Chapter 65

After hastily changing his clothes, Zenjiro tried to suppress the urge to rush out and walked quickly down the palace corridor. When he entered the room, Prince Francesco was already seated facing Queen Aura, and they were in the middle of a conversation.

"Oh, you're here, Zenjiro."

"Your Majesty Zenjiro. I apologize, but I have already started the discussion."

Upon Zenjiro's entry, Queen Aura and Prince Francesco, who had paused their conversation, spoke to him.

Zenjiro was momentarily surprised to see Aura there, but upon reflection, it made perfect sense.

The issue of admitting a foreign prince into the harem and the matter of receiving the 'Healing Secret Stone' from a foreign prince were not something Zenjiro could decide on his own.

It was only natural that Secretary Fabio would inform both Zenjiro and Aura simultaneously.

Realizing this, Zenjiro said, "Excuse me for being late," and took a seat next to Aura.

A conversation between the queen, the consort, and a foreign prince. Normally, even if it were an informal and urgent matter, there would be some pleasantries. However, Zenjiro had no time for such niceties, and neither did Prince Francesco, who was known for his unconventional behavior.

"Yes, I'm glad you could come, Your Majesty Zenjiro. I apologize for the sudden summons."

In response to Aura's cautious question, Prince Francesco nodded readily.

"No, not at all. It's a meaningful conversation for me. By the way, I don't see Princess Bonne. Where is she?"

To Zenjiro's question, Prince Francesco replied with a slightly embarrassed look.

"It's a secret from Bonne. If I told her, it would become a hassle."

"Oh, I see."

"That's right."

Zenjiro and Aura could only nod in agreement with Prince Francesco's explanation.

It was a reasonable expectation that the serious Princess Bonne would not approve of the transfer of the 'Healing Secret Stone.'

Prince Francesco and Princess Bonne were in a foreign land, the Kingdom of Carpia. For Prince Francesco to casually suggest transferring the 'Healing Secret Stone,' which was a lifeline in an emergency, was indeed unconventional. On the other hand, Princess Bonne's intention to prevent it was entirely reasonable.

However, from Zenjiro and Aura's perspective, it was fortunate that the unconventional Prince Francesco was the one they needed, and not the conventional Princess Bonne, who was not present.

Zenjiro and Aura exchanged a quick glance to confirm their intentions.

"If that's the case, there's no need to call Princess Bonne here."

"Yes, she's busy, too."

Thus, they readily agreed not to call Princess Bonne to the meeting.

"Prince Francesco, you mentioned the transfer of the 'Healing Secret Stone.'"

Despite maintaining a calm expression, Aura's inner unease was evident as she cut straight to the point.

Without hesitation, Prince Francesco nodded and replied, "Yes, I have it here. Please take a look."

He then took a palm-sized white stone from his pocket and placed it on the table.

The stone, shaped like a rectangular prism with its corners cut off, was beautifully cut and had a slight marble pattern. However, it had little intrinsic value.

But to those with the ability to perceive magic, the small stone emitted a powerful magical aura, comparable to that of an average mage.

"Are you willing to transfer this to us?"

Without discussing any compensation, Prince Francesco's sudden presentation of the stone made Aura more cautious.

Prince Francesco had a history of making generous offers, such as the marbles, but it would be premature to assume he would make this offer without expecting anything in return.

However, Prince Francesco's response was far from what Aura expected.

"No, I'm not transferring it. I will use it to heal Prince Carlos, and I request permission to visit him directly."

He was not asking for compensation, but he insisted on using it himself and meeting Carlos.

This response, which lacked any sense of normalcy, made Aura even more cautious.

"Then, there's no need for you to use the 'Healing Secret Stone' yourself. If you want to meet Carlos, we can bring him to the palace when he's feeling better."

"No, that won't do. The 'Healing Secret Stone' is a valuable item. Even as the first prince, there's no guarantee that you will use it."

Prince Francesco's straightforward words, though blunt, were not without merit.

From a purely pragmatic standpoint, accepting the 'Healing Secret Stone' and falsely claiming to have used it, while actually keeping it, would not be a bad strategy. If the gamble paid off, the first prince's life and the credibility of the Kingdom of Carpia would be at stake.

However, Prince Francesco's concern about this possibility had some validity.

(Well, at least one thing is clear. Prince Francesco is not a fool. His usual behavior is an act.)

Observing the situation, Zenjiro concluded that Prince Francesco was not as foolish as he appeared.

This logical and coherent interaction was not something a fool could manage.

So, if his usual behavior was an act, what was the reason for his insistence on meeting Carlos, to the point of shedding his facade?

"Please, I only want to visit him. I won't bring anything other than the 'Healing Secret Stone,' and I will come alone. I won't make any requests later, and I won't allow my people to use language as an excuse. If a physical examination is necessary, I will accept it."

Despite Aura's reluctance, Prince Francesco continued to insist on visiting Carlos personally.

At this point, Aura could not help but realize that Prince Francesco had a significant hidden agenda.

"Hmm..."

"I beg you, Your Majesty Aura, and Prince Carlos, and the Kingdom of Carpia. I swear I will not harm any of you."

Prince Francesco, with his right hand extended in front of his face, pleaded earnestly. His demeanor was humorous, but the content of his words was not to be taken lightly.

However, in reality, even if Prince Francesco entered the harem under these conditions, he would not be able to do anything. Unarmed and without any escort, it would be easy to apprehend him if he attempted any mischief.

Prince Francesco, as evident from his behavior, had not received much training as a warrior.

He was tall and well-built, but Aura could easily subdue him if necessary.

More importantly, as a mother, Aura genuinely wanted to give her son a chance to be healed with the 'Healing Secret Stone.'

"...Alright. I will consider your visit as a healing act, similar to that of a physician or a healer from the Gilbert family. I will grant you special permission to enter the harem. To avoid complications, I will publicly announce your visit as a healing act, and you will enter the harem openly. Prince Francesco, is this acceptable?"

"Yes, that's fine. Thank you."

After a lengthy negotiation, Prince Francesco finally thanked Queen Aura with a broad smile.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

An hour later.

Zenjiro, Aura, and Prince Francesco were walking down the corridor of the harem.

Before entering the harem, Prince Francesco had undergone a body check and had all his belongings, except for his clothes and the 'Healing Secret Stone,' confiscated. In contrast, Aura and Zenjiro were armed with their usual iron swords.

While carrying a sword with Zenjiro had little practical value beyond a deterrent, Aura was skilled enough to use it effectively.

With Prince Francesco, who lacked martial training, there was no real threat.

However, the uncertainty of his intentions in entering the harem remained.

Initially, Aura considered bringing her royal guards as an escort, but after weighing the risks and benefits, she decided against it.

By allowing Prince Francesco to enter the harem, she was, in a sense, showing some trust. If she brought armed guards, it would be a clear indication that she did not trust him at all.

"Wow, the harem is quite different from the harem in the Kingdom of Carpia. Although, I only have vague memories of it from when I was six, so I can't really say for sure, hahaha."

Prince Francesco, looking around with interest, showed no signs of tension.

Perhaps, after all, this prince was just a fool. The thought crossed Zenjiro's mind again, given how foolish he appeared.

Eventually, the three of them arrived at Prince Carlos's bedroom.

"It's me."

The door was opened from the inside without any particular surprise at Aura's voice.

"Your Majesty Aura, Lord Zenjiro, Prince Francesco. Lady Michelle and Lady Cassandra are waiting inside."

The blonde servant, who opened the door, bowed respectfully. She had been replaced by another servant who had been attending to Prince Carlos, as Aura had instructed.

This blonde servant was one of Aura's closest confidants, along with Secretary Fabio and Chief Court Mage Espiridion. She was one of the few harem servants with direct combat capabilities.

"How is Carlos?"

"He just fell asleep. He had a sore throat and was crying the whole time he was awake."

"I see..."

Aura, clenching her lips tightly, walked into the room.

Prince Francesco followed behind her, and Zenjiro brought up the rear.

In the inner room, their beloved son, Carlos Zenji, was sleeping on a small bed, with his wet nurses, Cassandra and Michelle, standing on either side.

"..."

In stark contrast to Cassandra, who bowed deeply, Michelle, the physician, directed a harsh gaze at Aura and Zenjiro.

"Your Majesty Aura, Lord Zenjiro. I have been informed of the situation. However, I must say, this is rash. Scarlet fever is not a disease that one cannot contract again after having it once.

I had forbidden you from coming near this room until I gave my permission."

The stern old physician's glare made Zenjiro flinch, and Aura seemed similarly affected.

"I'm sorry, but the situation has changed. Please understand."

Aura offered a somewhat apologetic explanation.

Realizing that further lecturing would be futile, Michelle sighed dramatically but held her tongue.

"So, the person behind you is Prince Francesco, who has brought the 'Healing Secret Stone' for Prince Carlos?"

As a mere physician, it would be impolite for Michelle to address a prince directly, but as the attending physician of Prince Carlos, she had considerable authority.

Whether this was a common practice in the Kingdom of Carpia or simply a relaxed attitude,

"Yes, that's right. Here it is."

Prince Francesco, unperturbed by Michelle's words, showed the white stone in his right hand.

Seeing the stone, which emitted a strong magical aura, Michelle's expression softened slightly.

"I see. Prince Carlos's condition is currently stable, but if he can be healed quickly, that would be ideal. Scarlet fever, unlike the 'Blessing of the Forest,' does not confer any benefits even if one overcomes it on their own."

Despite her calm demeanor throughout the ordeal, the pressure of being responsible for the life of the first prince, who had a one in ten chance of dying, must have been significant.

In front of Michelle, Prince Francesco, with a smile, took a step closer to the small bed where Carlos was sleeping.

"Sure, leave it to me. I will heal Prince Carlos's illness."

He then tapped his chest with his open left hand.

"Prince Francesco, I'm sorry to rush you, but could you start now?"

Aura, positioning herself to intervene if necessary, asked.

Prince Francesco nodded again and said,

"Yes, but first, I need to apologize for something."

"...Apologize for what?"

Aura, visibly tensing, bent her knees, ready to spring into action.

Behind her, Zenjiro reflexively reached for his sword.

The blonde servant, in a natural movement, crouched slightly, ready to draw the short sword she carried under her skirt.

Ignoring the tense atmosphere, Prince Francesco continued with a smile.

"Yes, I've been lying until now. I said that as a member of the Kingdom of Carpia, I have many 'Healing Secret Stones,' but that was a lie. In reality, the Kingdom of Carpia has healers from the Gilbert family, and we, the Charowa royal family, never leave the capital. Therefore, we don't have many 'Healing Secret Stones' for the royal family."

"Then, what is the white stone in your right hand? Is it not a 'Healing Secret Stone'?"

Aura, with a voice and expression that conveyed a sense of impending danger, asked sharply.

"No, this is indeed a 'Healing Secret Stone,' but it's the only one I have. If I use it, Bonne will be angry."

"Then, what do you plan to do?"

Aura, crouching further and placing her hand on the hilt of her sword, signaled Zenjiro to hold back with a glance.

Prince Francesco's actions were indeed suspicious, but if his intention was to harm Carlos, it would be even more suspicious.

Given his value as a top-tier enchanter, even without a claim to the throne, using him as a disposable pawn would be a waste.

If the goal was to harm Prince Carlos, it would be more efficient to send a healer from a branch of the Gilbert family.

Therefore, it was likely that Prince Francesco's intention was not to harm Carlos.

In this tense atmosphere, Prince Francesco, instead of using the hand holding the 'Healing Secret Stone,' extended his empty left hand toward the small bed where Carlos was sleeping.

"I will do this. 'Drive away the disease that is consuming this body. In exchange, I will offer 286 units of magic power to the spirit of life.'"

As he chanted, a faint magical light emanated from Prince Francesco's left palm and descended upon Carlos.

The effect was immediate. Scarlet fever, as its name suggests, is characterized by red spots appearing all over the face and body.

Indeed, Carlos had been covered in numerous red spots on his adorable face just moments ago.

But now, the spots were completely gone, and his breathing, which had been labored, had become calm.

The effectiveness of Prince Francesco's 'magic' was evident.

"Healing magic...?"

After a moment, Zenjiro, finally understanding what he was seeing, muttered.

"Unbelievable!"

On the other hand, Aura, with a look of shock that Zenjiro had never seen before, stood there in disbelief.

It was no wonder Aura was shocked. Prince Francesco was a member of the Charowa royal family, yet he had used the 'healing magic' of the Gilbert family, which was considered impossible according to the world's norms.

"Um, I would like to explain in more detail. Could we move to a different location? Oh, but to ensure confidentiality, I request that everyone in this room be restrained for a short while."

In the midst of this, Prince Francesco, maintaining his calm demeanor, made this request.