61. Report

Somehow this only got delayed by one day despite the Honkai Star rail patch wahaha.

Enjoy!

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TN: Toasty
ED: Toasty

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「Oh, I might not be able to get married.」

I thought I’d tell them at dinner, but my father stopped eating for a moment and my mom looked at me with wide eyes.

「Why?」

「Maybe… because there’s no one else who will make my heart skip a beat.」

That’s what I think. If I don’t fall in love with anyone other than Ojou, I’ll never get married. I’ve never fallen in love with a girl who already had a fiancé, so even if I realized that, there was nothing I could do.

「Is that so?」

My mother didn’t seem surprised by my report and just nodded. My father continued eating.

「Is that fine?」

Don’t parents want their children to see the face of their grandchild? My mother in my previous life was that type, so she was very disappointed that Taichi didn’t have a girlfriend. My sister Yuuka was adamant that there were no good men in reality, so I think she had even higher expectations for Taichi.
So, I thought that my mother would be disappointed, if not completely in despair. When I wondered why, my mother smiled.

「Children are a gift, so that’s how it goes.」

「Gardeners inherit their skills.」

For my mother, it seems she would feel lucky if she could see her grandchild’s face. When my father finished chewing, he muttered that there was no problem with the gardening business. It seems that my father thinks that the Baumgartner family should continue as gardeners, and there is no need to keep the bloodline there.

「Besides, Zack won’t regret it, right?」

「Yes.」

I nodded in agreement, since I was asked if I could take responsibility for my choice. I would regret giving up on liking Ojou. I’m not despairing of the possibility of remaining single for the rest of my life.
When my mother confirmed my answer, she laughed.

「As expected, he takes after Dennis……」

「……it’s more like Rie, isn’t it?」

Seeing my mother unable to contain her laughter, my father’s face turned sour. I didn’t understand either of their arguments. What made them think about if I looked like them? Besides, I’m their child, so it wouldn’t be strange if I looked like either of them.
My mother’s laughter echoed throughout dinner that night.
That night, I called Elena on the bear-phone, and she yelled out as soon as the call was connected.

『Just—what—are—you—doing!?』

「What are you talking about?」

As I covered my ears and asked in a complaining voice, Elena yelled.

『Why are you getting along with a rival character?!』

「Huh? Are you talking about you and Ojou?」

『No, Bell-kun!』

Since she said character, it was probably something related to Kimiboshi. Rather than wanting to blame me, she was yelling because I was the only person she could vent her frustrations about regarding Kimiboshi. However, when she said rival, I thought she was taking issue with the fact that a rival like Ojou and a supporting character like Elena were good friends, but that wasn’t the case.

「Bell?」

What on earth is wrong with Bell, the red-haired magic enthusiast? As far as I know, he’s just happily talking about magic as usual, and it’s business as usual.
Elena knows that I have almost no knowledge of Kimiboshi, so she explains to me what rival she is talking about.

『Bell-kun and Remias-kun are mutual rivals. Depending on which route the heroine takes, the target of their jealousy changes……』

「And that rival and Bell are good friends.」

Elena nodded, anticipating what I would say next. If he’s already close to someone who is supposed to be his enemy, there’s no way they could become rivals.

「I don’t really get it, but does that rival fall in love with the heroine?」

I thought it would be the same, since Ojou would also be a rival to the heroine as a love rival, but Elena’s answer was no.

『No, she just makes Bell-kun and the others who are from the same marquis family and have strong magical powers her enemies. Because she has a lot of magical power, Roy and the royal family take an interest in her, so the heroine is disliked by him too.』

Apparently, he’s a typical underachiever who is jealous of talented people. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t be strange or strange if he were to turn against either of them at any time. I’m sure he just needs a trigger. I guess that trigger is the heroine.

『Because Bell and Remias don’t care about their rivalry, I thought there would be an explosion of jealousy at school.』

「Are you all that close?」

『Yes. They’re fighting on friendly terms.』

I think to myself, isn’t it good they’re close?
But according to Elena, he was the type of rival character who would say mean things, so it’s impossible for him to complain directly to her, according to the game. Leo, who was watching the situation with Elena, also said that it was okay because it was an argument over a difference in direction, and that was Elena’s standard for deciding that it was okay.
They were talking about magic circles, so it’s understandable that Bell got heated up. It’s probably a different type of argument, but it’s probably similar to the one Bell and Remias had.

「So, what are you unhappy about?」

『No, I’m also happy about it. But Roy will probably solve it again before I know it.』

Elena cries out in pain, saying it was painful not to be able to support her idol. I don’t think this girl’s craze for her brother will ever change.

「It seems like it’ll be hard for Leo to marry someone unless you approve of her like Ojou.」

If things continue as they are, that’s what will happen, and it will be a result that Elena can accept. From my point of view, I’m worried that Ojou said she doesn’t like Leo in that sense. It’s been a long time since then, but I wonder if she still only sees him as a friend. If that’s the case, won’t it be painful for Ojou?

『O… of course, I’d be happy if Onee-sama became my real Onee-sama, but…』

I thought she would nod without hesitation, but Elena was vague in her words. I tilted my head, wondering about that, and heard some mumbling coming from the bear phone.

『But what if Isaac likes Onee-sama……』

「I like her, but what about it?」

『………………Ha!?』

After taking a long pause to understand, Elena suddenly let out a disbelieving voice.

『Eh, wait…… do you understand what I mean!? Is it in a romantic sense!?』

「I understand, yes.」

『Then why are you so casual!?』

It’s just puzzling, Elena says, but I’m the one who’s confused. What’s so strange?

「She’s popular, right?」

『Eh? Yes, I suppose.』

When I said that, Elena, who must have seen how popular she is with both men and women at parties, nodded in agreement.

「Then it would be strange if I didn’t like her.」

『Huh??』

「Ojou is popular with me, too.」

Ojou is cute both inside and out, and gets prettier every year. It’s normal for many noblemen to fall in love with her, even if they know she’s the prince’s fiancee. And as a servant of the Ernest family, I was no exception, having seen her up close. It would be strange for me, one of the many people, not to fall in love with her.
The other end of the bear phone was silent for a while, and then an incredibly long sigh was let out.

『You’re right, but you’re also not right!!』

That night, Elena’s screams echoed only in my room.
I thought that the soundproofing update Leo had made to the bear phone was unnecessary, but at this moment I felt it was necessary. If her voice leaked out, it would be a huge nuisance to the neighbors.

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A few days later, snow piled up for the first time this year.
The amount of snow was about 15 to 20 centimeters. Usually, we make shoveling the snow by the main gate our first priority, but today was different.
Yan and I put on our snow shoveling gear and waited in front of the main entrance. Soon, the front door opened.

「Hello, Isaac-nii-sama and Yan-san.」

Flora popped her head out of the door. She was wearing a coat and gloves to protect herself from the cold. Yang and I returned the greeting and checked.

「Flora, are you ready?」

「Yes, look!」

And with that, Flora pointed down to her feet. Her legs, which extended from her skirt that reached about 5 centimeters below the knee, were covered by thick, warm-looking boots. The outer layer was made of leather, so they were expected to be somewhat waterproof.

「Seems fine, they’re good.」

When I gave the go ahead and said there was no problem, Flora jumped up and down with excitement, landing on the fresh snow that hadn’t been shoveled. Then, feeling the sensation of the snow with the soles of her feet, she walked one step at a time. She looked back at the footprints she had made and smiled happily.

「Are you sure she isn’t getting in the way of your work?」

Ojou asked me worriedly. Since she was going out to accompany Flora, Ojou was also wearing a coat and gloves.

「Not at all. I understand her feelings too.」

Flora had asked me to let her know when the snow piled up. She wanted to go around making footprints on the pristine snow that no one had touched. So I agreed, on the condition that I wear shoes that were safe to walk in the snow, and I got a grace period from my father before we started shoveling the snow.
I can sense the signs of rain or snow, so when I tell her that it’s likely to snow the next day, Flora’s eyes light up, but when the next day comes, it’s either raining or there’s nothing left, which disappoints her. This has happened twice before, but today was the third time lucky. At times like this, I feel guilty that my ability to tell if it’s snow or not is so poor.
Seeing Flora happily hopping and walking on the snow, I’m glad that it’s snowing. In her fluffy white coat with fur and with her pink eyes, Flora looks a bit like a rabbit as she hops around.
I can’t help but smile.

「By the way, are you fine, Ojou?」

「Huh……!?」

I looked over at Ojou to see if she wanted to play together with her sister, but she was already looking my way. So, our eyes met. As if she hasn’t expected me to turn around, Ojou’s pale blue eyes opened wide and she froze for a moment. Then, she quickly restarted mentally and looked away.

「Oh, no. I’m too old to play in the snow……」

「But you’re wearing hte same boots, aren’t you?」

「Th… this is becuase Flora said we should match…… and I have to run over if Flora falls.」

When I pointed out that they were wearing the same leather boots, which were excellent for keeping out the cold and waterproofing, Ojou insisted that wasn’t what they were meant for. Indeed, their coats were the same design, except for the pale light blue color. Combined with her pale golden hair, I think if there was a snow spirit, it might look something like this.

「I wonder if there are snow spirits.」

「What’s with that all of a sudden?」

I suddenly muttered the question that had arisen in my mind, so Ojou asked me back in a puzzled tone.

「No, when I looked at you, I just thought about it.」

「What……!?」

When I explained the reason concisely, she blushed and was at a loss for words. If she was a spirit, she was probably offended because I thought she was a cold-looking spirit. I meant it as I thought she looked beautiful, though.

「Sister, Isaac, look!」

Just as I was about to give a further explanation, Flora called out. Looking at the area where Flora was pointing, I saw a heart-shaped footprint.

「Isn’t it cute?」

「Yes.」

「That’s right.」

I think Flora is very skillful because she made the curves almost symmetrical. It’s surprisingly difficult to draw a simple shape in a large manner.
Flora insisted that she did a good job, and when we agreed, she blushed with delight. Flora’s smile made both me and Ojou’s expressions relax.
I looked at Ojou next to me, and she was smiling gently. I could tell that she really couldn’t help but love her little sister.

「……wh, what is it?」

Ojou noticed my gaze and looked up at me, glaring a little.

「I was just thinking you’re a good big sister.」

It would only be cold for her to just stand there and watch, but she still stays by her sister, worried that she might get hurt. Maybe Ojou is quite a siscon. Seeing her happy makes her feel better. Flora has a good big sister.
Also, I know it’s because of the height difference, but Ojou looking up is cute.
My expression softens. Then, for some reason, Ojou’s face turns red as if it was on fire.

「~~S-stop making that face!」

「What face??」

I was scolded, but what kind of expression was I making? It’s pretty common for me to think Ojou is cute, so I think it’s normal. I tried pinching my cheeks, but I couldn’t really tell.

「I’m telling you, um…… it’s that kind of careless face……!」

Ojou pointed it out, weakly and flustered. Was I making such a careless expression? I didn’t think anything would change even if I realized I liked Ojou-san, but I feel like I’ve come to realize more often that she’s cute. It seems like it’s showing on my face more than I thought.

「I’ll be careful.」

My master, the butler Heinz-san, taught me how to put some energy into my facial expressions, so if I try hard, I should be able to control it a little. I don’t want to act grossly towards Ojou.
Please do so, Ojou says, turning away. I thought she looked a little like a rival lady. And then I started to wonder.
I wonder if Ojou will grow big too…
I’m sure Kimiboshi’s rival ladies had big breasts that were visible even in their uniform. I wonder if Ojou’s appearance, or rather her growth rate, is similar to Kimiboshi‘s. Thinking about it, I lower my gaze to her neck. Because she’s wearing a coat, I can’t see how big her breasts are.

「What’s wrong?」

Ojou looks up at me, worried as I fall silent.

「……something like, I’m sorry.」

「What is it??」

I felt guilty when I saw Ojou staring straight at me without noticing where I was looking. So I apologized honestly. If I was worried about something like that, it was proof that I had an ulterior motive. Once I realized it, it seemed natural that I would become interested.

「Onee-sama, let’s walk together.」

Flora, who had returned, clung to Ojou’s arm. Inviting her to play in the snow, Ojou was confused.

「I……」

「I saved a portion for onee-sama, though?」

Seeing her sister’s sad gaze, Ojou swallowed the words that were about to come out of her mouth to refuse. Then, after a few seconds of hesitation, the words that came out were the opposite of what she had originally said.

「I understand.」

「This way, onee-sama!」

After seeing Ojou nod, Flora’s face was filled with joy. Then, taking Ojou’s hand, she led her to an area where there were no footprints yet. Ojou was a little shy as she followed, but she didn’t seem to mind.
I felt a sense of amusement at the sisters’ behavior, so I decided to wait a little longer for them to shovel the snow.

「Isaac is also a boy, isn’t he?」

Someone suddenly said that. I turned towards the voice and saw Pomeranian, who was wearing a fluffy coat and scarf. Judging from the way his jacket was layered, he seemed to be quite sensitive to the cold.

「It would be helpful if you kept it quiet from Ojou.」

「I guess I have no choice.」

Pomeranian agreed, saying it looked fun. His smiling eyes narrowed even more with amusement. Maybe I should give him a cookie or something later.
When I turned my gaze back to Ojou and her sister, I saw Ojou treading fearfully in the snow. After walking a few steps, she turned around and saw that her footprints were still there, and her eyes lit up. I can only see such an Ojou because I’m the apprentice gardener of this house. I once again realize how much I enjoy my position.
Seeing her laugh with her sister Flora, I put off shoveling the snow for a little while longer.

---

My master came in as I was shoveling the snow that had started to melt in the sun with Yan. Ojou and her sister had already returned to their lessons. So it would be strange if he had come to call for them.
He looked straight at me, so I guess he wanted to talk to me.

「Master, what’s the matter?」

「Gerald-sama says he has something to tell you.」

「Ah. I also have something I want to tell Duke-sama.」

I was pleased that it was perfect timing, and my master took out his pocket watch and checked his schedule. I told him that it would be best if I could come in the evening when my work was finished, and while looking down at the hands of the clock, my master quietly agreed. He must have been checking Duke-sama’s schedule in his head.

「I’ll also tell him that you have something to report to him.」

「Thank you.」

As I was leaving, my master said that he would convey my request to me. I let out a sigh of relief. I was worried about how to get to Duke-sama to make arrangements, so I was relieved that he called me. I had no idea what Duke-sama had to say, but I was happy that he had made time to meet me.
After my work was finished, I told my father that Duke-sama had called me, and that I would stay with Yan at the hut depending on how long it took. My father went home first, and I asked Yan to return to the hut.
I entered the mansion with my master’s guidance, and he opened the door and urged me to enter a certain room. I excused myself and went inside, where Duke-sama was sitting at the opposite side of a desk. I remembered that I had been shown into this study when I had asked my master to arrange something for me.

「Hello Isaac, long time no see.」

「It’s been a while.」

It must have been a month since Duke-sama came to talk to me.
The Ernest household’s servants are spoken to by Duke-sama once a month. The head chef and the kitchen guys said that Duke-sama came to the kitchen to ask how things were going and to encourage us. Even though he must be busy with work, he makes time for us, so we’ll never forget his face.
It’s actually quite important to know who your boss is. At least for me, Duke-sama is my boss, so I’m glad I was able to serve this household.
After we exchanged greetings, Duke-sama smiled.

「What I have to say is going to be a bit long, so let’s hear what Isaac has to say first.」

I was told to talk first, so I straightened up my back and talked.

「I… Ojou…… I’ve fallen in love with Lydia-sama.」

When I told him that much, Duke-sama was astounded.
As I waited for his reaction, Duke-sama blinked a few times and fixed his gaze in my direction.

「With Dia?」

「I haven’t told her.」

「Why did you tell me first?」

「Because, Duke-sama, you care about your daughter.」

I want to keep liking Ojou. However, as a servant of the Ernest family, I can’t continue without Duke-sama’s permission. It would be detrimental for Duke-sama to have a servant with ulterior motives for his daughter.
Duke-sama narrows his eyes.

「Are you going to obey whatever measures I give?」

「Yes. If it were possible, I would like to continue serving the Ernest family, but I am ready.」

I can aim to be a gardener even if I work for another family. If I go to the gardener’s guild, they will help me find another job. Fortunately, not only I, but also Yan is an apprentice of the Baumgartner family, so there is no problem with finding a successor. My father also said that it would be fine if I could inherit his skills. So I’m prepared to follow through with this feeling.
A long, yet short silence falls.
I waited quietly for Duke-sama’s decision.

「……puhahaha!」

I felt like I was waiting for a court verdict, and couldn’t immediately comprehend the situation. After checking the situation in front of me and wondering what the sound was, I finally realized what it was. Duke-sama was laughing. And even moreso, laughing loudly.

「D…… Duke-sama?」

When I called out to him, asking him what was wrong, Duke-sama covered his smile with his hand while talking.

「I didn’t think there was any way you would go out of your way to tell me……」

I was too honest, Duke-sama said, amusedly laughing.
No, because it would definitely be discovered. There was no other way than to apply for permission, even if it didn’t work out. I’d be more likely to get in trouble if I kept quiet.
That’s right. Duke-sama dotes on Ojou, so I thought he’d get angry if he found out. And yet, for some reason, he was laughing.

「Um, aren’t you going to be angry……?」

「Feelings can’t be erased just by being told by others. That’s why Isaac must have told me.」

「Yes, but……」

I’m grateful that he understands my intentions, but I have no idea how Duke-sama feels.

「Am I not undesirable?」

「Are you self-conscious about being undesirable?」

「I have an ulterior motive.」

When I asked if I was a pest to Duke-sama, he burst out laughing again. What on earth was so funny about him?
After a burst of laughter, Duke-sama talked further.

「The people of this household fully understand Dia’s charm. In Isaac’s case, the way they understood her was through love.」

I wondered for a few seconds how to interpret his words, and then I asked.

「…..I, can I continue to work here while still being in love with her?」

That’s exactly what I wanted, and it’s entirely convenient just for me.

「Yes.」

But Duke-sama gave me his usual bright smile and affirmed. I felt relieved that I could still be involved in the Ernest family’s gardening. And even more, I’m very happy to be able to see Ojou’s smile from now on.

「Thank you very much.」

I was filled with relief and joy, and when I blushed, Duke-sama casually said.

「Isaac, you really love Dia.」

I wonder why. It’s much more embarrassing than when I declared it myself. I couldn’t bear the gentle gaze of Duke-sama. My cheeks got hot without thinking.

「Now then, my portion.」

「Ah, yes.」

Not wanting to be upset by Duke-sama’s comments, I listened intently.

「Do you know what kind of work I do, Isaac?」

「Well, I can only imagine it’s very busy and difficult……」

I’m sure that during my master’s training as a servant, I was told that he was in a position like the head of one of the three ministries. I don’t remember which ministries. So I don’t know what he does specifically. Maybe because I answered honestly, I felt the stare of my master standing behind me hurt. Sorry for being stupid.

「Well, I’m a bridge between multiple ministries, and each ministry needs to secure human resources. That’s why my jurisdiction also includes educational institutions.」

「Ah.」

All I can do is nod. In my previous life in Japan, the Ministry of Education was responsible for education. All I know is that Duke-sama is a high-ranking person in that kind of place.

「That means I will also be informed of the results of Isaac’s magical aptitude test.」

「Eh?」

By the way, I haven’t been informed of the results since the priest reported it to the Ministry of Magic. I’ve been waiting patiently, but I never thought the information would reach Duke-sama.

「Did I pass?」

When I asked with anxiety and hope if I could attend the academy, Duke-sama just smiled without answering.

「Before that, let me explain my situation. Isaac, are you aware of the theory that magical power is not inherited?」

「Yes. That’s why, for commoners, the magical power test is a test of luck.」

「However, even with incentives such as tuition exemptions, it is difficult to find commoners with a certain amount of magical power. We are developing new test methods so that magical power can be measured regardless of attributes, and we are trying to improve the system, but……」

Saying this, Duke-sama sighs.
It’s true that there are commoners who give up from the beginning and don’t take the test because they think they don’t have much magical power. In fact, I might not have taken the test if I hadn’t met Ojou.
If there is only one type of parchment for the measurement, it will be a great help to the church. The number of items to store will be reduced, and inventory management will be easier. Just one less hassle can often be a positive thing.

「On the other hand, the average magical power of the nobles is gradually decreasing… so in fact, we are lowering the pass value each year to match that.」

There are people like Tobi who have no magical power. If it’s not inherited, it’s not strange that the average magical power would decrease. Or rather, Duke-sama’s job is really hard, doing such a steady job.

「So, Isaac also reached the pass value.」

「Eh?」

Apparently, my magic power was just enough to pass the test, thanks to the drop in magic power every year.

「Is that… true?」

「Yes.」

When I heard that I passed, my face lit up. I couldn’t help but be happy. I’d be able to study magic. Plus, I’d be able to be with Ojou for a year, regardless of my status. It would be a very special time.

「Even so, I’d heard from Via that you could use the wind attribute, but I had no idea that you were trying to use all attributes.」

As I rejoiced, Duke-sama took out a document and looked at it. It was probably a report on the results of my magic power test.

「Is it no good?」

「No? I think it’s a good opportunity to notice aspects that we nobles have overlooked.」

But, Duke-sama continued.

「That’s just my personal opinion.」

Duke-sama had implied that a commoner like me would stand out in a bad light if I used multiple attributes. The world, the majority of the nobles, do not accept my existence as positively as Duke-sama.

「You said you would abide by my measures, right?」

I suddenly felt the pressure of Duke-sama’s smile. I realized that what he was about to say was not as the daughter’s father, but as the head of the Three Ministries.

「Yes.」

The atmosphere instantly became tense, and I felt a little short of breath, but I nodded.

「In exchange for permission to continue serving the Ernest family, there is one condition.」

「What is it?」

When I asked timidly, Duke-sama smiled brightly, in stark contrast to me.

「I want to pretend that Isaac’s magical power test never happened.」

「Huh?」

I was stunned by the condition he presented.
The reason why Duke-sama was laughing so happily at that moment was something I would find out much later—

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Man, this was a fun chapter. I was laughing so hard when Isaac straight up told his mom and dad he couldn’t get married and then even moreso when he told the duke “ayo I’m in love with your daughter”. Gerald definitely has something planned for him.

Anyways, next chapter is the beginning of the final volume. If I can actually stick to a schedule, we might actually see all the translations done this year. Hope to see you then, and thanks for sticking with me!

Oh, but we will probably only have on update in July. I am going on vacation and am giving a few talks at some anime conventions, so I’ll be preparing for that rather than working on translations. Sorry about that. Until next time!

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