Chapter 61

Princess Bonna is assigned as the supervisor for Prince Francesco.

Since Prince Francesco is overwhelmingly superior in lineage and age, he is nominally the representative, but after only three days in the Kingdom of Carpa, no one brings official matters to Prince Francesco anymore.

As a result, the complicated tasks fall heavily on the young shoulders of Princess Bonna.

Moreover, it is impossible for Prince Francesco to quietly seclude himself. He participates in lunch gatherings and misnames people, or attends dance parties and steps on the hems of the female participants, causing trouble every day.

Fortunately, thanks to Prince Francesco's innocent and age-inappropriate personality, things do not become serious, but still, situations arise frequently where at the very least, an apology letter or some gifts must be sent to save face.

In conclusion, Princess Bonna is so busy with her duties that she has no time to enjoy the exotic jewelry culture she was looking forward to.

There is someone who is concerned about Princess Bonna's situation. None other than Queen Aura I of the Kingdom of Carpa herself.

"Um, so what exactly? Princess Bonna is in a difficult situation and close to her limit, so you want to give her a little encouragement here, right?"

One night, already in his blue pajamas, Zenjiro lay on his back on the bed and responded to his wife's proposal.

"Yes, that's about right. The problem is that Prince Francesco, the other royal, is too much of a handful. If Princess Bonna were to collapse, the window for the dual kingdom envoy would be closed."

On the other side, Aura, also in her nightgown, nodded in agreement with her husband's words as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Her expression was somewhat gloomy.

It had been about half a month since then. Although not as much as Zenjiro, Aura had met Prince Francesco and Princess Bonna several times after that and had come to realize the futility of confronting Prince Francesco directly.

It doesn't matter whether Prince Francesco's words and actions are acting or genuine. He is a person you cannot deal with head-on.

Zenjiro, unfortunately, fully agrees with Aura's assessment.

Zenjiro, who is on the front lines dealing with Prince Francesco, understands all too well how cheerful, innocent, and yet firmly problematic he is.

"Well, it is important now, isn't it? The first magic tool has finally been decided, right?"

"Yes, it ended up being 'Future Compensation.' It seems to be quite an impressive item. According to Prince Francesco, it is also possible to 'add to it.' However, it cannot be used in divided portions.

This will allow my magic power to be used more effectively."

Zenjiro, who was lying on the bed, raised his head and asked, and Aura, sitting on the edge of the bed, twisted her body to look down at him and answered.

'Future Compensation' is a magic that pre-pays the magic power of one's future self to make up for the insufficient magic power.

Originally, it was a desperate measure created to activate the advanced magic of 'Time-Space Magic,' which requires an absurd amount of magic power. However, if it can be made into a magic tool, it opens up entirely different uses.

For example, if Aura uses this magic today to store three days' worth of magic power starting from tomorrow.

Then, Aura will not be able to use any magic power for the next three days. This is no different from the previous 'Future Compensation.'

However, the fact that the magic power can be stored in the form of a 'magic tool' means that the timing of its use can be chosen freely.

Moreover, since 'adding to it' is possible, it is also possible to store magic power on days when no magic is planned to be used and activate a great magic a year later.

There are many restrictions, such as the fact that a full day of magic power cannot be used, only the person who stored the magic power can use it, and once activated, all the stored magic power is consumed. However, the benefit of being able to store magic power is very significant.

The marbles to be used for the magic tool have already been given to Prince Francesco and Princess Bonna, one each.

Raising his upper body from a supine position, Zenjiro said,

"So, the creation of this 'magic tool' will limit Prince Francesco's movements for a while, right?"

"Yes. For a few days starting tomorrow, while Prince Francesco is working on the magic tool, Princess Bonna will be relieved of her heavy duty as a supervisor.

Fortunately, Prince Francesco seems to have a strong sense of pride in the creation of magic tools and is said to be very serious and sincere about it.

So, Zenjiro, can you help Princess Bonna relax?"

"Hmm? But I'm also a royal from another country, right? If I show up, it might make her feel even more obligated, which would be counterproductive, wouldn't it?"

Zenjiro, who raised a valid question, received a small nod from Aura.

"Yes, that's true. However, Princess Bonna has only been in this country for a short time. Even if she gets a break, she might end up just sleeping in her room if she's not careful."

"That sounds like a productive way to spend a break, doesn't it? Honestly, I'm a bit envious since my workload has increased recently."

"Don't lie. A person with that kind of value system wouldn't voluntarily create a schedule and a list of expected responses for self-management the day before work."

"Ugh..."

Zenjiro, who was scolded in a playful tone by his wife, closed his mouth a bit unhappily.

However, it was difficult to argue. Since coming to this world, Zenjiro has started to realize that he finds the time when he does nothing and just lounges around quite uncomfortable.

In any case, to get back on track, Aura continued.

"Well, in any case, your visit to Princess Bonna will be on the first day. Show her things from your world, like a wedding ring.

Depending on the situation, you can even lend it to her for a short time.

This way, she can spend the rest of her break polishing her jewelry skills and have fun. It seems that Princess Bonna takes jewelry as her life's purpose."

"Ah, I see."

Zenjiro nodded in agreement with Aura's words.

Come to think of it, he had a colleague at work who was the same type. He would spend his precious one or two days off a month on his hobby and come to work on Monday with red eyes, declaring, "I'm refreshed!"

Although Zenjiro, who did not have such a strong hobby, found it incomprehensible, he had to admit that they were indeed refreshed.

Even if it's not as intense, if Princess Bonna is considered to be of the same type, Aura's proposal makes sense.

"Then, can I also bring my country's coins and some beads?"

"Hmm, that sounds about right. The details are up to you."

"Got it. Then, let's go to bed soon."

Seeing that the conversation was over, Zenjiro, who had a mischievous idea, quietly moved on the bed and positioned himself behind his wife, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Zenjiro?"

"Got it!"

Then, Zenjiro hugged his beloved wife from behind, wrapping his arms around her chest and locking her waist with his legs, in a position similar to a koala clinging to a tree branch.

Furthermore, he rolled over, pulling his wife into the bed with him.

"One, two, three, heave!"

"Ah, hey?"

Aura, who let out a troubled voice, had a smile on her lips. If Aura had intended to resist, it would have been difficult for Zenjiro to pull her in, no matter how much force he used.

Aura is stronger and, though it's not often said, she is also heavier due to not having fully lost weight after pregnancy.

"Hmm..."

Knowing or not knowing these facts, Zenjiro, who was hugging his beloved wife on the bed, buried his face in her neck to increase the sense of closeness.

"Really, what's wrong with you?"

Aura, who was being hugged from behind, twisted her neck to look back at him, and Zenjiro laughed to cover up his intentions.

"Well, I've been busy lately and it's been taking me longer to get back to the harem. Because of that, I've had fewer opportunities to hold Zenkichi, and I feel lonely."

"So, I'm a substitute for Carlos?"

Zenjiro's words made the queen pout a bit, as if she was sulking.

To such an Aura, Zenjiro smiled lovingly and replied,

"No, no, I didn't say you were a substitute. After all, you and Zenkichi are completely different in size and weight."

He was about to add, "and feel," but the words were cut off.

Until then, Aura, who had been lying quietly in Zenjiro's arms like a well-trained pet dog, suddenly turned around and quickly changed from a back hug to a straddle position.

It seems that the topic of "weight" was a bit inappropriate for a newlywed who had not yet fully lost weight after pregnancy.

"Aura...?"

Zenjiro, who was looking up at his wife smiling on his chest, blinked.

Aura laughed playfully and said,

"Alright, I understand. I'll be a substitute for Carlos tonight. Papa, hold me."

"No, that's not what I meant, Aura..."

Ignoring Zenjiro's words, Aura collapsed onto his chest and quickly inserted her arms between the bed and Zenjiro's back, hugging him tightly.

So, it seems that Aura was just being playful. Zenjiro, who judged this, laughed and went along with his wife's "mischief."

"Ahaha, I don't have a daughter that big yet."

He wanted to wrap his arms around Aura's back, stroke her hair, and hug her, but unfortunately, Aura was hugging his arms.

"Papa, Papa, I love you~"

"Thank you, I love you too. But, can you loosen your arms a bit? It's a bit tight..."

"Papa..."

Zenjiro's words were not unheard, but Aura showed no sign of loosening her grip.

"Hey, Aura? Hey, let go, it's really tight."

Large, soft breasts pressed against his chest, soft thighs entangled with his legs, and kisses on his neck, as if a child was being affectionate to a parent.

It was a cute and playful way of being affectionate from a playful wife.

But, why?

"Aura, it's really getting uncomfortable. Hey, let go, I'm giving up. My arms are going numb."

"Papa, Papa, hold me. I love Papa so much~"

In Zenjiro's mind, a very ominous image of being devoured by a tigress was vividly floating and could not be erased.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

A few days later.

Zenjiro was visiting the 'South Second Wing' of the royal palace, which was lent to Princess Bonna by the Carpa royal family.

In Zenjiro's hand was a small bag containing a wedding ring, a wallet he used in Japan, a pouch of beads, and other items.

(Still, I can't get used to this lax sense of time.)

Zenjiro, who was told to "wait here" and was led to a room, sipped the cold tea provided and inwardly grumbled.

In this world without mechanical clocks, "meetings" are frustratingly lax by modern standards