Chapter 32

"Side Story: The Conspiracy at the Celebration Party" has come to an end.

I am delighted that you have read it to the end, thank you very much.

m(_ _)m

Contrary to Sariel's expectations, Lucian and his cousins have been meeting frequently since then.

They have even been invited to tea parties together.

The other day, when Yusei and I arrived a bit late, we found Odine boasting to the other young ladies, "My cousins are so handsome, right?" We both blushed.

Despite being constantly belittled by Odine, Lucian was called "lacking in delicacy," "unfit to be a gentleman," and "a problem before manners."

When it comes to "a problem before manners," Lucian doesn't know where to start improving.

◇◇

Emperor Sirius has decided to send knights to the Vionne household to protect Lucian.

Even though it was revealed that Lucian is quite strong, the decision was made to send them.

Jesse is often in charge, but sometimes it's Brad, and other young knights as well.

It seems that someone from the "Shadow" unit, who handles covert operations, also guards him without him knowing.

Zee, who patrols the vegetable garden in the backyard, overlaps somewhat with the knights' duties.

Occasionally, Zee kicks the knights' feet, but the palace knights, wearing sturdy boots, endure it with a cool demeanor.

Zee seems to decide whether to kick based on the person, and many knights are not kicked. The criteria for kicking are incomprehensible. Lucian gets kicked, so it's not about personality. Heine consoles him by saying, "He thinks of you as a comrade," but it's not much of a comfort.

A month has passed since then, and Yusei and the others came to visit today.

I introduced Zee to Yusei and Odine.

Zee rubbed up against Odine and was praised as "cute."

Lucian seriously asked Odine, "Is there something wrong with your head and eyes?"

Incidentally, Zee ignores Yusei, just like he does with Sariel and Heine.

While Odine was teaching Zee to sit and lie down, Yusei whispered to Lucian,

"Odine was a bit depressed recently, but it seems to have gotten better."

"Hmm. Why was she depressed?"

Lucian asked in a hushed voice.

"She had a broken heart.

Because Brad got married."

"Brad, the knight who won the swordsmanship tournament?"

"Yes.

Brad is incredibly handsome. It was said that all the women in the capital were in love with him."

"I see. He's handsome and strong.

He's perfect, isn't he?"

"Father said that men are more than just that."

"What else is there?"

"Compatibility, financial stability, and kindness."

"Isn't it unfair for the king to mention financial stability?"

"Father said he doesn't have financial stability. He's the king of a poor country."

"Our country is that poor, huh..."

Lucian's eyes took on a distant look.

"From now on, we will become prosperous, from now on!"

"Y-Yes.

By the way, isn't Odine too young for Brad?"

Lucian brought the conversation back on track, as he was curious.

Lucian had met Brad up close during the swordsmanship tournament and thought he was a bit older than Sariel, the earl.

"She said that obstacles make the flame of love burn hotter."

"Ha ha.

I don't understand the meaning."

"Don't tell her, okay?"

"Really? Can't we ask her to explain?"

"Absolutely not, okay?"

Lucian nodded in agreement at Yusei's serious tone.

Zee successfully learned to sit and lie down under Odine's training, though he will probably only listen to her.

After that, we went inside and ate some homemade baked goods made by Heine.

Jesse was there today, and he happily volunteered to be the taster.

Jesse quite likes Heine's cooking.

"Well... I can only say it looks plain, but this shortbread is surprisingly delicious."

Odine took a bite and looked surprised.

She started eating reluctantly, but after one bite, she kept reaching for more.

Her gestures were elegant, but the amount she ate was unbecoming of a young lady.

Yusei was also eating happily, munching away.

"Hyne's baked goods are delicious because they have herbs from the garden mixed in," Lucian explained.

This shortbread has a sweet and creamy herb flavor and is quite delicious.

Hyne's baked goods are actually quite famous in the neighborhood.

Hyne smiles wryly and says, "Thanks to Master Lucian and the others."

According to Hyne, the herb garden in the yard is "a bit unusual because of Master Sariel's earth magic and Master Lucian's water."

Lucian, who has been accustomed to this taste since childhood, doesn't really notice it.

Jesse, who frequently visits the Vionne household, particularly loves the pigeon herb pie and the braised pork. He says with a straight face that he could eat them three times a day all year round, so Hyne reluctantly makes one of them whenever Jesse comes.

Hyne's "Vionne Family Special Blend Seasoning" is apparently very delicious and has been praised by Jesse as "a taste that no one can match."

Hyne also gives a lunch box with meat herb pie and fresh vegetables to the unfortunate knights who get kicked by Zee, and they are very happy.

Thanks to this, Yusei and the others visit frequently, and there are many knights who want to be assigned to the Vionne household, but Hyne pretends not to know.

◇◇

Recently, Hyne learned that the beautiful climbing roses Lucian planted are actually quite dangerous.

The large, beautiful flowers and glossy leaves hide thorns that are far from ordinary.

"Master Lucian...

I don't think it's because of my old eyes, but aren't the thorns on Goratsi five times as long as those on ordinary roses?"

"Really?

I asked for them to be as hard as mithril."

"Do you know what overkill is?"

"I told them not to prick anyone unless they're bad."

"Ha."

Hyne rubbed his forehead.

"By the way, I heard there's a fruit that's good for the eyes, so I'm thinking of buying some seedlings.

It might cure your old eyes."

"Master Lucian, I'm afraid it might really work.

If it does, I'll learn sewing from Mrs. Marie."

"Wouldn't a more manly hobby be better?"

"Then, how about writing Master Lucian's adventure stories?

I'm sure I can write at least the first chapter."

"First chapter?"

Lucian tilted his head.

Hyne, momentarily at a loss for words, answered cheerfully.

"I would be happy if you could have your adventures within my sight.

Boys should spread their wings and fly freely, after all."

The old butler smiled gently and looked content.