Chapter 487: A Letter Soaked with Tears
The next day, a letter of thanks arrived early from Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama. It clearly stated that the Bone Dragon had been successfully defeated and that Erwin-sama had safely returned. According to the rest of the letter, thanks to this achievement, Erwin-sama would be promoted to the rank of Count.
“I’m glad. It looks like he’s safe.”
“So that pillar of light really was from when the Bone Dragon was defeated.”
“Yes, it seems so. We’ll need to report this to His Majesty the King as well. I think Sophia-sama intends to do that too. I hope this helps strengthen our ties with the Kingdom of Raven.”
“It would be great if we could extend our support to the Kingdom of Raven as well.”
The Bone Dragon was defeated, but its scars remain. The wounds will need to be healed as quickly as possible—before other nations start getting strange ideas.
We had just finished breakfast and were relaxing in the salon when this letter arrived, causing Sister-in-law Daniela to become quite busy.
I suppose she’ll be heading to the royal capital soon. Should I go with her when the time comes? No, maybe it’s better to wait until I’m summoned. There’s still a chance Sister-in-law Daniela will handle everything smoothly.
Just as I was thinking that, a servant brought me another letter. The sender was Sister-in-law Mika. Apparently, she left this letter for me before heading to the capital. There were several tear-stained marks on it… My heart really hurts.
Naturally, the letter expressed her deep feelings for me. Though the main content was about her regret that we couldn’t spar together.
It seems Sister-in-law Mika wanted to measure how much her abilities had improved by testing herself against me. According to her, she can go all out with Julius-chan, and I will take her seriously in return.
Cain-niisan, for all his talk, is weak against Sister-in-law Mika. He may be more skilled, but I don’t think he can go all out against her. He even looks happy sometimes when she hits him. At this point, he’s beyond help.
Of course, knights and noble ladies before marriage can’t really spar seriously with each other. That’s where I come in—someone stronger than Sister-in-law Mika, and willing to fight her seriously. Well, not completely seriously, but close enough.
“Should I write a letter to Sister-in-law Mika?”
“Yeah, that would probably be nice. Maybe even include a sparring ticket she can use when she comes back for summer break?”
That’s a good idea. Alex-niisan’s suggestion makes sense. If I include a sparring ticket, I can limit the number of matches with Sister-in-law Mika. That way, she won’t drag me into endless practice sessions like she did in the spring.
Sister-in-law Mika would be reassured, and I wouldn’t have to waste more time than necessary. Truly a win-win situation.
“As expected of Alex-niisan. I’ll do that.”
“…You’ve got it rough too, Julius.”
I tilted my head, not understanding what Alex-niisan meant. Sparring with Sister-in-law Mika isn’t all bad. After all, I get to admire that bouncy chest of hers.
This is a secret I must never tell Fabienne.
“I’m heading over to Fabienne’s place now.”
“Take care. She’s probably worried about you. If it looks like you won’t be back, make sure to contact us early.”
“Y-Yes, understood.”
What exactly is he worried about? Does he think I’m going to spend the night at Fabienne’s place to deepen our relationship? Judging from the way Alex-niisan spoke, maybe he’s been in a similar situation before. As expected of a playboy.
I told Fabienne last night that I’d be visiting the Baron Amber household today, so there shouldn’t be a problem, but I sent a herald just in case.
“Nero, I’m heading to Fabienne’s place now. If you’re still tired, it’s okay to rest today.”
“Thank you. But that won’t be necessary—I’ll accompany you.”
“Kyuu.”
“Are you coming too, Mira?”
“Kyuu!”
Mira came over along with Nero, rubbing her head against my stomach. It seems she became more clingy while we were in the Kingdom of Raven.
Since we’re visiting the Baron Amber household today, I won’t be riding Mira. A carriage has been prepared instead.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Fabienne. I’m kind of nervous.”
“She hears from you every day, so she knows your situation. Just act like you always do, and it’ll be fine.”
“Kyuu?”
“Ah, Mira wouldn’t understand. Don’t worry about it~”
I said that as I fluffed Mira. Her fur was truly magnificent. It seems even shinier than before. I wonder if Rosalia and Lillie have been brushing her daily?
As I gazed out the window, we traveled through the city. It seemed the news of the Bone Dragon rampaging in the Kingdom of Raven hadn’t reached the common folk. The scenery was just like when we left the Heine Frontier Territory. Everyone looked cheerful. The harsh winter had ended, and the long-awaited spring had come.
From now on, the season will bring crowds for horse races, tourism, and logistics through the Heine Trading Company. No wonder the people are excited. More and more visitors from the royal capital and other territories seem to be arriving. Even now, wagons carrying loads of cargo were passing by.
“Julius-sama, the Baron Amber household is now in view.”
“Alright, time to prepare to disembark. My outfit looks okay?”
“It’s perfect.”
“Kyuu.”
I checked to make sure Mira’s fur hadn’t stuck to me, but strangely, Mira never sheds. One of the Seven Mysteries of the Holy Dragons. Well, each strand of her fur is valuable, so it’s nice that it doesn’t get scattered everywhere.
In front of the gate to the Baron Amber household, the entire family was lined up to greet us.
I feel kind of bad about this. I told Fabienne that there was no need to wait outside, but I guess that wasn’t an option for them. Still, I had no choice but to send a herald in advance.
It’s a tricky situation.
“It’s been a while. Baron Amber, Baroness. Fabienne, you look well—I’m glad.”
“Thank you for coming.”
“Please, take your time and relax.”
“I’m relieved to see that you’re doing well, Julius-sama.”
Fabienne smiled like the sun. Her expression looked somewhat relieved. Even though we talk every day, she must have still worried until she saw me in person. One day, I’d like to install a camera for this.