Chapter 16

Brother Chris Returns
"Young master Hardt, please wake up." Came Georges' voice.

"No, I want to sleep more." I said, trying to pull the blanket over my head.

"You said you wanted to wake up early today to train since Young master Chrisford is returning. If you don’t get up, I’ll ask Young master Atre to wake you."

"Oh right, sorry, I forgot.” I said, jumping out of bed.

"Atre, are you coming to run with us?" I asked, but Atre, still lying on his favorite cushion, replied that he’d stay here.
Atre usually runs around outside with the knights during the day, so he doesn’t need to join us in the morning.

Leaving Atre in the room, Georges and I headed to the mansion’s garden to start the physical training we usually do in the afternoon. As we began,
"Hardt, what are you doing up so early? This is unusual.” Came the voice of my older brother, Gerald.

"Brother Chris is returning around noon, right? I want to finish my training early so I can talk to him later."

"Is that so? I was surprised to see you up this early. Want to run together?"

"Go easy on me. I can’t keep up with you, Brother Gerald."

He laughed and ran at my pace, keeping me company.

After finishing my training, taking a shower, and having breakfast, I focused on my morning studies. The afternoon was free.

Normally, it takes a day to travel from the capital to our mansion by train, but Brother Chris made a stop to stay overnight at a friend’s house, so he’s scheduled to arrive around noon today.
It’s been three and a half months since Brother Chris went to the capital, but with everything that’s happened, it feels like time flew by. I’m looking forward to hearing about the capital and the souvenirs he brought.

"Young master Hardt, a messenger just arrived saying Young master Chrisford will be here soon. Let’s go to the entrance."

"Got it, Georges. Let’s go welcome Brother Chris. Atre, come with us."

"Okay, I’ll come too (woof woof)." Said Atre, stretching as he got up from his cushion.
When we reached the entrance, Mother and Brother Gerald soon joined us. Father is currently away at the fortress in the forest.

A short while later, a carriage appeared and stopped in front of the entrance. A knight opened the door, and Brother Chris stepped out. He walked up to us and said with a smile,
"I’m back. Thank you for coming to greet me."

"Chris, welcome home. Your letters made it sound like you were having a great time. I’m looking forward to hearing all about it."

"Of course. Gerald, Hardt, Atre, thank you for coming to greet me. I have souvenirs from the capital, so let’s talk more later."

"Brother, welcome back."

"Brother Chris, welcome home. I’m looking forward to hearing about the capital."

"Woof woof (welcome back)."

After Brother Chris took a shower and settled in, we all gathered in the sitting room.

Two hours later, the whole family was in the sitting room.
We enjoyed tea and snacks as Brother Chris handed out souvenirs from the capital.

For Father, he brought whiskey, a popular imported drink from another country. Apparently, whiskey isn’t common here.
For Mother, he brought a rare silk fabric woven from spider silk.
For Brother Gerald, he brought a dagger from a famous blacksmith in the capital.
For me, he brought three popular new books and a brooch with a magic stone that can be enchanted. He said I could decide on the enchantment after my eighth-year appraisal ceremony.
For Atre, he brought a cushion twice as fluffy as the one he currently uses. It was so big even I could sleep on it. Atre was overjoyed and immediately dove onto the cushion, rolling around happily.

Brother Chris told us about his friends at the academy:
Rainhalt, the eldest son of the Maybell Marquis family. His father is a skilled chancellor, and Rainhalt himself is known for his cheerful smile and sharp tongue. He’s also a good student and well-liked by many.

Maxwell, the second son of the Zagary Count family. As the second son, he’s aiming to become a knight. He’s laid-back and not one to sweat the small details, making him a fun and easygoing presence.
During his trip, Brother Chris stayed overnight at the Zagary estate near the famous Blossom Lake, where they enjoyed fishing for rainbow fish and cooking.

Jarrett, the eldest son of the Rosalinde Count family. He’s the youngest brother of three beautiful sisters and is known for being kind to women of all ages. Despite his good looks and charm, he’s actually shy around women, likely due to being raised by his three sisters.

Before returning to the academy, Brother Chris plans to have his friends visit our mansion, and next summer, they’ll visit the Maybell Marquis and Rosalinde Count families. I’m looking forward to meeting this colorful group.

The reason they became friends was apparently because Rainhalt asked where he could buy the book bands I gifted him. Rainhalt and Maxwell are childhood friends from neighboring territories, and Maxwell helped Jarrett when he was surrounded by women, earning his trust.

All three of them wanted book bands, so Raziel took samples and designs to the capital to handle the requests. Soon, others wanted them too, and Raziel had to manage the orders.

"Raziel’s been here the whole time. When did he go to the capital?" I muttered.

"He went when Chris sent a letter asking for help. Now, the jewelers handle the orders directly without going through us. Raziel’s busy enough with you and Maria," Mother explained.
Somehow, it sounds like Maria and I are troublemakers...

"Speaking of Maria, she’s the magician who joined the company, right? The new iron she sent to the capital is a hit with the maids. They want more."

"That’s right. The new iron Maria developed is so popular that even my friends want more. She’s also created a new magic tool called a ‘dryer’ for drying hair. I’m sure it’ll sell well too. Hardt’s been busy as well. It’s good for our family’s profits, but we’re short on staff to handle everything." Mother said, sounding a bit exasperated.

Henry showed Brother Chris samples of the dryer, as well as glass charms, pendants, earrings, and cufflinks.

"Huh, the idea of adding patterns to glass is interesting. These could become popular too. I’ll have a few cufflinks made while I’m here. My friends will probably want some when they see them. As for the dryer, I usually use wind magic to dry my hair, but this would be great for people who can’t use magic." Brother Chris said, testing the dryer on his hair.

The glass beads are unique even with the same design, so they’re one-of-a-kind. As I was thinking this,
"Brother, check this out." Brother Gerald said, proudly showing off the decorative knife I gave him for his birthday.

The decorative knife has a plate engraved with a defensive spell and a design of intertwined leaves. The scabbard is decorated with a phoenix-like bird called Fiamma, made from crushed gemstones. Fiamma is a rare A-rank magic beast found deep in the forest.

I gave it to Brother Gerald, hoping he’d like it, and he was thrilled. He even explained the design’s meaning to Brother Chris with pride.

Brother Chris examined the knife, then looked at me and smiled.
"Hardt, of course, you’ll make one for me too, right?"

Brother Chris’s birthday is at the beginning of next month. Since it’s during summer break, the whole family can celebrate.

"Please look forward to it until your birthday next month."
"Hardt, we’ll be expecting ours too.” Mother chimed in.

I knew they’d say that. Good thing I had extra daggers made.