Chapter 21

The Dragon Festival.

"Yeah, that's right. Isn't it held in the City of Dragons?"

I listened to their conversation while munching on a sausage.

The topic they were discussing was the empire's annual festival.

It was also a celebration to honor dragons and the Dragon Duke.

'This festival is being held this year as well.'

More precisely, it was a festival to commemorate the empire's guardian deity and to prevent the Dragon Duke from coveting the royal family.

It was also a place where the royal family could strengthen its surveillance.

'Yeah, the dragon that almost destroyed the entire empire in the previous cycle.'

And at the festival... I would naturally meet the Dragon Duke, which was quite intriguing.

"Can someone like us even go there? They probably only invite land animal familiars this year, right?"

This world is rife with discrimination.

Due to the preference for land animals, the Dragon Festival was generally only accessible to land animal familiars unless they were specially invited.

"That's a shame. I really want to see it."

Exactly. I want to see this festival too.

Is there no way?

'I want to see the Dragon Duke before I become a bride.'

"Unfortunately... there's nothing we can do. Ah! Did everyone hear? Lady Calypso, Lord of the House is coming back soon!"

I blinked my eyes wide, momentarily forgetting about the Dragon Festival.

"He's coming back?"

"Kyaa, he's so cute, so cute."

"Did you just wink, Lady?"

"That's not it, but I'll do it again, so tell me more."

"Kyaa!"

After a commotion, Aya spoke.

"Lord of the House has been away for a while and is returning after three months. I heard he will hold a family meeting as soon as he arrives."

"The nobles are very busy."

Hmm, I thought something noisy might have happened, but Grandma didn't take any action.

He was just away for a while?

I looked at the maids with renewed interest.

'You know a lot about the main house, don't you?'

Even though we are living in a shabby building together.

"You know a lot?"

"Yes. The mackerel sisters are everywhere."

"Even in the main house!"

That's right. I thought I might get some useful information.

'Family meeting.'

The Orca family leads the aquatic animal familiars with the 'Power of Water.'

Naturally, most of the noble families are aquatic animals.

The first noble is the Whale family, excluding the Orca, and the second noble and onwards are other aquatic animals.

'Grandma doesn't see the nobles as important, often calling them street urchins if things go wrong.'

It's called a meeting, but with Grandma's personality, something always breaks or someone flies away.

It was always a chaotic meeting.

"Will everyone be introduced to Lady Calypso at the meeting?"

"Yes, yes!"

Well, Grandma didn't kick me out to another building like in other cycles.

No, no.

'At the age of three, I advanced to the top class. Maybe I can have some expectations?'

Being introduced at the meeting means boasting about being a member of the Orca family with exceptional talent.

'And I was the top of the top class.'

It was an achievement that couldn't be ignored.

'How can I boast about this?'

My lips tingled.

Phew, a happy dilemma. I really want to see that old woman's face crumple.

'Now that I can't skip grades, what can I do to draw attention?'

But it was only for a moment. Before I could dwell on it, a spoon was suddenly thrust at me. I saw orange.

"Lady Calypso, eat it!"

This is...!

"The next one is carrots!"

"...Ugh."

I've lived for about 60 years through repeated cycles, but there are things I can't get used to.

I said with authority.

"I don't eat carrots."

When I refused, Dede, who is also the cook, made a sad face.

"Is it because I made it taste bad? I'm sorry...!"

"Huh? No, that's not it...!"

While I hesitated, Dede, who had put down her fork, quickly covered her face.

"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have cooked!"

"No, no, no."

...I am kind to those weaker than me!

So I opened my mouth with tears in my eyes.

"This time only...!"

"Yes, of course, of course!"

But I, Dede, and the other maids here all knew.

That tomorrow, another carrot dish would be served...

I chewed the carrot like an enemy, burning with determination.

At the age of three.

'The family meeting is going to be held, right?'

An unexpected goal appeared before me.

Is there any way to get my name on the family meeting?

'Being introduced would be the best.'

Right now, I can't go to the intermediate institution.

From there, physical abilities are absolutely necessary.

It's not a place for mediocre people like Karon.

'Even if I go to Dad and ask for more training, I won't awaken overnight.'

There's no way I can suddenly awaken after failing to do so until now.

Then, in this situation, what can I do?

'Should I meet my older brothers?'

In this Aquasiadel family, I have three older brothers above me.

A familiar story, right?

But didn't I say my version is the despair edition of a child-rearing story?

Unfortunately, there's no System Brother here.

All that exists are...

The orca guys who only knelt after I overpowered them.

"Ha ha ha, you beat me! I will follow you as the Lord of the House!"

"You won, step on me and go."

"..."