Chapter 27

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Today, I will post two episodes. This is the first one.

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The carriage that came to pick them up was adorned with the royal crest, and it moved without a single jolt, offering an exceptionally comfortable ride. It was a stark contrast to the Vione family's cargo cart. Sariel had forgotten what it was like to ride in such a carriage, or perhaps the carriages had improved even more in recent years.

Lucian, who was worried about the horses, said, "It looks like they're pulling a small house. Isn't it hard on the horses?"

Sariel had to explain that there were magical devices to control gravity, which reduced friction and made the load lighter.

The carriage brought Sariel and the others right to the venue, which was close to the royal seats, and they were quickly escorted to the royal family. The nobles were watching from a distance.

--- ... I didn't want to stand out ...

Because of Lucian's abilities, Sariel had intended to live a low-profile life. The Vione family still had no guards. Sariel had installed security magical devices for when he was away, but if Lucian were to be targeted, it wouldn't be enough. Sariel's earth magic work was going well, and they were not struggling financially. However, the work was seasonal, and there were specific busy periods like planting seeds and seedlings. During the off-season, Sariel would go to the Vione family's territory. The Vione territory was still under the country's management. The previous lord was too cruel, and the country was held responsible for overlooking the lord's crimes. For the next three years, taxes were waived, and a government official was sent to oversee the recovery.

Our home is not yet in a position to hire guards. Sariel believed that only skilled and trustworthy guards were necessary, but such guards were not cheap. If Sariel's earth magic became famous in more distant farmlands, it would be better. Alternatively, he needed to explore other job opportunities.

The best way to protect Lucian was to remain a low-profile and fallen earl. That was what Sariel thought. However, he appreciated the affection of his brothers who maintained a friendly relationship with him, and he wanted Lucian to meet his distinguished uncles.

Sariel composed himself and greeted the royal family. The king and queen, the king's younger brother Jules and his wife, and Prince Robert were present. The king and queen and Prince Jules had brought their young children. Sirius's son Yusei was about a year younger than Lucian, and Jules's daughter Odine was the same age as Lucian.

After Sariel greeted them, Lucian also greeted them. Heine remained by their side, maintaining the posture of a subordinate.

"Uncle, Aunt, it's my first... pleasure to meet you. I am Lucian Vione, the first son of the Vione family."

Lucian almost stumbled in the middle but managed to finish his greeting without a hitch. Sariel and Heine were relieved that he had done well. However, Lucian's lips were tightly pressed together, and he looked disappointed. He had practiced in the carriage, but he hadn't performed perfectly. Lucian had a strong competitive spirit.

Sirius and Jules seemed to think that Lucian was disappointed because he had been nervous and stumbled.

Sariel and Heine knew that Lucian wasn't disappointed. He was a bit nervous, but not too much. Lucian wasn't that delicate.

"Just be yourself. We're family, after all."

"Relax."

Sirius and Jules said this in unison, and Lucian, who had been a bit tense, relaxed his expression. Queen Noelle also smiled and said, "We're family, so feel at ease."

Sariel and Heine thought that a little tension was just right, but the atmosphere didn't allow them to say so.

"You don't have to be so formal. I'm Uncle Robert."

Robert smiled warmly. Lucian was gradually returning to his usual self. Sariel silently prayed that he would know his limits. Lucian had no experience in social situations. If he had had the opportunity to interact with other nobles in the capital, it might have been different. But Lucian had no such experience.

"Thank you for the many books. The magic book written by Balcar was very interesting."

"Hmm, you could read that?"

"I learned to read from Father. But, he writes too much, like 'It might be difficult for those without talent' or 'I reluctantly wrote it' or 'Kneel and show your gratitude.' He repeats it three times, so you can remember it. Writing it 100 times just makes it longer. Maybe he was too unappreciated. Maybe he didn't have grateful disciples."

"Hahaha, your son is amusing."

Robert patted Sariel's shoulder.

"I'm not saying bad things about the book..."

Sariel couldn't help but make an excuse.

"Balcar had a bad personality but was talented in magic. Ignore the clichés."

"Lucian, don't just be friendly with Robert. Come here. I want to introduce you to my son, Yusei. Be friends."

Sirius invited Lucian. Yusei's cheeks were flushed. He was excited to be introduced to a male cousin for the first time. The adorable prince, who had inherited his parents' beauty, had curly golden-brown hair and beautiful blue eyes. Despite being only a year apart, the age difference was significant, and Lucian seemed older.

"I am the first prince of the Anzela Kingdom, Yusei. Nice to meet you, Lucian."

The angelic prince smiled charmingly.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Lucian Vione!"

Lucian was excited to meet a cousin of his age. He was unusually enthusiastic.

"Lucian, please don't call me 'Your Highness.' Just call me Yusei."

"Thank you! Yusei! Do you want to play together?"

"Ah, sure, okay."

Yusei was taken aback by the sudden invitation but quickly nodded.

"What do you want to play? Tag, maybe?"

It seemed that Lucian's formal language was running out. Since Yusei had switched to a more casual tone, Sariel thought it was acceptable. However, inviting him to play was unexpected. Even if they couldn't actually play, Sariel would explain the reasons later, and Lucian would understand. It was a pity to disappoint him, but there was no choice.

"Sure!"

Yusei was no longer taken aback.

"I'm pretty fast. I can keep up with Zito."

"Zito?"

"A fierce rooster."

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

"Eh?"

Everyone's "Eh?" harmonized. The royal family's gaze turned to Sariel, who secretly broke into a cold sweat.

"Fierce?"

Noelle couldn't help but murmur.

"He's amazing. He kicks, so I have to counter. But I can't kick back seriously because it would be too cruel to Zito. His running speed is incredibly fast, faster than a rabbit. When Mrs. Marie's rabbit got lost and we had a chase, Zito beat the rabbit. I came in first, though. The field was ruined, and Heine scolded me. But it was an emergency. The eggplant seedlings were all destroyed, but I regret it... I do, I do. Chasing is fun. Do you want to come to my place?"

"Umm, sure!"

Yusei nodded. His parents were planning to send him with guards.

"Can I introduce you too, Yusei?"

Odine called out. She was a beautiful girl with lustrous black hair and deep blue eyes, exuding a sense of nobility even at her young age. It was clear from a distance that Odine and Yusei were close, as they had grown up together in the palace since they were young.

"Sure. Lucian, this is your cousin Odine."

"Nice to meet you. Hello, I'm Lucian."

"Nice to meet you. Let's be good cousins."

Odine smiled coolly, as if it were a social greeting.

"A girl..."

Lucian made an obvious displeased face.

"Do you have any complaints?"

Odine's composed face suddenly turned unhappy.

"Isn't that skirt in the way? Can you run?"

"Well, when I ride, I wear pants."

"Then I think we can play together."

"How rude!"

Sariel and Heine maintained their smiles while silently lamenting that the "cousins getting along" plan had failed. The cat was out of the bag too soon. Sariel's brothers would reconsider their relationship with such a wild nephew. Perhaps it was a mistake to try to find a playmate other than a fierce rooster, Sariel began to think.

Unfortunately, Lucian's desire to play tag was thwarted, and he was invited to the royal seats. Lucian followed along smoothly after Heine reminded him, "We need to support Jez's efforts."