LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 38 – Long Vacation
About four months after Regalus started at the academy, it was time for the long vacation, and he returned home to his territory.
By then, Althea had mastered the spell [Earthen Wall] and could create walls of various sizes. When Regalus heard of her progress, he praised his sister's efforts.
Despite the vacation being meant to be long, the time flew by. With only a week left before returning to the academy, an unexpected visitor arrived.
It was Siegfried.
Apparently, Regalus had mentioned the possibility of inspecting the Monclair territory before the vacation. Regalus was surprised that Siegfried had actually come.
Lord Thomas knew that a delegation from the capital, including Crown Prince Siegfried, would inspect the territory, but he didn't expect Siegfried to lead the inspection.
Initially surprised, Thomas felt reassured about the kingdom's future after seeing Siegfried's dignified demeanor during the inspection. He guided and explained the territory to Siegfried with a feeling akin to that of relatives.
The inspection ended in about a day, and the delegation returned to the capital, leaving Siegfried behind.
"Your Highness, aren't you returning home?" Regalus asked casually.
"Oh, it's fine. I've finished what I needed to do during this vacation, and His Majesty said I could spend the rest as I like. So... I'll stay here for a few days. Take care of me, Reg."
With the royal entourage gone, Siegfried dropped the formal demeanor of the inspection and smiled like someone his age.
For the next five days, the three of them, including Althea, spent time together until Regalus and his friends returned to the academy.
They went on picnics, climbed trees, and shared magic tricks. Even the usually princess-like Althea climbed a tree, momentarily surprising Crown Prince Siegfried, who then accepted it as part of the Monclair family's customs.
They also showcased their magic to each other. Althea was particularly impressed by Siegfried's fire and lightning magic, attributes not present in their family.
"Woow..." she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling at the magic that lit fire from his fingertips.
As they strolled through the garden on the eve of their return to the academy, Althea suddenly remembered something.
"Oh, by the way... Brother Sieg, how was the Queen's childbirth?"
Over these few days, Althea had taken to calling Siegfried "brother." It started as a slip of the tongue, but Siegfried didn't mind, so it stuck.
Asked about his mother's childbirth, Siegfried replied, "Oh, she gave birth safely. I only found out when I returned during the long vacation, so I'm not sure of the exact date..."
"I see... So she had a sister then?"
"Yes, a princess... She must be very lovely..."
Althea touched her cheek dreamily.
"...Sieg must be like me, becoming a caring brother."
Regalus chimed in, tapping Siegfried's shoulder.
"Yeah, she was adorable. I truly get why you keep saying 'my sister is adorable.'"
Siegfried smiled, brushing off Regalus's hand.
"But, having a sister... being a princess, she'll be lovely but with more worries. You've got some time ahead, but for me... well..."
Regalus, still dreamy, gazed at Althea, who was lost in thoughts of the young princess's cuteness.
"What do you mean?" Siegfried asked.
Meanwhile, Althea, still imagining, seemed restless upon hearing the intriguing conversation.
"Oh, it's nothing," Regalus evaded, steering the conversation elsewhere.
"By the way..."
Regalus changed the subject.
"Sieg, you're joining the 'Martial Arts Tournament,' right?"
"Yeah, it's a good chance to test my skills. You'll be in too, right, Reg?"
"Definitely."
Martial Arts Tournament"? Is that... related to Father's legend?
Althea, previously lost in her thoughts, now seemed intrigued. Regalus noticed and asked if she'd like to come watch.
"After the vacation, the academy is hosting the 'Martial Arts Tournament,' where students from all years will compete. Then there's a tournament at the royal palace. Since it's a major event, it shouldn't be too far, right?"
"Can I come? I really want to watch, Brother!"
"Great. You'll need an invitation from the participants. I'll make sure you get one. Just make sure to cheer for me properly, okay?"
"Yes, I will! I'll cheer for both you and Brother Sieg. But, uh... what if you two end up facing each other?"
"Then, of course, you'll cheer for me. ...We're real siblings, after all."
"Fair enough. Please cheer for me too. ...I won't be inviting anyone..."
With a hint of loneliness, Siegfried spoke.
...Brother Sieg's family is Their Majesties the King and Queen, so he can't casually invite them...
Althea gripped her hands tightly and said firmly, "Yes, I'll support Their Majesties too!"
At her passionate declaration, Siegfried smiled warmly.
After that, they retired to their rooms for the night. The next day, Regalus and Siegfried left for the academy.
About a week later, a letter arrived for Althea. Inside were two invitations to the 'Martial Arts Tournament' and a note from Regalus saying, "Come with Mother." Showing the letter to Demeter, she suggested visiting the royal palace to meet the princess. Demeter sent a letter to the Queen, and after receiving a reply a few days later, they planned to head to the capital a few days before the tournament.
