Chapter 74

With our spirits warmed, we decided to head for the royal castle.

It was our first time at the royal castle.

To be honest, I was incredibly nervous. My heart had been pounding loudly ever since we arrived.

The more I tried to calm down, the more my excitement grew.

Trying not to think about it only made me think about it even more. There was nothing I could do about it. I might as well embrace my excitement.

"Wow, it's huge!"

"Yeah, it's enormous!"

First, we were faced with a wall that must have been about five meters high.

I couldn't tell how thick it was, but it was clear that my tackle wouldn't make a dent in it.

We were here as guests, so we decided to enter through the main gate with dignity, but now I wondered if that was a mistake.

The elaborately designed main gate exuded a presence that seemed to guard the castle from enemies.

Behind it, the castle looked like something out of a fairy tale, a pristine white fortress that seemed to transport you to a dream world.

My romantic heart was tickled, my jealousy flared at the thought of princes living in such a beautiful place, and I felt out of place and embarrassed. My head was spinning.

Iris and I were looking up at the castle from in front of the main gate.

We were clearly country bumpkins, but we couldn't help but stare. Especially, we were compelled to look at the highest part of the castle.

"What are you staring at! You suspicious fellows!"

There were people walking around the main gate, but we were the only ones standing still and staring.

Because of that, we were confronted by a guard with a long spear. He was definitely too quick to jump to conclusions.

What would he do if we were guests? We were guests.

Besides, his treatment of country bumpkins who came to visit was not very kind. It's not like looking was a crime. Or maybe, his short temper and sensitivity were necessary for a guard.

"Hey, we're not suspicious. We have a reason to be here."

"Reason? Do you think you can fool me with your appearance?"

Only then did I realize how dirty we were.

We had come straight here after returning from the forest.

Sure, we had cleaned off the obvious dirt, but maybe we were still excited from the adventure and came here without much thought.

When our appearance was pointed out, I felt incredibly embarrassed.

I hadn't expected the castle to be so grand, and it was a complete miscalculation.

Worse, we were being questioned about whether we were really guests.

Considering the scale of the main gate, I realized that even guests who came on foot were probably rare.

My face was hot with embarrassment.

"We are friends of Prince Arc and were invited here today. The dirt... well, it's a result of youthful exuberance."

"Very suspicious. Many people tell similar lies to meet the prince. If you were invited, show me the invitation."

Invitation!? ...We don't have one.

"…We don't have it."

"Confirmed. I could arrest you here, but His Majesty is generous. He says to treat even people like you with basic courtesy. Now, go away before I change my mind."

He shooed us away with his hand.

He put away his spear, so he wanted us to leave before we caused any trouble.

What a dilemma. We were turned away at the gate.

I had assumed that Lassar had arranged everything...

If we had come in a carriage and dressed properly, would it have been different?

No, even then, there might still be a chance if we stated our names.

"Have you been told to let Kururi Heran and Iris Parara through?"

"…I was told to let Iris through, but I haven't heard of Kururi Heran."

Why!?

Gah! I was the one invited as a guest!

"But the information from Prince Arc is quite different. Iris is described as beautiful like a celestial being, fragile like a falling cherry blossom, and with a bright smile like the sun, making everyone happy just by being there. Frankly... the woman here is beautiful, but she doesn't match the description. She's a bit dirty."

Thanks to the prince's exaggeration, we're in a bind.

The prince saw Iris that way.

I wonder how he sees me. I want to know, but I don't really want to know...

Since the situation wasn't improving, I decided to use a slightly underhanded tactic.

I leaned in close to the guard and whispered,

"I didn't want to say this, but are you aware that you're making a huge mistake right now?"

"Hmm? Trying to persuade me?"

"Exactly. You're refusing to let someone who might become the future queen through, and you even called her dirty. If the prince hears about this, what do you think will happen? Especially since he specifically told you to let Iris through. Oh, your promotion will be delayed."

"Ugh... That's unfair. But you're right, that would be very bad."

"Exactly. It's not too late to fix it."

"Y-Yeah. I'll check. If it's a lie, you'll regret it!"

The guard who had spoken to us rushed through a small entrance in the wall.

The other guards' gazes were still sharp.

If it was a lie, what would happen to us? It's not a lie, though! Right? We were invited, right!?

I started to feel anxious.

After a while, the guard returned.

He was out of breath and looked pale, as if he had rushed and possibly faced the prince's wrath.

"I am truly sorry! When I described Iris's features, the prince said it was exactly her. I apologize for the rude behavior!"

"It's okay, it's okay. I'm not upset."

Iris smiled brightly and forgave him. She's amazing. I was a bit concerned that he didn't apologize to me.

"Ah, such a kind lady. Please, Iris, the prince is waiting for you."

The guard, who had completely changed his attitude, bowed deeply and gestured for her to enter.

The massive main gate opened wide. It must have taken a lot of effort to open such a huge gate.

It seemed unnecessary to open such a large gate just for two people, but the guards used a smaller entrance.

The guard, now bowing deeply, gestured for Iris to enter.

As I passed by, I smirked at the guard.

Ha, we are proper guests!

"Wait, wait a moment!"

Just as Iris slipped through the main gate and I was about to follow, the guard, who had been bowing deeply, stopped me.

"Iris, please proceed without worrying."

A female attendant who had been waiting inside the wall guided Iris into the castle.

Iris couldn't resist and was led into the castle.

"Hey, what about me?"

"Prince Arc said that Kururi Heran is not his guest. I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave."

That prince!! This is war! Hey, come out and face me! One-on-one! No guards!

Surrounded by guards, I was pushed outside the wall, and the main gate closed again.

It must have been a lot of work to close it manually.

That's not the point, why can't I enter!? I'm a guest! I'm a guest!

"Are you serious? You really won't let me in?"

"Yes, suspicious people cannot be allowed in."

What should I do? I might end up on the streets. At least I have money.

"Can I stay at your house?"

"No way!"

"Just kidding. Listen, I was invited by the second prince, Lassar. Can you check with him?"

"Add 'Prince' to his name. I haven't heard anything special from Prince Lassar, but since you were with Iris, I'll check."

I hadn't written back to Lassar's letter.

I hadn't even told him I was coming.

When I received his letter, I thought I'd surprise him by coming suddenly. I had completely forgotten.

Now I was the one being surprised.

"What's your relationship with Prince Lassar?"

"We're best friends."

"Don't use such disrespectful words in front of Prince Lassar. He's fair and will forgive you, but be respectful. Besides, we haven't confirmed if you even know him."

"Come on, if you let me in, I'll give you free access to the hot springs in Heran. I'm tired."

"The hot springs aren't the issue. I'll check, but if you really know him, you'll be allowed in. Why don't you have an invitation?"

"Who brings an invitation when visiting a friend's house?"

"This is the royal castle, not a friend's house."

"I know, I know! I thought about it when I was at the academy! I just didn't think it through properly!"

"Is that so? It should be confirmed soon. Please wait a bit longer."

Ugh, I don't want to wait anymore.

It's unfair that Iris was let in. Prince Arc, I'll remember this.

I'll get you back someday.

Besides, I'm tired. I was fighting monsters just a while ago.

I just realized how exhausted I am after the fight.

...I decided to lie down and wait.

I lay on my back in protest. My clothes were already dirty, so a bit more dirt didn't matter.

"What are you doing!? Why are you lying down!?"

"...Protest, ...tired, ...pouting."

"Got it! I understand everything clearly."

I don't know how, but he understood.

As I was throwing a tantrum, the main gate moved.

The massive stone gate opened again.

Standing inside the gate was Lassar, who had vouched for me.

He had a smile on his face, but it quickly disappeared.

Oh no, was lying down a bad idea?

"Did you guys attack my brother!?"

"N-No, we would never..."

"Then why is my brother lying down!?"

Oh, lying down caused a misunderstanding.

I'm sorry, guard. They were just doing their job.

"Lassar, it's not what it looks like. I just got tired and lay down."

"Getting tired and lying down? That's not a normal situation! You guys, taking advantage of my brother's kindness and attacking him is unforgivable!"

"No, Lassar? Really, nothing happened."

"I like my brother's kindness, but there are times to be angry. This is one of those times! You guys, be prepared!"

Lassar drew his sword, and things got serious, so I tried to explain.

I desperately tried to stop Lassar from chasing the guards, and the commotion continued for a while.

Just entering the royal castle was a struggle. I was exhausted, and things went wrong immediately...

Maybe I should just go home?