Chapter 70

In the capital, the royal castle, Viva the city!

No matter what, I'm really excited about going to the capital.

Being free from the end-of-term exams is a big part of it.

I'm in a great mood in the carriage.

While sipping the wine I got on the way, I enjoy the scenery from inside the carriage.

I feel like I'm getting used to traveling. I must be a pro now.

"You seem really excited."

Aris, who is riding in the carriage with me, also looks in high spirits.

She declined when I offered her some wine.

"Yeah, before we left, I was thinking it would be a hassle, but now I'm really excited."

I'm getting really excited!

"I might feel the same. By the way, Kururi, you did well on the end-of-term exams, didn't you?"

Even though Iris, who ranked third overall, praised me, it still feels a bit...

"Really? Thank you. But Iris did much better."

"I always study, you know. I wonder when Kururi studies. It's the same with Prince Ark and Mr. Rail."

Indeed, I don't know when they do it.

They must be naturally talented. It's frustrating. Ah, so frustrating.

Prince Ark and Rail are already heading to the capital in a different carriage.

They were rushing on the prince's orders.

Iris must need to prepare a lot of things since she's going. Like hiding her erotic books, hiding her erotic hobbies, and hiding her loyalty cards for erotic shops.

You're hiding a lot, Prince.

"Prince Ark and the others were in quite a hurry. I wonder what they were rushing for?"

"Well, men have their reasons. It's best not to dig too deep, really."

"Really? I'll keep that in mind."

I don't know what image Iris is imagining of the prince, but I'm sorry if it's a weird one!

"Once we get to the capital, what should we do first?"

"I want to work, maybe."

I already have Prince Ark's approval to hire Iris. She was thrilled when I told her.

She was jumping around, saying, "Temporary income!" She only muttered that the test results were good.

Compared to Eliza, who was flying in the air after beating Iris in the test, our values are 180 degrees apart.

But I think that flying Eliza is a good sign. At least, I prefer that.

"Really? But we might not start working right away, and I think we'll have some free time."

"Hmm, if we have time... Oh, I know, let's do that."

"Do what?"

"That, that. Monster hunting."

She's so eager to work! Or rather, she's only thinking about working.

The capital! It's a vacation! At least, that's what I think.

But monster hunting! It's dangerous!

You might get hurt!

It will hurt if you bleed!

"Why would you want to do that?"

"When I'm in the carriage with Kururi, I can't help but remember the refreshing feeling when we first met."

The refreshing feeling when we first met?

Is she praising me? She must be!

"The large sum of money we earned by helping the merchant. Ah, unforgettable memories..."

Money!

A wonderful memory of earning money so comfortably and refreshingly!

"That was indeed a good deal."

"Right, it helps people, and we can apply what we learned at the academy. Plus, it pays well."

"Where there are people, there are also many monsters. That's why there are specialized monster hunters in the capital, right?"

"Yes, and you don't even need a license. I've always admired the capital for that!"

"Just for that!?! Everyone in the countryside dreams of the capital, right!?"

"Really? Everyone wants to hunt monsters. It's a good way to earn money."

Not really!?

They're after the glamorous image of the capital!?

"Everyone wants to come to the capital. If I have the chance to go, I should make it happen!"

"Indeed, Iris. You're really strong."

Iris, who was looking out the window with her ears twitching.

She can move her ears on her own. I didn't know she had this hidden talent.

I don't know why her ears moved, but when Iris looks away with a sidelong glance, it usually means she has a favor to ask.

In such cases, I just wait for her to speak.

It's probably not a big favor. But Iris tends to overthink things, so it's nice to support her.

"Um, I feel a bit embarrassed, but I'm actually quite calculating."

"Really?"

"I wouldn't do monster hunting alone. It's too risky and scary. But now, we have Kururi, right?"

"Let's go then!"

"Wh-What!?"

I didn't know Iris trusted me so much.

Just knowing that is enough.

I'll rely on you in the future!

"That's right, Kururi is excellent at both magic and swordsmanship, so it will be safe to hunt monsters together. Sorry, but if you don't want to, you can say no."

"Kururi, who is excellent at both magic and swordsmanship, will accompany you!"

"I said it myself! I always say things like that!?"

Monsters, what are they!?

Danger, what is it!?

A good gift for the royal castle!

"Iris, do you know the details?"

"Yes, of course. Basically, any monsters not listed in the wanted posters are considered mobs."

"There are mobs?"

"Yes, mobs are all about numbers. They're safer and more numerous. It's the best way to earn money quickly."

You've thought this through, haven't you? You must have been planning this for a while.

Your words flow so smoothly.

"Then let's do that. We can delay entering the castle by a day. Once we're inside, our actions will likely be restricted. We might even get scolded by the officials for monster hunting."

"Right. The carriage will probably arrive in the capital around nightfall."

"Probably. It might be a bit earlier. Let's say from evening to night."

"Then let's stay at an inn in the capital tonight."

"That's a good idea. Let's stay at the best inn in the capital. Hehe, we have money!" I'm the son of a nouveau riche lord!

Should I burn money for a campfire? Sorry, I can't actually do that. It would be a waste.

"I knew Kururi would say that! But no, we're staying at a cheap inn tonight, and I'll pay for it."

"Why!?"

"One, I'll be taking Kururi around the city tomorrow for my own reasons, so I'll pay. Actually, I've been saving money."

"Really? Continue."

"Two, staying at a fancy inn would be putting the cart before the horse! With Kururi's attitude, you might spend more money than you earn tomorrow. It would be better to enter the castle sooner, right?"

"That's true."

"Three, even though I've been causing Kururi a lot of trouble, I'm going to add one more. I'm just being honest!"

"Wow!"

"That's it! I'll accept any counterarguments."

"None! It's decided!"

Indeed, Iris is showing a very good sign.

I'll keep creating more debts with her.

I closed my eyes, exhaled, and Iris met my gaze again.

"Thank you. Let's spend a little more time together."

"Not just a little, but for the future too."

Mainly for my sake.

"Then, Kururi's bed is over there."

"Okay!? What, what!?"

I was confused. I couldn't help but be confused.

Why!?! It's obvious!

When we arrived at the capital, it was already night, so we decided to find an inn right away.

Iris found an inn and took care of all the procedures.

I had forgotten that I didn't get the key to my room when she said, "Let's go."

Before I knew it, I was being led to the room by Iris.

... It's the same room.

We're staying in the same room together.

I'll be in the back, and Iris will be in the front.

Oh, the front is better. Because, you know, earthquakes and stuff. But I'm not really thinking about that.

It's really not a big deal.

Is it okay!? Miss Iris, is it really okay!?

You might become a princess one day!

Do you know who I am?

But, is it okay for me to stay with you?

We've slept close to each other before, but in a private room, just the two of us!?

Is it okay!? Mainly for my male desires!

"Um, we're sharing a room."

"Yeah, separate rooms would be too expensive. Sorry."

"Sorry, but that's not what I meant. Really. But, you know, is it okay? You know, you know, you know."

"I'm fine, but is Kururi okay with it? If you really don't want to, we can change rooms."

She said it with a very sad face.

I didn't mean to make her sad, but it seems I did.

"I, I'm not against it. Good, good job!"

"Really? Good job, good job."

"Ahaha, are you hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm starving."

"Then let's go eat something."

We argued over who would pay for dinner. I won the argument.

Since we're here, let's eat something good.

We looked for a simple but delicious-looking restaurant.

That was our compromise.

In the end, we entered a restaurant that smelled good. It was clean and a bit pricey, but I won the argument again.

The food was delicious. Yes, it was delicious. But I couldn't focus on the meal.

Thinking about sleeping in the same room with Iris later made me very anxious.

It's not the kind of anxiety that leads to something romantic.

That kind of anxiety is actually the happiest anxiety in the world because it's accompanied by great joy.

But!

My anxiety is not like that.

What if something happens by mistake.

I might have to duel with the prince.

I might have to apologize to Eliza?

Apologize? That's not right. I'm not in that kind of relationship with Eliza yet.

But the fact that I feel like apologizing means I have a desire to be in that kind of relationship with Eliza, right?

I don't know! But I need to keep my rationality tonight!

"Customer, you're eating well! We have a lot of garlic today. Would you like to add some? It's good for your health."

"No, I don't need it!"

Waiter, what are you trying to do!?

Your service spirit is too much! Do you want the restaurant to prosper!?

"Okay, then how about this? I'll give you some dried venomous insects as a special treat. They're good for your health after a meal."

"No, I don't need it!"

Waiter, why are you so enthusiastic about your service spirit?

But service spirit is important! Do you want the restaurant to prosper!?

This is bad, you're making me think about inappropriate things.

Let's drink some soup to calm down.

Hmm, this soup tastes good.

"Oh, that soup has a special ingredient to boost your stamina. It's good for your health."

Waiter, you've already served it! The restaurant will prosper!

It's packed with customers!

Iris is sipping the soup.

I hope she's okay...

After finishing our meal, I suggested we take a walk to calm down.

"The capital is so bright at night. Even at the edge of the city, it's bustling with people."

"Yeah, it feels like a big city."

"Taking a walk is making me feel better. I think I'll sleep well tonight."

Sleep well!?

No, no.

My mind is starting to drift in the wrong direction.

After walking for a while, Iris suggested we head back, so we decided to do that.

With each step, the inn got closer.

Finally, we arrived at the inn.

"Hey, Iris, I'll go in after I take a break."

"You smoke!?"

"No, not that. I'll just be a moment, so go back to the room first."

"Are you a playboy now!?"

"No, not that. I'll do some exercise, so go back to the room first."

"Exercise!? What's going on? Do you want to keep walking? But it's late."

"...Okay, let's go into the inn."

Tomorrow is monster hunting.

I need to rest, but my mind is wandering in strange directions.

After entering the inn, Iris got ready for bed and climbed into her bed.

Beautiful people must be like that. They probably don't even sweat.

I'm not that worried, but even if I were, it wouldn't help.

I can borrow a towel to wipe my body, but I can't do it.

I can't take off my shirt in front of her. I'm too embarrassed.

Am I a bit of a girl?

While I was acting silly, I heard a pleasant snore from the adjacent bed.

Iris had fallen asleep without me noticing.

Looking at her peaceful face, my silly thoughts disappeared.

I'll go to bed too. Tomorrow will be early.

Then, I fell asleep with a sinking feeling.

In my dream, I got five belly punches from Eliza. Was it my subconscious that made me dream that?