9: Chapter 5.2 Where is your Mother?
9: Chapter 5.2 Where is your Mother?
Then, suddenly, she asked in a soft but clear voice.
“Come to think of it, I don’t see the Duke’s Young Lady.
Is there a reason she is not with us on such a meaningful occasion?” At the question, Duke Ardel’s mustache twitched for a moment.
But he soon smiled and replied.
“Ah, my daughter is a bit frail.
She is still not strong enough to endure the long parade and the heat of this banquet.” The Duke carefully folded his hands and continued.
“Therefore, we are letting her rest at home without overexerting herself until her debutante.
When the time comes, I will ensure she is prepared with utmost care to stand before Their Royal Highnesses, more beautiful and dignified than anyone.” The Empress nodded, and the Emperor raised his glass and smiled lightly.
‘Ardel?
I’ve heard that name somewhere…
Was he a companion character?
Then was it one of the two kids in front of me?’ I stared at the two sons of the ducal family, longing for the skip button I had repeatedly mashed in the past.
Duke Ardel maintained a composed expression, but his two sons seemed slightly nervous, their gazes lowered.
As if concluding the question about his daughter, Duke Ardel quickly averted his gaze.
A brief smile passed under his mustache, but it held a sort of forced gentleness.
“Hah, to think I’ve rambled on about such trivial matters before Your Majesty.” The Duke slightly raised his glass and politely bowed his head.
“Instead, it would be more appropriate to introduce my sons.” He lightly placed a hand on the shoulder of his eldest, who stood beside him.
“This is my eldest son, the heir of the Ardel family, Raphael.
Though he is thirteen, he has a composure beyond his years, making him quite reliable.” With a neat movement uncharacteristic of his peers, Raphael bowed and greeted the young imperial prince clearly.
Soon after, the Duke called his second son forward.
“And this is my youngest, seven-year-old Johan.
He is still playful and clumsy…
but he will grow up splendidly alongside his brother.” Johan looked at the imperial prince, then soon smiled and bowed his head.
A moment later, the Emperor, the Empress, and Duke Ardel raised their glasses to each other and made their way through the nobles.
As befitting a grand banquet, the adults’ conversation dragged on, and a small circle of just the children naturally formed.
I blinked and looked at the two boys standing opposite me.
The much taller Raphael exuded a mature grace beyond his peers and calmly folded his hands, while Johan next to him stared intently at the imperial prince with eyes full of curiosity.
Raphael was the first to greet me in a clear voice.
“Your Royal Highness the Imperial Prince, it is an honor to meet you for the first time.” I nodded and replied.
“Yeah, nice to meet you too.” Johan came closer and asked in a small voice.
“Your Highness, do you happen to like swords?” It was a bit random, but I figured kids of this age all have similar interests, so I just went with it and answered.
“Ah, I tend not to handle them much because I think it’d be hard on my joints.
I’m thinking of hollowing out a wooden sword soon to reduce its weight.
For you too, moderate exercise during your growth period is good for development, but if you overdo it, your whole body might ache later, you know?” At my words, Johan’s face went blank, and Raphael stared at me as if looking at something strange.
Feeling embarrassed, I changed the subject and asked the kids a question.
“By the way, where is the Duchess?” “She passed away five years ago.” It feels like a landmine exploded from the very first conversation.
Raphael answered with a complicated expression, and Johan looked like he was about to cry.
To quickly change the topic, I switched the conversation.
“Ah, you said your younger sister is frail?
Is she…
sick somewhere?” Even as I brought it up, I realized my mistake.
To bring up the frail younger sister right after their deceased mother.
Coming to my senses, I, who had just delivered two consecutive ‘family insults,’ regretted not just showing them a cat’s cradle with magic power.
At that, a hint of resentment crossed Raphael’s expression, and Johan was on the verge of tears.
“That child…
You don’t need to concern yourself with her.” “…I shall apologize.” “It is nothing.” Wanting to avoid the chilling dagger that flew and lodged in my chest, I left with a farewell and went to my mother.
“Mother, this humble one wishes to take a brief rest.” “Oh my, Prince, you must be tired.
Let’s go in with this mother.” I held my mother’s hand and left the banquet hall.
“Mother…
conversation seems to be a truly difficult thing.” “Oh my?
Did something happen, my dear Imperial Prince?” “…It’s nothing.” “Hehe, still, they are children of the same age whom you’ve met for the first time, so try to get along with them.” Feeling I had messed up from the very first button, I just went straight to my room.