Then let’s celebrate Julius and the others returning safely. We must give thanks to God.”

“I am truly grateful that my brother-in-law has returned unharmed.”

Following Sister-in-law Daniela’s lead, everyone expressed their gratitude. I, too, offered thanks to God for everyone’s safety. Lionel hadn’t been at the House of the Heine Frontier Count’s Territory during this time. If anything major had happened in his absence, it could have been disastrous.

I did feel a little lonely that Fabienne wasn’t present. Perhaps she was feeling the same way. I’ll make sure to talk to her through the ring once I return to my room.

“Alex-niisan Julius gave us the design plans, and we made a new star-themed magical device. Would you like to watch the stars with everyone afterwards?”

“A new star-themed magical device? That’s the first I’ve heard of it, but that sounds exciting. Did you make it together with Edward?”

“Of course we did. The two of us made it together.”

Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela nodded with smiles. It seems they both acknowledge the bond between Rosalia and Edward. I hadn’t heard anything about that from Father or Mother while we were in the townhouse in the capital, but judging from this, it looks like they’ve given their approval too.

“Rosalia-chan, how is this star-themed magical device different from the ones before?”

“The starry sky moves on its own!”

“The starry sky…?”

“Moves…?”

Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela tilted their heads in confusion. Apparently, they’ve never seen a magical device that moves automatically either. This might mean we’ve created something quite dangerous. What should we do? We even left a similar device at the Marquis Mulan’s estate.

At this point, all we can do is hope that rumors don’t spread too far.

The starry sky we revealed after dinner was breathtaking. So much so that even my older brothers were speechless.

As we looked up, the night sky changed moment by moment. Rosalia pointed out constellations she recognized from her picture books and explained them. Sister-in-law Daniela seemed to know the book as well and was astonished that such a secret had been hidden in the star-themed magical device.

As soon as I returned to my room, I shooed Nero out and channeled magic into my ring. The response came immediately. The quick reply made me happy—it meant Fabienne was always mindful of the ring.

“Fabienne, can you hear me? Is now a good time to talk?”

『Yes, it’s fine. I’m alone in my room right now.』

“That’s good to hear. During dinner, when you weren’t next to me, I felt strangely lonely. I just wanted to hear your voice.”

『So you felt that way too, Julius-sama? I kept glancing beside me during the meal, and Father and Mother teased me for it.』

We were almost always together while staying at the Marquis Mulan’s estate. It was only a little over a month, but it had become the norm. And yet, it’s still a long way before we can truly be together.

I could hear soft laughter from the other side of the ring.

“Oh, by the way, Rosalia made me a new star-themed magical device, and it moves on its own. You don’t see many devices like that, do you?”

『Julius-sama, you’re only just realizing that? Not many? That was my first time seeing one at all.』

“Ugh, I wish you had told me that sooner. We’ve probably created something outrageous, haven’t we?”

『Now that you mention it… What did Alex-sama and Sister-in-law Daniela say?』

“They both widened their eyes in surprise.”

This isn’t good. It seems we should be more cautious when creating magical devices that incorporate mechanical systems. What’s already been made can’t be helped, though. Just in case, I asked Fabienne to keep it a secret and wished her good night.

The next morning, after finishing early sword training, I headed to the Heine Trading Company along with Alex-niisan and the others. Mira came too, wagging her tail in high spirits—probably expecting dried fruits as a reward.

“I’ll come along to the workshop too. I should show my face once in a while, or they might forget about me.”

“I don’t think that will ever happen.”

That must have been Alex-niisan’s way of making a joke. Sister-in-law Daniela also seemed to be coming along, which would surely boost the morale of the craftsmen. After all, a princess of this country was coming for an inspection.

“How are things going?”

“Oh! Alex-sama, Daniela-sama, and even Julius-sama! You’ve all returned!”

“Yeah, we got back yesterday. I saw the glass pens you all made being sold in the royal capital. I was really surprised—wondering when you had developed such advanced techniques.”

“Thank you so much!”

The craftsmen paused their work and gathered around. They all looked happy. And I noticed something about their expressions—there was a newfound confidence there.

Perhaps in my absence from the Heine Frontier Count’s Territory, they felt it was their duty to support the Heine Trading Company and gave it their all. It seems my trip to the Marquis Mulan’s estate had a positive effect after all.

“Julius-sama, I tried a new design. Would you take a look?”

“Julius-sama, I’ve modified a magical device slightly. I’d love your feedback!”

“I’m thinking of creating this kind of magical device!”

“Julius is really popular, huh?”

Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela chuckled warmly, and I laughed along with them. It looks like I can finally set down a burden I’ve been carrying.

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