Chapter 77

It's Lancer's turn to entertain us today. I feel light in both mood and body from morning.

I had breakfast with Lancer and Iris, the three of us together.

The table was a long rectangle, so long that if you sat at opposite ends, you couldn't even see each other's faces clearly.

Lancer must have noticed, as the meal was arranged so that the three of us sat next to each other.

"These vegetables are delicious. I thought the capital wouldn't have fresh vegetables because the city is so developed, but they really are delicious."

"These are all grown in the castle's garden. They are managed by Eliza's mother."

"Really? That's surprising. I thought someone of her status would never get their hands dirty."

"Eliza's father is a wise but intimidating man, but her mother is very friendly. She laughs a lot and has been kind to me since I was a child."

Wow, surprising. So surprising that I can't think of anything else but surprise.

Eliza, who is known for her fiery temper, and her mother being such a person. Could the warmth Eliza sometimes shows be inherited from her mother?

"I should thank her for the vegetables and would like to meet her once."

"Yes, if you get the chance, please do. She's an interesting person. She's quite a wanderer, though, so she can be hard to catch."

Lancer smiled and told me this. He really seems to be fond of Eliza's mother.

"Ahem, bring me the same thing."

While we were talking, Prince Arc had entered the room without us noticing. He cleared his throat to announce his presence and asked the servants for the same breakfast we were having.

He sat at the farthest end of the table, where faces couldn't be seen clearly.

It's so obvious it's embarrassing.

If he wants to sit with Iris, he should just sit next to her.

Lancer narrowed his eyes and glanced at his brother's pitiful figure, then turned to me.

"My brother usually eats in his room."

He whispered this to me. Lancer clearly understood his brother's pitiful nature.

"Then let's ignore him."

"That's the best approach."

Lancer and I acted as if Prince Arc wasn't there.

Iris looked like she was wondering if it was okay, but it was fine. He's just too much trouble.

"Hey, Lancer, can you pass me the dressing on your side?"

"Brother, you have the same thing on your side."

"This is different. It's more eco-friendly to use one bottle at a time. The capital has been dealing with garbage issues recently, you know."

Lancer looked annoyed and leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"This is really troublesome. Let's finish eating and go."

"Maybe you should be a bit nicer to him. I can hear your thoughts, but he does have a point."

"Brother, you're so kind."

Heaving a sigh, he answered his brother this time.

"There's no helping it. I'll bring it over."

"Still, I should be the one to get it since I asked. I'll go get it."

Lancer looked like he wanted to throw the bottle of dressing at his brother. I can tell from our long acquaintance that Lancer, who is usually so composed, becomes easily irritated and quick to anger when it comes to his brother. It's a touching sight.

"Hey, isn't that Iris? I didn't notice because the table is so big. I thought there was a delicate lady sitting with us."

The table isn't so big that he couldn't recognize a familiar face. If he's serious, I'd recommend he put on his glasses.

"Does Prince Arc have poor eyesight?"

Iris, taking his words at face value, worried about the prince's health.

It's because he's making unnecessary moves. This is a good opportunity to transition to a character with poor eyesight.

"My vision is a bit blurry when I wake up. But more importantly, Iris, you're starting work today, right? Since the location is so important, there are few who can guide you. If you don't mind, I'll guide you. After all, I've lived in this castle since I was born."

"Sure. Thanks, but can I ask you?"

"Haha, at this level, no one else could do it. It's a bit of trouble, but it's a virtue to help a friend. No matter the effort."

You just want to guide her, don't you? Lancer spoke up for me.

"Brother seems to have a tough job. For me, it's as easy as drinking a cup of tea, so I'll guide Iris."

"Ah, for the general public, it's a tough job, but for me, it's as easy as squeezing a lemon into tea. Lancer, I think I can handle it better, so I'll take it."

"Is that so? I didn't specify the amount of tea. It's as easy as drinking a small amount. Easier than squeezing a lemon."

"Ah, that's the same for me. My lemon is already peeled and cut into small pieces, so a light breath will release the juice. I used the word 'squeezing' because it's easier to understand. In other words, just breathing will squeeze the lemon. I definitely need less effort."

What are these two brothers doing?

It doesn't matter to me. Even the lady-in-waiting standing behind Lancer looks like she's thinking, "Hmm, should I go instead?"

"Besides, Lancer, you're keeping an important friend waiting. Kururi is the future heir of the Helan territory and will be an indispensable person for this country. Keeping such a person waiting is detrimental to national interests. Right? Kururi?"

His gaze is intense!

His pupils are wide open! I felt the concentration of a predator about to catch its prey, so I decided to give in easily.

"Lancer, let's leave Iris to Prince Arc. I want to see the capital soon."

"Right. It's not good to keep a friend waiting. Lancer, here's some pocket money. Why don't you buy some sweet bread and enjoy it together?"

"Hmm, I already have pocket money from my mother, so it's fine. Besides, I can't let you treat me to sweet bread after coming all the way to the capital. I understand, I won't interfere with Iris's work."

"Right, right. Be careful not to cause any accidents."

Satisfied with his victory, the prince's face relaxed.

Iris, who had been watching, also looked relieved.

"Prince Arc, thank you. I can go now, so please guide me whenever you're ready."

"Sure, but you can take it easy. How about in another 20 minutes or so..."

Lancer sighed in exasperation and pulled on my sleeve to leave.

I had a question, so I asked Lancer.

"Do you understand the specific meaning of 20 minutes?"

"It's the time when Father, the king, enters his office."

...Silence fell between Lancer and me.

Is it because we lacked the resolve? We underestimated Prince Arc's seriousness.

"Even though it's tiring from morning, let's enjoy it."

"Right. I'm tired too."

Lancer led the way, and we reached the outside of the castle. We were still within the walls, so it seemed we had come to a garden-like area.

A noisy sound was heard, and soon a white horse-drawn carriage arrived.

"These are beautiful horses that are usually maintained by craftsmen. They move steadily."

Not only the horses were impressive.

The interior of the carriage was clearly different from the one I came to the capital in.

It's heavy, so it's not suitable for long trips, but it's the perfect space for a day's use.

"I have a plan, but I've allowed for flexibility. If you have any preferences, I'll prioritize them."

Hmm, a cute girl giggling and being playful? I can't say that, so I'll pass.

"No particular preferences. My friend Lancer has prepared an exciting tour plan, so I'll leave it to him."

"That's great. Please look forward to it."

The carriage started moving.

We arrived at the main gate, which opened again. Thank you for your hard work.

We drove through the capital for a while.

The scenery from the window was magnificent. Everywhere was crowded with people.

I could see the market in the distance, which looked even more bustling. The city was full of energy, and I imagined that mixing in with the crowd would lift my spirits.

"Brother, we're almost there."

"Oh, we're almost there. Just looking at the scenery is quite enjoyable."

"It's sad when you get used to it and it becomes just another part of the scenery. Let's get ready to get off."

The first place Lancer took me to was an area with a row of magic stone shops.

It was close to where the nobles lived.

Magic stones are expensive, and most of the demand comes from nobles, so it made sense for the location.

"Yeah, I like it!"

"Hehe, I thought you would."

There are no magic stone shops in the Helan territory.

I have some knowledge from books and have seen them a few times, but each time I felt a sense of longing.

I don't think I'm usually very materialistic, but now my desire to buy is strongly stimulated.

It's not a problem if I don't buy anything. But I want to see all the shops!

It's similar to how women feel when window shopping, I suppose.

"Lancer, let's go. Where should we start?"

"We have all the time in the world. It's best to start from the beginning."

"Right. I get it."

We went to the first shop. It seemed to be in a good location, as it was bustling with customers and had many staff.

We looked at the items from the beginning. There were explanations next to the magic stones.

They detailed what magic was imbued, the manufacturer, and other specifics.

Unfortunately, they were extremely expensive.

I have money. I could buy a few if I wanted to, but I'm not used to such expensive purchases, so I can't decide.

Also, the items lack a decisive factor.

"Don't rush. Let's look at other shops."

Lancer, the city boy, exuded a relaxed aura. He seemed to be glowing slightly. It's reassuring to have him with me.

"Are you not buying anything, Lancer?"

"I can come anytime. I'll buy when I need to."

"Right. I see."

Do they have sales at certain times?

I'm too embarrassed to ask. After all, it seems like there are no customers who care about such things.

We visited a few more shops. Hmm, if asked whether I want to buy something, I would, but I can't decide.

The prices make me hesitant.

"Brother, let's go to that shop next. I'm sure you'll like it."

"Hmm?"

Lancer headed to the shop as if he had planned it from the beginning.

Is it different from the others?

"This shop can customize magic stones on the spot. They're also cheaper than other shops. The designs are not as good as pre-made ones, but I thought you would prioritize functionality over design."

"Yeah, I like it!"

Lancer, you understand! That's it! That's what I want!

Would you consider being adopted into my family?

When we entered the shop, it felt a bit less formal than the others.

But I don't mind the eclectic feel of the magic stones filling the space.

"Prince Lancer, it's good to see you again."

A thin, hunched man greeted Lancer.

"Actually, this is one of my favorite shops. I prioritize functionality over design."

"I see."

That's right, Lancer and I are basically on the same wavelength. I guess our likes and dislikes are similar.

"What brings you here today?"

"I brought my brother today. I want to get a magic stone suitable for him."

"I see. He seems to be a rather... unusual customer."

Declaring someone a weirdo right away! That's too rude. I could kill him and have no complaints...

"Ah, don't take it personally, Brother. The shop owner has a unique way of looking at people and, well, a unique personality..."

"No, I'm not bothered. What do you mean by a unique way of looking at people?"

"Yes, he has the ability to see the characteristics of a person's magic."

The ability to see magic... That's a cool ability that someone our age would really admire.

It's too cool!

"That's not as grand as it sounds. I can only see a few characteristics. Prince Lancer is rare, and the magic of this red-haired customer is also something I've never seen before."

...Can I trust this?

"Lancer, will there be extra charges?"

"Don't worry. I don't think he does anything suspicious."

"Ho ho, I can hear that. I don't charge extra, so why don't you hear me out? It's a rare opportunity, and it won't hurt to know."

It's free? Then I'll let him see it.

"Don't be so relieved, Brother. As they say, nothing is more expensive than free."

"R-Right!? Then I'll pay a little. A little."

"Sure, do as you please. Red-haired customer, may I ask your name?"

"My name is Kururi Helan. I like peace and quiet."

"Kururi Helan, in one word, your magic is a 'vortex.' A very large vortex."

"A vortex?"

"A vortex...?"

It's the swirling thing that swallows everything. Now that I imagine it, it's quite scary.

"A vortex. Your magic has the characteristic of absorbing and assimilating the magic of others. If you have malicious intent, you could even absorb Prince Lancer's magic."

What a reckless thing to say!

If you say something like that so easily, what if you're accused of harming the royal family and lose your head!

"Brother, can you do such amazing things!?"

"No, I can't! It feels like I'm being framed!"

"But the shop owner has a very accurate eye. No one he's seen has been wrong."

Is that true!? An expert!

"Well, don't panic. It's only if you have malicious intent. And from what I can see, you're not aware of it yet. Kururi, have you ever noticed anything different about yourself compared to others? For example, have you ever absorbed someone else's magic?"

I have!

And it was very recent!

It's too timely to laugh about!

"...No."

"You have. Brother, why hide it? I knew you were amazing when I met you, and this proves it. Please be proud."

Be proud? ...But...

"Being near you might drain someone's magic. If a person's magic is drained, they might even lose their life. ...You're a dangerous person, aren't you?"

"I know you wouldn't do such a thing, Brother. If you use your power correctly, you could make great contributions to the Helan territory, the country, and even history. You have that much power."

...It's too much, I'm blushing.

The shop owner is shaking his head, saying it's not that serious.

"If Lancer says so, I won't be pessimistic. But I won't publicize it. Now, we came here to buy a magic stone. Shop owner, prepare a magic stone suitable for me."

"Yes, please wait a moment."

While the shop owner was in the back, I asked Lancer about his magic.

"I'm quite ordinary. My magic is just a bit clearer than average."

"Clearer?"

It fits the image, doesn't it? No, it fits perfectly.

"It's not just clearer. It's completely transparent. Prince Lancer's magic is colorless and can change into anything."

The shop owner, who had returned from the back, said this.

Magic that can change into anything... Isn't that incredibly cool!?

"The path Prince Lancer walks will influence his magic. I thought it had been changing in a slightly distorted direction recently... Is that why?"

Did he just look at me!? Did he just accept me as the cause of the distortion!?

Come out! Let's duel!

"However, Prince Lancer has a magic stone that repels evil. If something with malicious intent approaches, it not only harms the prince but also directs his magic in a bad direction. If the magic stone doesn't reject Kururi, it means it's not a bad change."

Is that so? Is he a tsundere? A grandpa tsundere?

"Kururi, I'll prepare this for you. I apologize that it's a pre-made item from a custom shop."

"What? We came here to customize."

"It's because you have special magic. It's more fun to customize for someone with ordinary magic."

That's a backhanded compliment. Is the day of our duel near?

"This magic stone is filled with natural magic from the Galingal volcanic eruption. It doesn't have any special effects because it's natural magic."

"Then I don't need it."

"Don't say that. Your 'vortex' is already large but still growing. As it grows, it might crave more magic. If your body can't absorb enough, it might start taking from others. If that happens, an undesirable future awaits."

"That's a problem."

"So, if it goes out of control, you can absorb magic from this stone. It won't run out easily."

"...How much?"

"Enough to build a house. It's not something you can easily get."

"Houses vary in price. In the Helan territory, we provide new residential areas at low prices for the increasing population, and there might be cheaper houses out there."

"Fine, then I don't need it."

"I'll buy it..."

It