Chapter 77

"Let me keep you waiting, Octavia. Please come in."

"Yes, I apologize, Your Majesty."

A little while later, Queen Aura was facing Countess Octavia in one of the harem's rooms.

Countess Octavia's role is to be the private tutor of Prince Zenjiro, the consort. Therefore, she meets Zenjiro regularly, but her opportunities to meet Aura are surprisingly few.

However, it's not as if they can avoid meeting altogether. After all, it was Aura who originally assigned a 'tutor' to Zenjiro, so she has an obligation to monitor his progress. To determine how much etiquette, knowledge, and culture Zenjiro has acquired, Aura needs to understand this before she can assign him tasks.

Therefore, roughly once a month, Aura sets aside time to meet with Countess Octavia and hear reports on his progress.

The queen, sitting across from the countess at a long table, looked directly at her and got straight to the point.

"Let's hear your report. Is the consort's education proceeding smoothly?"

Though the queen's words were calm, they carried a sense of authority. The elegant lady with lustrous black hair smiled slightly and responded affirmatively.

"Yes. As always, Prince Zenjiro is highly motivated and approaches his studies with seriousness. Currently, I am teaching him the etiquette required for interacting with 'superiors' as per your instructions."

"Hmm. How far has he progressed?"

"Yes, for general responses in formal settings, he should be able to handle them without any issues. There is still some uncertainty with responses that deviate from the standard, but I don't think he will make any major mistakes. The problem is with responses in private settings. This is still a challenge for him."

Zenjiro has always put off learning the etiquette for interacting with 'superiors.' As the consort, the only 'superior' in the Kingdom of Carp is Queen Aura.

Therefore, he has prioritized and thoroughly learned the etiquette for interacting with 'subordinates' and 'peers,' but now he needs to learn the etiquette for 'superiors.'

The reason is obvious. Zenjiro has been planning a visit to the Kingdom of Shalowa and Gilbert for some time.

To achieve his goal of bringing a healer from the Gilbert Papal Family to the kingdom before Aura gives birth to her second child, Zenjiro needs to master the 'teleportation' spell and establish a system to call the healer. To do this, he needs to visit the capital of the dual kingdom in advance, and as the consort, he must meet both the king and the pope of the dual kingdom.

In other words, even if Zenjiro masters the 'teleportation' spell, if he doesn't know the etiquette for interacting with superiors, he won't be able to achieve his goal. Aura is not the kind of person who would send someone who doesn't know the etiquette for superiors as a representative of the country.

"How much longer will it take before he is ready for a respectful visit to another country?"

Feeling a sense of joy, as if her back was tingling, the queen, who realized her husband was working hard for her and their future child, asked the consort's tutor while maintaining a poker face.

"Yes, if we continue with the current frequency of lessons, I believe he will be able to handle the minimum required in about a month. However..."

"Hmm? However, what? Please speak."

The queen tilted her head slightly, urging her to continue, as Countess Octavia, who usually gives clear answers, was unusually hesitant.

The lady with black hair took a small breath and then spoke as if she had made a decision.

"However, Prince Zenjiro is not a born noble like Your Majesty. He is diligently closing the gap with his high motivation, but his demeanor is already that of a noble. Prince Zenjiro has acquired the skill of 'acting like a noble.' I hope you do not forget this. I apologize if it seems presumptuous, but I offer this advice out of loyalty."

"Hmm..."

The queen placed her hand on her chin and thought about Countess Octavia's words for a moment.

"In other words, you are saying that for the consort, acting like a noble is a burden in itself?"

"Yes. For Your Majesty, acting like a noble is a natural behavior that requires no conscious effort, but for Prince Zenjiro, it is a skill that requires constant awareness and mental effort from start to finish."

To put it in perspective, for Aura, acting formally as a noble is as easy as a modern Japanese person eating with chopsticks and a rice bowl, while for Zenjiro, it is as challenging as eating politely with a fork, knife, and spoon.

For Aura, formal etiquette is an extension of her daily behavior, but for Zenjiro, it is a completely different and special way of behaving.

If Aura, without considering this difference, only sees the surface fact that Zenjiro can 'do it' and assigns him the same level of public duties as herself, Zenjiro will eventually break down.

Understanding the correctness of Countess Octavia's warning, the queen nodded slightly.

"I understand. I appreciate your valuable advice. Octavia, I will surely repay your loyalty in some form."

"That is too kind of you."

In response to the queen's words, the young countess, with her long, lustrous black hair, bowed gracefully, as befitting her role as a tutor of etiquette, and saw the queen off.

---

"I understand the etiquette. How about his progress in magic? I teach him a bit at night, but I would like to hear your report as well."

Next, the queen asked, and the consort's tutor answered without hesitation, as if she had prepared her response in advance.

"Yes. Since awakening his magic sight, he has mainly focused on magic output control training. Prince Zenjiro is very serious about this, but to be honest, the results are not good. I apologize, but I believe it would be better to switch to learning specific spells rather than spending more time on magic output control."

"Hmm, as expected. It's a bit disappointing, but it's a reasonable outcome."

The queen furrowed her brow slightly at Countess Octavia's report but soon nodded in agreement.

To cast a spell, the appropriate amount of magic must be infused, but the ability to 'adjust magic output' is largely a matter of talent.

Of course, if Zenjiro continues to practice daily, he will improve, but the speed of improvement is determined by innate talent, and there is a limit to how far someone without talent can go.

In fact, Aura herself is not good at controlling her output, so she excels in 'spatial magic' and some fire magic that require a lot of magic, but she can hardly use low-magic spells like 'water purification' or 'ignition' that are frequently used in daily life.

To put it in perspective, it's like practicing writing. If you practice calligraphy or writing seriously, anyone can write a certain level of characters, but to be considered 'calligraphy' or 'beautiful handwriting,' innate talent is essential.

Similarly, while magic output control can be improved with practice, to naturally adjust the output for all spells to the point of being a 'mage,' talent is crucial.

"Given this, it's necessary to prioritize learning frequently used spells. Should we move directly to 'teleportation' next...?"

The queen placed her right hand on her chin and thought.

Prioritizing the magic output for specific spells is like focusing on practicing specific characters in writing.

Even if someone is generally bad at writing, if they concentrate on practicing frequently used phrases like 'their name' or 'seasonal greetings,' they can become better than average at those specific phrases.

Of course, by focusing on practice to compensate for a lack of talent, the number of spells one can learn will be significantly fewer compared to a talented mage.

Therefore, Aura's suggestion to prioritize necessary spells is entirely reasonable.

"Yes, I believe that is the best approach."

"Understood. The consort will be here soon. I will return to the palace, but there's no need for magic practice for a while. The consort's magic training will focus on 'bloodline magic,' so I will be directly instructing him for a while."

"Yes, I understand."

The etiquette tutor, having received permission to leave from the queen, stood up with a refined gesture and bowed gracefully, seeing the queen off.

---

Just a short while before Zenjiro returned to the harem after his meeting with Prince Francesco, Queen Aura, having just finished her interview with Countess Octavia, was heading back to the palace.

Zenjiro, hoping to see his wife even for a short time, was a bit disappointed when he was informed by a harem maid, but he quickly regained his composure and headed to the guest room.

"Thank you for waiting, Countess Octavia."

"Not at all, Prince Zenjiro."

In the guest room, the beautiful tutor who had just met with Queen Aura was standing elegantly, welcoming Zenjiro.

---

Usually, Zenjiro would sit down first, and then Countess Octavia would sit across from him with his permission, but recently, things have been a bit different.

Countess Octavia stands beside Zenjiro, who remains standing, and guides him, keeping in mind the 'presence of a seated king.'

"Your Majesty is already seated. Please raise your gaze a bit more. While you are indeed in a subordinate position to the king of another country, the difference is not that great. Lowering your eyes is appropriate only when there is a significant difference in rank. Yes, that's it. Aim to look at the other person's chin or throat. If you tilt your head too much, it may be seen as disrespectful."

Following Countess Octavia's guidance, Zenjiro subtly adjusted his facial expression.

Compared to the guidance he has received so far, the content is much more detailed. This is natural, as for Zenjiro, the consort of the great Kingdom of Carp, 'superiors' can only be the kings of other countries. Even the former king or crown prince would be on the same level as Zenjiro.

In other words, 'superiors' refer only to the kings of other countries, so it is natural that the guidance is detailed and strict.

Countess Octavia conveyed the words of the 'imaginary king' to Zenjiro.

"Your Majesty says you may sit, Prince Zenjiro."

"Yes, I apologize."

Upon hearing this, Zenjiro finally sat down. The manner in which he did so and the procedure for sitting in a chair are basically the same even in front of the king.

On the other hand, the language used is completely different. However, since it is similar to honorific language, it is less foreign to Zenjiro than the language he usually uses for subordinates in the palace.

"Yes, that's good. If I may, it would be even better if you sat a bit deeper."

Despite the tension, the etiquette lessons were progressing relatively smoothly.

"Your Majesty has left. Let's conclude the etiquette lesson here, Prince Zenjiro."

Upon hearing the announcement that the imaginary king had left the room, Zenjiro relaxed slightly.

"Excellent, Prince Zenjiro. With the interaction we just had, you should not have any major issues if invited to another country's palace."

"That's good to hear. With your assurance, Countess Octavia, I feel more confident. Of course, I must not be complacent."

Zenjiro's face relaxed slightly at the tutor's approval. While Countess Octavia is a typical 'praise to improve' type of instructor, her praise is not overly exaggerated, and she does not lie. If she says there will be no major issues, it is likely true.

For Zenjiro, who plans to visit another country in the near future, this assurance is very reassuring.

Despite maintaining a poker face, Zenjiro's joy was evident, and the beautiful tutor watched him with a warm, motherly gaze. While such a look could be misinterpreted as malicious in some cases, with the gentle beauty of Countess Octavia, few would interpret it that way.

"Next, I will explain about the dual kingdom. Shall we begin, Prince Zenjiro?"

"Yes, let's start."

In response to Countess Octavia's words, Zenjiro nodded slightly.

While it has not been officially announced, it is a well-known fact that Zenjiro is preparing to visit the dual kingdom. There is no one who would be disadvantaged by Zenjiro learning 'teleportation' and being able to travel between the dual kingdom and Carp.

Zenjiro is trying to master 'teleportation' to bring a healer from the dual kingdom to Carp in time for Aura's second child. Once Zenjiro can bring a healer from the Gilbert Papal Family using 'teleportation,' the benefits will not be limited to Aura. As the queen's magic is a fundamental power of the kingdom and cannot be used easily, Zenjiro's magic is more flexible.

If someone is seriously injured or ill, Zenjiro can call a healer from the dual kingdom. This would be a great comfort to the nobles of Carp. In fact, before the great war, many members of the royal family traveled between Carp and the dual kingdom.

Of course, calling a healer from the Gilbert Papal Family using the 'teleportation' of the Carp royal family is extremely expensive. Even for great noble families like the Lala Dukedom, the Gijen Dukedom, the Gazir March, and the Marquesate of Marques, it would be a significant financial burden.

For smaller nobles, it would be an impossible amount.

However, having a connection that can save lives with money is not a bad thing. At the very least, it provides a 'sliver of hope.'

Therefore, Countess Octavia actively imparts knowledge about the dual kingdom to Zenjiro.

"As you know, the dual kingdom is a unique country in the southern continent where two royal families coexist."

While there are examples of great countries dominating smaller countries to form 'de facto federations,' the dual kingdom is the only country where two royal families officially coexist within one nation.

"In the southern continent? Does that mean the northern continent is different?"

In response to Zenjiro's simple question, Countess Octavia nodded.

"Yes. In the northern continent, there are royal families without bloodline magic, so it is not uncommon for multiple countries to form a federation. However, I have never heard of multiple royal families with bloodline magic ruling a single country. This has likely never existed in the past.

If we go back to ancient times when accurate history is not recorded, there is a legend that the White Empire, a superpower that once ruled the northern continent, was composed of twelve royal families. However, this is now considered a fairy tale, as no evidence of the White Empire's existence has been found. Only a few eccentric scholars and sages believe in its existence."

"I see."

In other words, the White Empire is like the 'ancient Atlantis,' 'ancient Mu,' or 'Xia Dynasty.' It seems that in every world, there are people who seek romance in a 'superior ancient civilization' that once existed.

While Zenjiro is not uninterested in such stories, they are clearly off-topic for the current discussion.

"In other words, the dual kingdom is a country with a unique power structure that has no precedent."

In response to Zenjiro's attempt to bring the conversation back on track, Countess Octavia smiled and nodded.

"Yes, that's correct. Therefore, when visiting the dual kingdom, there are several points to note that are different from visiting other countries.

First, the capital of the dual kingdom has two palaces: the 'Purple Egg Palace' of the Shalowa royal family and the 'Holy White Palace' of the Gilbert Papal Family. Since a human body can only be in one place, a visiting dignitary must choose which palace to visit first."

(Why do they have to make such a difficult choice...)

Zenjiro had to use all his effort to suppress a strained expression.

It makes sense. The visitor must decide the order of visits to the two coexisting royal families, which is quite malicious.

However, Countess Octavia, reading Zenjiro's slight change in expression, smiled gracefully and reassured him.

"Of course, there are certain conventions. The Shalowa royal family is responsible for internal affairs, and the Gilbert Papal Family for foreign affairs. Therefore, a general visitor should visit the 'Holy White Palace' of the Gilbert Papal Family first. Those seeking healing would naturally prioritize the Gilbert Papal Family.

Conversely, those visiting to purchase magical artifacts would visit the Shalowa royal family first.

The exception is those visiting to purchase the 'Healing Secret Stone.' Since this is a product of the combined efforts of both royal families, both have equal rights. Therefore, those wishing to purchase the 'Healing Secret Stone' face very difficult negotiations."

By doing this, the dual kingdom can inflate the price of the 'Healing Secret Stone' to boost their finances or use it as a diplomatic tool, but this is not particularly relevant to Zenjiro.

The problem was Countess Octavia's next words.

"In any case, since your purpose is to form a bond with the Gilbert Papal Family, you don't need to overthink it. Just head straight to the 'Holy White Palace.'

First, send a letter expressing your desire to visit. Both royal families should send invitations, but this is a formality. Unless there are special circumstances, the Shalowa royal family should understand and step back immediately."

Countess Octavia smiled reassuringly, but Zenjiro could barely respond without his voice trembling.

"…I see."

(In other words, if there are special circumstances, the Shalowa royal family won't step back, right? 'Luring a royal from another country with the bloodline of bestowal magic' is probably a 'special circumstance'...)

It seems unlikely that the Shalowa royal family will let Zenjiro visit the 'Holy White Palace' first without a fight.

However, he cannot reveal the behind-the-scenes details to the elegant lady in front of him, the wife of a powerful noble.

Zenjiro mustered all his strength to maintain a calm voice.

"If that's the case, there shouldn't be a problem."

"Yes, Prince Zenjiro."

The lady with black hair, unaware of the secret diplomatic content between the Carp and Shalowa royal families, smiled innocently, which seemed out of place for her age.