—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
—————————————————————–
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Morning sunlight tickled my face.
I burrowed deeper into the soft blankets, reluctant to wake, when the door opened quietly.
“Time to rise. Do you intend to go to the palace without breakfast?”
“Ugh… five more minutes…”
I had been the epitome of diligence since arriving in this world, but even I deserved a lazy morning once in a while.
The gentle, yet firm voice persisted.
“I understand your desire to laze about, but it’s time to get up, young master.”
“…Can’t I skip breakfast just this once, Sebastian?”
I whined one last time.
But the Robert family butler was unyielding.
“Sophia will be disappointed. She woke up early to prepare your favorite dishes.”
“Ha, you think I’d fall for that?”
“I know you’re too kind to refuse.”
“…Damn it.” He knew me too well. He had the same uncanny insight as Master Robert.
Defeated, I dragged myself out of bed.
“What’s on the menu?”
“Your favorite spicy stir-fried pork.”
“Wow! Sophia’s the best. I’ll have to tell her I love her.”
Spicy stir-fried pork was my attempt at recreating jeyuk, a Korean dish. It was over 90% accurate, but too spicy for most people here, except for Master Robert and me. It was a shame they didn’t appreciate its deliciousness.
“There are other dishes you enjoy as well. Come along.”
“What are you waiting for?” I called, already heading out the door.
Sebastian smiled indulgently. “You’re too fast for this old man. Go ahead. I have other matters to attend to.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Yes, quite a while ago.”
“See you later then.”
I left Sebastian bowing and hurried to the dining room.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Ah, I’m stuffed.”
I patted my stomach, looking at the empty dishes. It had been so good, I had eaten three servings.
As I sipped my coffee, Sebastian entered. “Was everything to your satisfaction?”
“As you can see, it was so delicious I almost ate the plates.”
He smiled. “Sophia will be delighted. When do you plan to leave for the palace?”
“I’ll leave as soon as I see the Lord.”
“Very well. I’ll have the carriage prepared. He’s in his study.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
I headed to the second floor, where the study was located.
I knocked on the door.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Inside, a middle-aged man who looked exactly like Master Robert sat at his desk.
This must have been what Master Robert looked like in his younger days.
This was Aldebaran Robert, Master Robert’s only son and the current head of the family.
“Oh? I thought it was Sebastian. We have a distinguished guest.” His smile, so similar to Master Robert’s, was strangely unsettling.
When I remained silent, he put down his pen. “Why are you looking at me like that? Something on your mind?”
“You… you look just like Master… I mean, Taurus,” I stammered, correcting myself just in time. I couldn’t call his father “old man” in front of him.
“Is that so surprising? Who else would a son resemble?” He smiled. Despite his appearance, he was quite different from Master Robert. While Master Robert was a natural field operative, Aldebaran seemed more suited for office work. Perhaps that was why Master Robert had entrusted the family to him.
“Did you sleep well?”
“Yes. I didn’t expect my room to still be here.” The Robert mansion had maintained my room impeccably. It felt like coming home.
“Both my father and I consider you a son. Even if you’ve become independent, a parent always wants to keep their child’s room ready.”
“Speaking of which, shouldn’t you be getting married and having an heir soon?” I didn’t remember his exact age, but Aldebaran was probably in his late thirties. Past his prime for marriage in this world.
“Haha, are you concerned about my lineage? Sebastian’s concern is enough for me.”
“But you never know what the future holds. It’s your duty as the head of the family to prepare for it.”
“I’m sure I’ll find someone eventually. If anything happens, you can always take over as head of the family.”
“Don’t push that responsibility onto me. I’m already swamped with work. Why don’t you go on some blind dates?”
He steepled his fingers.
“You seem to be doing quite well for someone who’s swamped. His Majesty summoned you personally. What did you do?”
“It’s a long story. Honestly, I’m not sure why he summoned me.” I shrugged.
“He must have his reasons. By the way, any news on your end?”
“Excuse me?”
“Are you seeing anyone? You’re at the perfect age for marriage.”
I was caught off guard.
“I’m…”
“Don’t tell me you’re too busy for a relationship. No one would ever get married if that were the case.”
I closed my mouth, unable to argue with his sharp logic.
He continued his relentless interrogation.
“I heard you’re quite popular with the ladies.
The Helios family, the Selene family, the Saintess of the Eos Church, and even Her Highness the Princess…? Are you sure you can handle this?”
“What do you mean by ‘handle’?”
“This sounds more like a curse than a blessing… Don’t tell me there are other women?”
“They’re my students! What kind of teacher would have those kinds of feelings for their students?”
“What’s wrong with that? They’re men and women before they’re teacher and student. It’s natural to develop feelings, especially between two attractive people of similar age.”
“But…”
He shook his head.
“You’re even more old-fashioned than my father. A true ‘Old man’.”
“Ouch.”
“There are plenty of cases where teachers and students get together. Take the Helios family, for example.”
“Excuse me?”
What was he talking about? Vulcan and Leah…?
“Didn’t you know? The Duke and Duchess of Helios were teacher and student. The Duchess was his tutor when he was young. It’s a well-known story in social circles… I see you weren’t aware.”
“I’m not exactly connected to social circles…”
So that was why they wanted me as their son-in-law? They thought I would follow in their footsteps? How naive I must have seemed, talking about teacher-student relationships. I covered my face in embarrassment.
“So, who’s your type? Judging by your visit to the Helios mansion yesterday, I assume you’re leaning towards…”
“Oh! Look at the time! His Majesty must be waiting. I’ll be going now. See you later!” I fled the study.
“Think about it seriously! I think you’d be a good match for any of them!” Aldebaran called after me.
My face burned.
What was he talking about?! How could I possibly… with them…
“No! I would never see them that way!” I pushed the unwelcome thoughts aside and hurried towards the carriage.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The distance from the study to the carriage felt like a thousand miles.
I hadn’t been this breathless even during the Snow Mountain march.
My back was drenched in sweat.
“Are you alright? What happened…?” Sebastian asked, concerned.
“I-it’s nothing. I have to go now,” I said, eager to escape.
“Will you return to Minerva after your business at the palace?”
“Probably. I’ve rested enough. Time to prepare for classes.”
“Here today, gone tomorrow,” he said, sounding wistful. I noticed the wrinkles around his eyes had deepened. Had I been neglecting him? Now that the war was over, I needed to make more time for the people around me.
“I’ll keep in touch.”
“Don’t feel obligated.”
“No, I want to. I’ll visit often. Don’t complain if I’m too much trouble.”
“That would never happen. You’re always welcome.”
His smile brightened, and I climbed into the carriage.
The seats were just as comfortable as the one Ariana had provided.
“See you later.”
“Yes. Good luck.”
His words reminded me of my departure for the Northern Front.
He had said the same thing then, but his expression had been filled with worry, not the cheerful smile he wore now.
“…My struggles weren’t in vain.” I had faced countless near-death experiences, but I had kept fighting because of the people who supported me.
I smiled faintly, leaving my second home and heading towards the palace.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
In the west wing of the vast Imperial Palace stood the White Rose Palace, originally built for the Empress, now the residence of the Empire’s only princess.
“He said he’d come today,” Lux murmured, staring blankly at her reflection in a large mirror. Behind her, a mountain of dresses lay piled.
“That’s the last one, Your Highness,” a maid whispered, her voice strained.
“…Already?”
“Yes. I apologize.”
Lux, known for her simple tastes, had few custom-made dresses.
Even this collection was the result of her pressuring the royal seamstresses.
Thrilled by the rare opportunity, they had worked tirelessly, but there was a limit to what they could produce in such a short time.
“It’s my fault for wanting this so suddenly. I should have taken more interest in dresses before.” Her face was expressionless, but her disappointment was evident.
The maid fidgeted.
Lux was always kind to her servants.
She didn’t want to disappoint her.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. You look beautiful in anything.”
“Does he think so too?”
“I don’t know who you’re referring to, but any man would be captivated by you.”
“There’s… a lot of competition…”
Who could make this beautiful princess so insecure?
Lux was known for her indifference to others.
The maid’s curiosity grew.
“But you’ll win! If he doesn’t choose you, it’s his loss. You’re the most beautiful woman in the Empire.”
“…Really?”
Lux smiled faintly at the maid’s fervent nodding.
“Of course! You’re stunning!”
“Then I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, Your Highness!” Finally receiving permission, the maid sprang into action, attending to Lux from head to toe.
Lux’s heart pounded as she watched her transformation. …
Will Allen like it?
Her mind was filled with the desire to impress him.
She didn’t understand this feeling.
Seeing Ariana and Sena’s expressions when they visited Allen in the hospital had sparked a strange sense of competitiveness.
‘I hope he likes it.’
This new emotion was a mystery to her.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Thanks for the chapters