Chapter 18

"Was it really alright to let these people out?"

To cut to the conclusion, Prince Egiderus and the others were released from the prison. Now, we are in one of the rooms in the palace, I'm not sure if it's a reception room, but it's a room like that, and I'm having tea.

Prince Schuel is sitting across from me, drinking tea elegantly. Prince Egiderus and the others are standing in a row near the entrance.

...What is this...?

It feels like I'm being lectured in the ridiculously large principal's office, with a noble boy and his entourage?

"...It doesn't matter. ...Honestly, if there was an intention to harm, that would be different. But if there isn't, it would be more beneficial to let them out and have them think of a way to bring me back."

Actually, keeping them in there serves no purpose. To put it bluntly... well, yes! It's completely useless!

...What is "completely useless"?

Anyway, it's much more likely to find a way back by searching from the beginning rather than just shouting.

"You are very generous. I thank you as a brother and as a superior for your magnanimous consideration."

Prince Schuel bowed his head.

"No, no, no! Please raise your head."

Rina hurriedly told him to raise his head. There was no reason for Prince Schuel to apologize.

"Rather than that, may I ask you something?"

There's something that has been bothering me lately.

"...What is it?"

Prince Schuel tilted his head slightly and smiled.

"Where does my current living expense come from?"

When she said this, Prince Schuel's eyes widened for a moment. He hadn't expected Rina to say such a thing.

"From taxes...?"

It's impossible for someone to live for free. Even if I don't want to say it, it must have cost money to prepare clothes that fit my body, and to provide three meals a day. Most of all, this detached palace with attendants. Maintenance costs aside, salaries are paid to the maids, guards, and others. I'm very curious about where these funds come from.

After glancing at Prince Egiderus and the others standing at the entrance, Prince Schuel said with a smile, "Yes... It was sudden, so we are covering it through taxes or national funds."

He found Rina's unexpected words amusing. It's easy to say not to worry, but he seemed to judge that it wasn't that kind of situation.

"If that's the case, I would like to have these expenses covered from the salaries of the people here, not from 'taxes' or 'national funds.'"

Rina took a sip of tea elegantly without looking at them.

"..."

Prince Egiderus and the others were speechless.

"Because, didn't these people summon me? So, I think they have the obligation to support me. ...Am I wrong?"

She put down her teacup, narrowed her eyes, and smiled at Prince Egiderus and the others. It was more than half sarcastic...

"..."

They were even more speechless. If it were called a just statement, it would be, but they hadn't expected to be told such a thing.

...*giggle*.

In the tense atmosphere, one voice laughed amusingly. Yes, it came from the person sitting across from Rina...

"I have no objection. ...What about the rest of you?"

"No... there... is... no... objection," the mages mumbled in a voice like mosquitoes.

Who could say "no" to what Prince Schuel had decided? It would take a very strong argument to change a "yes" to a "no." It's fair to say they were cornered.