shC44_Chapter 44: After the Festival

Chapter 44: After the Festival

The concert at the National Theatre ended, of course, in great success.

Maria-san, now the undisputed top diva of the Empire in both name and talent, found her dressing room overwhelmed with people. Some came to catch a glimpse of her, others to offer congratulations or try to get close—and if they could, to gain favor with the Second Prince through her.

“I haven’t even properly given my thanks or greetings to her yet…”

“With all this, it seems we won’t even get close to her dressing room.”

“We could probably ask the maid to let us in specially, but…”

Doing that, however, would attract too much attention from other houses—which could be problematic.

Even if our family claims neutrality, being considered personally close to someone under the Second Prince’s patronage would make it look like the whole Kikunoi family was on that side. Especially since I'm the heir, even without authority, assumptions would be made.

Since neither Mother nor Father is publicly aligning with a faction, it would be unwise to stir things up now.

“Hmm… then how about this: A-tan, why don’t you write her a letter?”

“A letter?”

“Yes. A proper thank you for the invite, your thoughts on the concert, and an apology for not delivering it in person.

That sounded like a wonderful idea.

Viktor offered to deliver the letter for me, and I gratefully accepted his kindness.

He called a theatre staff member over and asked them to bring a quill, an inkwell, and a letter set. I didn’t have to wait long. Once I had the materials, I began writing out my thanks, greetings, and my impressions of the concert.

While I wrote, Romanov-sensei peeked over my shoulder, followed by Viktor.

“Wow, A-tan, your handwriting is so neat.”

“Right? Hard to believe it came from a five-year-old.”

“Seriously. I’ve always been told my writing outside of sheet music looks like worm scribbles.”

“You’ve always had terrible handwriting.”

“Well, Alyosha, yours isn’t that great either. The neatest among us was definitely Lara.”

“Lara had an extraordinary obsession with beauty, after all.”

“Lara” must be the third of the so-called “three idiot elves who love humans,” the one they’d mentioned before.

As I waited for the ink to dry, I pulled some origami paper from my waist pouch and folded it into butterflies and flowers to include with the letter.

Even this seemed to impress the two elves, who marveled at the intricate paper art.

“You can do this with paper!?”

“This is incredible!”

“I, uh… I can make more, so please go ahead and take them.”

Their eyes sparkled as they looked at a paper rose, so I gently placed small ones in their palms.

Just then, Viktor narrowed his eyes, as if peering through something unseen.

“A-tan, this paper—isn’t it the same kind that Lord Igor mentioned when he descended the other day?”

“Ah… yes, it is.”

“I see. I’ll process this into an accessory or something—this paper has a minor passive healing effect.”

“Whoa… that’s amazing.”

Beautiful things really are soothing. Maybe that’s what the ‘minor’ part means.

“I’ll let Maria-san know the one I gave her has the same effect.”

“Umm… okay. If you think that’s best, then please do.”

“I will. She’s going to be facing more danger than ever from now on. If she knows someone is cheering her on, watching over her, it’ll give her strength—and peace of mind.”

Silent support is powerful, but visible encouragement—saying “I’m rooting for you!”—can also give someone real courage. I remember hearing that in my previous life.

If what I gave Maria-san can become a source of strength for her, I couldn’t be more grateful.

When I thanked Viktor again for delivering it, he gave a soft smile and shook his head lightly.

“I got a pretty amazing gift myself, after all. It’s no trouble at all.”

His gentle expression filled me with relief.

I do rely on Viktor a lot, and it sometimes makes me feel guilty—but if he says it’s okay, I’ll accept it gratefully.

That reminded me—there was something very important I had forgotten to tell him.

“Viktor-san! I forgot to tell you something really important!”

“Hmm? Important? What was it?”

“You know, getting permission from Her Highness…”

“Oh! That! So—how did it go?”

“She said, ‘Make haste and do it.’ She also said it was something she herself desired, so there was no need for further compensation.”

“Wha—really!?”

“Yes. So, your lessons begin two months from now, right? I’ll ask Her Highness about how to deliver the compensation before then.”

“Thank you! That makes me so happy!”

Viktor suddenly pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me hard. Despite appearances, this elf is surprisingly strong—the sound that came out of me could only be described as a squished frog.

I tapped his arm in distress, and Romanov-sensei gently pulled Viktor away from me.

“Vitya, you’ll crush him.”

“Ah! Sorry!”

“N-no… it’s fine…”

I really thought my guts were going to pop out of my mouth.

Anyway, Viktor then took my hand and gave it a strong, excited shake.

Just then, Romanov-sensei placed a hand on my shoulder.

“We should head home before it gets too late.”

“Ah, right.”

“Yeah. Be careful getting back.”

I was reluctant to part ways, but since the concert had started in the evening, it was already getting close to dinnertime.

“See you in two months, then.”

“Yes, until we meet again.”

“Take care, Vitya.”

As we waved goodbye, Viktor turned and headed toward Maria-san’s dressing room.

Romanov-sensei and I held hands, and once again entrusted ourselves to teleportation magic.

I closed my eyes.

“Did you have fun today?”

“Yes, very much! Thank you for taking me with you!”

“You’re welcome. Let’s go on many more outings. You still have so much to see, feel, and learn. That’s true not just for you, but for many others—including myself.”

“Yes.”

“Well then, today’s extracurricular lesson is finished. Let’s have dinner and get some rest.”

Guided by Romanov-sensei’s calm voice, I opened my eyes to find myself back in the entryway of our home.

Just as I was about to call out to let everyone know I was back, a huge gust of wind suddenly blew through the room.

Just like before, Romanov-sensei scooped me up under the arms—and a swirl of dust passed under my feet, coming to a stop just in front of the wall.

As soon as he gently set me down, the dust cleared—and a figure emerged.

Heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway.

“Young master! Are you alright!?”

“Are you hurt!?”

A very frazzled Rottenmeier-san and a battered-looking Utsunomiya-san came running, both panting hard.

“I’m home… I’m fine? I didn’t get hurt?”

“Oh thank goodness…!”

“Were you not hit by Lord Regulus!?”

“Hit by Regulus!?”

“Yeah… if he tackled you at full speed, you’d definitely go flying.”

Wait—Regulus hit me!?

Why!?

I couldn’t keep up with the conversation, blinking in confusion at the adults—when, emerging from the now-settled dust…

Regulus-kun leapt at me, burying his face into my stomach in a tight hug.

“Nii-ni!!”

“Yes, what is it?”

I patted his fluffy blond hair instead of saying “I’m home.”

Regulus-kun looked up at me, tears brimming in his big eyes.

“You left Reee alone! That’s a no-no!”

He hugged me tighter and rubbed his head into my stomach. It hurt a little.

But what is this adorable creature!?

“Nii-ni! Answer me!”

Oh no—he’s my little brother after all!!

Eun: WE FINALLY CAUGHT UP WITH THE ANIME. WOOHOO~ One last extra chapter and I'm. done. 

As for tomorrow's sched....I can only post 3 chapters tomorrow cause I have some preparations to do for Father's Day! 

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