Sister-in-law of the Heroine in a Childcare Novel - Chapter 174

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 174

The Castrain Family’s dining room was vast and spacious. Well, they did need to host formal banquets here occasionally, so it was only natural. The décor throughout was modest, as if to suggest there was no need for excessive formality. The meal itself seemed chosen with care for travelers worn from long carriage rides—simple, easily digestible fare. Raymond was already seated when I arrived, and he rose to greet me.
“Did you rest well? Is your room comfortable? If there’s anything you’d prefer….”
“No, it’s fine. Everything was wonderful.”
“But listen, listen!”
Lisianthus burst in abruptly, and the look Raymond gave him was far from warm—though he seemed resigned to at least hearing what he had to say. Lisianthus chattered on with the unbridled enthusiasm of a dog who’d spotted fresh snow.
“I mean, you were stuck in that carriage, right? Titania must’ve been bored out of her mind. And you said we didn’t have to do all the formal stuff until tomorrow or the day after anyway, right? You said I could take her sightseeing around here. You’re not taking that back, are you?”
“…What’s the real point you’re trying to make?”
“Let’s take Titania dog sledding!”
I nearly spit out my soup. Sightseeing? I thought that wasn’t authorized?
And also—well, I mean… It’s true I’ve never exactly been dignified in front of Lisianthus. But does that mean I don’t need to worry about imperial propriety? I’ve already done my Debutante presentation, and it’s awkward if they treat me too informally, but…!
—Master, what’s your true feeling? 「(・∇・)「
‘Dog sledding is amazing! Playing is the best! This is the Northern Region, so they actually use sled dogs here?! So cool! Kyaaah, if I came all this way to a place where snow piles up in summer, I absolutely have to do this! And here I thought a reckless idiot was useless for anything!’
—The corners of your mouth are twitching, Master! Composure, composure! (◦˙▿˙◦)
“Lisianthus. Didn’t you promise to just show me the scenery and come back? Besides, to actually enjoy dog sledding, you’d have to climb all the way to some steep mountain peak—a carriage can’t get you there. You’re still recovering from the journey, and it’s cold. Recommending outdoor activities in this weather? And if word spreads that a Debutante went sledding behind dogs, the social circles might—well, they could laugh….”
‘Ah, yes, naturally. Having just arrived after such a long journey, Lisianthus’s invitation is terribly tempting, but I should defer to another occasion….’
“No! In a land of snow and frost, it doesn’t matter what means of transport we use—the opinions of those who don’t live in the Northern Region aren’t important! Please, let me ride the dog sled!”
Siberian Huskies? Malamutes? Whatever kind of dogs pull it? I don’t care! Dogs pulling a dog sled! That’s amazing!
—…Master, your thoughts and words have switched places.
‘Oops.’
I set down my empty soup bowl and regained my composure. For some reason—or perhaps it was just the atmosphere—the Castrain Family members seemed to be watching me intently. Bibi, who’d been blinking while looking at me, asked,
“Sister, you like this kind of thing?”
“Haha. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘this kind of thing,’ but there’s no reason to turn down novel experiences.”
“You must like animals.”
“There’s no reason to dislike furry creatures. They’re warm, soft, and adorable.”
The only animals one ever saw in the Imperial Palace were the horses kept by knights and soldiers.
Noble ladies at the Palace typically kept cats or dogs as pastimes, or so I’d heard—but lately, it seemed no one in the Imperial Palace kept pets anymore.
Well, the dogs that pull sleds would be large breeds, certainly. And that’s fine too.
Raymond, who’d been lost in thought while watching me, slowly opened his mouth.
“…You must take precautions for your safety. Since Lisianthus is the one who enjoys this particular pastime, it may carry some risks for others. However….”
“Ah, don’t worry. Don’t worry. You should see how well-trained our pack is. They say even if a starving gray bear came charging, they wouldn’t throw their rider and bolt.”
“So you trained them yourself. That’s… believable enough.”
“What, what’s with that tone?”
“Nothing. I just thought you and the dogs seemed close.”
“Well, what are you basing that on? Though, yes, we really are close.”
I answered with a faraway look, and Lisianthus tilted his head in response. Bibi swallowed her portion of bread and spoke in a cheerful voice.
“I know! Our little brother’s always buried in the snow with those big dogs! Then his subordinates complain about it and splash him with cold water!”
“…Bibi, you really don’t need to announce such things so loudly in front of Titania….”
“But his subordinates said he insists he doesn’t feel the cold and just wears pants while rolling around in the snow, so they asked me to persuade him to dress properly. They even gave me these huge marshmallow pastries to help convince him.”
“Well, big brother. You’re certainly robust, but I do worry about your health, so I’d like you to dress warmly….”
This was the kind of information you could only hear from people living under one roof. With nothing surprising or novel about the situation, I quietly swallowed my honey-buttered biscuit.
Lisianthus’s face flushed red and blue as he glanced at me and explained to Bibi,
“No! I mean! When I use Fire Magic, I get hot afterward. And anyway, whatever I wear, if I play with them, I get covered in saliva and fur, so my clothes get ruined regardless, so…!”
Lucy, who’d been helping Bibi with her meal, spoke in a kind voice,
“Young Master Lisianthus is truly considerate. The Castrain Family’s laundry staff alone numbers in the dozens, yet he takes such care to spare them work.”
“While Titania’s here, I absolutely won’t!”
Hehehehe, what a harmonious family indeed….
I continued enjoying my meal while thinking such thoughts. I let Lisianthus’s excuses in one ear and out the other, and the moment the meal finished, I left the castle.
Raymond clearly wanted to follow, but the mountain of work that had accumulated during my absence was too much to ignore. He stopped me and spoke seriously.
“If Lisianthus does anything reckless, you absolutely must stop him. If something happens and worst comes to worst, feel free to run away alone. No—you must do so. That rascal’s survival instinct is as stubborn as a cockroach’s.”
“…I have a tremendous amount to say, but, ah, yes. I understand….”
“I mean it.”
How many accidents had Lisianthus caused in the Castrain lands anyway? Only after prompting my reluctant nod did Raymond finally take his leave.
Clad fully in protective gear—a Quilted Coat, Scarf, and Gloves, all excellent for insulation—I was led outside the castle to find a Dog Sled, sturdy and well-made though not as large as a carriage, with massive dogs hitched to it.
“You lot, how’ve you been?”
“Woof, woof, woof!”
“Oof! Sorry I’ve been gone so long, gack! Wait, wait wait, oof!”
Lisianthus was knocked to the ground by the pack’s assault. Dogs nearly the size of a man came running, licking him here, nuzzling him there, pushing against him with such vigor that he could barely move—like a piece of candy being tossed about.
Bibi, watching from beside me, giggled, then handed me a small pouch.
“What’s this, Bibi?”
“Treats for them! They understand simple commands. I thought you might want to try.”
I didn’t hesitate at all—I took the pouch and pulled out the Jerky inside. The moment the Jerky appeared, the dogs attacking Lisianthus perked up their ears and turned to face me.
“…Come here?”
Pitter-patter. One glimpse of treats from an outsider, and the dogs abandoned Lisianthus, trotting over to gather before me.
“Sit.”
Thump.
“Shake.”
Paw. Watching the paws pouring toward me, I giggled.
“Wow. You’re all so good. Stop bothering Lisianthus and eat this~.”
I’m happy. I’m so happy. All around me are big furry creatures listening to my commands. Look at those bright, sparkling eyes. This is real animal therapy….
As I distributed the Jerky, they jostled me trying to get theirs, but Lisianthus, covered in drool and fur, intervened at just the right moments to prevent chaos.
You’d think they’d lived well on meat—these dogs had more defined muscles than most people.
Once the dogs, sated from their treats, were properly hitched to the sled, Lisianthus let out a whistle and they took off in unison.
Whoosh, I felt the bumpy ground beneath the sled in a way I never had in a carriage.
Whish-whish, the knife-sharp wind cut across my ears.
“Wow, this is fun!”
So this is why people enjoy leisure and sports….
Creak-creak-creak, the iron and wooden sled shook without pause, but I felt no fear.
Wow, I’d pay to do this. This is absolutely incredible.
The constant noise of the sled made conversation with the person beside me nearly impossible.
Lisianthus, leading the pack from up front, glanced back at me with a slight smile.
‘I knew you’d love this.’
Eyes like a spark that never lost its warmth even in snow and ice burned brighter as they met mine.
‘You’re more like me than you realize.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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