Chapter 78

It had been a few days since Raser entertained me. The magic stone has also become quite familiar to my body, at least in a fashionable sense.

Since then, Raser has been very kind to me. I never feel bored.

However, today I am alone.

Raser is already a busy man at his age.

Today he is visiting the Royal Art Museum in the capital for official business.

Apparently, he has to listen to artistic singing while entertaining people who love money.

I said I wanted to go, but Raser told me that today's gathering is not purely for enjoying art, and it would be better to stay away. He also promised to take me another day if I wanted to go.

So, I am spending my day idly.

I was told to do as I please in the castle, but I don't know how far I can go. I know I can't wander around naked...

Iris is at work, and since it's a secret place, I don't know where she is.

When you're alone, there's a limit to what you can do.

Even if I found Prince Arc, I wouldn't know what to do with him alone.

In such times, I used to forge at the academy.

It had become almost a habit, as routine as washing my face every morning.

However, there's no such space in the castle, and it's not really necessary.

"Alright, I'll go see Eliza's mother."

I told this to the capable lady-in-waiting Raser assigned to me.

She can get anything you want within three minutes. She appeared out of nowhere on the first day and surprised me, leading me to suspect she has a portal device.

"Yes, that's fine, but she is a very elusive person. It's uncertain whether you'll be able to meet her."

What kind of person is she? I imagine someone free-spirited.

"King, Tsukimi, and Raser's sister Maria. These three are sometimes called the 'Travelers.' They always disappear without a trace. It's almost a talent how beautifully they vanish."

"Travelers..."

To think such important figures are doing this. I can feel the stress of those around them.

And the king! That's not good!

"If that's the case, I'll wander around alone. What's your name, by the way?"

"Spathiphyllum. I didn't introduce myself because I didn't think it was necessary to remember me, and I apologize for that."

"No, it's not something to apologize for. Rather, Spathiphyllum, you can take the day off today. I'm just wandering around the castle."

"That's not possible. I was instructed by Prince Raser to be of service to you."

"You are being helpful. And weren't you told to listen to requests? I'm asking you to take the day off today."

"If that's the case, I can go buy 'Lover's Cafe 2: Storm Edition' without feeling guilty. It's on sale today, and I wanted to go."

With that, Spathiphyllum disappeared.

She looks capable, but her mind is filled with such personal desires. You can't judge a book by its cover. She disappears so quickly, I want to give her the title of 'Traveler' too.

I left the room I was staying in and walked down the wide corridor of the castle.

It's so wide that I almost forget I'm indoors.

Walking further, I came to a vast, empty space.

Approaching a spot where sunlight was shining, I could see the town below.

The castle is at a high elevation, and being on the fourth floor, the view is quite good.

Although I shouldn't be able to hear sounds, watching the bustling market from a distance made it seem as if the noise was reaching my ears.

"The view from here is quite something, isn't it?"

A handsome middle-aged man with golden hair had appeared behind me.

He's the strange man I met in the bath that day. We bumped heads after sliding 50 meters.

I didn't want to see him again, but I unexpectedly ran into him.

"Yes, you can see the entire town."

"It's my favorite spot. The weather is clear today, making the view even better. However, even on rainy or snowy days, the view is quite nice."

"Is that so?"

Does this guy come here on rainy and snowy days? Is he doing his job properly?

From what I heard in the bath, he manages all official duties.

"I haven't used it practically yet, but the city is well-designed to protect against external threats. In fact, I directed its construction, and I'm still doing so."

He explained for a while how the city is designed to minimize economic disruption while making it difficult for enemies to invade.

Is this guy actually a capable minister? The conversation is no longer just about official duties.

"Is it okay to tell me such important things? I think they are quite important."

"Well, I haven't revealed my trump card, and you are from a family entrusted with the Helan territory. I don't think it would harm the country to tell you."

"That may be so, but I might be a fool who carelessly spreads information."

"In that case, I would be the fool for telling such a fool. But I don't think you are a fool, so I told you. There's no particular reason, just a feeling. It's not something to worry about."

"Hmm."

The man's talk about city planning was logical and interesting.

He must be a sharp person, but every time I remember the bath incident, I can't deny that he has a foolish side. No, the foolish side is more prominent.

"Let's end the casual talk here. I actually have something more important to discuss."

Something more important.

More important than the capital's military affairs... I don't know much, so I can't really imagine.

I tried to remain calm and waited for the man to speak.

"It's something recent. There's an unusually cute girl in the castle."

"..."

I couldn't find the words.

What kind of face am I making now? I think it's a wide, frog-like face.

"At first, I didn't think she was that special, but after meeting her a few times, she strangely touches my heart. I have a parental desire to make her my son's wife."

"You were just talking about important matters. What's this sudden change? A cute girl in the castle? Are you in your teenage years?"

"No, I have already dedicated my heart to my wife. I won't fall in love again. However, such a beautiful woman shouldn't be let go easily. I love my son as much as anyone. If she is a good match, I want to arrange a marriage for him."

"Ah, I was being serious. Beautiful women, I see one every ten seconds since I came to this castle. What's the big deal now?"

"Seeing one every ten seconds is enviable. I'm used to this life, and it's a good day if I see a cute girl once a day."

I don't care. I have no interest in the man's tastes.

"Since meeting her, I feel my youthful heart is reviving. It's like withered leaves turning green again. Falling in love again won't benefit anyone, but my son is inexperienced in such matters. I don't have much time for him, so I want to help him in this area."

I could feel the man's concern for his son.

But why is he telling me this? Just because we washed each other's backs...

Oh, we did wash each other's backs. We're not just acquaintances.

"How old is your son? And the beautiful woman?"

"They are both about your age. If you could help, it would be a great support."

"Sure, I can help a little. But romantic affairs can get complicated. Are you sure it's okay?"

"It's fine. If things get tough, we can run away. I'm good at running."

Is that okay, man? Is that really okay, man?

I'm not that good at running. This isn't my home.

"Alright, I'll take you to see the girl. Don't remember the route we take. You can remember it, but don't tell anyone. Understand? Otherwise, I'll be in trouble."

I thought it would be fine if I got in trouble, but I nodded.

We followed a complex route and climbed two flights of stairs.

I lost track of where I was again, but I definitely climbed two flights of stairs.

Wait, isn't this a secret floor? I thought only important people could enter...

"Isn't this a bad place?"

"You'll be in trouble if you get caught."

"You might be, but I'll face much harsher punishment!?"

"Don't worry. If you act confidently, no one will think you're a weirdo."

I'm not a weirdo. You are. I want to be treated as an outsider.

"Stop here. The girl is just around the corner."

"Already!?"

"Yes, it's hard to approach her since she's working. Why don't you pretend to be lost and ask for directions?"

"Coming to a secret floor and pretending to be lost is suspicious. I might be shouted at on the spot."

"That's true. Just peek around the corner. You might fall in love too."

Is she that cute?

I let the man take the lead and peeked around the corner.

I saw the beauty.

A woman in a castle servant's uniform was carefully cleaning the corridor...

Wait, I know her. I know her very well.

Among the many beautiful women in the castle, Iris has finally stood out!

The man wants to make her his son's wife. Run, Iris!

I turned my head back and faced the man.

"Cute, right?"

"Cute, yes. But it's not a good match."

"Why not?"

"Hmm, I feel bad for your son, but it's not a good match."

"What do you mean?"

The man looked disappointed, but I should tell him the truth before he gets too involved and gets hurt.

"That woman, Iris, is beautiful as you can see. Many men are in love with her, but she is a target of the prince."

"Which prince?"

"Prince Arc. Competing with that handsome genius is tough. While it's good to think of your son, it might end up hurting him."

"Arc... I see. In that case, I'll step back."

The man gave up surprisingly easily.

He might be hiding his disappointment.

He's unexpectedly kind and strong. Next time I see him, I might be a bit nicer.

We left the secret floor with a pounding heart and returned to the room with a view of the town.

"Thanks to you, I learned something valuable."

"No, I'm sorry I couldn't help more."

"That's not true. You've helped me twice. Next time we meet, I want to return the favor."

"That's not necessary."

"Is that so? Well, if that's the case, it's fine..."

I don't really want anything from this man.

And I don't expect much from a thank-you from someone who isn't very clean.

"Sure, if there's another opportunity."

"Sure. If you have any problems, feel free to find me."

I parted ways with the man and returned to my room.

I spent the rest of the day reading.

I took a bath, but Raser didn't return that day, so I didn't see him.

Before going to bed, I received a message from the laundry staff that something was in my pants.

I took the item.

It was a silver pocket watch, small enough to fit in my palm. There was an eagle mark on the surface. I feel like I've seen it somewhere.

Why is this in my pants? It's not even mine.

I put it in a drawer and went to bed.