Chapter 25 A Talk About Work With Father
Elder Brother set off for the Belmont Duke territory, accompanied by the prince.
Apparently, they are going to inspect the magic research facility in Belmont together.
If Granbell is a master of practical magic combat, then Belmont is advanced in academics and the development of new magic.
They will tour the research facility and learn various things.
Honestly, I feel a bit envious, but it seems Elder Brother dislikes being away from me for a week.
The day before their departure, he held me tightly all day and wouldn't let go.
Seriously, he's such a clingy person, Elder Brother is.
"I think the young lady saying that is also quite clingy."
"I'm not... I shouldn't be."
While I was lounging in my room, thinking about such things, Lisa pointed that out to me.
Sure, I like Elder Brother, and I would feel lonely if I couldn't see him for a week, but it's not to that extent.
"If that's the case, why are you holding onto the invitation to the Belmont family so dearly?"
"......"
When Lisa said that, I quietly looked away.
It's true that usually, I just read an invitation once and keep it until the day, or throw it away immediately if I'm declining.
But this time, I've been holding onto it so tightly that I keep rereading it.
I guess it's understandable that it seems related to Elder Brother.
However!! That's not it!! There's a reason deeper than the Mariana Trench behind this!!
"What's with the Mariana Trench... Honestly, it's fine, young lady, you're only ten years old. No one will laugh if you miss your family."
"I'm telling you it's not like that!!"
Just because we're apart for a week doesn't mean it should be like this.
It's as if I'm the one who's falling for Elder Brother instead of the other way around!!
I'm not some easy target who falls just from a little affection!! Absolutely not!!
"Yes, yes, let's go with that. Oh, and please make sure to show your face to the master before you leave. He was really lonely when you went to the royal capital, and the lady was quite exasperated with him."
"......"
Well, I guess it is as planned, but father, when did you become such a softie...?
"Alright, I'm going to visit father today."
"Have a good time. That said, the master has work to do, so please don't make him too soft or it might cause some issues."
"I know, I know!"
Waving goodbye to Lisa, I left my room and headed to father's place.
I brought some tea as an excuse to enter, but I wonder if it's really okay to go in?
"...Oh, young lady, what brings you here?"
As I thought that, I arrived at the office just as the butler was about to go inside.
"I was thinking of bringing some tea to father... but it seems I picked a bad time, so I'll come back later."
The butler was holding the tea that was prepared for father.
I really don't need 2 cups, so I should step back here──.
"Oops, I slipped!!"
Just as I thought that, the butler threw the tea he was holding with all his might.
I stood there dumbfounded as I heard the sound of the cup shattering, while the butler cleared his throat.
"My apologies. I ruined the tea due to my mistake and made a mess on the floor. I have to clean up, so young lady, please take that tea to the master."
"Oh, um, okay..."
I watched the butler leave, unable to move for a moment.
Then, before I could knock, a voice came from inside the office.
"Yumie, you can come in."
"Oh, okay. Excuse me."
Since just standing there felt awkward, I stepped into the office.
As expected, father was buried in a pile of paperwork, but his expression softened as soon as he saw me.
"Good to see you. Did you bring me some tea? That's helpful."
"Yes! Oh, but actually, before me..."
"Can I have it right away?"
"Ah, yes."
Before I could say anything, my father took the tea and started drinking.
After slowly savoring it, he gently patted my head.
"Indeed, Yumie's tea is the best. Thank you."
"Hehe."
I know it's just flattery, but it feels nice to be praised.
Normally, I would leave by now, but today I think I'll try to have a bit more bonding time with my father.
"Father, I want to stay here a little longer. Can I see you while you work?"
"Ah, sure."
I asked on a whim, and he easily agreed.
What's more, he picked me up and placed me on his lap.
...Can he really work like this? Well, it's fine.
"Father, what work are you doing right now?"
"I'm preparing materials for a presentation on monster countermeasures to propose in the council. To secure the budget, I have to present how effective it can be with that budget."
"I see~."
With that, my father started talking endlessly about work.
For a normal kid... even Elder Brother would probably get bored and fall asleep during this, but I made sure to listen and respond until the end.
Maybe that's why my father's words flowed more freely than usual.
"Well, even with all this, it might be difficult to convince His Excellency Belmont..."
"? Is the one you and the prince are arguing with on this topic the head of the Belmont family?"
"...Well, yes. His Excellency has his own thoughts, so I can't completely dismiss their opinions... it's a tricky situation."
"I see..."
I thought the prince's opinions would just go through without a hitch, but if the Duke family is opposing it, then pushing it through would be tough.
Writing an invitation to such a rival and maintaining connections shows just how complex noble society is.
"Then, when I go to the Belmont family, I'll gather useful information to help you! Stealthy Yummy is on the case!"
"Hahaha, I see, I see, I'm counting on you. But make sure to get along with the young lady, okay?"
"Yes! Of course!"
When I gave a sharp peace sign, my father laughed and patted my head.
He definitely thinks it's just a joke.
Well, to be honest, I don't really plan on doing any spy activities.
I just want to hear a little bit about it.
Plus, saying that gives me a reason to talk to my father.
Thinking like that, I became the listener to my father's bragging about work and pondered about the Belmont family's tea party.
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