Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 60: A Tea Party at House Heine
The shower rooms and soap had passed their trials. Rosalia could now accompany me to inspect the training grounds without complaining about the smell.
While I taught the craftsmen how to make soap, she asked to try it herself. We therefore made another batch after returning to the mansion—this time scented with roses.
A servant delivered Edward’s reply shortly after we arrived.
“Edward can attend as well. I’ll send the formal invitation immediately.”
“May I join the tea party, Big brother?”
“Of course. You may invite your own friends too.”
Preparations proceeded smoothly. Since the event would be held at our home, I also invited Gyre and Christopher. It would be useful for everyone to meet.
Rosalia and I then made the rose-scented soap. The finished bars smelled wonderful.
I had used some of Mother’s perfume without permission. I hoped she wouldn’t be too angry.
Several days later, the tea party arrived. I began preparing immediately after breakfast.
Servants moved busily through the sunniest salon in House Heine. Once my own clothes were ready, I went to Rosalia’s room so that I could help without occupying additional servants.
The room smelled of roses.
“You smell lovely, Rosalia. Did you use the scented soap?”
“Yes. I washed my face and hands with it.”
“Mother may like it as well.”
I decided to prepare a bar for her secretly. Other noblewomen might want the soap too, which made commercial production worth considering.
A servant arranged Rosalia’s hair. I couldn’t help with that, but I tied the ribbons on her dress, fastened her shoes, and knotted the laces.
Tea-party clothing involved an astonishing number of ribbons.
Just as Rosalia was ready, a servant announced the first guests. I hurried to the entrance.
Hosting a tea party was far more demanding than I had expected. In future, I would arrange such events only when Mother was home.
“Welcome, Edward. And welcome to your companions. I’m Julius Heine.”
“It’s been a while, Lord Julius. Allow me to introduce Billy Stanfield and Platon Arkhipov. The three of us sometimes work together on magic tools.”
“Please call me Billy,” the first boy said.
“Edward has told us about you,” said the other. “I’m Platon. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Both bowed politely. They appeared to be sons of baronial families and, like Edward, enthusiastic about magic tools. We would probably get along well.
I led the three boys to the salon and introduced Rosalia.
Soon afterwards, a servant announced Gyre and Christopher. They were escorted in, and I introduced everyone again.
“My father told me that you make magic tools, Lord Julius,” Gyre said, “but I’ve never watched you work.”
“Really? It isn’t something I deliberately conceal.”
Gyre was evidently curious, though he had never shown much interest before. Christopher watched me with the same expectant expression. Gadgets and magic tools truly did fascinate boys.
Rosalia listened eagerly to the discussion and seemed every bit as absorbed as they were.
A servant approached her and reported that her guest had arrived. Rosalia and I went to the entrance together.
“How do you do? I’m Melissa Blythe.”
“Welcome. I’m Julius, Rosalia’s brother.”
“Melissa is my best friend,” Rosalia declared proudly.
Melissa smiled. I was relieved that Rosalia had found such a close friend.
As we greeted her, Lady Fabienne arrived with another girl.
“Welcome, Lady Fabienne.”
“Thank you for inviting me. This is my friend, Lady Nathalie Caron.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” I said. “I’m Julius Heine.”
“Nathalie Caron. Thank you for welcoming me.”
“Please come inside. I hope you enjoy the afternoon.”
We escorted the three girls to the salon and conducted another round of introductions.
There were six boys—Edward, Billy, Platon, Gyre, Christopher, and me—and four girls: Rosalia, Melissa, Fabienne, and Nathalie. The numbers were slightly uneven, but it didn’t matter.
At first, the conversation remained pleasantly ordinary. Before long, however, someone mentioned the summer season.
“Then the rumour that the royal family visited House Heine was true?” Edward asked.
“It was. The entire summer was exhausting.”
“That explains why you couldn’t meet us.”
Everyone understood the implications and became solemn.
This wasn’t the atmosphere I wanted for a tea party, so I asked how each guest had spent the summer.
Apparently, only Gyre and Christopher had gone swimming in the lake. The others insisted that swimming was improper for aristocratic children.
What a pity. I would have enjoyed it.