On the road near King's Landing




　The carriage of the Barons of Grossaria (Danshakke) was on the road.
　The passengers were Baron Georg Grossaria and his daughter Lumia.
　The driver is a butler and the guard is a soldier of the baron's family.

''I have to review it thoroughly again.

　Yuki's father, Georg, looked at the parchment (manual) at hand.

'.........The manual for the ordination ceremony to the baronial family - first wait in the waiting room until your name is called. When all the members of the royal family and senior nobles are present during the audience, your name will be called, check your clothes and stand up. If you are being knighted by a viscount, start walking on your right foot. At the entrance to the audience chamber, the statues of His Majesty the First King and the Queen bow twice to each of them. However, this is also a case of a viscount - no, now I just have to learn the rules of the viscount family... and then...
Father, Father. Please calm down.

　Lumia was laughing in the seat across from me.

''You don't need to worry so much. You've practiced many times in the barony's territory.''
Well that's what it is.
Lumia and Brother Xellos helped with that. Father, you were so determined.
We've been practicing like crazy for days now.

　Georg coughed up a coughing fit.
　He must be embarrassed that his daughter is worried about him. He turns his head to the side, trying to cover up.

That's right. I've already reviewed the etiquette for the ceremony of being knighted as a viscount. There's no point in panicking now,

　It was a few weeks ago that a messenger came to the Glossaria Barony, informing them of their promotion to Viscountess.
　The reason was that Yuki, the bastard son, had made an achievement in the 'Magic Guild'.

　The messenger said.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.
　Yuki-Glossaria was requested to be elevated to the rank of Baron Grossaria.

　─ ─.

　After hearing the story, Georg was unconsciously confused.
　He knew that Yuki was excellent.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have a good time, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea to have a good time.

"....I'm just an upstart, but...

　I have no idea what will happen to me when I become a viscount.
　Georg is perplexed and asks his son Xellos and his daughter Lumia for their opinions, but...

It can't be helped. Father. It's just what Yuki does.
Brother Yuki is amazing after all!

　It wasn't helpful.

"....but yes. Your son, Yuki, has done it. As a father, you have to accept that.

　But I've made up my mind.

　Georg is Yuki's father.
　If it's a son, I'll accept whatever it is he does.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of good reasons for this.

　Originally, Georg had wanted to admit Xellos into the 'Magic Guild' in order to raise the name of the baronial family.
　It was a mistake to do so, but - in the end, the family rose to prominence.
　In that case, we shouldn't panic now. You have to make up your mind.

　With this in mind, Georg made up his mind and came with Lumia, heading for the royal capital.

''You should have brought Xellos with you.
You look busy.
''Xellos seems to be working very hard these days, learning about territory management and such.
'You were reading all the time before Lumia and the others went out.
''Well there's no need to grow up so quickly.
Brother Xellos said that he wanted to protect the place where Brother Yuki was returning.
Where's Yuki coming from?
Yes. He said he wanted to protect the place where Brother Yuki would return to, so that Brother Yuki would be safe from whatever he might do in the royal capital.
"What does Xellos think Yuki is going to do...?
''Brother Yuki has turned Lumia's house from a baronial family to a baronial family, right?
Yeah. But, as expected, it won't be any better.

　Georg smiled bitterly.

We are a budding nobleman. We are a budding nobleman. It's like a lifetime's worth of luck spent. Even Yuki couldn't have done better than this.
Is that right?
That's right. Totally, Lumia and Xellos worry too much.

　After Georg said this, the carriage came to a halt a short time later.
　They must have arrived at a town near the royal capital.

　The person who is to be elevated to the rank of baronet is supposed to stay in this town once and wait for a call from the royal family.
　In the meantime, they are supposed to prepare themselves and prepare for the ceremony.

　It's a hassle, but if it's the custom, we have no choice but to follow it - while thinking about this, Georg opened the door of the carriage.

I've been waiting for you. "I've been waiting for you, Mr. Georg-Grossalia.

　A civil servant wearing a hat was standing in front of the carriage.

''Congratulations on your elevation to the title. I have come from the royal capital to guide you to your quarters. I would like to escort you to your quarters.
Mm-hmm. Thank you for your time.

　Georg hurriedly bailed.
　Lumia also picked up the hem of her dress and bowed.

You will find that your son and Her Royal Highness Princess Iris-Lestia will be here tomorrow to greet you. Until then, please take it easy in your quarters.
Thank you, sir. Guide.
No, no, no, it's my pleasure to assist the would-be Count.
As for me, I'm the one who doesn't know anything about...

　Suddenly, Georg looked at the guide with an uncomfortable feeling he noticed.

What did you just say?
"?　I'd be honored to help,
But before that.
"The man who was to become a count.
"The Count?
Ah, so the messenger has misunderstood.

　The man leading the way smiled serenely.

''Since then, with your son's further achievements, the Baron Grossaria family has risen to the rank of Earl at a stroke. No, I envy you for having an excellent son. It seems that this is the talk of the town among the nobility as well. As for the ordination ceremony, the person in charge of instructing you will be arriving again, so.......what?　Baron Grossaria!　You have a glazed over look in your eyes, sir.　What's wrong with you!
"I am the Count.... the Count...
Father, please calm down.

　Lumia popped her father's back, who was stunned.

''Father, you said it before, didn't you?　I'm going to enlist my children in the Magic Guild and enhance the name of the baronial family through the friendships of the higher nobility.
'I was saying ... I was saying, indeed ... but ... but ...'
"It's just like my brother Yuki. You made your father's wish come true after just a few months of joining the 'Magic Guild'. Now Lumia can boast about Brother Yuki to everyone more than ever before!　Ahem!
Don't let that stop you Lumiere.

　Lumiere's pacification was in vain, and Georg Grossaria stood there for a while, stunned.




　─ The next day (from Yuki's point of view)



That must have been hard for you.

　Iris said and smiled at her father and Rumia across the table.

　This is a town near the royal capital.
　It's also known as the 'Gateway to the Royal Capital'.

　It's known as an inn town, and it's also a place where lodges for nobles stand in a row.
　This time, this town will be used as a waiting place until Father Georg is ready to be knighted.
　So Iris and I decided to pay a visit to our father to say hello before the ceremony.

"Are you feeling well, Father? You're still not looking well, but...
I'll be fine. You have nothing to worry about.

　My father looked at me and nodded.

"It's just that from now on, I have to learn the etiquette of an earl's ordination once again...
I'm sorry. Father.
''Don't apologize. You have done a commendable job with the Magic Guild. Well, I'm not sure if I'm up to the task, but I guess I'll leave it to Xellos and your generation to decide.

　Then Father looked at Iris.

'No, I'm sorry. I even said something unnecessary in front of Her Royal Highness. I was happy to see Yuki's face for the first time in a long time, so I couldn't help but...
No problem. Baron Georg.

　Iris is looking at me sideways and laughing.
　Oh, this guy. He's having fun.

　The guest of honor this time is Baron Grossaria.
　Iris is in the position of a burglar who came to say hello.

　That's why Iris, the princess, and her father, the baronet, are sitting together as usual, and Rumia is sitting at the table drinking tea as well.
　With the friendly Princess Iris, Rumia seems to be at ease with the friendly Princess Iris.
　However, Iris' expression right now is strangely Alice-like.

''I came today to congratulate you, Baron (Danshaku). Formal etiquette is unnecessary. Lumia-sama, it would be nice if you could talk to me like an equal friend here at the table.
'Oh, no. I'm afraid...
''Don't worry about it. Even Yuki-sama gives me normal orders in the dungeon.

　Iris turned to me and closed one eye.

''I, like other sorcerers in the 'Magic Guild', explore the dungeons. In places where demons come out, a momentary lapse in judgment can be fatal. That's why Yuki-sama, who has the quickest judgment, is the leader of the party.
''Is that so...?''

　Father and Rumia both roll their eyes.

''Yuki-sama, whose life I entrust to you, if you are his family, is like a family of party mates to me. Please speak intimately with me here.
''But... what can I tell Your Highness?
Then, could you tell me about Yuki-sama in the barony?

　.........Your Highness Iris. No, Alice (...).
　Are you trying to pry into my private life by any chance?

In the barony........Brother Yuki, is it?

　Lumia is nodding her head.

　Iris is waiting for Lumia's words.
　Her mannerisms are evenly straightened and her teacup is gracefully lifted in a princess gesture, but.......her eyes are shining with anticipation. Moreover, you're unconsciously leaning towards Lumia.


Well. Was it?
Lumia was not good at pronouncing, and that's why she was stumbling on the activation of magic. But thanks to brother Yuki's patience and guidance, Lumia is now able to use normal magic as well.
Yuki-sama has a way with them, doesn't she?
'Yes. My brother can see, strangely enough, where Lumia is pinched.
Hmm. I can kind of imagine.

　Iris looks at me and smiles, huffing and puffing.
　This is that one. ''You're still a teacher even after reincarnation. I guess she wants to say, 'You're still the same, right?

　I walked behind Iris and kicked the leg of the chair with my toes.
　It's a signal to me not to get too carried away.
　Iris shrugged her shoulders, saying "I know".

　Iris──Alice will get ragged if she gets carried away.
　Well, it's fine that Lumia looks really happy right now.

''Iris-dono.......you're really on good terms with brother Yuki, aren't you?''

　Lumia said with a twinkle in her eye.

''Your Highness is a princess, even though she's on a cloud to Rumia... she's very, very easy to talk to. I can see that he is close to brother Yuki.
Hey, this is Lumiere.
It's fine. Don't worry, Mr. Baron. It's a rude awakening.

　Iris seems to be having fun too.
　It's different from when she came to the barony for the exam.
　The current Iris has regained Alice's memory, but she's also used her manners as a princess, and is smoothly getting into Lumia's pocket. That's quite something.

".........Lumia also wants to grow up quickly and help brother Yuki and Prince Iris in the 'Magic Guild'.
'Yes. That would be wonderful.
''But Lumia isn't quite there yet. In the Baron's territory, all he did was cause trouble for Brother Yuki.
Oh, really?
Yes. When I'm reading a book... if there's something I don't understand, I'll sit on brother Yuki's lap and ask him to help me with the content.
Oh, dear.
I missed my brother so much before he left for King's Landing that I couldn't resist asking him to sleep with me.
Hey.
I've been begging him to feed me and bathe with me and...
..........
I see now that His Highness is here. I see now that Lumia can't be a child forever either...

　Lumia gulped, and clenched her fists.

''Lumia will also become an adult like Your Highness. Then I'll join the 'Magic Guild' and become a nobleman who can support Your Highness and Brother Yuki!
'Yes, I suppose so. But I don't think you need to push yourself.
...Is that so?
'Yes. Since you are your family, I think you are allowed that much. If the person in the position of younger sister...or daughter wanted to do such a thing, it's only natural that Yuki-sama would accept it. I don't mind that much. Yes, as long as you're family, I don't mind that much.
Your Highness Iris.
So I think you should grow up at your own pace, Lady Lumia.

　Saying that, Iris took Rumia's hand.

The first thing that comes to mind is that Lumia-sama is like a junior...no, no, she's like a sister. If it's okay with you, I'd like to talk to you a lot more.
It's a pleasure. Your Highness Iris.
'There's always a chance to talk to you again. Your Highness.

　I said.
　As a matter of fact, from now on, only Lumia will be leaving with me for King's Landing ahead of schedule.
　Father will have to spend some time with the stewards preparing for the knighthood ceremony, but in the meantime, Lumia will be free.
　Also, Martha wanted to see Lumia.
　So Lumia will be staying in my lodgings while she is in King's Landing.

　But Iris can't stay in my quarters.
　There are rumors that Iris, the princess, will be staying in the men's quarters. I'm very careful about that.
　You can summon Iris, but you can't just go out and have tea with Rumia while she's still in the dark.
　And so...

I've asked Odette to host a tea party at your quarters.
What?
Lady Odette-Slay, is it?
With the daughter of the Duke of Surrey?

　Iris, Lumia and Father each speak up.

''We've already discussed it. It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're talking about. Odette herself said that she would like to meet Lumiere.

　By the way, Martha is supposed to join me as my family.
　She said, "I'll be helping with the cooking as a maid! But that's not how it works, you know.

''Brother Yuki.''
What's up, Lumiere?
''How much has your brother done for you in King's Landing to be able to get the duke's daughter to do you a favor...?
I'm normal.
Lumia now for the first time understood how her father felt.

　Lumia grabs the sleeve of my clothes and nods yes, yes.
　Dad folds his arms and does the same.
　Iris has a look of satisfaction on her face. What's going on here?

So, what do we do now?　Lumia.
I'll be at the tea party no, I'll be there.

　Lumia let go of my hand from my sleeve (sleeves).
　She stepped away from the table at a trot and turned to face me and Iris.
　Then, in a jerky motion, she picked up the hem of her dress and bowed to me and Iris.

'Lumia-Grossaria accepts my brother's invitation. We would like to see you, Odette-sama, and hear about your brother in King's Landing, that is!
'Of course, I will join you. Yuki-sama.

　Iris also stands up and bows next to Lumia in the same manner.
　Lumia sees this and corrects her posture. The two of them line up side by side, and when they are both aligned, they look at each other and laugh at each other.

''So that's it, but is Father okay?
I've got a butler and a guide. That won't be a problem.

　With that, Father stood up.
　Then he bowed deeply to Iris.

'Your Highness Iris, please take care of my son Yuki and my daughter Lumia.
Yes, sir. Leave it to me. Your Highness, Count Grossaria.

　Iris replied, and the conversation was decided.
　My father, who was called the "Count," still looked a little pale, though.

　That's why Iris and I decided to take Lumiere with us and head to the royal capital ahead of our father.