Author: Yume Neiji

It’s Claire’s birthday party.

Today, I’m dressed up for the party and I headed to the main house of the Dantes family alone.

In fact, I wanted to go with Eugenie, but she refused.

“Claire is the star of the show tonight, so let’s give her some face.”

That’s what she said. Eugenie doesn’t want to go with me and incur any unnecessary grudge. But I think Eugenie is overthinking it though.

I don’t think Claire likes me, in fact, I think she hates me.

Well, she hasn’t been as harsh as she used to be lately.

Looking at the nostalgic Dantes mansion, there was something that surged in my heart. This is the first time I’d come here since Father passed away.

As I entered through the front door, Claire recognized me and approached me.

“Oh, Cedie is here too?”

“Happy birthday Claire. But I think you should call me uncle, instead of Cedie, right?”

“Hmph! You’re being cheeky, Cedie.”

Claire, it’s you who is cheeky.

But tonight is Claire’s birthday party, so I won’t argue with her.

“Right. Here, it’s your birthday present.”

“Thank you.”

Claire’s face contorts as she receives it.

Is she disappointed?

“R-ring……”

“I made it from the pearl I found. It has an interesting mechanism in it.”

“W-why is it a ring!?”

Claire’s eyes bulged and then she glared at me. Even her voice is high-pitched, and she seemed to be very angry.

Still, even if she doesn’t like it, she doesn’t have to yell at me, right?

“There’s no deep meaning in it. It’s just that my alchemy teacher taught me how to make it, so it came to be this shape. Apparently, it is easier to imbue magic into a ring than a pendant.”

“…………”

Claire’s furious facial expression remained the same even after that explanation. Sigh. I’ll just explain how the star guide works and get a drink then.

“It’s called a star guide. When you cast magic through the ring, the pearl emits light and points you in the direction of Cygnus.”

While I was explaining, Claire was glaring at the ring with a furrowed brow.

“Are you listening?”

“….Heh? I’m listening! In other words, there is no deep meaning to this ring, right?”

“Hn? Yes, that’s right. What I’m saying is that it doesn’t have any meaning, but that there’s a hidden gimmick in it.”

As Claire was distracted, I had to explain again.

It was a grand birthday party, as you would expect from the Dantes family. Although Alexei-oniisan can be greedy, he doesn’t seem to mind spending money on things like this.

There were a number of familiar faces at the party. I also got to meet Paul-oniisan. I wanted to talk to Paul-oniisan, but I was lightly reprimanded.

“No, just go and dance with girls your age. This kind of event also serves as matchmaking you see.”

“No, it’s still too early for me.”

Paul-oniisan smiled wryly at me.

“Cedie is now the head of a Baronial family. Even if you are not interested in them, the people around you will not leave you alone. Besides, it’s good to enjoy life.”

“Even if you say that, I—”

“Or is there someone you like?”

“There is no such person.”

“Really? Well, I think you would look really good with Miss Eugenie.”

“Haha, stop it.”

I do like Eugenie, but I still don’t want to think about such things yet. She’s my best friend, and I think that’s fine for now.

The orchestra began to play waltz.

Well, I can dance. There’s no point in sitting around like this, so why don’t I just do as Paul-oniisan suggested? As the third son of the Dantes family, I can dance to the extent that I won’t be some embarrassment.

Now that I’m observing everyone, I found that Claire isn’t dancing with anyone. Maybe she’s not that interested. Anyways, I’ll leave Claire alone because she’ll probably say no even if I ask her.

Oh, there’s Eugenie over there.

Okay, I’ll invite her to a dance. After all, she’s the easiest person to invite.

“Eugenie, will you dance with me?”

“With pleasure.”

We had a lot of fun dancing to the music.

By the way, there is an unspoken rule that you can dance with the same person up to two music. It is considered impolite to dance to more than three music.

Eugenie complimented me on my steps.

“Oh, you’re better than before huh.”

“Really? Well, don’t tell anyone, but I had practiced my steps with Mary before I came.”

When the music ended, we bowed and left the dance floor.

Oh, Claire hasn’t danced with anyone yet.

She’s leaning back in her chair, glaring at me. Her image right now looks a lot like Alexei-oniisan.

What’s she so unhappy about when it’s her birthday?

With a small sigh, Eugenie began to say something ridiculous.

“Cedie, why don’t you invite Claire to a dance? I can’t watch her alone like that.”

“Eh? You two usually fight a lot, but you’re being really nice to Claire tonight.”

“It’s kind of like my chivalrous spirit. Besides, I need to give Claire a face for her birthday.”

“Ah? I don’t really get it though?”

“Come on, just go.”

Oh well, maybe I should just invite her out as a matter of courtesy…

I stood in front of Claire, who had a grumpy look on her face.

“Claire, will you dance with me?”

“With Cedie? Why do I have to dance with Cedie?”

I knew it. She’s mad after all.

“Oh, I’m not forcing you.”

“Wait!”

Despite her strong denial, Claire grabbed my hand tightly.

……Quite painful.

“Listen, if you step on my foot, I’ll blow you up!”

Since you didn’t like it, you don’t have to dance with me.

That’s what I’m thinking, but the music started playing. And once the music started, my body moved on its own. It’s the same with Claire, who leans on me and steps gracefully.

That’s impressive, it looks like she’d been practicing her dance a lot.

The star of the party was dancing, so we were the center of attention. Eventually, the music ended and the people gave us a warm round of applause.

I bowed my head lightly and tried to move away from Claire, but Claire acted unexpectedly.

“Not good at all. Let’s try again.”

“What do you mean? I think I danced well.”

“Shut up! Cedie has no consideration of me! Dance more lovingly to me.”

“Don’t be unreasonable. I’m trying to be considerate of you in my own way you know.”

“I don’t want to hear excuses. Look, the music has started.”

I was forcibly taken back to the dance floor and forced to dance to another music.

J-just what the hell is going on….

Still, I tried to lead the dance more carefully than before.

However…

“No, do it again.”

“Hey, stop being ridiculous. It’s taboo to dance with the same person three times. You know that rule, right?”

“I don’t know, I don’t care about that!”

“I don’t want people to think I’m stupid.”

“No one’s watching!”

You’re the center of attention!

“Anyway, do excuse me. I have business with the Viscount.”

I found an acquaintance and left the dance floor as if running away.

　✲✲✲

The party was a great success, and Claire was lying on the bed in her pajamas. Smiling, Claire stares at the pearl ring on her finger.

“Mou! Cedie’s such an idiot. Idiot, idiot!”

(Oh, why do you give me such a wonderful ring!

The dancing was great too, it was the best birthday party ever.

I guess I’ll have to make up my mind now.

I’m going to make some memories before the summer holidays are over!

I’m calling it Claire and Cedie’s Summer Memory Plan.

I’m going to make it an unforgettable summer!)

Then Claire’s high-pitched laughter continued into the night.         

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Claire’s birthday party is approaching. It’s depressing to see Alexei-oniisan and Claire, but I am ready to attend the event. Well, I think that since it’s a party with large number of nobles, big brother will not do anything unreasonable.

The venue is in the mansion in Belucca, so I’m a little happy to be able to go back home for the first time in a while. I guess I’ll just go and find some consolation in that.

However, now that I think of it, I don’t think there is any room left for me there….

Sigh, that makes me feel lonely after all.

I had prepared the pearl I found at the bottom of the beach as a present, but I think giving it to her just like that would be no good. So, I decided to try processing it a bit. For this matter, I think Nowald-sensei may be able to give me some good advice.

I decided to visit his alchemy workshop.

“I see. So you are processing the pearl to give as a birthday gift. How old is your niece, Cedie?”

“She’s thirteen years old, the same age as me. She’s my eldest brother’s daughter.”

“The material is pearl, right? Can you show it to me?”

I handed the pearl in my pouch to Sensei.

“This is truly magnificent. It is said that the value of a pearl is determined by its size, shape, layer thickness, blemish, color, and luster. This pearl is just perfect.”

Oh, I did not think it’s worth so much!

As expected of a pearl from Gandalcia island.

“Your niece must be very important to you if you’re giving her something like this.”

“W-well….…”

That’s not really the case, but I couldn’t help but be vague.

I just picked it up in the sand, so it’s practically 0 crown coins, and  I just didn’t want to bother thinking about it too much. However, since I am going to give it away as a gift, I want the other person to be happy.

Even if it’s Claire.

“Sensei, do you have any good ideas?”

“Her birthday is ten days later, right? Your niece’s star sign is Cygnus then.”

“That’s right.”

Just like in my past life, there is a constellation based on the month of birth here as well, it’s just that it is called as star sign.

By the way, my star sign is Virgo, but that’s irrelevant.

“Then how about making a star guide?”

A star guide is a magic item that emits a beam of light from a gemstone or pearl toward your birth star once you send magical power into it. It’s easier to understand if you imagine a laser pointer. Functionally wise, it is almost the same as that.

“This is a black pearl, so the beam should be green in color.”

“That sounds interesting. Okay, I’ll make a star guide and make it into a ring or a necklace.”

With the help of Sensei, I began to make star guide.

The gimmick of producing rays of light is not that difficult. All I have to do is use a magnifying glass to write up a minuscule magic formula and place it on a pearl pedestal.

“I think it’s a little plain for a thirteen-year-old to have.”

Sensei crosses his arms as he looks at the star guide I’m in the process of making.

Apparently, he already imagined the finished product and he did not like the result. Well, it’s true that pearls are a little plain on their own, but I think this is nice as it is.

“I think it doesn’t matter, Sensei. The gimmick is the important part of this item.”

“No, that’s not good. It would be better to have some jewels to decorate the sides.”

I think there are a lot of academic people who are perfectionist. Nowald-sensei is a typical example of this.

“Cedie, let’s go to the cave. We probably won’t find a diamond, but I’m sure we’ll find some crystals in no time.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. There’s a saying, hasten to do good things.”

That saying also exists in this world huh…….

Sensei is smiling happily. He really enjoys the process of moving forward toward his goals.

It is true that crystals are often found in caves.

But do I have to go that far for Claire?

“Cedie, let’s make something acceptable okay.”

When Sensei told me that, I changed my mind. It’s also for my own good.

“I understand. I’m going to call Char, then let’s head to the cave.”

We got ready and headed to the cave.

After about 30 minutes of exploring the cave, I spotted something gleaming in front of me. It’s not the light of a monster’s eye. There were small crystals embedded in the cave wall.

“Sensei, is this a crystal?”

“No, it’s topaz.”

Nowald-sensei, who was carefully examining the stone, told me.

It’s colorless and transparent, so it’s called clear topaz. It is similar to quartz crystal, but much harder. I thought it would be enough with a common crystal, but contrary to my expectations, it seems that I have found a good one.

“This is good, if you add topaz, the output of the star guide will increase drastically.”

Sensei said that with it added, the laser beam emitted from the pearl is even thicker and easier to see.

“Then I’ll take it to the craftsmen in Bern.”

I decided to leave the processing to the professionals. We didn’t explore deep that day, but turned back at the place where we got Topaz.

A few days later, the ring I had ordered and the processed topaz arrived. After attaching the star guide made from processed pearls to it, the gift is complete. Three small topazes were attached to each side of the large pearl to complete the ring.

I waited until night to see if the star guide worked properly.

I put the ring on the index finger of my left hand and let magic flow on it, then a green light from the pearl stretched out into the night sky. The light is heading straight for the Cygnus Star.

“It’s amazing! The ribbon of light is pointing straight at the stars!”

Char is overjoyed. Nowald-sensei seemed to be satisfied with the outcome too.

“The output is better than I expected. As expected of the pearl and topaz from Gandalcia.”

“This is also thanks to Sensei. Thank you.”

Knowing Claire, she might find fault with it again, but I’m happy because I’m satisfied with it.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Finally, the Magic Railway was opened to Lebon. Earl Simpson invested a considerable amount of money to rush the completion of the railroad tracks.

This will make things much more convenient.

Next will be the extension of the line from Lebon to Polymer.

Today is the opening ceremony of the railway in Lebon. The venue is at the station building built on the outskirts of town, and people were already crowded there.

It’s a simple but quaint station.

The walls are plastered with white and the reddish-brown roof tiles stand out against the blue sky. A kiosk was also built at the station on my advice. In addition to newspapers, we also had some of the island’s specialties, but today they were sold out in just five minutes.

This is also thanks to the effect of the ceremony.

Oh right, we also created a commemorative silver coin in collaboration with Earl Simpson.

It is a silver coin commemorating the opening of the Magic Railway, and is engraved with a picture of the Magic Train on the front and the coat of arms of the Simpson and Dantes Barons families on the back.

It uses 5,000 crown coins’ worth of silver.

Commemorative coins are probably unfamiliar to most people, but there were many who wanted one as well. We decided to sell it in a limited edition of 1,000 copies, but it also sold out in no time.

It seems that it even already has a premium and is being traded at a price of more than 6000 crown coins. I’ve also been getting a few inquiries from time to time about it.

The islanders were also presented with commemorative silver coins. Mio-san, as a railway employee, was particularly pleased and said she would treasure it for the rest of her life.

People cheered when the train driven by Mio-san pulled into the station.

Earl Simpson and I greeted the crowd and together, we cut the ribbon that hung at the turnstiles.

The memorable first train from Lebon to Gandalcia was so booked that ticket sales were sold by lottery. Well, there are only 30 seats, so it can’t be helped.

By the way, the fare from Lebon to Gandalcia is set at 200 crown coins. Normally, there is only one round trip per hour, but there are a lot of people today, so we decided to make three round trips.

“The train is departing from Lebon, passing through Kaido Station, and bound for Gandalcia Island. The doors are closing now.”

The Magic Railway departed as scheduled.

At the train station on the island of Gandalcia, we were ready to meet and greet them. The islanders are lined up in one place and are waiting for the first train. Even Silver and Lucio are in the line.

Speaking of Silver, he’d done a great job the other day. Some guppy poachers came to Gandalcia Island, but Silver somehow managed to capture them. Since he was able to avoid Alexei-oniisan’s magic attacks and fight back, average thieves are no match against him.

Since then, Silver has been roaming the island looking like a guard captain. According to Char, who is his interpreter, he wants to be called Captain Silver Season from now on.

Could it be that he had come to keep watch to make sure no suspicious people entered the island today?

It felt like I am being a bit cynical, but Silver is a smart horse, so I think it is not impossible.

✲✲✲　

Three days had passed since the opening ceremony, but the Magic Railway is still bustling. Excited by the sight of their first railway, customers were gather in the railway incessantly.

The first railway in Japan in the previous life was between Shinbashi and Yokohama. It was in the Meiji era, but I wondered if it was like this then too?

Entering the mountains of Gandal with the moon as a companion on the journey♪

When I came back from my morning patrol, I saw Lucio and Silver grazing side by side. Lucio and Silver are on good terms. As for their personalities, Lucio is quiet, and Silver is active. Lucio is more clingy. Well, Silver only clings to me or Char after all.

Silver patrols the island, and when there are bad guys, he happily defeats them. His specialty is a back kick. Even if his opponent is armed, he doesn’t mind, as he will block the attack with his horseshoe and then deliver a front kick.

Recently, I got a warhorse armor for Silver. He asked me for it. Through Char, he communicates what he wants.

It wasn’t on the list for points exchanged, but when I consulted with the others, Upa was able to get it from somewhere. He must have used some connections from his days in the military.

Silver has placed his armor on his wand and transform into battle mode when he needs to fight. His strength is so strong that both Char and Upa recognize him.

However, he has a kind side, and he even brings apples that grew in the forest as souvenirs for Lucio. They get along really well.

Silver’s catchphrase is, “If Alexei comes, I’ll blow him away.”

It’s a lot of trouble, so I’ll ask big brother not to come.

Just as I was thinking about that, Alexei-oniisan showed up. I really had a hard time stopping Silver, who is trying to kick him.

But I’m really surprised that Alexei-oniisan can show up on this island without a second thought. He sealed off the island before and he’s acting pretty shameless if it’s the right term for it.

Well, I’ve come to realize recently that Alexei-oniisan doesn’t seem to be trying to be mean to me.

But why did he do such things? Well, it’s simply because he was born selfish. Perhaps it was inevitable since he was born as the eldest son of a noble family that even the king was hesitant to go against with. It must be unbearable for the people around him, though.

So, I think because of that, he doesn’t seem to feel any remorse or shame.

Sigh, it’s really troublesome though.

“How can I help you today?”

“Hmm, before that, give me a glass of cold white wine. It’s too hot.”

There he is, he’s being brazen again today.

Even so, I am still dealing with the Earl of the neighboring territory. So in order not to be rude, I signaled to Upa and asked him to bring a glass of wine to him.

Brother Alexei, who drank the wine with gusto, asked for a second glass, and then he’s finally ready to talk.

“Mm, that’s really delicious.”

“Thank you very much for that.”

“Cedie, I’m here because of the magic railway. Do it to Belucca too.”

The topic was so sudden that I couldn’t quite take it in.

“If it’s done, the economy of Belucca will develop even more, and so will yours. It’s not a bad idea, isn’t it?”

It’s a condescending way to say it, but it’s not wrong. With the opening of the Magic Railway, the flow of people and goods will increase even more.

However, there are a few problems.

Especially if it is Alexei-oniisan…….

“Of course I don’t mind. But what about the funds for the extension of the railway track? I don’t have money to do it.”

“What!? Didn’t you build the railway tracks through Lebon?”

“It was funded by Earl Simpson.”

“Is that so……? That…. but this will be good for you, right? Can’t you do something about it?”

“This will be good for you” he says.

What a typical toxic brother. How dare he say that, when until recently, he had banned my business in the Dantes territory.

Alexei-oniisan is the type who gets increasingly arrogant, so I need to be clear about the money.

My goodness, I must have done something wrong in my past life to have to go through all this hardship at the age of thirteen.

“Alexei-oniisan, if you want to have a magic train to Belucca, you will have to pay for the tracks and stations. And also, we will have to split the cost of the magic stones required for operation.”

“What!?”

That’s not surprising you know!

When I explained how the profits would be divided, my eldest brother looked even more surprised.

“My share is so small!”

“Earl Simpson and I have come to terms with this division.”

“Is this kind of tyranny even allowed!?”

What a super dreadnought boomerang!

Alexei-oniisan got angry and left. Emma arrived just as he had left.

“I just passed Earl Dantes on the way here. Are you in trouble again?”

Emma looked worried.

I shrugged my shoulders and explained the purpose of my eldest brother’s visit.

“We, the merchants of Belucca, will be grateful if there will be Magic Train.”

“I’m sorry, but I think it’s going to be a long way off.”

With the amount of money offered by Alexei-oniisan, there’s no way we could build a magical railway.

“Oniisan is just too greedy.”

“Speaking of greedy, the most greedy merchant in Belucca was banished the other day.”

“Oh? Such incident happened huh.”

“It’s a merchant named Avon Shylock, who rose to power by bribing Earl Dantes.”

“He is giving bribes to Alexei-oniisan? How could he be caught then?”

Knowing Alexei-oniisan, I’m sure he would have gladly accepted the money and won’t exile him. Once he gets exiled, he won’t be able to take bribes on a regular basis.

“Well, you see, Shylock was lying about his income and he committed massive tax evasion.”

I see. That’s why my brother got angry. He hates having his income compromised.

“They had been on good terms up until then, but they had a big fight. Earl Dantes accused him of tax evasion, and Shylock seemed to think that since he had given a bribe, he should be given a little mercy. In the end, the Earl collected the back taxes and banished him.”

My goodness, what a troublesome bunch.

I really think they were both just as bad.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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