Ein's Report

"Mum, Dad, now I know why you are interested in big sis Lyra! She could answer the riddle that you two gave me the other day—the one that I answered wrong—and she even managed to come up with similar explanations!"


After the party ended, Ein enthusiastically reported his findings to Clyde and Nicole.


Ein thought of that particular riddle as hard, and his parents also said so. However, a girl that didn't receive particular education about economy and the likes of it (since she wasn't part of the Loera clan) managed to give an accurate and detailed explanation.


Therefore, Ein was impressed by Lyra. Not to mention that he underestimated Lyra after she stuttered before, thinking that she was just a simple girl, nothing special.


There was also another thing that intrigued his interest...


"Also, also! Though I saw her stuttering in the beginning—when I observed her during my party, her etiquette and mannerism were amazing! Is that why you told me that she was similar to my aunt?"


At first, Ein was only curious about the girl his parents sometimes mentioned. And after meeting her, he developed a genuine interest on his own.


"Oh, you like Lyra too, Ein? I'm glad," Clyde patted Ein's head.


"Oh my, Eine, Mum will support you if you like Lyra-chan!" Nicole already gave her approval to this "daughter-in-law candidate"—even adding "-chan" behind her name. The more she addressed Lyra with "-chan", the more she liked it.


Okay, I'm going to call her Lyra-chan the next time I meet her, then! Will she be surprised?


"I'm curious of her, Mum, Dad!" Ein innocently said.


He then pondered a bit before adding, "Oh yeah, can I make a request to you guys?"


"Hmm? Sure, what do you want, son? As long as it's within our capabilities, we will give it to you," Clyde said dotingly.


"I've decided on a school I want to attend, Dad!"


"Hee, which school?" Nicole asked.


"The same school as big sis Lyra!"


"Oh? Coincidentally, that's also the crown prince's school," Clyde added.


"Eh, really?" Ein was surprised.


"So it's like this," Nicole pondered, "Okay, that's nice, we can strengthen our bonds with the Hartmann family and also the royal family at the same time... It will surely be useful for Eine's future!"


"...However."


Nicole suddenly lowered her voice.


"I don't want to be separated from you this soon, Eine..."


Ein was surprised.


"Mum, why would you think of that?"


"Well, Harmonia Academy isn't that close from here. It's going to take time to travel, so won't it be tiring for you, Eine? The academy has a dormitory, but...," Nicole stopped.


"Eeh, why can't I just commute from home, Mum? Don't we have a link with one of the teleportation service provider?" Ein smiled.


"..." Nicole and Clyde thought for a while.


"...We can't?" Ein tilted his head as he looked at his parents with puppy eyes.


Teleportation service would definitely cost more than normal commute, so economically, using the service twice everyday would be...


...But then again, we're speaking about the wealthiest clan in Riviera. Cost doesn't necessarily become the problem, then...


"No sacrifice, no gain," Nicole suddenly added.


Only a few seconds had passed, but she had finished calculating in her mind.


The Loera clan already has a link with the Grabberton family—the West territory, so it doesn't matter even if Ein isn't enrolled in my almamater or in a school in the North territory...


Harmonia Academy's tuition isn't that expensive, it's an academy of high-quality, and Ein can learn a lot there as he will be able to socialize with the commoners who are enrolled there...


Lastly, the material investment seems to be worth it if we consider that Ein will be closer to the royal family. Plus, if Ein is fated with Lyra, then that'd mean we're also investing in his relationship with his future wife...


"...Nicole?" Clyde had a bad hunch...


"What won't I give to my beloved Eine? Sure, dear!" Nicole hugged Ein.


"Yaaaayyy, I love you, Mummyyyy!!" Ein hugged Nicole back as he smiled happily.


"......," Clyde had a mixed feeling about it... He didn't want to pamper his son too much, but what can he do? Ein is his and Nicole's only son.


He ought to give the best things for this precious son.


"Alright then, we'll have to prepare for your enrollment," Clyde added.


"But before that, you have to sleep now, Eine. You still have your baptism ceremony tomorrow," Nicole reminded.


"Oh, you're right, Mum! I can't wait to receive the blessings of the Spirit!"


"Don't get too excited now, or you may not be able to fall asleep quickly tonight," Clyde added.


"Okay, okay, I'll go and prepare to sleep! Good night, Mum, Dad!"


Ein obediently went off to his maid's side to go to sleep.


In the Hartmann residence, Lyra felt so relieved that she survived the whole (mental) ordeal, and that she wouldn't have to be confused on how she should face Ein who seemed to be interested in her now. She seemed to have the ability to attract all sorts of troubles!


Still, Lyra was so relieved to the fact that she'd only meet Ein occasionally in noble parties, so she could just prepare herself at that time, to not give any opening that could make Nicole and Clyde be suspicious of her more than this (if Ein tells his parents about her, that is).


...But she has yet to learn what the future has in store for her... She has no idea, nor does she expect it...

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