Trasnlated by lyran1
16. Older Brother, Ties friendshipsI succeed in getting Bruno's help, being led by him, we went further to the outer Earl zone.
A separation wasn't written anywhere, but somehow I know when a line is drawn.
Either it's the speech or manners, or the quality of one's clothing or one sense of combinations etc.…
I didn't distinguish it with knowledge but, I understand it unconsciously.
[May you wait around here for a moment? As you expect taking you to the viscount gathering as well might cause some problem, so I'm going to bring Enrico party here]
[ right, I will be saved if you do so thank you]
After receiving my reply, Bruno walked outside.
Bruno is a considerate man.
Un, the weak reaction I have received when I met him, although I kept calling him until a while ago in my mind, I will stop. (T.N: I'm not sure help! here the original "うん、出会った時の弱々しそうな反応から、心の中でとはいえさっきまで君付けで呼んでいたけど止めよう。")
I feel like even without mentioning anything he would notice something. (TN: Is this right? – 何かこう、口に出さなくても気づかれる気がする。)
Or rather, I have a feeling that treating him roughly might result in something bad.
What would it be? (TN: 何でだろう？)
While I was waiting, and thinking of this feeling of wariness, Bruno brought two boys.
[Thank you for waiting]
[Ah–]
I unconsciously leaked out my voice.
With Bruno in the centre, on his right Nicholas Lavant and on his left Enrico Penz
We haven't introduced yet, but I already know who are the others.
Both are one years younger than me, Nicholas feel like the former chubby me, while Enrico is tall and thin.
With this combination on his left and right, Bruno seems to smile.
This image is!
I remember it now.
I didn't realize it because the family name was different.
Bruno Pantagruel.
Later the heir of the margrave Pantagruel household, and one of the capture target of the original otome game.
Attributes: crafty and sharp tongued with spectacles.
It's dangerous seriously dangerous, if antagonized he would turn into a very dangerous enemy.
If I'm not mistaken, in his event his mother should come from a marquis family and become the adopted heir. (TN: I tried my best to make sense… here the original: 確か、彼のイベントで侯爵家から母の実家の養嗣子になって云々という話があったはずだ。)
Perhaps, that would be a matter for the future I guessed.
Right now, he doesn't wear any glasses, will his eyesight start to fail from now on?
[What's the matter?]
[Ah, no, sorry. It's nothing]
I replied to Bruno who was asking curiously, while the odd duo on his sides had taken one step backward.
[Did you hear that? ….]
[ahh, I really apologize….]
Two people were whispering while looking at each other.
No no, I'm sorry, but I don't think this kind of apology was included in your standard of daily conversations, but still this kind of reaction! (TN: Tried my best…: いやいや、今の場合のすまんは謝罪に含まれないレベルの日常会話だと思うんだけど、それでもこの反応かい！)
[ I already told them, so there's no need to worry. Marcel, the round one is Nicholas and the slender one is Enrico]
It's a surprisingly frank introduction.
However, there doesn't seem any malicious intentions in his way of speaking.
And it seems like the other two doesn't care at all, they appeared quite friendly instead.
[ I apologize for troubling you for coming here. I think you already heard it from Bruno, but I came to apologize to the both of you on the matter of three years ago…]
[Ah no, no it's doesn't matter anymore!]
[That's right, we were still children at that time!]
Both of them hurriedly tried to stop me when I approached closer and lowered my head.
[yes, however I still want to take responsibility on my own mistakes]
[Marcel-sama—]
Ion called softly.
[Marcel-sama's attitude on trying to atone for your own mistake is good, but you must also consider the other party position or else it might become troublesome]
I suddenly came back to my sense after Ion remonstrance.
Previously with Bruno, there wasn't any problem for me to lower my head as he come from a Marquis House and I from a Duke House.
(TN: It should be like this: Duke>Marquis/Margrave>Count/Earl>Viscount>Baron etc…)
But the other two came from a Count family and a Viscount family.
No matter how informal the banquet is or how the children interact with each other, the fact that a heir of a duke household lowered his head at two people in public, will be likely bring problem to his parents. (TN: いかに子ども同士のやりとりとはいえ、いかに無礼講の宴の席とはいえ、公爵家の嫡男に頭を下げさせたということが公になるのは２人と、その実家にとって迷惑以外の何ものでもない。)
[Thank you Ion, I was going to make a mistake again]
When I express my thanks, Ion bowed deeply.
[The both of you, since I can't apologize because of our position, I would be grateful if we became closer in the future instead]
[Well, that is…]
[To become close with Duke Marcel-sama…]
It's a good compromise but, it seems like the hurdles are high.
When I think about it, I can hardly call myself a friend.
Yesterday with Gaspar I have a decent conversation from the same generation.
Even though her elder brother is in this situation, Micheline is steadily making friends in the gathering.
[I'm feeling lonely, are you not inviting me?]
Leaving the stiffened duo, Bruno called out with a teasing tone.
[No, I intended to be your friend too Bruno…] (TN: いや、ブルーノとはもう友達になれたつもりだったのだが……)
To show that much conditions as if I already include you in my friend's circle, must be a misunderstanding.
If that's so then It must be lonely. (だとしたらこっちこそ寂しいのだが。)
Bruno was momentarily surprised after hearing my word, and spontaneously smiled.
[Although I agreed on the matter, treat me well Marcel]
I took the hand he suddenly stretched out, and we shook hands.
Surprisingly this sharp person with glasses has a normal childhood.
[Since both of you and I are friends with Marcel, we should get prepared to a certain extent. From now on we should be together]
[That, that kind of …]
[I will do my best…]
With Bruno's words, Nicholas is confused, while Enrico seems to have completely given up.
Well, it would be impossible to suddenly be on good term but, to have friends make me happy.
After that, as expected between his fellow companion Bruno's speech were skilful, we were able to know each other well.
While chatting with each other, Nicholas suddenly whispered something at Bruno.
Bruno seems to be listening to the story, but he suddenly spouts out, and looked at me.
[Hey Marcel, you should have been quite well-rounded didn't you, but what in the world happened to you?]
(TN: ねえマルセル、君って結構ふくよかだったはずだけど、一体どうしたんだい？)
So that's the reason.
Nicholas probably wanted to hear my diet method, but hesitated to ask me directly so he let it through to another party.
[About half a year ago, I reduced to half the amount of my meals. Up until now the content was meat, but now I change them with vegetables and beans. After that I exercise. I resumed training the sword]
[Half!!]
Hearing at the contents I said Nicholas raised a hopeless cry.
Well, it can be hard eating only half the amount you normally eat.
[It won't last if done suddenly, so isn't it better to reduce the amount little by little?]
[Oh, it may be possible then]
It was a polite expression for me, but he could ordinarily communicate just now.
This time it was Enrico who whispered at Bruno.
I would like to hear it normally but, Enrico is from a viscount family, the threshold seems to be high.
Hearing Enrico's story Bruno seems to make an interested expression.
After listening to the story, Bruno approach me and tried to whisper at me this time.
If you asked around… you will hear a mountain of unpleasant things about me and my family past…
Just what on earth did you hear?
[… Is it true that you had a battle with Lambert's red lion Gaspar?]
Even though it happened in the Imperial City, yesterday information is already known?
What a frightening communication ability.
If this is the case then, the rumours about me being reformed will be spreading, but it's something the times is unable to do anything.
[Hey, how was it?]
Bruno asked excitingly.
Well, how should I answer?
It would be an exaggeration saying that we were practicing together to the point of having a match, and saying nothing will bring ridiculous rumours to spread that would be bad for me and Gaspar.
[We were just practicing the sword at the three square. We didn't have a fight]
[I see. I still haven't learned swordsmanship, even if you just practicing weren't you fighting? Who won?]
[It's perfectly my defeat. As expected of the red lion… no, as expected of Gaspar]
Just like my reply to Michelin, I thought it was my defeat.
In that place I said we had a draw, while considering the future then Gaspar as my opponent might have the possibility of his reputation turning bad. Even if two people recognize each other, problem would always arise in the surrounding.
Gaspar having a draw with Marcel Alderton, would be though as me being a braggart.
The truth about the match that day, if it's carved into our memories then that's fine.
While I was immersed—
[Oh, speaking about rumours] (おお、噂をすれば何とやらだね)
[heh?]
Toward the direction where Bruno was looking at, I saw Gaspar walking toward here.
[ah, there you are Marcel]
With fiery red hair, dressed with vermillion coloured clothes Gaspar appearance make one feels envious.
Following behind him, his servant Sid.
[Oh, Gaspar I'm glad you are fine]
Although I planned to avoided major injuries, it wasn't always perfect.
I was a little worried but, Gaspar seems to be fine.
[By the way, I'm sorry. I had taken at home the training sword I used with me yesterday]
[Don't worry about it, if you didn't tell me I wouldn't recall it at all. Just take it as a reminiscence for yesterday]
I who seriously forgotten about it respond to him.
[Thank you, that will be the symbol of my pride. Losing to a man like you, and for me to get up]
Gaspar declared with a carefree and cheerful expression.
Bruno's eyes were open widely, while the odd duo had their mouth widely too, even the surrounding adults reacted surprised. (TN: It says 周囲の大人達はピクリと反応した)
[No, wait Gaspar, it's has nothing to do with winning or losing! And firstly, I can't definitely win against you]
I hurriedly approach Gaspar.
The current Gaspar was giving off a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
The sharp atmosphere from yesterday match wasn't there anymore. (TN: I think that's what it means …昨日の勝負をする前までの尖った所が削れた)
Enough to cover his own thorn, the other parts also had grown. (TN: I can't understand… 自身の刺を覆うくらい、他の部分を大きく成長させたのだろう。)
[Even so, there's no doubt that I have advanced one step after meeting you, to which I have lose at]
As soon as he says so, Gaspar kneeled on one knee and look straight at me.
[Thank you. Half of my future accomplishment is also your success]
I was stunned, so was even more the surrounding.
This was the posture one subordinate would take to the persons they hold dearly or to show their loyalty to a superior person.
Because of the ranking order, a duke family is higher than a marquis family, so there aren't any problems.
There shouldn't be any problems, but in reality it's the opposite, many are conscious that a marquis family are stronger or equal than the other houses.
So as a duke the opponent would be restrained, as for the marquis family many are aware that they can walk side by side with the others.
The ranking is regulated by a rigid ceremony, in case a marquis family to some extent is crumbling they would request to be treated as an equal first, they behave like this, to mend the ranking and to stir the duke family. (TN: not sure…)
My friend, this is a delicate situation, why are taking things so lightly.
The surroundings started to notice the situations that gradually happenings, and begins to talk noisily.
It's impossible to pretend that nothing happened right now.
In that case!
[Stand up and became my friend]
When I made Gaspar stood up,
[Your words are my greatest honour. In here I vow. To become the man who will stand together with you]
He grasped his hand together and bowed his head deeply.
This is a bow of gratitude between those who are equal with each other.
Because Gaspar had treated this as a special case, he treats it as equally here, this is where I would like you to forgive me from concluding this.
However, the surrounding gallery remains.
Oh well, I will let them be.
[That's Gaspar, this way, these gentlemen might have some relationship with you. Let me introduce them]
[This is my first time meeting you—no that's not it… Oh, you are at that time!]
Unlike me, Gaspar seems to remember firmly the past.
[Bruno of the Vaster House. It was three years ago, isn't?]
[No, I just came after it's happened, I haven't done anything]
[Again, at that time my chest was thumping a lot, you were arguing with Marcel at that time]
[I'm truly sorry….]
[Ahahaha, it's alright. It's already a memorable experience from the past. By the way, which of you really won? Both of you said you lost]
It seems like the odd duo are grateful, Bruno adapt himself well and made the conversations livelier.
The boisterous and pollute air from the surrounding has more or less been remove likely thank to our pleasant state.
I was thinking that it would be good if I let it through, but I decided to enjoy the conversations with my friends.
Translated by lyran1
17. Older Brother, meet the PrinceWhile I was having a lively chat, during that time an orchestra appeared and started playing music.
At the beginning, I didn't notice but it's gradually become audible, as though prompted by the music, the members of the venue begun to move from their original location.
[Oops, it's time for the Royal family to make appearance]
[It seems so. I suppose we should also return too]
Enrico Viscount family is outside, Nicholas Count family is just straight ahead so we bid farewell there, as for me, Gaspar and Bruno we begun to move inward together.
[By the way, Marcel have you already greeted Edward-sama? I heard your younger sister Michelin got engaged with him]
[No, unfortunately at the time of the engagement I had a bad cold, so I couldn't come to the Imperial capital. Today is my first meeting him]
The truth is, I was rather fortunate we didn't meet when I was still a round pig.
[I see. Then after you meet, please tell me how's your though]
Bruno said a meaningful matter.
[… Is there something about Edward-sama? I heard that as a royalty he's a firm person with self-awareness]
There's also about the matter with Michelin which he didn't meet her eyes, I'm feeling a little anxious so asked.
[Even for me, I haven't heard any story about him, but what about the marquis Vaster family network?]
Gaspar inquired interested.
[Oh, grabbing things that we heard earlier, Gaspar place is also quite good] (TN: I don't know if this right…)
Bruno gave a pleasant smile without answering the questions.
Somehow, I think I saw part of the future.
Really, the aristocratic network isn't that great but, is Bruno place special?
[Well, since you become my friends I will tell you, it's the information network of my Pantagruel margrave household and not from the Vaster family network]
It's out. That family name.
Was it been already decided at this point?
[I'm sorry, I don't have any information relationship, but what kind of relationship do you have with the Pantagu-tsu….gu, ryu,el margrave household, Bruno?]
I don't intend to cheat with my future knowledge, and chewed ordinarily.
What a difficult family name!
[ahahaha, it's hard to say it the first time. The Pantagruel margrave house is my mother's home. Before my arrival, my uncle who was the inheritor passed away before he could have a child, from there a lot of trouble arise because the absence of a successor. Because of that I manage to raise and was selected. I will be formally adopted when I become 12 years old]
So, that was the situation.
Or rather, the information involving the succession situation shouldn't be disclosed….
It should be trustworthy. Probably…
[The promotion to marquis was purposely declined with the succession of <
[ What do you think <
Two people are exchanging conversation magnificently.
I wonder if my family doesn't have any alias…
Well, even if there is one it's probably a bad thing, it's better if we don't pursue it deeply.
[Oh yes, about Prince Edward, even if I use my family network it would be the same as normal. So, somehow I'm caught on the contrary. Well there also the possibility that is just really like it, I also want to think with the impression Marcel will have. Well then, my family is this way so I will separate here. See you later]
[There's also the possibility that the information is made up. Oops, since I'm on the other side so, I'm leaving here farewell. By the way, just between us, do you like animals?]
At the time of separations, Gaspar asked me a strange thing.
[Oh, if anything a like them]
I used to dislike them, but after I remembered my previous life I begun to like them.
If there is a chance, I also want to stroke dogs and cats.
[I like them too, horses are beautiful and smart]
[Good, see you later]
I don't know what is good but, Gaspar nodded in satisfaction and left for the gathering of his family.
After parting with Bruno and the other, I returned with Ion to where my parent are, Michelin too had just returned.
[Did you talk a lot with your friends?]
I asked Michelin who seems to be in a good mood.
[Yes, the exchange are also good, but it is still better talking directly as expected. I should have a friend—]
Michelin who was speaking until now suddenly went silent.
[What's the matter?]
[Oh, no… It's nothing……]
My younger sister diverts her eyes with a sorrowful expression.
Ah… I get it.
[…Oh-, The person I was talking before is Gaspar which I become friend the other day. Afterward with Bruno of marquis Vaster family, with his childhood friend Nicholas of count Lavant family and Enrico of viscount Penz family became my friends]
[Eh, oh! Older brother has friends!]
There is no need to be so surprised at such a full force.
Apparently in previous time Michelin, hesitated to speak about friends in front of me who doesn't have any friends.
Your elder brother is crying tears of gratitude for your careful consideration.
[Father, mother! Elder brother finally made friends!]
Michelin was reporting cheerfully.
Well, from this distance retorting would be dump as they would hear it.
It's said that human being had the capacity at checking and recognising firmly facts by expressing words.
For Michelin, that I could make friend was an happy event, I will carve it firmly in my heart.
Isn't it a wonderful thing?
[The son of marquis Lambert family and the marquis Vaster family. Well, both are from a famous family]
[I hope you will have a good relationship from now]
My parents were satisfied, it's wonderful for Nicholas and Enrico too though.
Well, to treat a marquis family as inferior would likely turn complicated, to promote a friendship it must be recognise as a good family.
While I was thinking such a thing, the light from the magic tools gather on a specially arranged big door, different from the one we entered.
It should be still noon now, but outside the windows dimmed, along with the light of the chandeliers in the venue, attention gathered in the illuminated place spontaneously in front of the venue.
At the same time the orchestra begun playing a new music the door opened, and the royal family entered.
First, His Majesty the King and the Queen Royal Highness.
Followed by the second Queen and third Queen Royal Highness.
At the last His Royal Highness the Prince and Princess.
Of course, his majesty the King, has a excellent behaviour that make us feel the dignity of the royal family up to Her Highness the fourth Princess.
The garment chosen aren't outright luxurious, instead it gave a gorgeous and composed feeling.
His Majesty begun to celebrate the New Years with greetings, but in my eyes, there's only one person— and that person is Prince Edward.
Platinum blonde hair with deep blue eyes.
While still 8 years old, there's that feeling of possessing a high intellect.
For now, it could be say to be lovely, but surely in several years later it would take away many women eyes.
Suddenly, Prince Edward turned his gaze at me.
I also thought it was by chance, but he's certainly watching over here.
If he could notice my gaze aimed at him at this dimly lit place, he probably has a sharp sense to perceive things.
The place where I am is the location for the Duke family so the whole avenue is in the front side, and it's halfway from the prince family, to some degree there were some people between the Royal family.
That he can still notice in such a circumstance, indeed he is truly high-spec.
But have I done something?
I'm afraid that if we continue to stare at each other it would cause some misunderstanding, but it's would be strange to divert now.
Well, I suppose I will borrow a friend technique in such a situation.
I calmly lowered my line of sight, and slowly kneeled on the spot, then raised my eyes.
While is necessary a relationship between people, for instance it's also count to only appear in the location. (TN: this one is difficult to translate…)
Again, the Prince gaze at me.
Accepting my demonstration of affection, the prince gave a small smile. (TN: loyalty, isn't it? Look like a confession though…)
From there I bowed further, then stood up and returned my gaze to His Majesty the King.
If you make a sidelong glance, Prince Edward looked at me for a short while, and found that I had already moved my eyes in another direction.
It seems like I could spontaneously avert my eyes in a natural way.
[…. Elder brother, did something happen during the greeting with His Majesty the King?]
Michelin who was watching my behaviour inquired in a low voice.
With this, if you asked me honestly that I met Prince Edward eyes, there is a possibility that Michelin would shouts.
[No, it's not a big deal. Please don't worry about it]
I responded with a vague and small voice to deceive her.
[Now, please don't act strangely in front of Edward-sama]
[I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm alright now]
While exchanging for such a matter His Majesty the King finished his greeting.
To be honest I haven't heard that much, to celebrate New Year and dedicate gratitude to God, they should be the content of the exchange I should enjoy greatly today.
Well, with the greeting of the King, the party to celebrate the New Year has officially started.
The band also star playing cheerful songs.
It's also where nobles quietly begin their fight called socialization.
The first to greet His Majesty and the Queen is the Head of the Grand Duke family.
Nearby an associate house asked for their turn, the houses from the same rank would casually infer who would go ahead.
If you think about it, greetings between duke families also occurs, while waiting for their turn, the sight that unfold is extremely tiresome.
Nobles also started to gather and greet Her Highness second Queen and third Queen, also the surrounding nobles started to gather at His Highness the Prince and Princess.
[Now then Elder brother, I'm going to Edward-sama]
And what appeared is the otome Michelin in love.
She took my hand, and started pulling toward the surrounding where Prince Edward is supposed to be.
I unconsciously looked at my Father, who otherwise didn't care anything.
[Oh, go ahead. Marcel It's a good chance to go and greet too]
He quickly gave his permission.
How can I charge to the prince so suddenly with a child alone even though she is the fiancée.
I don't feel like rushing on the stage, but it's impossible to stop Michelin here.
In that case, even if I suffer from this the situation would still progress.
Now I also have father permission, it's best to watch and look out for Michelin before she starts acting recklessly.
[Michelin I understood, I will go with you, so please don't pull my hand now]
I calmed down the excited Michelin to let release my hand, and along with her we head toward Prince Edward location.