Chapter 201 - Steadily and Secret Base

Chapter 201: Steadily and Secret Base

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

Building a secret base was fun. We couldn't make a treehouse, but we had the greenhouse pots rearranged, and put boxes of candy, dried fruit, and long-lasting cake inside.

I'm the daughter of the Albans, who specialise in magic tools, so I also put the magic tools I had brought with me from home inside.

"Lei, what's that?"

"Ith'sh wiwe a mobiwe wather boiwer." (It's like a mobile water boiler)

"Oh, a stove?"

"Ai."

I also put a light magic tool inside.

"Isn't this a bit too flashy?"

Mark laughed, but if we're going to make a secret base, then we should go all out.

"I'm puththing ith here in cashe I shthay over." (I'm putting it here in case I stay over)

"Stay over? Then there's nothing more important than a bed."

"Ith won'th be a shecreth or anythhing anymore if we puth a bed inshide." (It won't be a secret or anything anymore if we put a bed inside)

The three children were worrying, and Hans hinted, "Won't a blanket do?" Hans often went out of the capital, so he knew a lot about camping.

"Okay, then I, as the sponsor, will bring you some."

"Thanwsh Marw."

Having adults around helps in many ways, even though it was a secret base.

In the end, we decided to make two secret bases; one at the back of the library and another in the greenhouse. The one at the library was a simple room for Nico, Chris and I, and it was just a tent made with a blanket draped over some chairs, but we could read and play games in it and that was fun.

"Lei is usually sleeping though."

"Ith'sh becaushe we ushe ith afther noon."

We couldn't use it until it was free time, so I would fall asleep if I went to such a small place after lunch.

However, I've been thinking about building another secret base. Unfortunately, Chris couldn't enter this place, so it was a secret from Chris.

Felicia, who had left the royal capital on an inspection for the Remingtons, brought back some dried yellow fruit that I've never had before and some unusual sweets as gifts.

"I thought you would like this better than lace or something else Lei."

She knew me well.

By the way, the boys, including Nico, got a curved knife with different patterned scabbards as a gift. I don't know why the knife was curved, but the boys were happy to receive it. Felicia secretly told Chris and I after, "Otou-sama told me that this was the right gift for the boys."

She only seemed to enjoy it when she was giving the gifts, and she told us funny stories about what she had seen and heard during her visit. Nevertheless, I think she had more things to worry about now.

"Nee-sama seems pretty tired at times."

Chris seemed worried too, but I found out what she was worried about when I led her to the greenhouse secret base one day.

"No magic." I don't think anyone, but Hans heard the words I had muttered to myself though. Felicia surprisingly had little magic power that day. If you didn't have any magic in your body, then it would be painful and you can faint like Alistair did when I had first met him, or like I had.

Felicia came to the castle in the morning that day. Which meant that she had helped Angie-sama with her political duties. But I don't think that helping out with administrative duties will reduce one's magic power.

"The barrier'sh magic shthone."

I can only assume that she had channelled her magic into the magic stone. Basically, you shouldn't be able to touch magic stones until you're 18, even if you're part of the Four Marquises. I squinted and stared at Felicia.

I'm sure she's 16.

Chris and Felicia left early that day, and I waited patiently for Otou-sama.

"Lei!"

"Otou-syama!"

Otou-sama picked me up. This happened every time. Normally, I would wave at Nico and take the carriage home, but I have something I want to do today.

"Otou-syama, I wanth tho shthop shomewhere."

"You want to stop somewhere? Why?"

Otou-sama looked at my face as he held me in his arms, and his gentle expression changed into a serious one.

"I wanth tho go tho thhe barrier room."

"The barrier room."

Nico stared at us curiously since we weren't leaving.

"Do you really have to go today?"

"Ai."

I nodded.

Why don't I just simply ask Otou-sama about the Remingtons? That's because the Four Marquises work in different rooms while carrying out their political duties.

Otou-sama sighed tiredly, and instructed Natalie to ride the carriage, then moved to the entrance of the castle.

"Prince Nicholas, I have some business to attend to, so I'll take Lei with me back to the castle," Otou-sama gave Nico a proper explanation and returned to the castle with me in his arms. Hans was the only person who was following us.

"What do you want to know?"

"I wanth tho wnow if Fewicia had enthered thhe barrier room."

"hmm."

Otou-sama opened the door, walked down the corridor, then opened another door and didn't hesitate to walk down the intricate path.

"Mark comes into the barrier room of course, but Gill also enters from time to time too. I also take Luke there on rare occasions. I don't think there's anything wrong with Felicia going in there."

"I wanth tho wnow how shhe wash afther shhe enthered thhe room."

"You want to ask the guards? Well, if that's all then let's ask them about it."

He opened the last door and we finally arrived at the barrier room. As expected, I was a little heavy for Otou-sama and he settled me down.

The guards looked at us suspiciously, but Otou-sama is part of the Four Marquis, and I also have the Four Marquis eyes.

"I thought I'd show Lei the barrier room."

"I see. But at this hour..."

"Lei is also the Prince's playmate."

Otou-sama acted as if he had a hard time dealing with His Highness and now was the only time, he could take me here.

I bowed to the guards in my mind since I actually visit this room sometimes with Nico and Mark. Yes, the third secret base is in the barrier room.

I signalled the guards so that Otou-sama wouldn't find out.

"Lei wanthed tho shee once."

I blamed it on my selfishness.

"The Four Marquises and those who inherit their eyes are free to enter. Go ahead."

The guard nodded and opened the door.

"Oh yes, whose turn was it to channel their magic into the magic stone today?" Otou-sama questioned as if he had just thought of it.

"Today was Marquess Remington's turn. She was here with her daughter."

Otou-sama didn't even have to ask if Felicia had come, the guard just told us. I pretended that I didn't know this fact until I had heard it and said casually, "Fewicia wash thired."

"I see. She seemed gloomy when she entered, but she was weary when she left," he rambled on. I have a feeling that all the castle guards are stupid.

"Let's go, Lei."

"Ai."

We entered the barrier room while leaving Hans at the door. I wanted to see the magic stone, so I had Otou-sama pick me up and hold me close to it.

"Lei, are you trying to tell me that Angie made the 16 year old Felicia channel magic into the magic stone?"

"Ai. Fewicia had no magic thoday."

"Hmmm. It's not an offence. But why did she force Felicia to do that? If it's for training, then she could have stopped Felicia half-way through."

Remington has been making some disturbing moves. However, it's hard to tell why she was making those moves as each of her movements don't seem to relate to each other.

I just want my friends to be well.

Chapter 202 - Secret Plans

Chapter 202: Secret Plans

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

It bothered me that Felicia was tired, but lately, there was something that bothered me even more.

Nico said that he will be four years old in a few months, "I'll be four in a few months."

He puffed his chest proudly. I can understand why he's looking forward to his birthday, but the precious time from when he's three won't ever return. I wish he would enjoy his current age more. It's not because I'm frustrated that he'll be two years older than me.

"Are you going to have a birthday party, Nico?" Chris asked something important.

"Probably with my family. Father said that it would be a lot of trouble if we have a party."

"Troubwe, you shay, Lam-oji-syama..."

"It's fine Lei. This is the same thing that happened when I turned two and three, and Uncle always comes, so it's fine."

Nico's probably happy since he likes Prince Albert.

"Lei's only two, so you probably don't know this, but the big party is only thrown when you're one. The rest is up to us to decide how we want to celebrate it."

"Don't you have parties at your house, Chris?"

"Yeah. But everyone only comes to see Okaa-sama and Otou-sama."

Chris said that birthday parties aren't particularly fun. Come to think of it, didn't Nico mention that he hadn't seen Angie-obasama since his debut?

"I'm not having a birthday party, but the Four Marquises will come to give their greetings, and I'll get a lot of presents from the nobles too."

"Otou-syama thwo?"

It's bad of me to say this as his daughter, but I can't imagine him going to greet Nico.

"Albans..." Nico gave me a troubled look as if he was trying to avoid the topic.

"Yesh?"

"He comes. But after a while. He said he had completely forgotten about it."

"Otou-syama..."

You should say that you're busy with work or something instead of saying that you forgot.

"I heard Luke made him rush. Father laughed and said it was just like Albans. And..."

"And?"

"If I recalled correctly, it was when you weren't here. I'm sure he didn't have time to go to the castle to greet me."

It was certainly when I wasn't here. But I can't shake off the suspicion that he would completely forget to go to greet Nico even if I had been here. He's a disappointing Otou-sama.

But his daughter is a good girl who never forgets to be polite. I crossed my arms and thought.

"Your arms... are crossed..."

"I guess you could say they're crossed."

That's right. I had progressed. I asked Chris for advice while we were playing, and Nico wasn't around.

"Chrish."

"I know."

"I wnew you wouwd!"

We've only been friends for a few months, but we get along quite well.

"We're going to celebrate Nico's birthday, right?"

"Yesh!"

Bingo! I'm happy we thought of the same idea.

"Though it'll be celebrated during our study break."

"Lei can'th cewebrathe ith afther wunch." (Lei can't celebrate it after lunch)

"There's no point in celebrating his birthday if you fall asleep."

Chris crossed her arms and thought.

"Heey!"

"Nico's cawing!" (Nico's calling)

"I'll ask Nee-sama if we can talk about it during lunch."

"Soundsh good!"

It was hard to keep a secret from Nico. We talked about it and decided to discuss it over lunch in a few days.

I think Otou-sama would hate it if I ate with others, but the Remingtons didn't care. I had lunch with a pale Felicia on that day.

Apparently, Otou-sama can interact with others too. I was impressed with the way he entertained Felicia while having a conversation with her. Nevertheless, we quickly ate lunch, then Felicia, Chris and I discussed Nico's birthday.

"He's celebrating his birthday with his family, so I think our feelings will be enough."

I think Felicia said that so it would be easier on me and Chris.

"We'ww have ith when everyone'sh here." (We'll have it when everyone's here)

"You want to celebrate it on the day when Luke and Gill come to teach?"

"Oh, can I join in?"

Chris and I stared at Felicia in shock when she said that. Apparently, she was only planning on lending us a hand.

"We're aww friendsh."

"Nee-sama, you don't understand, do you?"

"Oh my."

Felicia chuckled.

"The Four Marquises are celebrating his birthday, right? Friends, yes, we're friends. How lovely."

She's a little older than us, but we're friends. First of all, Chris proudly said, "I've thought of something. We all have everything we want, right? So, let's make him something."

"Good pwan."

I was very impressed. She seemed quite selfish when I first met her, but I didn't think she could one day think like this. Speaking of handmade gifts, there are things I can make too.

"Lei wiww mawe pothathoesh."

"Pothathoesh?"

The Remingtons looked at me as if they didn't understand what I was saying and Otou-sama started panicking for some reason.

"Lei, you can't make potatoes. I'm not sure if His Highness likes potatoes in the first place."

"I'ww ashw him."

"You don't have to ask him. Oh yes, I'll talk to Natalie and see if she can help you make some easy snacks or something. When it comes to you, Lei, yes, snacks come to mind," Otou-sama decided on his own while nodding.

"Otou-sama hasn't eaten your potatoes yet, so I can't let His Highness beat me to it. I don't really like sweets, so it's fine if you make him some."

So that's why.

Well, I can't make any handicraft, so I'll ask Natalie.

"What should I make? I'm bad at embroidering, so I wonder if I should draw him something."

"Everyone can writhe a birthhday card."

I explained that we can all write on one card.

"Everyone?"

"Everyone'sh feewingsh wiww be communicathed on one page."

"That sounds nice. I'll get the paper ready."

Felicia will prepare the paper and sneak it to everyone.

"We should start with the little ones since you guys aren't good at writing. But I wonder if you can write him something Lei?"

"Of courshe."

I'm not good at writing since my hands don't move the way I want them to, but I can write.

"I can even writhe 'e' and draw Rug Dragonshs."

"I, I see. Well, you just need to write some letters."

You don't have to be reserved.

So, we agreed to give our gifts to Odds-sensei so that Nico wouldn't find out about them. Felicia will pass the card around for everyone to write in, and on the day of the event, we will hand Nico our presents and have a fun tea party. Chris and I will persuade Odds-sensei.

It's much simpler when bigger people are around. Now, it's time for afternoon classes.

"You're just going to nap anyway Lei."

"I can'th hewp ith."

After our fruitless conversation, I heard Otou-sama, "Felicia."

"Yes, Dean-ojisama."

It was rare for Otou-sama to talk to Felicia.

"Listen. If there's anything, hmm. If you're troubled about anything you can always rely on the Albans. You can rely on Lei, Luke and I."

"Oji-sama?"

"You can talk to me about anything no matter how small. Don't hold it in."

Felicia widened her eyes a bit and looked as if she was about to say something, but she kept it in and just nodded her head and bowed.

Otou-sama, you're so cool.

Chapter 203 - Birthday Party

Chapter 203: Birthday Party

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

It wasn't just Otou-sama who was troubled by the Remingtons, Gill's Otou-sama was as well, but they were both busy.

"Are you going outh again?"

"Yeah, but I don't want to go," Otou-sama hugged me tightly while saying this. He was going to Kaylie again.

"I heard that Prince Hubert is well. I was told to tell you that the hunters are doing well. They're making a living as hunters."

"Awishthair."

"One of them might have been named that."

Both Otou-sama and Nii-sama didn't like that I was in Wester in the first place, and they give off the vibe that they don't want to talk much about anything related to Wester.

However, I'm a toddler, so I can't read their moods.

"Awishthair, Barth, Miww, Kyaro, Cwyde."

"Ah, yes, that must be their names. They were given a mansion in the capital, and Lisburn goes to the castle to study, while the rest of them do work unrelated to hunting. Occasionally, the five of them will go hunt at the base of Yulas Mountains."

"They're worwing hard." (They're working hard)

I nodded while humming. Otou-sama really listened to what they were up to.

"I don't know if I should tell you this, but I heard they've started conducting experiments to turn on the barrier box at the foot of Yulas Mountains."

"Wester has learnt to use their head a little more."

"Nii-syama..."

That's too harsh. I was curious about what had happened to Nii-sama and Gill before I reached Wester's capital, but they didn't talk much about it. However, it's true that Wester's royal members, apart from Huu, are a bit lenient.

"I also heard that there's apparently a group of people who are monitoring the experiment. No, it's pointless even if I talk to you about it."

Otou-sama shook his head. However, Nii-sama was also harsh on Otou-sama.

"Otou-sama, how many times have I told you that Lei needs to hear this too.

"But you know."

"Otou-sama."

Otou-sama sighed.

"They said they can't confirm the identity of the person they're monitoring. But Prince Hubert said it could be someone from Easter, right?"

"Eashther."

That's where the Third Prince is from. But Nii-sama looked as if he disagreed.

"However, even Easter has a small barrier box that can cover a small town. They don't need to go to Wester to see the experiment, they could start up their own experiment in their own country. The Albans have several small barrier boxes like that too."

"We do?"

"Yes, I'll show you when you get a little older."

The Albans deal in magic tools, so we have a variety of magic tools and magic stones.

"The barrier box will likely last for 10 uses if it's only being used to cover the capital at night. If they do as you suggested Lei and limit its usage to the weekends, then they'll only need to channel magic into the magic stone once every two months or so. Even Luke can do that by himself."

"That means that Alistair, alone, would be enough to manage it when he becomes an adult, even if he can only fill about half of my magic into the magic stone right now. I feel like they can just manage to fill it with the royal family right now."

It seemed that my suggestion to Wester about only putting the barrier up on the weekends is becoming reality.

"It's going to be quite interesting to see what building materials they need since they're going to buy up spare magic tools, stocking up on magic stones, and possibly increasing their population in the future. Especially since the magic stones are collected in Kingdom, so they can be sold to Wester so that they can use it for magic tools. However, the magic stones for the barrier boxes are sold to Wester without regard to profit."

Otou-sama shrugged. He had to go in person to fix this.

"Bushy." (Busy)

"Yes. But I guess you could say that it's thanks to you that we can interact with Wester in this way."

A lot of things are thanks to me. I puffed my chest out proudly.

"It's not easy to get large magic stones these days. Of course, there's a demand for them in Easter and Farland too."

I gently touched the pocket of my Rug Dragon. Inside was a large magic stone. I'm sure Mill and the others have one too.

"Big magic shthonesh are ushuawwy found in pwacesh where peopwe donth hunth." (Big magic stones are usually found in places where people don't hunt)

This is from hunting in the prairie, not in the mountain range.

"That magic stone of yours? It certainly looks big."

Nii-sama must have recalled when my Rug Dragon hit the Third Prince's shin because he looked a bit pained.

"I knew that you had a magic stone in there, but it's that big? Here, let me borrow it."

I handed my Rug Dragon to Otou-sama and he squeezed it.

"Ah! Be carefuw withh ith!"

"My bad. But it's big and heavy. It's the same size as something normally stored in Kingdom... Well, I'll pretend I don't know about it."

"Ai!"

It's best you pretend you don't know about it.

And so, while each of the Four Marquises were busy, our joint birthday card was finished.

"Lei's handwriting is the biggest."

"Then it's mine."

I couldn't write small letters, so my 'happy birthday' was written in the middle in big letters. It was just a simple white piece of paper when I had written it in, but before I knew it, it had a beautiful border drawn on it, and it was full of 'happy birthdays' along with people's signatures. The letters were arranged in a way that made it look like a drawing.

The beautiful writing belongs to Nii-sama, the angular and powerful writing belongs to Gill, the slightly sloppy handwriting belonged to Mark and Felicia wrote in printed letters that were easy to read.

The piece of paper was rolled up and tied with a ribbon.

"Onwy thhe shweethsh are wefth."

"I'll bake a cake a few days before the party. I hear it tastes better that way."

"Lei wiww mawe cashthewwa. Sprinwwe shugar." (Lei will make castella. Sprinkle sugar)

Of course, I'm practicing how to make it right now, and lately, the Albans' residence has only been having castella for snacks. I cut out a picture of a Rug Dragon or something onto the castella and sprinkle white sugar on top. I suddenly had an idea.

"Lizardsh are bethther."

"I think flowers are better."

Most certainly. Mark said he would buy something from the confectionery shop, and Gill said his mother, Julia-obasama, will be making something for the party.

Nico knew something was up but managed not to ask about it until the day of the party.

And on the day of the party I went to the castle with Nii-sama, taking the birthday card that Felicia had left me. Nico's birthday was actually a few days ago, but this was the only day we can all get together.

Nii-sama carried the basket of sweets for me. Odds-sensei gave us permission to have the party on this day.

"Nico!"

"Lei! Luke!"

We're the first ones here. Then came Gill, then Mark.

Nico was curious and glanced at the birthday card I had brought, but he will have to wait until everyone is here.

However, Chris and Felicia didn't show up in the end.

It was a somewhat lifeless party, but Nico seemed delighted. I headed home with Nii-sama while thinking about what kind of cake Chris would make, and not long after, Otou-sama came home too.

"Otou-syama!"

"Lei and Luke."

Otou-sama hugged both of us.

"You wnow, thoday."

"Lei. Luke. Listen to me very carefully."

Otou-sama loosened his hug and looked at me and Nii-sama.

"The Remingtons have left to Easter."

Chapter 204 - Remington's Intentions

Chapter 204: Remington's Intentions

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

"To Eashther," I repeated without thinking, but I didn't know what Easter meant at that time, because Otou-sama made it sound as if the Remingtons had been run off from somewhere.

"No way. The Four Marquises aren't allowed to leave Kingdom."

Nii-sama shook his head in disbelief. I see, so it means they've left Kingdom. That's when the implications rushed into my head.

Huh? What about Chris and Felicia?

"The Remington mansion and servants are still here. Only the Remington House ran away to Easter. They had probably planned this."

"What?! What do they think the duties of a Four Marquis is?! Do they think nothing of the citizens of Kingdom?!" Nii-sama said in grief.

"Whath abouth Chrish and Fewicia? When wiww thhey rethurn?" (What about Chris and Felicia? When will they return)

"Lei..."

Otou-sama shook his head. Does that mean he doesn't know or that they're not coming back?

"Until recently, the Remington have been taking Felicia with them close to the border, but they left Chris here, so it wasn't seen as much of a serious matter. Both Stan and I have been leaving the capital a lot lately, so in some ways, the Remingtons' actions were also considered normal. Still, the guards kept a close eye on all of us."

"Graces."

Yes. Come to think of it, I haven't seen Graces much lately. Graces used to come to the castle every day whenever the Four Marquises children were gathered at the castle, but he hadn't been there recently.

"That's right. He's the Captain of the special force unit that's in charge of the area outside the capital. This time, it was also Graces who informed us that the Remingtons had ran away."

"But the border shouldn't be easy to cross. How did they cross the border when the guards are with them...?" Nii-sama pointed out, he probably thought about the time when Otou-sama had been stopped at the border.

However, Otou-sama shook his head at that as well.

"There's no line at the border, nor is it fenced off. What separates the borders is the sense in the Four Marquises' minds. No matter how suffocating it is, we can't cross the barrier if we think about maintaining the barrier for the people of Kingdom," Otou-sama continued.

"But on the contrary, I believe that we can go out of the barriers as long as we can maintain the barrier. This is as long as we return in time to properly maintain the barrier."

"The Remingtons..."

"According to Graces, they were strolling along the border when they were caught up in a herd of Rug Dragons and had crossed the border before anyone realised. There was a welcome party waiting for them on the other side of the border, and they moved towards Easter. In other words, I suppose we can view this as a planned departure."

They had made suspicious moves. But I didn't think they would leave Kingdom.

People from the outside must be envious of the Four Marquises because of their power and wealth. But I understand it well when I see Otou-sama. In reality, he's like a busy businessman who doesn't take holidays and goes to the castle every day and fills the barrier with magic.

He doesn't even have a villa even though he's a noble because he can't travel.

Even so, I thought that the cooperation of each of the Four Marquises was required to maintain the barrier.

"Actually, His Highness Albert has a lot of magic as well. There are three people in the royal family right now who can fill the magic stones even if you don't include Prince Nico. There are no problems in maintaining the barrier for the time being. But..."

If the Remingtons don't return, then the system would need to be rebuilt, and it would become the Three Marquises instead of the Four Marquises. Also, how would the Remingtons be dealt with for their selfishness? What about the diplomatic relations with Easter?

"There's more extra work now," Otou-sama sounded bitter, but he made it sound as if his subordinate had only made a slight mistake.

"Why aren't you angry Otou-sama?"

Nii-sama sounded angrier than Otou-sama.

"Angry? I'm disgusted and angry at myself for not noticing the signs at all. But I don't see the point of being angry at what has already happened. I can't do anything to the Remingtons even if I'm angry."

That was certainly true, but it was hard to agree with him. But Otou-sama shrugged.

"Kingdom, the citizens and much less the Remingtons, mean little to me. The only people who mean anything to me are Lei and Luke."

"Otou-sama."

"Otou-syama..."

This was more shocking than joyful.

"And I don't know if the Remingtons are really happy at Easter. Kingdom's capital is a place where you can have everything. The Remingtons, or perhaps Angie, is the person who enjoyed the capital's richness the most. How satisfied would she be with a rural area like Easter?"

If it was me, I would love to live in a rural area.

"First of all, we have to deal with the Remingtons, but we don't know what action to take if we don't know what Easter's intentions are for supporting them. Lei and Luke, you'll have extra guards on you for a while, but I hope you'll put up with it. Especially you Lei."

"Ai."

I don't think I'll be kidnapped again, but you never know what will happen in this situation, so I listened meekly.

"Chrish."

Will we never meet again?

"Lei don't think too much. At least the Remington family is together. Surely." Otou-sama stopped speaking. I know what he wanted to say. He probably wanted to say, "I thought they would leave Chris behind."

Chris can't become the heiress, but she has a lot of magic. Do the Remingtons know this, or...

"Fewicia didn'th awwow thhem tho." (Felicia didn't allow them to)

"Probably... Angie sticks with one love, so she knows the importance of loving people..."

Sometimes, even if you stick with one love, it's because you only love yourself. It's time for Otou-sama to stop having idolised thoughts about Angie-obasama too.

"For now, it's safer for Lei to stay at the castle and Luke to stay at the crowded Academy. You two should continue your lives as before."

"Yes."

"Ai."

"Otou-sama, you're getting a bit busy..."

Otou-sama sighed, but I hope he'll only be a bit busy.

Chapter 205 - The Fast Dragon Came

Chapter 205: The Fast Dragon Came

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

Happy Christmas Eve everyone<3

Thanks for always reading /o/

Despite all that was happening, life went on.

"Did Your Highness or Lei notice anything," even if we're asked this,

"Fewicia wash awwaysh thired." (Felicia was always tired)

"She was tired, but she always had fun."

We could only answer like this.

As the heiress of the Four Marquises, Felicia was solitary at the Academy, and she didn't have anyone to confide her worries to since she wasn't close to anyone. Besides, I don't know if she knew about her parents' plot in the first place.

Maybe I should be thinking about Kingdom's future, but I was solely worried about Chris. I wondered if she would have time when her Okaa-sama and Otou-sama are no longer busy.

"I wonder if Angie-obasyama wiww pway with Chrish when she ishn'th bushy anymore." (I wonder if Angie-obasama will play with Chris when she isn't busy anymore)

"The Four Marquises are always busy."

It's fine as long as she's happy even if she goes to Easter. Just like how I had a good time in Wester.

"And..."

"And?"

"I mighth be abwe tho go vishith when thhingsh sheththwe."

"Lei might be able to go," Nico muttered sadly. Come to think of it, the royal family wasn't allowed to leave Kingdom even if they aren't adults.

"Then weth'sh go tho Eashther'sh border."

"The border? Why?"

"Writhe Chrish a wethther." (Write Chris a letter)

"Why are you writing her a letter?"

"We'll get her to go to the border."

We'll be able to talk to her face to face even if neither of them can leave the border. I heard a maid sob in the corner.

"I'm shure I can run by thhen."

"Oh, I thought you could already run."

Nico grinned.

"I'ww be abwe tho run fashther."

"You're right. I guess we'll have to link arms and test her to make sure she's studying properly in Easter."

"Yup. Chrish ish bad ath shthudying."

"We'll also have to study as well."

"Ai."

I don't know what their circumstances were, but both Nico and I knew that the Remingtons won't be welcomed back into Kingdom since they have already left. Even if there isn't a penalty, they will be punished in some way if they return.

So, they don't have to come back. Otou-sama told me that they've already started to select a noble to replace the Remingtons. There are a lot of candidates, but there aren't any nobles with that much magic power.

Otou-sama stopped keeping troublesome things from me just because I'm a toddler, and he properly explained the current situation to Nii-sama and I after dinner.

"We've sent messengers to Easter many times, but they lie and say they haven't heard from the Remingtons."

Otou-sama was in charge of the Wester area. The Remingtons were in charge of the Easter area. That's why it's been difficult to get information.

"But I've heard rumours from people in town that they live in a splendid house in Easter's capital, and that they seem to be living very extravagantly."

"Don't tell me they were welcomed there?"

Nii-sama was surprised. Kingdom's Four Marquises and the citizens of Frontier have no relationship with each other. The citizens of Frontier are either curious about the Four Marquises or hate them since they can't benefit from the barrier. I think it's one of those two.

I made eye contact with Nii-sama and we nodded. That was how we felt at Wester.

"It seems like they are. Now the citizens can go out at night in the capital."

"So, they are using a barrier box after all..."

The magic stones for the barrier in the capital normally needed to be filled once every five days. But for a barrier covering a remote city, it should only need to be filled once every 20 days. Therefore, they could certainly go anywhere and not be burdened by it.

"But I'm sure they must be bound by something. But they're not involved with internal affairs. It's troublesome for Otou-sama, but I'm certain that the Remingtons love power."

"Luke, the way you said that..."

"You're naïve Otou-sama. The Remingtons betrayed Kingdom!"

Otou-sama made Nii-sama angry.

"The Remingtons betrayed the Four Marquises, who share the same responsibilities, and have betrayed the people. You say you don't care about the Remingtons, but you're wearing yourself out from cleaning after their mess."

Nii-sama stretched his hands to touch Otou-sama's face which was starting to form eyebags.

I also copied him and reached my hands out. I can only reach Otou-sama stomach, but it's alright since Otou-sama picked me up.

"Thanks, you two. We all have no idea what lies in the future. It's hard to know how to deal with the situation with the uncertainty."

Otou-sama hugged us and sighed.

"I'll be heading out to Wester again soon. I'm worried about leaving the capital at a time like this, but Wester was really shocked by this incident as well. However, Wester doesn't seem to be working with Easter. To confirm that, and take measures..."

"Otou-syama, worw hard."

"We'll behave, so travel safely."

Oh yeah, I haven't seen Graces at all lately. I'm sure he was accompanying the Remingtons, but what's he doing now?

"Whath happened tho Gracesh?"

"You like Graces, don't you Lei?"

"I wiwe Hansh more."

"Ooh."

Otou-sama smiled teasingly.

Hans isn't here right now. I can say this because he's not here, but it's Hans who I care about. I'm just curious about Graces because of my personal involvement with him. I'll admit he's a bit cool.

"Graces set up base in a town next to the border. He's staying there to act as a messenger between Kingdom and Easter. He's not working as a guard, but he's better than civil officials who don't take initiatives."

So that's why he's a captain at a young age? Hmm.

A few days later after Nico had quietly celebrated his fourth birthday, a fast dragon came from the border town.

"There's a messenger from Easter. It's the Third Prince."

I squeezed the Rug Dragon on my shoulder when I heard that. The magic stone was throbbing.

Chapter 206 - Those Who Inherit the Four Marquis Blood

Chapter 206: Those Who Inherit the Four Marquis Blood

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

Easter has been dodging questions from Kingdom about the Remingtons.

And now they sent a messenger here instead of a letter. Furthermore, that messenger is a member of the royal family. This shocked Kingdom.

But I had other things on my mind. Suppose that the Third Prince had attacked me, well, he did attack me in Wester. Then, we met again in Wester's capital to the east. This time he was coming to the royal capital.

Isn't the royal family a little too eager to act? And what are the First and Second Prince doing?

Anyway, the way he moves around is like, "He'sh wiwe Prince Aw," I muttered, and Nii-sama looked at me curiously.

"How so Lei?"

"He'sh a wanderer."

"Buffo."

A guard just happened to hear me.

"Prince Al goes on inspections. But yes. He's been to Wester and Kingdom, and this will be his second time at the royal capital. Cyrus-dono, that is."

"He doeshn'th have tho come."

"Lei..."

Even Nii-sama thinks so, because he sighed.

"We went to the north to avoid meeting him, but we end up having to meet him anyway."

"Ai."

I gripped my Rug Dragon and held it in front of me.

"Lei, he was able to achieve his previous attack since he caught us by surprise. It won't happen again, and you don't have to meet him."

"Why?"

"Why? Don't tell me you're actually going to meet him?"

"Ai."

I will make the Third Prince take a proper look at me when we meet.

"Infants don't usually participate in diplomacy or socialising."

"Reawwy?"

"You can't meet him even if you act cute. Besides, there will be no socialising this time. Depending on how you look at it, it's the country that kidnapped one of the Four Marquises from Kingdom. I don't know what kind of argument he will make, but there's no guarantee that the discussions will go amicably."

"Wiww thhere be war?"

However, Nii-sama shook his head without faltering at the infant's disturbing question.

"I heard that there were wars in the past, but there aren't enough armies in the countries to start a war. I haven't heard of any country building up its army."

"Whath abouth guardsh?"

"There aren't many of them. Since their main role is to guard the Four Marquises. There are guards in the royal capital, so security here is taken care of."

I thought carefully about what Nii-sama said, in short, Kingdom, which is covered by a barrier, is too strong.

"If we lack one of the Four Marquises, or if the royal family doesn't survive, then the citizens will resent the country that destroyed Kingdom. Would they risk that? Well, we are lacking one of the Four Marquises right now though."

Anyway, I have to see what the messenger will say, or else nothing can be done.

There was no way they would let me see him no matter how much I asked, and I was stuck waiting for Nii-sama and Otou-sama's report to see what the bad guy would say.

On the day the Third Prince came, I didn't go to the castle and waited quietly at home. Nii-sama and Otou-sama weren't here, so it couldn't be helped. I was going to take it easy for the day, but the maids made me change three times, but well, it was fine since I had fun, however, the day turned out surprisingly busy.

As I waited for Otou-sama while dressed as if I was going to go to a party, I had a feeling that Otou-sama was home.

"Otou-sayam!"

I, who is two and a few months old, ran up to Otou-sama.

"Oh, Lei! I'm home now."

I was about to jump into Otou-sama's outstretched arms when I noticed that Nii-sama was next to him, so I stopped in my tracks.

"Nii-syama?"

"Don't worry about Luke right now, hug your Otou-sama."

Otou-sama lifted me up in an immature manner.

"The fluffy stuff on your outfit is pointless."

"Everyone dreshshed me up."

The dress itself is simple, but I had a lace-filled pannier underneath the skirt, and the satin belt was tied into a bow. That apparently got in the way of him hugging me.

"Otou-sama you shouldn't say that. Lei is dressed up today and looks as cute as ever."

I think Otou-sama's reputation has gone down among the maids, and Nii-sama's reputation has gone up. But why did Nii-sama come home when it's a weekday? I think he's supposed to stay in the dormitory for safety reasons.

"Nii-syama, why are you here?"

"About that..."

Otou-sama continued to carry me while shaking his head.

"Lei, you know that the Third Prince came here today, right?"

"Ai."

Otou-sama and Nii-sama looked dark.

"Apparently, Easter couldn't refuse the Remington's request to move there."

"Hah? Move? No?"

"You're right. Even you understand this."

Nii-sama was a bit rude, but he's right.

"On top of that, he said that he had a letter from the Remingtons."

Why they moved to Easter is written in the letter. I waited for Otou-sama to speak while being nervous about what was written in the letter.

"Well..."

"Well?"

"He said that he had a message for all the Four Marquises and those who have their blood to hear."

"Ai?"

Which meant that he was dragging out Nii-sama, Gill and the others, who aren't involved with diplomacy yet.

"Nii-syama though."

"It's okay Lei. I also wanted to meet the Third Prince at all costs, so it's favourable for me. But..."

Nii-sama looked at me hesitantly.

"Lei you look like it's none of your business, but you'll have to go too. He asked for all those who have inherited the blood of the Four Marquises, not just the heirs."

"Lei thwo..."

What would a two year old have to do with the Remingtons' desire?

"I advised the royal family to ignore it. The Remingtons won't return no matter what excuse is given. So, the sooner we set up a system that doesn't need the Remingtons the better."

Otou-sama looked bitter.

"If he asks that we bring all those who have inherited the blood of the Four Marquises, that is, all the colours of the Four Marquises, would that not mean, in other words, that we should bring Lei to him?"

"Is that the Remingtons' intention, Easter's intention, or is that the Third Prince's intention? Either way, it's infuriating for them to involve an infant."

"Reawwy ish."

It is infuriating for them to use underhanded methods. However, if this requires my presence, then I can go. What can he do in front of people at the castle?

"Lei wiww go."

I went with Otou-sama and Nii-sama to the castle the next day.

"Ah, Lei, shall we leave your stuffed animal behind?"

"Of courshe I'm bringing ith withh me."

"Hmm. Alright. You won't need it anyway."

Along with the stuffed Rug Dragon.

Chapter 207 - The Remington's Letter

Chapter 207: The Remington's Letter

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

Usually when I go to the castle, I go around the castle and take the carriage directly to Nico's place. But today, I was coming to the castle as a member of the Four Marquises, the Albans, so I entered from the front. The carriage I was riding wasn't a normal one either. It was a special carriage with white, gold and violet on it.

Both Otou-sama and Nii-sama were wearing white jackets with gold and violet embroidery on it together with black trousers. I was also wearing an easy to move in white dress with a violet belt around my waist. I think it would be more accurate to say that the belt was around my stomach instead of my waist. It's lovely that it isn't bulky or thick. Plus, it's also nice that the slightly dirty Rug Dragon looks very childish. I nodded to myself.

Normally, no one would come to greet me at the castle entrance, but Linus was here today. He was someone who I hadn't seen in a while. Neither Otou-sama nor Nii-sama noticed Linus bowing his head and looked as if it was natural for them to be greeted and shown around.

I'll raise the Albans reputation.

"Linush, good worw."

"Leila-sama," Linus replied in a whisper, and his expression relaxed a little. But it quickly changed into a serious one.

"Today, we'll be heading this way," he began to guide us.

It was said that emissaries from foreign countries were greeted in the reception hall, and they had done that yesterday, but in the end, we had to meet in a different room on a different day because 'the letter from the Remingtons is to be passed onto the entire bloodline of the Four Marquises'.

"Annoying guy."

"Lei, your thoughts are leaking out," Nii-sama reprimanded me.

"And besides, it's the Remingtons' request, not his, so this is just a formality."

"They shhouwd have been cwear abouth ith from thhe beginning."

"Ahem." Nii-sama cleared his throat.

"Lei, let's walk quietly down the corridor."

"Ai."

Nii-sama was the person who said all this in the first place.

"This way."

"Oh, the dragon's room?"

"Dragon'sh room?"

"It's a room for special guests."

Otou-sama has hardly been in here either. They didn't have to treat him like a special guest. No, he's the emissary and a member of the royal family, so of course they would.

"Marquis Albans is here," with a brief announcement from Linus, we entered the room through the open door.

"Wow."

It wasn't a small room. In the front were three flights of stairs, an elevated stage and a throne. The Lisburns and Moleseys were standing at the bottom of the stairs, and at the top of the stairs was an unfamiliar Oji-san. Prince Lambert and Prince Albert were on either side of the Oji-san, and in front of Prince Lambert was Nico.

They all have beautiful golden hair and eyes.

"King?"

"Hahaha, that's right little Albans. Now, come here."

The King held out his hands, so I walked straight up the stairs and approached him.

"I am Leiwa Awbansh."

"Good girl. You are as lovely as they say."

I don't care if people keep talking about me like that.

"Now, come."

The King reached for me and I called Nico as well. I didn't feel comfortable with being hugged before his grandson.

"Nico two."

"Oh. Your Majesty, is it alright for me to go over there too?"

"Of course."

Thus, Nico was put on the King's right knee, and I was put on his left. The King looked satisfied.

"Your Majeshthy, you have a beard."

"I won't look dignified without a beard. I had no choice but to grow it."

"I personally don't like it, but what can I do? He's the King."

Nii-sama looked subtle, but I also think Nico's too honest.

"The messenger is here," after Linus's brief announcement, I got off the King's lap and returned to Otou-sama.

"Oh, you're tottering."

"I'm noth thoththering!"

"Ah sorry. You're walking briskly."

Of course, I am. Even Nii-sama recognises this. It was just that I was wearing a different dress than usual, so I was a little cautious when I went down the stairs.

Then the big doors, which had been closed when we had entered, slowly opened outwards.

"The Third Prince of Easter, Prince Cyrus Fay Easter."

I didn't know he had such an extravagant name. I was about to open my legs wide and cross my arms, but Nii-sama stopped me with his eyes, so I just put my right hand on Otou-sama's left leg and tilted my head to the side a bit.

"Gufuu." A strange sound came from across us. It was Gill. He's already 15 years old, but he's behaving like this. I shook my head.

He may or may not have known about this scene, well, I don't think he knows, but he walked through the door proudly.

Once he stopped, he put his right hand on his chest and bowed.

He has always seemed like the military type, with good posture and a toned body.

When he looked up, his unforgettable, almond yellow eyes pointed straight at Nico and the other royal family members.

"Cyrus-dono. I'm grateful you travelled such a long way."

"It was our fault for not telling you about the Remingtons wishes in the first place. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to do so."

You're speaking properly, aren't you? I stayed quiet and waited for him to continue.

"I've gathered all the royal family members and the descendants of the Four Marquises that are in the capital here today. However, I think my grandson, Nico, is the only person you haven't met."

"I happen to meet Gilbert Lisburn-dono, Luke Albans-dono and little Leila over there at Wester castle."

"I see, that's unexpected, albeit a coincidence."

"Indeed."

Empty words were exchanged. Where did you see little? Geez.

"Well, I'll let you introduce yourself, Nicholas."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Nico stepped forward and puffed out his chest.

"I am Nicholas Manfred Kingdom."

"My name is Cyrus Fey Easter."

Now the greetings are done.

"Now, let's read the Remingtons' letter out loud."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Cyrus produced a letter in an envelope from his chest pocket and began to read it slowly, "To everyone in Kingdom. I'm sure you're surprised to learn that we've suddenly moved."

Of course, we would be. It's amazing that they could write something like that so easily when they ignored the fact that they were told not to leave.

"The current Kingdom has three royal family members and is strong, and young Prince Nicholas will take over when he grows up, so there is nothing to be anxious about."

The Remingtons, Lisburns and Molseys all have one person to succeed in the position of the Four Marquises. Even if Alistair returns to Kingdom, I'm not sure if he has enough magic power to succeed the position, so I didn't include him as a heir candidate.

The Albans also have Nii-sama and I.

What part of this situation are you saying isn't worrying? I was dumbfounded.

"Under such circumstances, I have always been distressed that the benefits of our power have only gone to Kingdom."

First of all, you should be worried about Felicia and Chris.

"Through my interactions with Easter, who the Remingtons are in charge of, I have come to believe that we should use our Remington power to benefit the people of Easter as well."

I've heard that Easter is mainly on the prairie, so they are least affected by the Hollows. If you want to use your powers to benefit people on Frontier, then you should have moved to Wester or Farland.

He hadn't even finished reading yet, and I was already quite annoyed.

Chapter 208 - Just an Accident

Chapter 208: Just an Accident

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

There was more in the letter."Easter is truly a wonderful place. Felicia has also been relieved of her duties as someone who will channel magic into the barrier and lives peacefully every day. The title of Four Marquis doesn't mean much here, so she often enjoys time with young people her own age."

Lies. I squeezed Otou-sama's hand.

Felicia is cautious, and it even took her a while to break the ice with the Four Marquis children. Besides, she was properly thinking about her responsibilities as a Four Marquis.

If she had wanted to go to Easter, then that's fine. If she is really living a happy life, then that's fine. But the Felicia that I know would spend her days worrying about Chris, then think about her responsibilities towards the Kingdom citizens, who they had abandoned, and then finally ponder if the burden would eventually fall upon us that were left behind.

She won't relax and play around until she dispels those worries.

"Chris also enjoys spending time with friends her age."

It hasn't been long since the Remingtons left Kingdom. Both Felicia and Chris must be confused. And Chris isn't good at making friends. Something was suspicious.

"To the Four Marquis children. It must feel stifling to be responsible for protecting the barrier from a young age. But if you change how you think, then you don't need all the Four Marquises since you have the royal family, who you can rely on. If you use your heads and find your own way to serve the people, then you don't necessarily need to be in Kingdom."

She was addressing the Four Marquis children, but her words were full of criticism towards Kingdom's royal family and Kingdom, which was protected by the barrier.

"You are always welcome to come and stay with the Remingtons if you wish to take shelter here. Felicia and Chris are waiting for you as well."

Is that mainly directed at me? Tension ran through Otou-sama's body.

"Also, I will be ready to visit Kingdom if you ever need the Remingtons' help."

No one in the room changed their expression.

"Wishing you all good health and happiness, Angelique Remington."

Prince Cyrus carefully folded the letter and put it back into the envelope, then he took a few steps forward and handed it to Prince Lambert, who had stepped forward.

"Thank you for delivering this to us," Lam-ojisama said in a slightly firm voice.

"I only came here as a messenger. Easter's position is simple and clear. It's only natural of us to let the Remingtons stay in our country since they wanted to," Cyrus emphasised that they had only let the Remingtons stay in their country because that was what the Remingtons wanted. Then, he looked at us.

"Of course, if the other Four Marquises wishes to stay in our country as well, then we'll welcome you with open arms."

"Thank you for your consideration. But, tell the Remingtons this." Lam-ojisama's expression didn't change.

"Kingdom will no longer need Angelique Remington's help. Also, she will not be allowed to enter Kingdom again since she threatens the safety of Kingdom."

Cyrus blanked out for a second, but then quietly bowed his head. Perhaps, he thought that Kingdom would allow her to return if she said she wanted to. I was a little surprised too.

"Only the Four Marquises can decide what they will do. I have something to say about you dangling sweet words in front of the young ones, but if you want to invite them to your country, then go ahead and try. You have all the Four Marquises in this room right now."

"He said too much," Otou-sama muttered in an extremely small voice.

"The Moleseys don't need your invitation," Harold-ojiisama cut him off in a flash. But, Stan-ojisama and Otou-sama didn't say anything in particular. When Prince Cyrus saw this, he spoke to Gill first, "Gilbert-dono. Why don't you try visiting our country once just like you had done when you went to Wester?"

"Cyrus-dono. My stay in Wester, though brief, has broadened my horizons. As a member of the Four Marquises, this will surely help me in the future. I have an uncle in Wester, so I think I will visit there again someday. I also want to visit Easter and Farland at some point. I might have to trouble you then."

"My country is always open to you."

Gill's answer deserves 100 points. He stated that he might visit one day, but only because it would expand his horizons and benefit him as a Four Marquis of Kingdom. I was truly impressed.

"Then, Luke-dono."

Nii-sama is 12, so although he's growing, he's still short. Cyrus looked down at him.

"I would also like to visit Farland and Easter at some point just like how I had visited Wester. Farland borders my grandfather's fief, so it will be easy for me to visit them."

Oh, Nii-sama said that in a childish way, that's not like him at all. Surely enough, Cyrus raised his right eyebrow. I felt like I could hear him say 'that's not your real personality'.

"If you'd like, I can send someone to pick you up, so you should definitely come to Easter as well."

"I may ask you to do so if the time comes."

He might not go.

"Then, Leila-dono."

I squeezed my stuffed Rug Dragon and shook my fist in my mind.

"Excuse me, but I'd appreciate it if you could keep your hands off that dangerous thing," his voice contained laughter. It didn't make his voice sound any more likeable even if it contained laughter.

"Lei, I'll take care of it."

"Otou-syama. Ai."

I obediently gave my Rug Dragon to Otou-sama. A dangerous aura floated from the royal family members and the Moleseys.

Prince Cyrus didn't look down at me like he had done with Nii-sama but got down on one knee and locked eyes with me.

"Leila-dono, it's good to see you again."

"I'm noth happy tho shee you."

"That's very harsh." Cyrus chuckled happily. I boldly took a step forward.

"Ugh.|

I heard a moan, I wonder what it was. I crossed my arms too.

"I remember receiving an enthusiastic welcome when I met you the other time."

"Who wash thhe pershon who thoshshed Lei around before thhath thime." (Who was the person who tossed Lei around before that time)

"I wonder what you're talking about," he chuckled again.

"I will show you all around Easter when you come to visit, Leila-sama. I would also love for you to visit my southern residence. It's a charming place by the sea and mountains."

Why are you so persistent with me? I put a lot of force into grounding myself.

"Lei wouwd wiwe tho vishith Eashther one day, buth when Lei goesh, Lei wiww go around awone." (Lei would like to visit Easter one day, but when Lei goes, Lei will go around alone)

I puffed out my chest.

"I don'th need you tho shhow me around!"

"Oh dear. Kuku. I would love it if you asked me to show you around sometime."

Cyrus stood up and I also stepped away from him. He looked straight at the King.

"As you can see, everyone is welcome to visit us. Please let me know if you do."

"Hmm. We appreciate your kindness."

With this, the audience was over.

"I will show you to the next room."

Cyrus bowed and Linus guided him away at once. There will be some pleasantries after this.

"Lei, here you go."

"Otou-syama, thhanwsh."

"Don't worry your Otou-sama. There's no telling what you would do even without your Rug Dragon. Honestly."

I turned my head to the side. I just don't like him.

"Lei, you stomped on purpose," Nico said in amazement. There were giggles all around the room, but did everyone see me do that? But there was only one answer, "Ith wash jushth an accidenth."

Yes, my feet just happened to do that.

Chapter 209 - The Burden the Prince Carries

Chapter 209: The Burden the Prince Carries

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

When Prince Cyrus left the dragon room, I thought the tension in the air would ease, but it didn't.

"I'm disgusted. At the Remingtons and at Easter," Hal-ojisama said clearly.

Indeed, Remington said that she wanted to be free. It was irritating because she spoke about how she moved to Easter since it was easier and freer there, as if it was a beautiful tale.

"I don't think there's any point in what Remington said. We, Moleseys, think of the Remingtons as if they didn't exist in the first place. And we have nothing to do with Easter. Our family's role is to maintain the barrier around Kingdom. Please excuse us," He said before quickly leaving the dragon room by himself. Mark looked troubled, but he remained in the room.

"What father said is the Moleseys' principal. But I will remain here as an individual and a young noble. I have a feeling that this problem wouldn't go away even if we don't have anything to do with Easter."

I wonder if Hal-ojisama will scold him. I was a little worried, but Mark gave me a grin.

"You have my permission to do what you want."

"Ash expecthed of Haw-ojisyama."

"You can just say Mark-niisama did great."

I smiled since I had a better opinion of Mark now. However, Nii-sama quickly replied, "Nice speech, Mark."

"Luke, do you not want Lei to call me Nii-sama that much? You're so narrow-minded."

"I'm taking back my compliment."

There are many things to think about, but we as children will continue on as usual. Otou-sama squatted down and said, "Lei, we have to chat and network from now on. Molesey said he wouldn't participate, but that's not what's going to happen. But, Lei. Your work ends here. Can you go home quietly?"

"......"

I couldn't say yes straight away because I didn't think that my current exchange with Prince Cyrus was enough to make him understand the danger.

Just as Otou-sama was about to open his mouth again to persuade me some more, a voice came from Nico.

"Lei, I'm not going to the party after this either."

"Nico, what are you talking about? You said that you wanted to talk to Prince Cyrus in person since you'll be meeting him more often in the future," Prince Albert, who treasured Nico, immediately chimed in. However, Nico glanced at Prince Al and spoke to me without replying to him.

"So why don't we spend our time together like always until our fathers are done with their work?"

"Nico, what's wrong? Albans, why are you trying to make Lei go home? Lei is a little naughty, but weren't they friendly towards each other a while ago?"

I felt like Otou-sama's temple twitched because of those words. But Nico answered first before Otou-sama could speak.

"Uncle, if Lei is my younger sister, then I wouldn't want her to be in the same room as that man. He's a wicked man."

Nii-sama and Gill looked as if they agreed with Nico.

"I'll leave that to father and uncle to find out. If you don't want to go home, then come play with me Lei."

"Ai!"

I didn't feel comfortable waiting alone in a home where Otou-sama and Nii-sama weren't there. I can have fun while waiting with Nico, and at least I won't be alone when I go home later.

"Hansh."

"Yes, Leila-sama?"

"Sthay withh Nii-syama thoday."

"But..."

Hans looked at Otou-sama first, and when Otou-sama nodded, he reluctantly agreed. I don't think Nii-sama is in danger at all. But I also want Hans to take a good look at Prince Cyrus.

"Then, Lei and I will leave first."

"We're weaving firshth."

Nico and I were protected by more guards than usual, probably because Hans wasn't with us. We held hands as we headed towards the library.

"There's something strange about that man."

"Ai. Dangeroush."

I couldn't tell Nico that he was the kind of guy who didn't mind hurting others with all the guards and maids around.

"Lei, it isn't good if Prince Cyrus is a dangerous man."

"Whath do you mean?"

"Hmm. A Prince is responsible for their country. If Prince Cyrus is dangerous, then that would mean that Easter is dangerous."

I was blown away. Prince Cyrus was the one who had directly attacked me. So, I hate him and think of him as a bad person.

However, Nii-sama and Otou-sama said that the diplomatic relationship between Kingdom and Easter is good. So, I had a feeling that Prince Cyrus did that on his own.

"Lei, do you think that Kingdom wouldn't know what I do if I act as I please when I'm an adult?"

How could they not know? A Prince doesn't have that much freedom.

"Even if he's the Third Prince, no because he's the Third Prince, I think that Easter knows everything that man does."

"Then Lei ish..."

I couldn't say anymore that that. So, Nico is saying that I was kidnapped because Easter was pulling the strings? But why?

"Tawing ush down one by one." (Taking us down one by one)

"Lei?"

"Firshth Lei. Geth rid of thhe Awbansh shpare. Then thhe Remingthonsh. Tawe down thhe Four Marquishesh one by one." (First Lei. Get rid of the Albans spare. Then the Remingtons. Take down the Four Marquises one by one)

I stopped and looked at Nico.

"Then whath nexth?"

"...... I don't know."

Maybe something more terrible would happen. Nico and I stood here until the guards urged us to move from our spots.

Chapter 209.1 - Side Story 02: Hans and I

Side Story 02: Hans and I

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

Unusually, I had a lot of spare time.

I was alone in Ojii-sama's mansion.

Nico was in a different room with Prince Al on some royal business.

Nii-sama and Gill were talking about something with the Farland noble boys.

The younger Farland noble boys went somewhere.

But I didn't want to go with them.

Those little boys shouldn't be looked after by a two-year old infant. Plus, I'm a weak little girl.

I've been exhausted since I've had to play with the little ones these past few days.

"Fuu."

I shrugged.

"Buffo."

Why are you laughing when I haven't said anything? Stupid guard.

Ojii-sama and Oji-sama are busy, and even Natalie was taken to the kitchen because the mansion was short-staffed.

That was why I was left with this guard who laughs at anything.

"Isn't it fine occasionally? You have too many people at your side, Lei-sama. You like having quiet, alone time don't you?"

And yet, it was somewhat frustrating because he knew me too well.

"I'll show you around the mansion a bit if you're bored. I don't think Marquis Neville will have any problems with this."

"Leth'sh go."

I like to relax but I'm at Ojii-sama's mansion. He did show me around before, but I still want to look around.

Hans lifted me up in his arms even though he rarely did this.

"Everyone in this house is like an ally. I wouldn't have let Natalie go to the kitchen if they weren't."

Natalie looks after me and picks me up if it's necessary. Hans always kept both his hands free to protect me.

We usually moved around with the three of us. It was really unusual for Natalie not to be with us.

"Then, why don't we go talk about Dean-sama's past?"

"Otou-syama'sh?"

I looked up at Hans. Hans's hold on me was steady and comfortable.

"Yes. I can't tell you how many times I've been subjected to his whims. He always says 'I'm going out of the royal capital for a bit', but he goes all the way to the northern fief."

"Errm."

It's probably something else.

"He threw that line at the Supervision Department and left as soon as he could since he predicted that they would say yes. People felt sorry for me since I was the special forces captain back then."

"Speciaw forcesh."

That's kind of cool. Hans smiled wryly and shook his head when I looked at him in admiration.

"Ah, the special forces are guards for the Four Marquises when they leave the royal capital. In short, they rarely have to work without someone like Dean-sama around, so they're special."

"Ah..."

I thought Hans was cool and funny.

"Aren't you thinking of something rude?"

"Noth."

I averted my gaze.

"Let's go to the entrance."

"Ai!"

Hans walked out of the entrance and stopped for a moment. Then, he didn't look at the mansion, but at the vast prairie and hills beyond the mansion.

"Maybe he was suffocating. I think he wanted to see this kind of view when he left the royal capital to go to the north. I remember when he got off the dragon, he just stayed here forever gazing into the distance instead of going into the mansion."

"Cowd." (Cold)

"Yes, it was tough being around him. I honestly wished that he would hurry up and go into the mansion."

Otou-sama can be a nuisance sometimes.

What did he think about while standing in the winter wind?

"Wait! Ojou-sama! You'll catch a cold! I think that's what I used to hear."

"Accidenthawwy."

"Dean-sama would scowl and wonder what was happening, and she'll bump into him."

Don't tell me that's...

"That's right, it was Claire-sama. She stared at the surprised Dean-sama with sparkling eyes and then suddenly looked disappointed. Then she reached out to Dean-sama's eyebrows and fuhah." My guard really laughs easily.

"Hit his eyebrows."

"Okaa-syama..."

What are you doing?

"She said, 'I heard that you have wrinkles between your eyebrows, but you don't'."

Otou-sama would be troubled even if she criticises him.

"'That's not something I know of',

'Oh my, violet eyes, how pretty',

'Don't you listen to what people say to you',

'It's cold, so you should go into the mansion',

'I wonder who stopped me from doing so',

Fuhahahaha."

His body shook with laughter.

"Claire-sama didn't listen to what others had to say. It was also interesting for us to see Dean-sama get flustered since he's usually the one manipulating people. He fell in love with Claire-sama straight away."

I can't believe that's how they met.

"Well then, I guess we'll go to the place where they had tea for the first time next."

"Hansh amazing."

"I had no choice. The Four Marquises must always be watched when they leave the royal capital. Dean-sama must have found it suffocating, but he acted as if we weren't there."

"Lei wnowsh." (Lei knows)

That was how Otou-sama was like at the beginning.

Hans swayed me gently.

"You probably do. I can't tell you how much Dean-sama mourned when he lost Claire-sama."

"Did you shee him Hansh?"

"Yes. I watched over him at the funeral until she went into the tomb. I just watched though."

Graces said the same thing. That's right. Even if they want to do something, they can't, and they have to do things they don't want to do.

"Hansh, thanwsh."

"Hm, for what Lei-sama? I didn't do anything."

"Thanw you for wathching over Otou-syama."

"Hmm. Hmm."

I felt the hand that was holding me tremble a little.

"Well, shall we go?"

"Yesh tho thhe thea pwace!"

"At that time, Dean-sama, buffo."

I'm sure Okaa-sama knew about Hans too.

But she probably didn't know that he laughed so easily.

I felt like I heard her say that she did know that he laughed easily. His expression always changed easily when he stood behind Dean-sama.

You're right, Okaa-sama...

Hans is staying by Otou-sama and my side now.

"Lei-sama, did you hear what I said?"

"Of course."

And he's very chatty.

Chapter 210 - It's Finally My Turn

Chapter 210: It's Finally My Turn

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

The Third Easter Prince returned to his country soon after, so I didn't have the opportunity to meet him face-to-face.

"He showed a special interest in Lei, but that doesn't mean that he kidnapped her because of that interest."

That was the unanimous opinion from the adults. I don't believe that I was kidnapped because he liked me or was curious about me. I wonder if he became more interested in me because he failed to kidnap me in Wester.

It ended with the people closest to me being more vigilant.

But I want the adults to think more about Easter's purpose since they're backing the Prince. I believed this, but I felt like it wasn't a toddler's job to tell them what to do, so there was nothing I could do in the end.

I have fun every day and cherish my family. That's how I spend my days. It's fine for me to spend my days like that.

Like before, I spent the afternoon with Nico, morning and night with Otou-sama and days off with Nii-sama.

However, it was a big problem for Nico to lose an energetic playmate. He's bored while I'm napping. Therefore, he wanted to do more things.

"Lei still naps a lot even though she's turned two."

"I thhinw I nap weshsh." (I think I nap less)

I argued back. I certainly still fall asleep after lunch. But I'm sure that I play more when I get up.

"You're right Lei. But look at this."

Nico looked proud as he wrote something on a slightly biggish piece of paper. For some reason, Odds-sensei looked proud.

There was a graph on the paper with the date on the horizontal side and the time on the vertical side.

I looked a bit fed up.

"I was really bored when we first came back from the northern fief, so Odds-sensei asked if I wanted to learn how to tell time."

"Reawwy?"

It was certainly difficult for a genius three-year-old to tell the time. Oh, he's four now.

"So then, I recorded how long you slept and stayed away after you went home. I drew up the entries like this, and look."

"Loow ath whath?"

"The time you sleep increases and decreases, but it doesn't change much throughout the whole graph."

"So?"

Nico spoke proudly without realizing that I was grumpy, then he puffed out his chest with pride.

"So, you aren't sleeping less, but you play more since Albans comes late to get you. This paper over here has the times that Albans comes to pick you up."

Nico is smart and I think this is a good way for him to learn the basics of numbers. I can also see that Odds-sensei is proud of Nico but, "Ith'sh noth powithe tho meashure a wady'sh shweeping thime." (It's not polite to measure a lady's sleeping time)

"Lady?"

"Buffo."

That last laugh was probably from Hans. Geez.

Nico looked around, wondering where the lady was then suddenly realized.

"Lady?! Yes, yes, Lei is a lady. Hmm, if she says she is then she is."

"You can'th record your friend'sh shweeping thimesh." (You can't record your friend's sleeping times)

"I see. I'm sorry," Nico apologized, frankly.

"Then what should I record next? This is pretty fun."

"Hmm."

Even if Chris isn't here, he replaced the time with something else. Nico casually said to the lonely me, "Just like how you have Luke, Chris has Felicia. I'm sure Felicia is making Chris study since she's a serious person."

"Ai. I'm shure shhe ish."

I pictured Chris sulking.

"Now, Lei. Let's play until Albans picks you up so that we don't waste time while you're awake!"

"Ai!"

This is a child's job.

The seasons have changed, and the rainy season that occurred before summer is here.

"Even sho ishn'th ith raining thoo much." (Even so isn't it raining too much)

I wonder if I hadn't noticed this because I was in Wester last year. I went back to the mansion and watched the continuous rain outside the window.

"No, it's raining more than usual this year. It's a bit depressing when the rain continues like this," Natalie explained without changing her usual expression. She didn't seem depressed at all, but she probably felt down.

"Ith'sh thime tho pway in thhe mud outhshide."

"In the mud?"

I guess I can't. I glanced at Natalie.

"Then shall I make some play clothes that can get dirty for you? I need to get in touch with your designer group."

I didn't know there was a group like that. I decided not to ask her about it and looked out the window.

"Huh?"

A carriage surrounded by Rug Dragons came running in past the gatekeepers. Did something happen at the castle since Otou-sama is home?

"Nathawie woow."

"What is it? Oh my, isn't that Graces? He's wearing the special forces uniform."

"Ith doesh woow wiwe thhath."

Then that is not the so-called enemy. I was sort of relieved.

"I'ww go tho thhe enthrance."

"Lei-sama, you can't. You will be summoned if it is something. Even if he's a guard, he's in such a hurry, so I'm sure there's trouble."

Usually when we were at home, Hans rests in the evening since he's not expected to serve as a guard then. Hans, who was supposed to be resting, banged on the door, quickly entered then locked the door from the inside.

"Hans, what happened?"

"I don't know but it's noisy at the entrance. I determined that it was better to stay by Lei-sama's side since we don't know anything."

"Alright. Come, Lei-sama. Wear this jacket, keep quiet and don't move no matter what."

"Ai."

I obediently put on the jacket and sat on the sofa. Natalia and Hans quietly waited for someone to tell them what was happening.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"It's Jude. Lei-sama, can you help us?"

It's not a sign to move. It seems they need my help with something. I nodded at Hans.

Hans softly opened the door.

"What happened?"

"It's Felicia-0sama. She took Chris-sama with her and fled from Easter."

"And you need Lei-sama for?"

"We thought she would calm down if she saw Lei-sama."

I stood up.

"I'ww go."

It's finally my turn.

Chapter 211 - The Thing That Matters First

Chapter 211: The Thing That Matters First

Translator: Blushy

Editor: Sam

The guest room was originally across the stairs from the building where my room was located, but it seemed to have moved to this building for security reasons when close people such as Gill came to stay.

There was a guard in front of the door, and Jude, who had guided us here, spoke to the guard, "Lei-sama is here."

The guard looked at Jude questioningly, then he looked at Hans and Natalie, then finally noticed me when he moved his eyes down. You won't be useful as a guard if you can't see everything straight away.

"Faiw."

"She said you're disqualified."

"N-no way, Lei-sama."

He seemed dejected, but I didn't have time to play with him. The guard also quickly straightened up, called inside the room and waited for an answer before letting us in.

"Pashsh."

"You barely pass."

"Thank you very much!"

I entered the room while Hans pointlessly translated what I said. I scanned the room and saw that Felicia was sitting tiredly on the sofa, and next to her was a faint Chris. Felicia had her hands tightly around Chris's back.

She looked as if she didn't have any allies in this world.

In the corner of the room stood Graces, dressed like a townsperson, talking to Otou-sama, and the room was full of chatting people.

"Fewicia. Chrish," Felicia noticed me when I called out to them quietly and tried to stand up. She realised that her arms were hugging Chris and gently sat down again.

"Lei!"

"Lei?"

Chris's faded eyes became focused when she heard Felicia's voice.

"Ai. Fewicia. Chrish. Wewcome home."

Tears welled up in Felicia's eyes even though she wasn't usually a sensitive person.

I thought about the hardships she must have faced and felt sad. However, I had to confirm this with Jude first, "Where'sh thhe thea and food?"

"They're being prepared now."

"Whath abouth thhe bathh?"

"That hasn't been prepared yet. I'll get it prepared right away."

"Whath abouth pyjamash and bedsh?"

"They have been prepared."

"Food, bathh and weth thhem reshth immediathewy." (Food, bath and let them rest immediately)

"Understood."

"And bring me an empthy magic shthone righth away."

Jude bowed silently at the end and immediately began giving out instructions. Then, I called out to Otou-sama, who was talking to Graces. It was unusual for him not to notice that I had entered the room.

"Otou-syama."

"O, oh, Lei. You came here?"

He really hadn't noticed that I had entered, and his expression softened when he saw me.

"Otou-syama, geth Juwia-obasama tho come here."

"You want Julia here? I was just about to contact Stan now."

"Juwia-obasama."

"Alright."

It would be better to have a woman around. Otou-sama looked puzzled by my request, but immediately went to fulfil it.

When I finished talking to everyone, I ran to the sofa where Felicia and Chris were.

"You'll fall if you run."

I clung tightly to Felicia's knees when I reached her. She was worried about people even at a time like this. Felicia kept her right hand around Chris and slowly patted my back with her left hand.

"Lei, I ran away."

"Ai."

"I wonder if I'm a bad girl."

"You're a good girw."

Jude called out softly from behind, "Lei-sama, I've brought the magic stone."

I lifted my face from Felicia's knees.

"Ai. Thanwsh."

I took the magic stone and handed it to Chris, who was dazed and made her hold it from the outside.

"Chrish."

"Lei?"

"Yesh. Chrish puth your unpweashanth feewingsh intho thhish magic shthone."

"Magic stone."

"Liwe you awwaysh did ath thhe cashthwe. Sway ith shwowwy." (Like you always did at the castle. Sway it slowly)

I felt Chris slightly put magic into her hand and move it to the magic stone.

"Fewicia. Chrish, how long haven't you done this?"

"I don't know. We've been so busy, so we haven't been able to stay together."

Chris won't demand for magic stones herself and channel her magic into it. Chris might have been dazed partly because she was tired, but she had already passed the stage where she got angry because of an increase in magic.

"Jude bring me anothher one."

"But..."

"Bring me anothher one."

"... Yes."

He had already prepared another one since he handed me it.

I opened Chris's hand and took the darker magic stone before making her hold the empty one.

"Lei?"

"Again Chrish."

"But..." Chris's mind seemed to have cleared up.

"Lei ish fine."

"Oh my Lei, you're amazing."

The normal Chris was back, and Felicia relaxed a little.

"Can you do ith Chrish?"

"Of course."

Chris hmphed, then placed the magic stone in the palm of her hand and began channelling magic into it. Chris's magic returned to the usual amount by the time she filled up two magic stones.

"Chris!"

Felicia hugged Chris tightly in relief and Chris hugged her back, but she was still looking at me and finally realised that she was in an unfamiliar room.

She didn't seem frightened, perhaps because Felicia and I were here, but she seemed puzzled, then frowned as if she had recalled something. Chris would have gotten angry right now if she were still like how she was when I had first met her.

But Chris didn't get angry.

"Where is this Lei?"

"Lei'sh houshe."

"Lei's house. Then, are we back in Kingdom?"

"Ai."

She found the answer herself.

"Chris I'm sorry for taking you with me without saying anything."

"Don't cry Nee-sama."

Felicia continued to hug Chris while crying. I tapped on Felicia's knees. Then, the door opened, and a nice smell drifted in the air.

"Lei-sama we've brought the snacks and drinks."

"Ai. Thanwsh. Food firshth. Ith'sh importhanth."

I nodded at Jude and the maid who brought the food in.

"Eath Fewicia and Chrish."

"It looks delicious!"

Chris seemed to be hungry. There were bite size sandwiches and sweets, hot soup, and tea.

Felicia seemed to have no appetite, but she seemed to have felt better after she drank a mouthful of soup. Then, she helped Chris eat while properly having some light food herself.

It's fine if they can eat. This is more important than asking them what happened. I was relieved.

"Have you eathen Gracesh?"

Graces looked at me in surprise and looked at Jude before answering, "Us subordinates have already had a light snack and some rest."

"Thanks. But..."

"Graces. It's fine. A lot of food has been prepared. We can't eat it all by ourselves," Felicia invited Graces to eat.

Well then, let's hear what happened now that they've calmed down. Before that, "Lei wiww eath thoo."

"I thought you would say that."

I have to get my stomach ready.