“In Preparation for the Tea Party”
“Well then, shall we get started?”
After returning from the castle, I first gathered the mansion servants to inform them of the situation. The servants promptly gathered in the dining room, and I declared at the very beginning.
“A tea party will be held with the queen and first princess as guests. The venue for the tea party will be right here, my mansion, so don’t neglect the preparations, everyone.”
“Ro-Rolando-sama? What did you just say now?”
My sudden announcement left the servants stunned and unable to process things properly. Even the butler Sebastian asked me to repeat myself, showing the extent of their disbelief.
It was only natural they’d find it unbelievable for royalty to freely visit a commoner’s home, even if giving treatment on par with state guests. Unfortunately, it looked like my place here was beyond ordinary.
“A tea party will be held with royalty as the guests of honor. Don’t neglect the preparations, everyone. I’ve told Queen Sariya we’ll need time on the arrangements, so there’s no need to panic, but I want to have everything ready in a few days if possible. I apologize for the difficult timing when you’re already taking care of Sara’s group.”
“…Rolando-sama, I feel so honored to be able to serve you. To be entrusted with such great responsibility as servants brings us the highest pride.”
The other servants also nodded at Sebastian’s words. Some of those who came from noble houses even started tearing up.
In any case, this was no trivial tea party with royalty as the guests. We absolutely could not be discourteous. That said, the real issue was whether we’d have enough people to handle the preparations.
“Sobas. If just you guys worked on it, about how many days do you estimate it would take to finish?”
“Let’s see… Since it’s not an evening banquet, there’ll be less to prepare, so I’d say around four days.”
“I see. Do you think we’ll have enough people?”
“To be quite honest, we may be a little shorthanded…”
This tea party wasn’t merely a tea party. The queen who reigned at the pinnacle of this country and her daughter the first princess would be coming. We couldn’t settle for a subpar affair.
“Then I’ll go find more people. You guys start the preparations for now.”
With just that said, I teleported to a certain place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Yo, long time no see.”
“Brother!”
I had arrived at the room of my brother Mark at the Malbert Viscount’s estate. Having heard from Sobas that we didn’t have enough people for the tea party preparations, I came to ask my father Randall if we could borrow some from the Malberts.
As a runaway, I didn’t want to rely on this place if possible, but since I saddled Mark with protecting this family, I figured it would be good to give him some exposure with the royalty.
My father Randall was still the Malbert head now, but Mark would eventually take over, so it was not bad to let him gain various experiences early on.
“Big brother Roland! I knew you’d come back!”
Before I could tell Mark my business here, my sister Laura picked up my presence from who knows where, threw open the door to his room without even knocking, and cheerfully shouted. Though I wonder how my sister even noticed I was here…
“Dear Big brotheerrr!”
“Whoa now, Laura. How many times have I told you it’s dangerous to jump on people like that?”
“Ehehe, sorry about that!”
Despite my warning, Laura beams delightfully. Then came the usual clinging-hugging time, and while gently prying her off, I informed Mark about why I came today.
“I’ve got a small event I could use some help with. I don’t have enough people, so I came to ask Father if we could borrow some staff from the Malberts.”
“I see. Got it. I’ll take you to Father.”
“I’ll guide you too!”
When I said I was going to meet with father Randall, both siblings readily volunteered to guide me there. Since they were both still only ten years old, perhaps they were still quite childish as they each grabbed one of my hands as we walked. I didn’t particularly dislike it though, so I let them do as they like, but it made me realize times like these while they were still young may be precious.
“Father, I’ve brought brother, who has a request.”
“I brought him too!”
As we entered the office, there was Father busily sorting through documents with a harried look. If I hadn’t run away from home, I would’ve ended up being saddled with doing all that paperwork one day as well, so I truly feel grateful to have been thrown out like this.
“You’ve got a sentimental look on your face, but what’s this request of yours?”
“Well, it’s like this and that, long story short…”
“What!? Queen Tiara found out you’re keeping the demon princesses and now a tea party has been arranged, and you need people to help with it!? And on top of that, even the Queen herself will be attending!?”
“Yeah, that’s the gist of it.”
I threw it out there jokingly, but it seemed our father-son telepathy was on a whole different level compared to with Hannibal or Nagartinya, as the information got across perfectly. Is this what they mean when they say blood is thicker than water? …No wait, this is a bit different.
If I had just told Randall about this matter plainly, he surely would’ve said “That won’t do. I must gather people at once. This matter is too major for a mere viscount house like ours. I must request aid from Margrave Byreus as well!” before rushing off somewhere with that intent.
Instead, the rest of us remaining behind could do nothing but stand there flabbergasted, our minds halted in the face of Randall’s vigor. Somehow managing to regain my bearings, I hurriedly chased after Randall along with Mark.
“We must hurry! I must ensure the success of this event for the honor of House Malbert!!”
“Father.”
“Oh, it’s you, Roland. Thank you for informing me. Now House Malbert will be secure too.”
“With Mark set to inherit this house, its security is ensured. I’ve already taught Mark the method for being promoted to count.”
“Wha-!? Is that true, Mark?”
While the Malberts might have thrown me out, this was still my parental home in this world. I intended to have the Malberts promoted to counts, one rank higher. I had already taught Mark the method for accomplishing that, instructing him to carry it out after Father Randall dies and he takes over as family head.
“Just what is that method?”
“You’ve no need to know, Father. House Malbert’s promotion will come after Mark is head of the family.”
“Why can it not happen sooner?”
“You, please settle down already!”
The one who appeared there was my mother, Clarice. As lovely as ever with the looks and figure of someone who bore three children, her beauty was second to none.
She glared sharply at Randall, who shrank back at her intensity.
“C-Clarice, it’s not like that. Listen to what I have to say.”
“I’ve no need to hear your excuses. Roland, I must speak with this man briefly, so please wait here. Now come along.”
As Clarice said this, she dragged Randall by the ear to a room in the back. Shortly after they entered, I could hear Randall’s shrill, almost scream-like wails, making me wonder what exactly Clarice was doing to him.
The wailing continued for a time before suddenly stopping at a certain point, and Clarice immediately walked out of the room after that.
“I’m so sorry about that. Don’t mind what that fool is up to. Just take care of your own business, okay?”
In stark contrast to her attitude earlier, she now wore an expression brimming with maternal love as she looked at me, and despite the slight dread I felt, I nodded at her words. That’s right… As her son, I shouldn’t rely on her too much. I should return the favor here.
“…? Roland, what’s the matter?”
“Thank you, Mama! I love you so much!”
“Huh?”
Using the son personality switch I newly created, I clung to Clarice around her waist and relied on her with a pure smile plastered across my face. It had some similarities to the little brother mode I showed Sara before, so I managed somehow, but this was clearly a mistake.
“Ohhh! Roland-chan!”
“Hurgh…”
Overwhelmed by a surge of paternal emotions, Claris tightly embraced me. Buried in her bountiful chest, I struggle to maintain my breath. I vaguely recall a television program from my past life depicting a man suffocating to death buried in the ample cleavage of a woman. Such was the peril of being engulfed in a woman’s bosom.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I… “
“No, it’s okay.”
Afterward, I asked Claris to secure additional help, and then I teleported to the territory of Margrave Byreus. Incidentally, at this point, I was still unaware of the changes that would occur in Claris’s attitude toward me.
“In Preparation for the Tea Party”
“Well then, shall we get started?”
After returning from the castle, I first gathered the mansion servants to inform them of the situation. The servants promptly gathered in the dining room, and I declared at the very beginning.
“A tea party will be held with the queen and first princess as guests. The venue for the tea party will be right here, my mansion, so don’t neglect the preparations, everyone.”
“Ro-Rolando-sama? What did you just say now?”
My sudden announcement left the servants stunned and unable to process things properly. Even the butler Sebastian asked me to repeat myself, showing the extent of their disbelief.
It was only natural they’d find it unbelievable for royalty to freely visit a commoner’s home, even if giving treatment on par with state guests. Unfortunately, it looked like my place here was beyond ordinary.
“A tea party will be held with royalty as the guests of honor. Don’t neglect the preparations, everyone. I’ve told Queen Sariya we’ll need time on the arrangements, so there’s no need to panic, but I want to have everything ready in a few days if possible. I apologize for the difficult timing when you’re already taking care of Sara’s group.”
“…Rolando-sama, I feel so honored to be able to serve you. To be entrusted with such great responsibility as servants brings us the highest pride.”
The other servants also nodded at Sebastian’s words. Some of those who came from noble houses even started tearing up.
In any case, this was no trivial tea party with royalty as the guests. We absolutely could not be discourteous. That said, the real issue was whether we’d have enough people to handle the preparations.
“Sobas. If just you guys worked on it, about how many days do you estimate it would take to finish?”
“Let’s see… Since it’s not an evening banquet, there’ll be less to prepare, so I’d say around four days.”
“I see. Do you think we’ll have enough people?”
“To be quite honest, we may be a little shorthanded…”
This tea party wasn’t merely a tea party. The queen who reigned at the pinnacle of this country and her daughter the first princess would be coming. We couldn’t settle for a subpar affair.
“Then I’ll go find more people. You guys start the preparations for now.”
With just that said, I teleported to a certain place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Yo, long time no see.”
“Brother!”
I had arrived at the room of my brother Mark at the Malbert Viscount’s estate. Having heard from Sobas that we didn’t have enough people for the tea party preparations, I came to ask my father Randall if we could borrow some from the Malberts.
As a runaway, I didn’t want to rely on this place if possible, but since I saddled Mark with protecting this family, I figured it would be good to give him some exposure with the royalty.
My father Randall was still the Malbert head now, but Mark would eventually take over, so it was not bad to let him gain various experiences early on.
“Big brother Roland! I knew you’d come back!”
Before I could tell Mark my business here, my sister Laura picked up my presence from who knows where, threw open the door to his room without even knocking, and cheerfully shouted. Though I wonder how my sister even noticed I was here…
“Dear Big brotheerrr!”
“Whoa now, Laura. How many times have I told you it’s dangerous to jump on people like that?”
“Ehehe, sorry about that!”
Despite my warning, Laura beams delightfully. Then came the usual clinging-hugging time, and while gently prying her off, I informed Mark about why I came today.
“I’ve got a small event I could use some help with. I don’t have enough people, so I came to ask Father if we could borrow some staff from the Malberts.”
“I see. Got it. I’ll take you to Father.”
“I’ll guide you too!”
When I said I was going to meet with father Randall, both siblings readily volunteered to guide me there. Since they were both still only ten years old, perhaps they were still quite childish as they each grabbed one of my hands as we walked. I didn’t particularly dislike it though, so I let them do as they like, but it made me realize times like these while they were still young may be precious.
“Father, I’ve brought brother, who has a request.”
“I brought him too!”
As we entered the office, there was Father busily sorting through documents with a harried look. If I hadn’t run away from home, I would’ve ended up being saddled with doing all that paperwork one day as well, so I truly feel grateful to have been thrown out like this.
“You’ve got a sentimental look on your face, but what’s this request of yours?”
“Well, it’s like this and that, long story short…”
“What!? Queen Tiara found out you’re keeping the demon princesses and now a tea party has been arranged, and you need people to help with it!? And on top of that, even the Queen herself will be attending!?”
“Yeah, that’s the gist of it.”
I threw it out there jokingly, but it seemed our father-son telepathy was on a whole different level compared to with Hannibal or Nagartinya, as the information got across perfectly. Is this what they mean when they say blood is thicker than water? …No wait, this is a bit different.
If I had just told Randall about this matter plainly, he surely would’ve said “That won’t do. I must gather people at once. This matter is too major for a mere viscount house like ours. I must request aid from Margrave Byreus as well!” before rushing off somewhere with that intent.
Instead, the rest of us remaining behind could do nothing but stand there flabbergasted, our minds halted in the face of Randall’s vigor. Somehow managing to regain my bearings, I hurriedly chased after Randall along with Mark.
“We must hurry! I must ensure the success of this event for the honor of House Malbert!!”
“Father.”
“Oh, it’s you, Roland. Thank you for informing me. Now House Malbert will be secure too.”
“With Mark set to inherit this house, its security is ensured. I’ve already taught Mark the method for being promoted to count.”
“Wha-!? Is that true, Mark?”
While the Malberts might have thrown me out, this was still my parental home in this world. I intended to have the Malberts promoted to counts, one rank higher. I had already taught Mark the method for accomplishing that, instructing him to carry it out after Father Randall dies and he takes over as family head.
“Just what is that method?”
“You’ve no need to know, Father. House Malbert’s promotion will come after Mark is head of the family.”
“Why can it not happen sooner?”
“You, please settle down already!”
The one who appeared there was my mother, Clarice. As lovely as ever with the looks and figure of someone who bore three children, her beauty was second to none.
She glared sharply at Randall, who shrank back at her intensity.
“C-Clarice, it’s not like that. Listen to what I have to say.”
“I’ve no need to hear your excuses. Roland, I must speak with this man briefly, so please wait here. Now come along.”
As Clarice said this, she dragged Randall by the ear to a room in the back. Shortly after they entered, I could hear Randall’s shrill, almost scream-like wails, making me wonder what exactly Clarice was doing to him.
The wailing continued for a time before suddenly stopping at a certain point, and Clarice immediately walked out of the room after that.
“I’m so sorry about that. Don’t mind what that fool is up to. Just take care of your own business, okay?”
In stark contrast to her attitude earlier, she now wore an expression brimming with maternal love as she looked at me, and despite the slight dread I felt, I nodded at her words. That’s right… As her son, I shouldn’t rely on her too much. I should return the favor here.
“…? Roland, what’s the matter?”
“Thank you, Mama! I love you so much!”
“Huh?”
Using the son personality switch I newly created, I clung to Clarice around her waist and relied on her with a pure smile plastered across my face. It had some similarities to the little brother mode I showed Sara before, so I managed somehow, but this was clearly a mistake.
“Ohhh! Roland-chan!”
“Hurgh…”
Overwhelmed by a surge of paternal emotions, Claris tightly embraced me. Buried in her bountiful chest, I struggle to maintain my breath. I vaguely recall a television program from my past life depicting a man suffocating to death buried in the ample cleavage of a woman. Such was the peril of being engulfed in a woman’s bosom.
“Ah, I’m sorry. I… “
“No, it’s okay.”
Afterward, I asked Claris to secure additional help, and then I teleported to the territory of Margrave Byreus. Incidentally, at this point, I was still unaware of the changes that would occur in Claris’s attitude toward me.
