Chapter 60

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As the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

Ah.

When I heard the voice of Utsumi from behind, I realized I had made a mistake.

No, no, it's safe because I said I would go and tell her myself, right!?

"Alice, it's fine because the god said he would go himself."

"Ah... that's right... that's right?"

"I think it's fine."

The moment the god disappeared, the silence behind me turned into a murmur. Well, Kousuke and Regulus seemed to do as they pleased even when Igor was around, but Utsumi was so quiet.

The tension on the adults' side was intense.

That's why they seemed quite relieved after that.

However, Rottemeyer, who didn't seem to feel that way, bent his knees to meet my gaze as I sat on the sofa.

"Master, about what you just said... Is there any danger to your life...?"

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

"Yes, if a family suffers from the loss of privileges, they might resort to such drastic measures."

"Wait! To that extent!?"

"It's not impossible. Old families, especially large ones, often think of commoners as insects or weeds. For them, making a contract on equal terms with insects or weeds, or negotiating at the same table, is a humiliation and an insult. They might bear unexpected grudges from such situations."

What!?

That's ridiculous. Whether they are commoners or peasants, they are still human beings.

You can't choose where you are born or who your parents are. Being born into a noble family is just luck.

It's hard to think of yourself as "special" just because of something you didn't earn through your own efforts.

I can't accept that.

Given the values of the Showa and Heisei eras, I can't understand such thinking.

Trying to trace the thoughts of people with different values is a waste of time.

"Well, we can deal with it."

"Right. If Kikunoi is involved in that law and stands at the forefront, we can announce that I, Lala, and Alyosha will be by A-chan's side. We can handle any threats before they reach her, and we can identify the culprits."

"That would be the best deterrent, wouldn't it?"

Victor and Lala said this lightly, and Mr. Romanov nodded with his arms crossed.

In any case, the butterfly has taken flight.

No matter how small the movement of the wind, what has happened cannot be undone. If this brings a good result for Kikunoi, even if not the best.

Praying, I clasped my hands and realized they were sweating.

Starting a company might be premature. But I don't want the money I earn to be considered the earl's money, and I don't want to have to borrow from the earl, considering the purpose of repayment.

So, where to get the capital and preparation funds?

That's the immediate challenge. If I want to train craftsmen in the art of making hairpins, I need to document the techniques and organize them for easy explanation.

I might need a business plan too.

As I pondered, Regulus's soft, small hands patted my stomach through my blouse.

Before I could ask what was wrong, Regulus looked shocked.

"Brother, your stomach is flat!?"

"Flat? No, I'm not hungry."

"Rai! Rai, brother's stomach is flat!"

"Huh?"

Tilting my head, I wondered what he meant, and Utsumi let out a small "Ah."

"Master has been losing weight recently, so the soft, round stomach that Regulus likes has become flatter, and he's feeling a sense of crisis."

"Oh, I've been feeling lighter lately too."

After all, I started with a "lifestyle disease" prone belly, and after six months of walking, sword and horseback riding practice (which I didn't get better at), farm work in the vegetable garden, and being chased by chickens in the yard, I had become a bit chubby. Then, with Lala's walking lessons while singing and studying magic, I started to lose weight again.

Compared to when I first met Regulus, my belly is quite flat now, though I'm still a bit chubby.

"I'll keep losing weight."

"Still losing!? No way! Don't lose any more!"

Regulus's eyes, which were looking up at me, quickly filled with tears as he poked my stomach.

Chick is cute, but I need to move more.

Even with a smile, Regulus seemed to realize I wouldn't stop losing weight and went to Lala, crying.

Holding onto Lala's knee, he looked up with teary eyes.

"Brother, don't lose any more weight?"

"Ah... that's the move, Chick."

"Lala is weak against crying children too."

Perhaps because it wasn't his problem, Victor chuckled and patted Lala's shoulder. However, Lala smiled confidently and bent down to Regulus's eye level.

"Chick, I can't stop losing weight. But, I'll grow taller."

"Grow taller...?"

"Yes, I'll grow taller as I lose weight. So, the roundness won't decrease."

"Really? Brother, you'll grow taller?"

Turning to me with pure, innocent eyes, I nodded vigorously.

If I grow taller as I lose weight, it won't decrease... right?

I don't understand, but Regulus seemed to accept it and wiped his tears with the handkerchief he was holding. Kousuke wiped his nose for him.

"Thanks."

"Yeah. If you don't lose weight, you might get sick. You don't want to fall down again, do you?"

"No..."

"Then, you have to be patient. I said you'll grow taller, so it's fine."

No way! Kousuke, you're such a good big brother!

Brother and friends are precious!

Feeling warm, Kousuke's expression suddenly became serious.

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Huh?"

"Grandpa told me that you're thinking about us. Is there anything I can help with?"

His serious face looked mature and very reliable.

This is the power of a big brother.

Surprised, I nodded vigorously.

"Yes. Actually, I think you're already doing a great job."

"Already? I'm not doing anything?"

"No, you are. If you study hard, master magic, and use it to help me and Regulus when you grow up, and make Kikunoi rich, I think everyone will realize the importance of studying."

"If I succeed, everyone might start studying... Is that what you mean?"

"Yes. I think it's important to study, so even if I don't, if you can make sure children go to school, that would be great."

After thinking for a moment, Kousuke smiled.

Rubbing his nose, he said, "Leave it to me," and patted his chest.

A good friend with a big heart is truly valuable.

Hugging him, I felt his strong embrace.

Big brother is great, big brother!

As I was moved, Regulus clung to my waist, but Kousuke stood firm.

"Kousuke, I love you!"

"Yeah, I love you too, Master."

"Me too! I love you, brother! Include me!"

Friendship forever!

As I was immersed in the emotion, I heard a cough from behind.

What's going on?

As we hugged tightly, Lala's chuckling voice was heard.

"Roundy, about the funds..."

"Huh?"

"The sulking, childish imperial hero will provide them. Not only that, but Vicha and I will also invest. However,"

"However?"

"We'll provide the materials, but we want you to make 'Effet Papillon,' those neck warmers, for us. Of course, you can use any leftover materials as you wish."

Blinking her eyelashes with a snap and winking, she looked determined.

I can't slack off at all!

The next day, the princess was pouting.

Why is that?

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