So, I just got back from the meeting, and my stepsister keeps stealing glances at my face.
Uh, what is this? It's like that feeling when you know you shouldn't look but you can't help it—like noticing the teacher's wig is slipping during class.
I mean, no matter how you look at it, the culprit is obvious. I'm not accepting any "Objections!" here.
"...So, what exactly did you say to her, Heliotrope?"
"That sounds like a rather nasty accusation. As someone who stands above others, I believe false charges are quite unbecoming, don't you?" Heliotrope replied.
This prime suspect went right ahead and denied it with a straight face. You're saying you won't admit it without physical evidence? I really hate this medieval-style fantasy world for its lack of security cameras!
"No, it's definitely weird. She wasn't like that before the meeting. I can only assume a certain someone went and whispered something strange in her ear."
She keeps stealing glances, but the moment our eyes meet, she looks away at high speed. Uh, I don't have a stray nose hair or sleep in my eyes, do I?
"It wasn't anything strange, I merely offered her a bit of advice."
"Advice?"
"I told her to be careful, as my Master is a habitual sexual harasser."
"Hey!!" Kraut shouted.
What the hell are you saying?! Didn't you just say that false charges were unbecoming!?
"I'm lying."
"Hey now."
I don't think there's another exclusive maid in the world who would lie to her master's face like this.
"Since she seemed to be struggling with how to interact with you, Master, I gave her just a little bit of advice as her exclusive maid."
"Well, I appreciate the sentiment, but... hasn't it gotten worse?"
"There is no need for concern. Primeria-sama is likely just worrying about various things."
"Hmm. Well, if Heliotrope says so, I guess that's how it is."
"......"
Despite everything she says, Heliotrope won't actually do anything to harm me. Her verbal thorns are a different story, though. If she ever did betray me, it would just mean that my own caliber was only that high to begin with.
I gave that carefree reply, but Heliotrope only offered a troubled smile.
"Honestly... you really are going to get stabbed one day, you know?"
Why, though?!
* * *
After receiving that terrifying warning from Heliotrope, Laps spoke up next.
"Kraut-sama. Considering future events, I believe we should have a dress tailored for Primeria-sama."
"That is certainly necessary."
Primeria is cute enough as it is, but a dress that brings out her charm even more is a necessity for the Duke Territory¹. I'll secure the budget from my personal funds.
"Also, we require a splendid outfit for you that will make your majesty known, Kraut-sama."
"......"
It's been three years since I started reforming myself and the territory, and I've reached a decent milestone. So, I was thinking it was about time I made an appearance in social circles. But I wonder what Laps thinks I am.
If I left my outfit entirely up to them, I'm terrified I'd end up in something looking like a final boss from a New Year's song festival.
"W-well, my clothes aside, let's get Primeria's dress tailored. Wents, can we arrange a meeting with a designer soon?"
"I shall have them head to the manor tomorrow afternoon," Wents said.
"Please do."
Just as I was finalizing tomorrow's schedule with the efficient Wents in perfect sync, Primeria spoke up in a flustered voice.
"P-please! You don't have to go to the trouble of making one from scratch; the dresses available in this shop are more than enough for me!"
What a good girl. It must be taking everything she has to speak her mind to me. As expected, her face is bright red and her eyes are darting all over the place.
Still, she probably couldn't stay silent. Based on the reports I've read, she likely didn't have anything resembling noble meals, let alone dresses. That's exactly why I want to spoil her!
"I'm sorry, Primeria, but this is also an important part of the Duke house's² work. More than anything, we are introducing the lovely princess of our Duke house to society for the first time. We must prepare the finest dress!"
"Uugh..."
Oops, I got a bit too passionate there. The princess's face is getting quite hot too.
"Ah—well, anyway, we'll have a few made-to-order outfits tailored."
"Yes..." Primeria whispered.
When she makes such an embarrassed face, it almost makes me feel shy too. Hey, you maid duo over there. Don't give me that archaic smile like a pair of Bodhisattvas.
And Wents-kun. You've had a look on your face like you've wanted to say something for a while now; is there something on your mind?
"Kraut-sama."
"...What is it?"
Wents pushed up his glasses with his right middle finger and spoke with a completely serious expression.
"Are you a siscon?"
Shut up!!
* * *
"Kraut-sama, thank you for today."
"Yeah, likewise. I'm counting on you for tomorrow's arrangements."
"Leave it to me," Wents replied.
We exchange parting greetings as we leave the merchant guild³. As for that comment about being a siscon, I'll logically deny it next time. It's normal, totally normal.
I give a light wave to the bowing Wents and the other employees before climbing into the carriage that was waiting outside. When I reached out my hand to escort Primeria just like I did on the way here, her gaze stopped at a single point.
"Ah..."
"?"
For some reason, she's staring intently at my palm. Is she reading my palm or something?
"It's true..."
"Eh?"
"Ah! No, that's... hawawa!" Primeria stammered.
She muttered something I couldn't quite catch, and when I asked her to repeat it, she started flusteredly waving her hands in a way that made me feel bad for asking. I really don't get it, but I'm truly sorry.
However, after staring at my palm once more, Primeria took my hand firmly.
And then—
"Thank you very much!"
She said it with a smile so radiant it practically glowed.
...The destructive power of that smile is insane.
Summary:
After a meeting at the merchant guild, Kraut notices Primeria acting strangely and suspects Heliotrope's influence. It turns out Heliotrope gave Primeria 'advice' about Kraut's habits, though she later claims she was lying. Kraut decides to commission custom dresses for Primeria to prepare her for her social debut, despite her humble protests. The chapter ends with a heartwarming moment as Primeria thanks Kraut with a dazzling smile after inspecting his 'hardworking' hands.
Character Insight:
This chapter highlights the deepening bond between Kraut and Primeria. Kraut's desire to 'spoil' her isn't just whim; it's a reaction to her past neglect, showing his growing role as a protective guardian. Primeria, meanwhile, is beginning to find her voice, though she remains incredibly shy. The 'palm' incident suggests she is starting to see the physical evidence of Kraut's hard work for the territory, shifting her view of him from a distant noble to a dedicated brother.
Behind the Scene:
The title refers to the Japanese word for palm, 'tanagokoro' (掌), which can be literally interpreted through its kanji components as 'the heart/mind of the hand.' This reflects the theme of hands revealing one's true intentions or hard work.
T/L:
1 ↩ Territory governed by a Duke. In Japanese light novels, this usually implies a large, semi-autonomous region with its own budget and military.
2 ↩ The noble lineage or 'House' of the Duke, referring to the family's prestige and formal standing.
3 ↩ An organization that regulates trade and commerce in fantasy settings, often acting as a neutral ground for business negotiations.
Notes:
• Heliotrope - Kraut's exclusive maid, fifteen years old (six years older than Kraut). She has long black hair reaching her waist and a cool, beautiful face. She is a 'slave battle maid' who was formerly a noble lady from a fallen northern country. She wears a Victorian-style long-dress maid outfit.
• Kraut - The eldest son of a Duke's family (Now 14 years old). He has blue eyes, a straight nose, and short silver hair. Handsome and now he is slender.
• Primeria - A main heroine of 'Sword, Magic, and the Cadenas'. Currently the illegitimate child of a Viscount family with high magical power and beauty. Tprotagonist's new stepsister, an eleven-year-old girl described as incredibly beautiful and fragile. She has shoulder-length, soft pink hair and porcelain-white skin.
• Laps - A petite maid serving the Duke's house and an alumna of the orphanage Kraut is sponsoring. She has a cute, protective charm with short brown bob hair.
• Wents - A tall young man in his late twenties with neatly set hair and thin-framed glasses. He is the representative of the Wents Merchant Guild and is highly competent in information gathering.