Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 70: Funeral and Reunion
The townhouse had neither a proper workshop nor the materials required to make magic tools, so construction of the hot-and-cold air blower was postponed until the following day. The servants promised to obtain everything by then, which pleased Rosalia.
It would have been convenient if she could complete one entirely by herself, but she wasn’t ready yet. Even so, she could now perform most of the work, and her help was valuable.
She showed no comparable interest in potions. I wished I had another assistant for that field.
The following morning, we prepared to visit the royal castle immediately after breakfast. The whole family would attend.
“We don’t all go every day,” Father explained when I asked. “Different members attend on different days. Since you and Rosalia are going for the first time, we’ll accompany you together.”
Once everyone was ready, we entered the carriage.
Before long, a white castle crowned with numerous spires appeared ahead. The sight of a castle from another world excited me despite the sombre occasion.
“Look, Rosalia! There it is.”
“It’s much larger than the pictures in my books.”
Her eyes widened as the castle grew before us. It stood on a low hill within the royal capital. From its highest tower, one could probably see the entire city. I would have loved to view it.
“Cain reacted exactly the same way on his first visit,” Alex said with a smile.
“And Alex looked no different,” Mother replied.
Apparently, everyone did. The castle was magnificent enough to justify it. I could understand why Cain wanted to attend the academy in the royal capital.
Security was extremely tight after the poisoning. Soldiers repeatedly inspected our carriage as we approached the castle.
“Entering the castle is an ordeal,” I said.
“Yes. I’m accustomed to the checks, but today they’re taking far too long,” Father replied.
Nearly an hour passed, though entry normally required only a few minutes. I should have brought something to occupy us. A deck of cards would have helped.
The enormous open gate bore a carved eagle, perhaps the national bird. A shield-shaped emblem displayed what seemed to be the kingdom’s flag, a sword, and a dragon. Vines or some similar plant surrounded them.
Eventually, we were admitted. Had we come the previous evening, we wouldn’t have returned until late at night.
After leaving the carriage, Father and Mother led us into one of the buildings surrounding the main castle. Many people were gathered there, presumably to attend the memorial.
A magnificent altar had been erected inside. Beyond it stood Grandfather’s and Grandmother’s coffins side by side.
Seeing them together made me realise how widely they had been regarded as a devoted couple. They had remained together until the end and had died on the same day.
We offered flowers, then took our places while a priest led the prayers. The entire hall fell silent.
When the service ended and we were preparing to leave, someone called my name.
“Julius! I have missed you.”
I turned to find Princess Chloe and her elder sister, Princess Daniela. Chloe hurried towards me, and a murmur spread through the surrounding crowd at the sudden appearance of two members of the royal family.
“Your Highness, what brings you here?”
“I told the guards to inform me when you arrived.”
So that was how she had known. I hadn’t expected to meet Chloe, but this was an opportunity. I needed to speak with her alone.
“Princess Daniela, did you come to see Brother Alex?”
“Well… I suppose that’s one reason.”
My directness unsettled her. I couldn’t tell whether their relationship had progressed, but I needed to take advantage of it.
“Brother Alex, will you be spending some time with Princess Daniela?”
“What? Ah… will I?”
Alex looked towards her for confirmation. He was being remarkably unreliable. Should a man not show a little more initiative?
“Then may I remain with Princess Chloe?”
“I think that should be fine.”
Alex seemed increasingly confused. Daniela didn’t look entirely pleased either.
“Very well,” Father said. “Alex, make sure Julius returns to the townhouse safely. We’ll go ahead.”
I expected Rosalia to object, but she understood the atmosphere and followed our parents without complaint. Only Alex, Daniela, Chloe, and I remained.
“Then I’ll show you around the castle,” Chloe said brightly.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Everything had gone according to plan, although I had probably inconvenienced Alex. I would apologise later.
Chloe led me towards the main castle. As soon as we had left Alex and Daniela behind, I turned to her. I didn’t know how much time we had, and I needed to act before anyone interrupted us.
“Chloe, I have something important to tell you. Can we speak alone?”
Her face immediately reddened.
Sorry, Chloe. This wasn’t what she imagined.
To my surprise, she led me directly to her private room. Being seen entering it could create a serious misunderstanding.
My face probably went pale, but there was no retreat now. I gathered my resolve and stepped inside.