The breeze coming in through the window feels cooler.
Nikolaus has made a sun and rain umbrella of his own design, which will make him feel better about the summer than last year. This is thanks to the help of his friend, a young apprentice gardener of the Duke of Ernst's family, who gave him the idea. He is probably the only one who thinks that if there are only parasols for women, he should make one for himself.
My friend, who sometimes comes up with novel ideas, doesn't realize that his point of view is not common. Not only the Duchess of Ernst, but also Nikolaus once pointed this out to him, but he just tilted his head and wondered if it was so strange. However, Nikolaus is tolerant, thinking that his values are the reason for their current friendship and that it should not be a public problem.
Deciding to take an umbrella with him on his next visit to the Ernst family, regardless of the weather, Nikolaus drank his tea after dinner.

"So... What?

In front of him, his father Eugen, the Prime Minister of this country, was staring at the teacup in his hand and was silent.
Eugen had come home unusually early today, so the whole family was together for dinner at the Roodlestadt house. And even though Eugen had asked to speak with me after dinner, he had remained silent. The air is heavy because of the stern expression on his face, which shows the seriousness of his character.
When he was about to finish his tea, Nikolaus, who had lost his nerve, asked him what he wanted. His mother, Elvira, and his sister, Heloise, who were happy to see the whole family together for the first time in a long time, could not make any sense of it.
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

There's something I need to inform you ...... about.

Well, what is it?

Well, what is it? - Then tell me.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. Her eyes shine as if she is looking forward to it, whether she knows it or not. Sighing softly at his mother, Nikolaus hurried to continue.
Eugen wrinkled his brow and looked at the man standing against the wall of the room. The man stood there with his posture straight, but his slack mouth gave him an unreliable impression.

I had Ingo check him out because I had an idea.

Ingo is the name of the man on the wall, one of the members of the Audit Department under the Prime Minister. Ingo is a member of the Dahmer family who is skilled in espionage, and he is able to obtain reliable evidence and testimony. Nikolaus was a little surprised that his father had used him for private investigation, as he was a brilliant man despite his appearance.
Under his gaze, Ingo placed the bundle of papers on the table in front of the Roodstadt family, pretending not to notice the heavy air Eugen was giving off.
Nikolaus was not fond of this man Ingo, who always had an unreadable smile on his face. His daughter, the Duchess of Ernst's bodyguard, was also smiling, which made him shudder at the blood of the Dummer family.

"Hagen Rhys. Eighteen years old this year. I'm currently a student at the Royal Academy of Magic. I used to live with my mother, but she died of illness before I could enroll.

At the top of the document was a photo of what appeared to be the student. In contrast to the sullen Eugen, the name of the young man Ingo described with a careless smile did not sound familiar to anyone, including Nikolaus.
So Nikolaus asked on his behalf.

Who is he?

"............, your brother.

When Nikolaus realized that "you" was referring to him and his sister, Heloise, he almost stopped thinking for a moment. He closed his mouth once and muttered with that expression on his face.

I didn't know you had it in you.

First and foremost, the unexpectedness of the situation caused his thoughts to drift.
He had an illegitimate child, which meant that his father had a mistress. I didn't think that this stubborn father could have a mistress.
At his son's muttering, Eugen froze with his mouth almost open. He was not sure if it was shock or anger.
His subordinate, Ingo, began to laugh at his boss, almost belly laughing.

No, boy. It's the son of the man I was with before I married your wife.

He was about to explain himself, but Ingo beat him to it, and Eugen came to his senses and explained the purpose of his investigation.

"Nikolaus, since you've come to use such language, ......

Oh. You were worried about your heir, so you did some research to make sure.

Eugen felt uncomfortable as his son nodded in agreement.
Until a few years ago, his son had not been like this. He had been introverted for a boy and not very assertive, but he was a dutiful son who could behave like a son. But one day, he came home to find that he had suddenly changed into his present state. Eugen was astonished at how much he had changed.
When he asked his son about the cause of the change, he was told that there was nothing, and when he asked his wife and daughter, who spent more time with him than he did, he was told that they were happy and that he was happy. How many times have I wondered what I did wrong in my education?
While Eugen is still struggling to come to terms with his son's current situation, Elvira and Heloise are speaking up.

I'm not sure what to say.

I'm so glad you're getting a brother.

"Yes. You can't make a brother now, can you?

Mother and sister, don't be so quick to judge.

Nikolaus let out a sigh, "You are so carefree. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

So?　What are you going to do? You seem to have a lot of magic, but you're a commoner.

Nikolaus glared at his father and asked. I haven't looked through the documents, but I know from Ingo's explanation that he is a commoner because he doesn't have a phone, and that he has enough magic power to qualify for admission to the Magic Academy.
In other words, she must have become lovers with the daughter of a nobleman or commoner, and broke up with her before becoming engaged to her mother. The fact that the father was pregnant was revealed only after the breakup, because the father had not been informed of the pregnancy or found out about it after the breakup.
Nikolaus, who knew that his parents were married for political reasons, could easily understand the situation. However, Eugen could not help but be surprised that his son was able to rebuke his wife and daughter without getting emotional and calmly asked them back.
However, he was grateful for the encouragement to talk, so Eugen made his intentions known.



I think I'm going to adopt him.

Nikolaus raised an eyebrow slightly at the words that sounded so definitive.

'...... What does he have to say about it?

I've invited him to the manor for his upcoming vacation.

I'll tell you there, Eugen replied, and Nikolaus let out a long sigh and stood up.

He's a real aristocrat, isn't he?

At his son's murmur, Eugen raised one eyebrow in puzzlement.

What do you mean?

What do you mean?　You should have thought of that yourself.

Nikolaus told his father and left the room.
Eugen froze in shock, not expecting to receive such a cold look and words from his son. Eugen knew firsthand that the good looks of his mild-mannered wife could be so powerful as to gouge his heart when she was angry.
On the other hand, Elvira and Heloise were chatting cheerfully, saying they were looking forward to meeting him.


The next day, Nikolaus visited Duke Ernst's residence.

"Geh. It's you today.

Nikolaus was greeted by the duchess, Ludia, who was followed by her bodyguard, and a bitter voice escaped him.

What's wrong with Petra?

"Nothing. It's just that I didn't want to see her face all day.

I see, you've met my father.

I see, you have met my father." Nicolaus replied to Lydia, who tilted her head, and Petra, who was convinced, smiled at him. In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to get the most out of your home.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the Countess of Dummer reports directly to the Prime Minister.

Yes.

It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web. I don't know what he really meant. In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to get a lot more.

"Well, okay. Just take me to Zak.

Nicolaus, not wanting to poke any more snakes in the face of Lydia's ignorance of the details of the Dahmer family, dismissed the matter with a single sigh and headed for his friend's place.
As Lydia led him out into the sunshine, he found himself in a flowerbed digging in the dirt with his father and his brothers and sisters. He was digging in the dirt with his father and his brothers and sisters in the flowerbed, planting seedlings that were still green with buds or not.

You're still tinkering with the soil, aren't you?

Nico. I'm planting summer flowers.

When I called out to him under my umbrella to avoid the sun, he turned around with a smile that resembled the heat of the sun. To Nikolaus, they always seemed to be doing the same thing. But to his friend, each task seemed different.

There are two kinds of chrysanthemums, purple and torch flowers. They come in many colors and varieties, so they're beautiful when they bloom.

"Yes.

Nikolaus was distracted by the expression on his friend's face as he talked happily about flowers that had not yet bloomed. Nikolaus was not interested in the type of flower, so his reply was simple, but his mouth naturally formed the shape of a smile.

I'll be out in a few minutes, so wait for me.

"Oh, I'll wait. You're teasing Miss Dia.

"Oh, I'm just trying to keep you occupied!

Nikolaus was talking so lightly that Lydia could not help snapping at him. Just as Ludia was about to become angry, her friend's voice interrupted her.

I'll be done in a minute.

Nikolaus was stunned by the copper eyes looking straight up at him, and Lydia's anger was calmed by the unusual look in his eyes.

I'm not sure what to say.

"Because, Nico, you're annoyed.

So hurry up, he said, and went back to his work. Nikolaus and Lydia just stared at his back as he concentrated. Nikolaus felt an itch and glanced next to him to see that Ludia was pouting. There is a profile that looks like it wants to complain, but is keeping quiet out of concern for itself because it heard his words.
He was more amused than apologetic, and the corners of his mouth almost lifted up, but Nikolaus covered it up with a light cough.
Why does he notice so quickly?
Why does he keep complaining about it?
You don't have to notice. Why don't you just complain? You're too kind.
They really are two helpless people, Nikolaus thought.
After a while, the friend, who seemed to have finished his work and was taking a break, said no to his father and invited Ludia and Nikolaus to the practice garden. Petra, as usual, waited outside the border hedge and remained in the forest where the sun was shining through the trees.

Hey.

As soon as they entered, Nicolaus hesitated when his friend slapped his leather bag. Ludia was sitting on the edge of the fountain where the owl statue sat, looking at him with a film of wind around her ears that prevented any sound from reaching her.
In the beginning, the wind film had covered her entire head, but now it could be reduced to just around her ears, as if he were really plugging her ears. He has a small amount of magic power, but he is very inventive, and his magic is getting more accurate every year. But why does he use it so sparingly?
Nikolaus looks at him waiting, inwardly dismayed by this fact. As usual, he looks like he's ready to take his frustration out on you.
He laughs as he lets out a breath, and Nikolaus strengthens his fists. The wisteria eyes peeking out from his long eyelashes flickered like flames.

I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it. The moment the sound reached his ears, Nikolaus was blown away.


After that, I just hammer my fists in. Before the heavy sound reaches your ears, embed the next fist into the leather bag.
After a few moments of absent-mindedness, he stops when his breathing becomes erratic. I saw Nikolaus's arm slacken, and my friend removed the leather bag he was holding, too. I saw that he was also gasping for air.
He smiled radiantly to confirm it, and Nikolaus smiled in reply, almost an exhalation.
Lydia scrutinized her eyes with a bit of envy in the face of this wordless exchange, which she knew was not audible. She felt something impenetrable in what she knew to be friendship. Perhaps she envied him because it was a relationship she could never have.

"Hey, girl. Thanks!

The moment he was done, he ran towards Lydia as if he had been bounced, and put his hands over both of her ears to release the wind film. He then thanked her for waiting for him.
Lydia is frightened by the smile and gratitude that pops into his face as soon as he releases the soundproofing. Her ears felt hot, even though his hand hadn't touched her.

"So, do you want to talk?

As Lydia stammered, he turned and asked Nikolaus, "Will you listen?

"Will you listen to me?

Nikolaus raised the corner of his mouth in resignation while brushing his sweaty hair. To Nikolaus, this was somewhat amusing.
Nikolaus sat down on the edge of the fountain, flanked by the two men, and took a breath. The garden of potted plants that had been dotted around the fountain had been cleared away, perhaps to make room for his brothers and sisters, and there was only grass around the fountain.

Your father had an illegitimate child.

"Anyway, ......?

The fact that he had revealed it so casually upset Lydia, and her friend only rolled his eyes a little. It's not that I'm not a good person, I'm just not a good person.
Nikolaus should have been as upset as she was, but he had let his frustration dissipate with his earlier typing and was now able to calmly sort out his own emotions.
I explained to them the outline of what I had heard last night. Nikolaus was amused by the frankness of Lydia's expression, which became more and more serious as the conversation progressed. His friend listened attentively, but his expression was calm, perhaps because he was not familiar with the situation of the nobility, and he did not know how much he understood.

"So, are you going to meet him at ......?

I'm sure it'll be quicker for me to talk to him than it would be for you.

"But .......

In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the web site.
In the event that you've got a little bit of time, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the things that are available. Also, even though he is half-blooded, a stranger is suddenly joining his family. Lydia thought that his feelings must be complicated.

Nico is a good guy.

In contrast to Lydia, her friend smiled cheerfully, and Nikolaus as well as she were stunned by his words. When Lydia and Nikolaus stared at him, wondering where he got such an impression, he looked back at them with a puzzled look.

What? You were angry because you were worried about your brother you never met.

What do you mean?

What do you mean? - The reason why Nico was upset with his father was because he made plans to meet his brother unilaterally without asking for his availability and decided their future. I had no idea what Nico's brother was like.

"Oh, ......, it's true, I only know him in the capacity of Nikolaus-sama's brother. I'm sure he's surprised by the suddenness of it all.

It seems that you just summoned him, so it's doubtful that you've explained everything to him.

Nikolaus sniffed, and Lydia looked up at him.

"...... what?

You're really kind, Nikolaus.

I know.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and the best way to get in touch with your loved ones, you can call us at the web site. I don't know how you can take a swear word like that.

I don't mean to imply that I accept you as my brother.

Of course you don't. You haven't met him, Nico, and you haven't met your father.

Yeah, .......

Nikolaus was puzzled by the sudden addition of the topic of his father. It was Lydia who took over his inarticulate confusion.

You only talk about your father in an impersonal way. Nico rarely talks about his father, but that's because he doesn't know him. And your father doesn't seem to know you either.

Nikolaus did not have words to deny his friend's words. He is aware of his father's position, but he doesn't remember having any family-like interaction with that man. He is regularly taken to tea parties by the nobility for the sake of his future.

I've heard from your father that the Chancellor, Count Rudolstadt, is a very busy man.

He's just a workaholic at heart. ......

The only conversations I have with my father are clerical in nature, and I can't remember when we've eaten together before last night. I know my parents are in a political marriage. He was given the position of Prime Minister as a Count, and his mother, a Marquise, was given to him to keep the others quiet. So my mother and sister are all I need to take care of.

What? I'm supposed to get along with her?

My friend who is a commoner and has a warm family and my family are different. I don't want you to talk to me in the same way. Please don't apply his scale to me.

No, I just thought you should tell me directly that you don't like it.

Nikolaus rolled his eyes. I didn't expect to be encouraged to tell you that I don't like you.

"Nikolaus doesn't necessarily hate your father, you know.



But you don't seem to like it, do you?

"d*mn, that's .......

Lydia, who agreed with him in no small part, clammed up, unable to argue. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few things to do.

"Hahahahaha, no way!

Suddenly, Nikolaus blurted out, causing Lydia to jump up and down. But Nikolaus was too funny to pay attention to Lydia. His friend was strange in this way. He felt ashamed that he had misunderstood, even for a moment, that he was putting him in the same category as his family. When I had laughed so much, I had tears in my eyes from laughing so much.
Scooping up the tears with his fingers, Nikolaus checked to make sure they were still there.

What's in it for me?

I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people who would like to know more about this.

Yeah. Yeah, well, .......

What's better, having people talk about you behind your back or having people say they don't like you head on?

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here. Neither is pleasant. However, the answer came naturally when she thought about which of the two was more uncoiled.

I don't like to be talked about behind my back, so it will be easier for me to deal with you if you tell me directly at .......

In the moment of being told, you will certainly feel hurt or angry. But once the fact that the other person dislikes you becomes clear, you can deal with it. It's much better than having the malice blurred out in an audible or inaudible whisper, and then having to deal with the vague feelings.

In other words, you don't have to force yourself to like them, but it would be better for them if you clearly tell them you don't like them.

It's better to clarify the feelings you have for each other and keep a good distance. I've never heard of a solution that doesn't require reconciliation.

...... Whether you love her or hate her, you'll regret not telling her just because she's family. Maybe.

My friend's face looked sad for a moment as she smiled. The next moment, the smile returned to a warmth that made him feel relaxed, and Nikolaus wondered if it was an illusion.

"Well... It would be easier for me if you were clear about it.

As much as he had given up trying to tell her, his frustration was growing. The frustration I have felt so far has not disappeared, which is why last night's incident irritated me. It would be futile to continue to give myself more opportunities to be frustrated.
Nikolaus felt that it was not like him to continue to be frustrated and to have a minimal relationship with his father.

I don't know what the outcome of this discussion will be, but I'm going to say what I want to say.

Yes.

Good luck.

Thank you for listening. Both of you.

Nikolaus smiled lustily as they cheered him on.
A cool early summer breeze blew in the sunny garden, and his soft hair, reminiscent of the purple hazel, swayed softly.


A few days later, in the late afternoon, a carriage arrived at the Count's house in Roodstadt.
Passing through the gate, a young man stepped out of the carriage parked at the entrance. The servant who greeted him opened the front door, and at his urging, he went through the door.
Inside, Eugen and Nikolaus were waiting for him.

I thank you for accepting my invitation.

'No, it is an honor to meet you. Count Roodlestadt.

Both men greeted each other with straight faces, and it was clear that their greetings were only formal. Nikolaus, who had been watching, wondered if his father's blood was responsible for his inability to smile.
After greeting each other, they went to the reception room and each sat on a separate sofa. Eugen sat facing the young man, while Nikolaus settled on the single sofa between them.
The young man drinks the tea served by the maid, and Nikolaus watches as he sips it as well. The young man wore black-rimmed glasses, and through the lenses, the eyes of Kakitsubata were quietly downcast. His almost-black blue lacquer hair was kept at an undisturbed length, and together with the Royal Magic Academy uniform he wore, it gave him a sense of cleanliness.
At first glance, he looked like a serious young man, but Nikolaus had the impression that he was a boring man with a stiff expression. Except for the color of his hair and eyes, his appearance resembled that of his father.
When the young man had finished his sip, Eugen asked him to confirm.

"Are you Hagen Ries?

"Yes. Count, what is the reason for your visit today?

Nikolaus wondered if he hadn't told him. The reason why you don't write about the situation in the invitation letter is so that the information won't be leaked to other people's eyes. Still, it was suspicious to those who were suddenly summoned without knowing the reason. It is also likely that the young man, Hagen, came because he was dealing with a nobleman and could not refuse the call.

In fact, Clara ......, your mother used to work in this house.

I didn't know that.

That's when your mother and ......

They had this father, and then they split up, and then you were born.

Nikolaus?

What? Just tell me what's going on. You're making me nervous.

Eugen was astonished at the bluntness of the statement. And besides, my son is not hiding his usual language.

I mean, don't you have something to say first?

"What ......?

Apologize, a**h*le.

What the f*ck?

The sudden demand for an apology was followed by an outburst from his wife-like son that made Eugen freeze.



"You there!　If you're from the academy, you probably haven't had lunch yet.　At your age, you don't get carriage sickness and lose your appetite, do you?

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm definitely hungry, but .......

Hagen answered the question about his condition as he was asked.
As Nicolaus pointed out, the distance between the grounds of the Royal Academy of Magic and the residential areas of the nobility is a long way, and because of the roads, it took from morning until late afternoon. There was no time to eat as there was only a short break.

Mother has prepared some snacks for you, so you can eat them anyway. You can talk while you eat.

As soon as he said that, Nikolaus snapped his fingers and a servant followed the sound to push a cart with sandwiches. The sandwiches had a lot of meat in them for a light meal. Hagen had asked the cook to make it for Elvira, since she could not participate in the discussion and he was sure that the boy would be eating.
Hagen prayed before eating the sandwich in front of him and decided to eat it without hesitation.

Hagen prayed before eating and ate the sandwich. Even if you're dealing with commoners, you should think about their convenience. Insensitive.

"M......

I'm sure you're right. Didn't you really have plans today?

When Nikolaus asked, Hagen swallowed the last bite of the first sandwich he had been chewing.

"Oh. I was going to work in the library as a cataloguer.

"The government pays for your tuition and minimum living expenses. Why do you earn money, woman?

No, I'd rather have as much money as possible to live on after graduation. ......

I heard this a**h*le of a dad gave her some handouts, but what happened?

I think he used most of it to pay for my mother's treatment.

Hmm, you're graduating this year. Do you have a job lined up?

I moved out of my house when I started school, so I don't have a home to go back to. I'm thinking of becoming a teacher at the school that took care of me.

After Hagen had answered, Nikolaus sipped his second cup of tea. After confirming this, Hagen resumed his meal.
Nikolaus confirmed the circumstances and intentions of the man who had not been mentioned in the research materials he had looked over beforehand, let out an exasperated sigh, and put the teacup back on the saucer.

If it's not insensitive to unilaterally propose adoption without asking about these things, then what is it?

As Nikolaus glared at him, Eugen was silent, unable to reply. Hagen, who had just been summoned out of the blue, couldn't understand what was going on, so he decided to eat a sandwich and watch quietly. At present, all Hagen knows is that he was being investigated before he was summoned.
Silent, Eugen crossed his arms and placed his elbows on his knees and pondered. The current situation was so different from what he had planned that he was somewhat, if not quite, confused. The harsh words from his son, Nikolaus, were probably the biggest factor.
It was a shock, but he was right. Eugen calmly accepted the fact that he had not done enough to check beforehand.
Then he put his strength into his hands, thinking that it was natural that he should be admonished to apologize.
After a few seconds of struggling with what to apologize for and how to prepare to expose himself to his son, Eugen raised his head and looked at Hagen in front of him.

"Did your mother ever tell you, Klara, that I am your father?

No. But after he fell ill, he often spoke bitterly of you.

Hagen stopped eating his sandwich and answered.
Hagen stopped eating his sandwich and replied, "She never called out my father's name, but as she got sicker and weaker every day, her heart became more fragile. As she became ill, she grew weaker and weaker, and her heart became more fragile. Hagen despaired, wondering if she had loved her and why she had not chosen him.

I'm sorry I neglected you, mother and child, even though I didn't know you were pregnant.

It would have been the same even if I had known.

Hagen's expression twisted ironically. I only know that Eugen has his son with him now. He has chosen his status over his beloved mother. There is no way such a man would do anything more than provide financial support.

"Hey, since I'm like this, he wants a decent son. Do you want to be a nobleman?

That's .......

When Nikolaus asked him, Hagen was at a loss for an answer. Hagen could understand what he meant by this, based on what he had said and done so far.
Even if he were asked to accept her as a family member now, he would not be able to make an immediate decision.
When he was a child, he had envied those around him who had parents. I asked my mother once why I did not have a father, as if I were blaming her. At that time, I saw my mother smiling sadly and apologizing, and I realized that I should not ask this question anymore.
It is true that I craved for the presence of a father in my childhood. But that was a long time ago now. And he wanted to be a family member, not because of family sentiment, but because of his noble family situation.
My hands clench in frustration, and I push the tomato seeds out of my sandwich.

"Hands.

Nikolaus pointed out, and Hagen, noticing something running down his hand, hurriedly put the sandwich back on his plate and wiped his hand with a napkin.
He wiped his hands on a napkin.

I'm sorry that I called you here without asking for your permission. However, you who are of my blood are also qualified to inherit this family. On the face of it, I will have to adopt you for your magical power, but I will give you the education you need.

Hagen's dark green eyes darkened as he met Eugen's gaze.

I'm a ......, father, what a .......

My mother's bitter words echoed in my brain. I can still hear her voice chiding me through my own face, "Why, why?


I was often mistaken for my father when I was unconscious. That's how I knew I looked a lot like my father. When I was mistaken for my mother's lover, I could not believe how fearful he looked at me. I tried my best to teach her my name again and again to bring her back to her senses.
I nursed her for over a year. The people around me were sympathetic, but they didn't help. Everyone had their hands full with their own lives. What did it matter if my mother's savings could pay for medicine and doctor's visits?
You didn't help me then.
You can't be a father to me now.
I didn't want to be relieved when she died. I wanted to grieve.
I realized my hand was white from holding Hagen's napkin too tightly.

"Don't you dare dawdle!

Hagen's vision was blown away by the sound of a star. Next, he noticed that his cheeks were hot.
He pressed his hand to his heated cheek and turned his head to the side, only to see Nikolaus standing nearby, his arms outstretched. On the other side of him, I see a stunned Eugen.
Apparently, he had been struck. Hagen realizes this fact, but he does not understand the intention of Nikolaus' action, and he is stunned without anger.

You're too old and you're too lazy. You've got the root of all evil right in front of you, so why don't you take it out on him?

A younger boy scolded me, saying that my mouth and fists were just for decoration. He has a very neat face and long eyelashes. He must be like his mother, Hagen thought.

I'm a f*cking father.

I hate aristocrats who are aristocrats like my f*cking father.

"You're an aristocrat and you hate aristocrats ......?

Feeling surprised, Hagen put his glasses back on, which had slipped off due to the beating. Then he looked at me as if to say, "What are you talking about?

You don't get to choose where you're born. That's obvious.

Not everyone can be satisfied with the circumstances of their birth. Not everyone can be happy as long as their standard of living is high. Hagen realized that the fact that he should have known in his head was clouded by the fact that he was lamenting his own misfortune, which he was not aware of, and that he did not fully understand.

And... You're not going to hit me?

It's very unusual for a man to recommend that his own father be beaten. Nikolaus put on a cool face that showed that he really didn't mind his father being beaten, and not just for his first meeting.

You hit me, and I forgot.

Hagen smiled distractedly, and Nikolaus cowered.

"Oh, I'm sorry.

If he forgot, then so be it, Nikolaus said as he dug into the rest of his tea. Hagen also reached for the rest of his sandwich.
The curse words of his mother that had been echoing in Hagen's head had disappeared. There was something he wanted to say, something he wanted to punch in the face. But it didn't matter because there was a boy who cursed before he did.
Besides, you can't eat a good sandwich in that kind of mood. For now, let's just forget about the past and focus on eating.
Eugen, who could only watch the exchange between the two men, felt dizzy at the strangely fluent scene and held his head in his hands.

In the end, Hagen turned down the adoption offer that day, and Eugen agreed to it.

When Hagen returned to the school, Nikolaus was looking very cheerful as he rode off in his carriage. Next to him, Eugen stood pale, pressing his fingers to his temples as if he had a headache.
The next time he visited Ernst's house, Nikolaus reported to his friend with a very nice smile that he felt much better.