Chapter 57
As the second-year classes ended and the semester concluded, Blair received the top academic achievement award. Of course, Blair had always been an excellent student in the past. But now, he was completely unrivaled. Receiving the brilliant report card gave him quite mixed feelings. Naturally, there was nothing bad about achieving good grades. But the subtle psychological impact of taking classes with students more than ten years younger and still getting good grades was simply unavoidable.
Aaron made a fuss about how Blair should skip grades and take classes with them since his grades were so outstanding. Until now, Blair had just laughed it off, but it seemed like the time had come to seriously consider it. The two of them would now be moving up to the senior class as fifth-year students. Blair certainly thought he could advance a couple of grades. He planned to discuss it with his parents when he returned home for the break.
The Academy’s winter break begins at the end of the academic year. It was much longer than the brief summer break. For two months, students were free to return home or travel to vacation homes in regions with pleasant weather.
Both Aaron and Kyle had decided to leave the Academy this time. While some might stay during the brief summer break, it was extremely rare for students to remain at the Academy through winter. After seeing Aaron off in a carriage first, Kyle and Blair were the only ones left.
Kyle, who had now fully passed the age of majority, had the bearing of an adult. Aaron, despite coming of age, remained small in stature and retained a childlike charm, but Kyle was completely different. Now Kyle was beginning to exude a masculine presence. His shoulders had become much broader, and his height and figure had grown slender and elongated, as if his growth was almost complete. That manly body unexpectedly matched well with his face, which was so striking it could be described as splendid. Before, he had been like a small, cute puppy, but now he occasionally gave off the dignity of a sleek large feline.
Kyle, who had become quite comfortable conversing with Blair, smiled as he looked at him. No matter how much he’d grown, his face remained unrealistically beautiful.
“Ah, Your Highness Kyle, enjoy your break. Stay healthy this winter.”
Blair casually offered his farewell.
“Yes, I will.”
With one of the two major factions that had been desperate to devour Kyle now removed, Kyle found it much easier to move about. Indeed, Kyle’s face didn’t look particularly dark despite having to return to the Imperial Palace.
“Take care, Blair. Get plenty of rest.”
“I will.”
Blair would be busy with many things during the break in order to deal with the Yureho situation. This time, he planned to return to the Monetery estate and resolve everything during the vacation. The Empire was gradually stabilizing, and Clara would have already established connections with the military.
While Blair had valid reasons to involve Theodore, he felt somewhat apologetic about asking Clara for a one-sided favor. Of course, there would naturally be some benefits once Imperial Princess Adriana was confirmed as heir and became Emperor, but it wouldn’t be particularly helpful to Clara, who was already essentially the owner of the massive Monetery merchant guild. Clara’s assistance in every way possible was purely out of her goodwill.
“Have a good break. I’ll see you when school resumes.”
“Mmm. The Monetery domain isn’t that far from the Imperial Palace, so could I visit if I have free time?”
Kyle checked Blair’s reaction with a hopeful expression. He couldn’t bear to go so long without seeing Blair.
“Yes, of course. You’re welcome anytime. My parents will be pleased too.”
Blair nodded readily.
Hearing the positive response, Kyle smiled radiantly. It was joy welling up from the depths of his heart.
“Ah, my carriage has arrived. I’ll be heading in first then. See you next time.”
Blair gathered his packed belongings and boarded the carriage. After exchanging a glance with Kyle, Blair departed in the carriage. Kyle watched Blair’s carriage for a long while.
This feeling was different from that summer when he had felt inexplicably sad and lonely. Now he had a place to stay, a place to return to—whether it was the Imperial Palace or the Monetery mansion. A gentle smile spread across Kyle’s face.
Kyle recalled the events of this semester.
After returning from summer break, the two naturally sat side by side whenever they had the same class. Now Kyle could visit Blair’s room without needing a specific reason.
During exam periods, they would gather with Aaron and spread out their books in the library to study together. Kyle made sure to claim the seat next to Blair as naturally as possible. The memory of studying with Blair while sharing a large blanket over their laps remained quite pleasant. Oblivious Aaron was happy to have a large blanket all to himself, but Kyle was the real winner in that situation.
**9. risoluto – resolutely**
Upon arriving home, Blair headed straight to the dining room. The family had gathered at the table for dinner. Only Theodore was absent, busy handling various matters.
Everyone warmly welcomed the youngest who had returned home after a long time. The Countess of Monetery was especially enthusiastic. She still looked radiant and girlish, which was quite remarkable. Even Blair, the youngest, would come of age this autumn, yet the Countess, who had given birth to three children, simply refused to age. Perhaps it was because she had absolutely no stress in her life.
“Mother.”
“Blair, was your journey difficult?”
“How could it be difficult when I came in the carriage you sent?”
Blair sat down with a gentle smile.
“I suppose that’s true. It’s a pity our eldest son isn’t here when Blair has come home after so long. It would have been nice if we could all have dinner together.”
“Brother is very busy.”
“Yes, that’s his problem! That’s why he still hasn’t married. There are so many noble ladies who desire Theodore as a husband, but I can’t even bring it up to him. He’s already twenty-seven, shouldn’t he be getting married soon?”
Blair let out an awkward laugh. Clara, who could never be free from such discussions, subtly averted her eyes. All defensive duties now fell to Blair.
“Brother has many responsibilities, it can’t be helped. Especially with the major incident at the Imperial Palace this time.”
“True. Of course, I’m always proud that he fulfills his role well. Still, he needs to get married. Many things change for a man when he becomes the head of a household.”
“Ha ha, that’s enough. He’ll handle it well on his own. Blair has come home after a long time, why talk about Theodore who isn’t even here?”
The Count interjected gently, interrupting the conversation.
“Ah, I wish he would step down from his official position. I loved having my children close to me. Now they’re all grown up, and none of them come home on time. Blair even lives away from home!”
“I’ll visit often, Mother.”
Blair tried to appease the Countess. She pouted and shook her head. It was a relatively peaceful dinner table.
As the Countess had mentioned, Theodore returned home close to midnight. Blair, who had confirmed that Theodore’s carriage had returned home, left his room.
“Brother.”
Blair, who had gone out to greet him, took Theodore’s outer coat.
“You’re still awake.”
Theodore’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but he soon smiled calmly and patted Blair’s head.
“You seem to have grown taller.”
Theodore was also tall and robust, but now Blair had grown significantly and reached a similar eye level. Blair was on the slender side, so when seen alone, he appeared even more willowy.
“Haha, I’m still growing. I need to grow diligently since I’m not far from coming of age.”
“You might end up taller than me.”
“That’s possible.”
“If you’re not sleepy yet, shall we talk for a bit?”
Theodore smiled and led him to his room. Blair, carrying Theodore’s cape, followed him dutifully and sat down in the prepared seat in the room.
“How have you been?”
Blair asked straightforwardly.
“I’ve already heard most of what happened at the Academy. Also that things were successfully concluded. You worked hard, Brother.”
“Yes. All thanks to you. Her Highness the Imperial Princess specifically asked me to convey her gratitude to you. You probably know all the major developments already, but the Imperial Princess’s influence has grown considerably. A faction supporting the Princess has formed among the nobles.”
“I didn’t do anything. I only said a few words. It’s all thanks to the hard work of you two and Sister Clara.”
“So modest.”
Theodore chuckled at Blair’s self-deprecation. Theodore stroked Blair’s head with his large, thick hand.
“I heard roughly from Clara. You want to tackle the Yureho situation?”
“Yes. I think that would be best. It’s appropriate for winning public favor, and it’s also something we morally ought to do now that we know about it.”
“Yes. I looked into it from various angles, and it does seem like the most suitable matter. To secure a perfect successor position, ordinary achievements won’t suffice, but there’s a limit to what can be done without starting a war.”
Blair flinched at the word “war.” In fact, that’s exactly what the past Blair had done.
“Anyway, the Imperial Princess has consistently been active in public affairs. If she achieves a significant accomplishment, she’ll be considered for heir without much resistance.”
Blair smoothly redirected the conversation.
“True.”
“When you have time, please bring the Imperial Princess outside the palace. I’d like to meet her. By the way, has her health improved significantly?”
“Yes. She’s become very healthy. You wouldn’t even think she was once so frail.”
“That’s good.”
Blair stood up with a smile.
“Well then, please rest. I’ll be going now.”
Theodore nodded slightly.
[To be continued in the next part…]
Author: Hyacinthus B
Hyacinthus
