Four Ikemen 88

 

88 The Royal Capital Again

 

The next day, I went down with a cold.

I woke up in the morning and thought that my voice was hoarse, it was probably because I cried too much last night but when I tried to get up, I got dizzy.

 

The time is long past daytime and no one is by the bedside. Dy came out from the bangle and checked my condition.

 

[You have a cold.]

 

I’ve been pushed by Dy to the bed. And after everybody returned and showed themselves in my room, I was looked after by them during the time.

 

Alf placed a cooled cloth on my forehead, Ciel gave me confections that are easy to swallow. Ragna lit the fireplace to make the room warm.

 

During the night, Dy consistently wiped my sweat from the fever.

 

So I’ve used up all of my energy, I’m so lame… When I grumbled about it, everyone seemed concerned and said that it was because I slept while still naked. Everyone worried endlessly. 

As I thought, four people in a single day are impossible, yup.

 

On the second day, I still had a slight fever so we stayed in the inn. My fever finally receded on the third day, but we were being prudent so we decided to relax in the inn for another 1 day.

 

And then, I was finally in good condition and we returned to the royal capital, Valhalla.

 

We got off the griffon outside of the city to avoid any disturbance in the castle.

 

We didn’t go through the departure process so I wondered if they’ll allow us to go in again, but the gatekeepers confirmed our names and told us to wait for a short while.

 

[I guess we can’t enter after all?]

[If that’s the case then we would have been chased away, according to my experience.] 

[Perhaps Westin-aniue made some arrangements?]

[In any case, we’ll know what’s going on once we wait.]

 

After waiting for a few minutes, an extravagant carriage with a crest arrived at the gate and stopped in front of us. 

 

From inside, a gentleman in a butler suit stepped down with a click and bowed according to etiquette.

 

[I have been waiting for you.]

[Veld-san!]

 

He’s the person who waits on Westin like a shadow. I also returned the bow in a hurry.

 

[It’s great that you have returned unharmed. Come now, my master has been waiting anxiously for you. Please, get in.]

 

We get ushered into the carriage without the chance to respond. No, it’s not that I mind, because we also came here to meet him.

 

According to the situation, we might get lectured if we make him wait… I look towards the distance from the window of the carriage.

 

[Huh?]

 

Beastmen and children slaves are gone and the citizens’ faces are light.

 

[It appears elder brother’s reign has a positive effect on the citizens.]

[Yes, it’s as if Westin-sama’s prodigality until now was like a lie, as he has been working himself to the bones.]

[That Westin-aniue is? People do change after all.]

 

Alf and Veld nodded while being deeply moved. Just how happy-go-lucky was he I wonder, I got curious.

 

The carriage ran through the capital’s main street and directly arrived at the castle. Following Veld’s lead, we intently walk down the long corridor.

 

[We’re here.]

 

In a room within the corridor, Veld stopped walking and knocked on the door.

A clattering noise can be heard from within and footsteps approach in a hurry.

 

[Hey, you guys are back! Well, in the meantime, come in.]

[Master! You shouldn’t be acting in such a relaxed manner! You must be more calm and dignified or you will be taken as someone who has no qualities as a king!]

[It’s not like anyone’s watching, and don’t yell like that. It’s fine so come over here. Okay, you young ladies also sit here.]

 

Westin wearily covered his ears and waved us over.

 

Unlike the last time we met, his blue hair is neatly put in order.

Probably because of his properly worn clothes, he closely resembles Alf.

 

Westin’s eyes are slightly bigger and their color is deeper. There were dark circles under his eyes.

Working himself to the bones seems true.

 

The room has a layout similar to an office and a reception room. There’s a table in the back, a high-class black leather sofa, and a table for pouring tea.

 

Westin lets us sit on the sofa and ordered Veld to make us some tea.

Veld went to get the container while grumbling.

 

The delinquent king who managed to safely chase away the nagging Veld crosses his arms together and leaned on the table.

 

[Now then, thanks to you all the rebellion was successful and I auspiciously became king. Thanks for your cooperation. I was going to give you guys official positions as a reward so I can work you hard, but you were good and escaped.]

 

Westin came over to Alf’s side and started to badger him with his elbow while saying, ‘You, you’. Alf annoyedly twisted his body and escaped.

 

[Aniue, aside from my responsibility as a former Royalty, Rei and the rest don’t desire any official position. If they do, the nobilities will probably not stay quiet.] 

[It’s fine. Is that a no? I am the law after all.]

[Of course, it is! You’re being too playful, sir!]

 

Veld poured his thunder on Westin while pouring the tea.

 

[Geez, you’re too strict. It’s just a joke, okay? A joke.]

 

No no, older brother’s eyes were serious. If things had gone well then he would have tried to rope us in, definitely.

 

[Onii-sama!? How long do you plan to keep me waiting? Oh my… Alf-oniisama!?]

 

Princess Yifa appeared in an impatient manner. It looks like she has no idea that Alf has returned and her eyes widened in shock.

 

[Heya, Yifa, you want some tea?]

 

[Didn’t I tell you that it’s not the time for that!? I’ve already asked a maid to inform you so I won’t let you say you forgot!]

[Eh? What was it again?]

[Onii-sama!!]

 

Princess Yifa is already flaring up.

Westin placed his hand on her shoulder as if to pacify her.

 

[Hahah, I know, I know. I was about to go now, you know?]

[No, if I hadn’t come here myself then you’ll still be drinking tea here for sure.]

 

Princess, are you very pissed? Your words have become crude. 

 

[Well then, Alf, please give your nii-chan some help, will you?]

 

Westin crossed his arms above his head and cheerfully laughed at his half-brother.

 

[By help, what might that be about, Aniue?]

[Well, you see, someone rea~lly great just came.]

 

Westin boldly laughed.

 

 

TN: About the capital, the one in Chapter 64 was spelled バルハラ (ba-ru-ha-ra) whereas, in this chapter, it’s spelled バルバラ (ba-ru-ba-ra). Got confused and decided to just stick with the old one. Should I keep it this way or stick with whatever the Author spelled?