Volume 5 Chapter 3.1 (2/2)

「Huh?」

I said it in a high-pitched voice and in disarray. He, on the other hand, spoke in a voice calmer and quieter than usual, which meant he was extremely displeased. His words were full of discontent. The boy didn’t notice — or he might be a person not being able to distinguish that man’s changes of emotions in the first place, so it would be only natural that he didn’t notice. He simply smiled in a way that would surely mesmerize not only the women in this world, but also the men. He said cheerfully 「Please take good care of me.」and continued to smile.

Wait a moment, what was that? While I looked at them inquiringly, he opened his mouth with a grave expression.

「The delegation from the Nerogrant Empire is staying in our country for about two weeks. They are all staying at the imperial residence, however…」

For a moment the man’s eyes looked down on Lucius. The boy didn’t seem to mind my husband’s reproachful gaze in the slightest… but indeed, he was just trying to look unbothered, but I could notice that his cheeks blushed ever so slightly with embarrassment.

「I requested it. During my stay in this country I wanted to spend some time in master Agedilus… well,in my older brother’s residence. I know I am causing you trouble, but would you be so kind as to somehow pardon me and forgive my insolence?」

He was taller than me, but even so he looked at me timidly. He looked just like a spoiled puppy, that was given his favorite treat but was also ordered to wait, so it frantically urged its owner to let it eat the food.

Amongst the party of Nerogrant delegates, he must have led a privileged life. How are we to have him here, in such a modest and simple household on the outskirts of the capital? One could even say that it’s too modest a residence for the Royal Head Magician. From a security standpoint, it was also difficult. But however much that man would wish so, we couldn’t simply deny that self-indulgent boy’s request.

Actually, the fact that the man had brought the boy back home with him meant that the matter had already been decided, which is why there was nothing I could say now to change this decision. It didn’t matter that I was the lady of this house. In this case I knew what I should and could do.

「Master Lucius, allow me to welcome you to our household. Since I manage the residence myself, you will find it imperfect in many ways. Please forgive my carelessness. And now, how would you like to drink some tea?」

In a flash, Lucius’ face brightened with a wide smile. We headed to the parlor. I was leading the party and as I was walking, I repeatedly heard the boy say smilingly「Brother, older brother」at every opportunity he got. When addressing that man, his voice was full of kindness and affection which he didn’t even try to hide. The man himself looked uninterested and unconcerned. Knowing this man’s history I could understand why he behaved like this, but still, considering how open the boy was with his friendliness my husband could have become at least a little bit more civil. Even though I wasn’t without my suspicions, neither the boy’s voice, nor his expression showed any signs of poisonous falsehood. I was bewildered by that.

「Well now. Master Lucius, while I prepare the tea, kindly wait in this drawing room for a while. Edi, after you get changed, will you drink a cup?」

「Yes, thank you.」

「Very well.」

We left the boy in the parlor and left the house through the corridor. After closing the gates carefully, I asked the man in a quiet voice.

「Edi, what is all that?!」

This time, to my question, the man sighed deeply. It was more meaningful than any words. I could say it showed his feelings. He opened his eyes and spoke, with the sigh still resounding in his words.

「….I was forced to take him in.」

「You were?」

「Yeah. He is a member of the delegation, even though he is still young. This trip is like a study abroad for him, so he has considerable liberty to do as he pleases. Bradott house is one of the most distinguished families in the Nerogrant Empire. I can’t bluntly refuse a Bradott’s legitimate child’s wishes.」

It appears that the call he received this morning was concerning this matter. He was murmuring in his tiredness. I was sure he must have tried to oppose the boy’s family’s influence as much as possible. I knew well already, how protective he was of his own territory and how he hated letting other people in. It was also because he wanted to protect me.

Once again I thought about the scene that had happened last night during the celebration. Even if he was forced to accept Lucius’ request, his mind would be planning strategically. I looked at his beautiful face as he let out another sigh, utterly depressed, and I smiled at him.

「Well in that case, there really is nothing to be done.」

If he didn’t have any say in this, it was only natural that I too did not have any. I had a lot to think about in regards to that boy

calling himself Edi’s 「younger brother」, but at that moment I had to put it aside, as I had to prepare the tea for the boy and that man.

「Now, Edi, please go and change and then join us. I will now go make the tea.」

「Right. Sorry about that.」

It was such an unusual thing for him to apologise with an awkward face expression, that I laughed it off, saying「Oh my, what’s that now!」and kissed his cheek. He blinked his sunrise colored eyes. I left him standing there with a sidelong glance and headed to the kitchen. I thought it very unusual for him to behave in such an embarrassed manner and while fussing in the kitchen trying to find an excuse for it.