Chapter 8

Yamai Zenjiro is indeed a special guest to the Kingdom of Carpa, but at present, his existence is known only to Queen Aura and her confidants, making it a highly confidential matter.

Therefore, for this morning's breakfast, the third meal in this different world following yesterday's lunch and dinner, the only person sitting at the same table with Zenjiro was Aura, his fiancée.

In Zenjiro's limited vocabulary, the culture of the Kingdom of Carpa can be described as "a mix of typical medieval European fantasy and primitive tropical culture, divided by two."

The long table, which could seat about thirty people at once, was surprisingly made from a single log split in half and polished to a shine. Zenjiro couldn't even imagine how old the tree must have been. Using such a massive tree would likely cost far more than marble.

On the large wooden table, silverware held soups and baskets of round bread. Zenjiro enjoyed a breakfast rich in exotic flavors while chatting happily with Aura.

"The preparations for your return are already complete. The alignment of the stars will be favorable until mid-morning, so the timing of your return is up to you, Lord Zenjiro. Just let me know when it's convenient for you."

Aura, having elegantly placed a piece of bread into her mouth to wipe the bottom of her soup bowl, chewed and swallowed slowly before calmly informing Zenjiro of the current situation.

On the other hand, Zenjiro, who had no knowledge of table manners in this different world, recalled how Aura ate and, using his left hand, tilted the soup bowl to scoop up the amber liquid with a silver spoon, cautiously bringing it to his mouth.

"Thank you, Aura. Yes, I can return at any time. However, I have one question. When I am summoned or returned, how much luggage can I bring with me between worlds?"

Aura, who wouldn't nag about manners during such a private meal, nodded in approval of Zenjiro's attempt to learn table manners and smiled, swallowing her words about not worrying about manners.

"Hmm? Summoning magic is primarily for summoning people. Generally, you can only bring what you can carry without difficulty. The limit would probably be something like that mysterious vehicle you accidentally brought with you."

Zenjiro's face fell at Aura's response, which fell far short of his expectations.

"Wow, really? That's a problem... I won't be able to bring much, then..."

"Lord Zenjiro? Is there something in our palace that you particularly like?"

"Oh, no, it's not about this time. I was thinking about the next time, when I come back here in a month. I wanted to bring various tools from my world..."

"I see."

Aura understood Zenjiro's response. Thinking about it, Zenjiro likely had a home and possessions in his world. If he was indeed a noble or wealthy person from his world, as she and her confidants had speculated last night, it wouldn't be surprising if he had more possessions than he could carry.

"Indeed, from your perspective, this is a problem that needs to be solved. Let me think..."

The queen, intending to fulfill her future husband's requests as much as possible, pondered a solution.

"...Ah, right. Perhaps this could work."

After searching her mind for all possibilities, Aura hit upon a potential solution and clapped her hands together.

"Aura, you have a method?"

Zenjiro, his face lighting up with joy, started to rise from his chair, but Aura nodded and said,

"Yes. There is a carpet with a magic circle that forms the basis of spatial magic.

When you return to your world, you can take the carpet with you. When you are summoned back to this world a month later, if you activate the magic circle, it should be possible to bring the items within the circle with you.

While it won't allow you to bring all your possessions, it will certainly increase the amount you can bring compared to what you can carry on your own."

"Wow, that sounds like a lot more! But, I can't use magic or anything like that, at least not yet..."

After his initial joy, Zenjiro's face fell again, but Aura reassured him with a smile.

"Don't worry. It's the most basic form of magic. The magic circle can be activated just by infusing it with magic power. If that's too difficult, you can simply let a small amount of blood soak into the carpet. Blood contains a high concentration of magic power."

"Oh, I can manage that. Thank you so much, Aura."

"You're welcome. Compared to what you will bring to me, it's a small thing."

Aura smiled, as if she had just made a significant offer. Zenjiro, unaware of the true value of the magic circle carpet, gratefully accepted her kindness. If he had known its true worth, he might have understood how sincerely Aura was trying to accommodate him.

The magic circle carpet is a genuine magical artifact, created using a special magic called "Enchantment Magic." Like the "Spatial Magic" of the Carpa royal family, "Enchantment Magic" is a secret technique known only to a certain royal family. Naturally, magical artifacts, the products of "Enchantment Magic," are extremely rare and command exorbitant prices. Moreover, the magic circle on the carpet, while basic, is a "Spatial Magic" circle. It is a unique item that combines the secret techniques of two royal families, serving as a symbol of the friendship between the Carpa royal family and the royal family that inherited "Enchantment Magic." It is a national treasure.

"Of course, it is a valuable item. I hope you don't forget it in your world."

However, to avoid placing a psychological burden on Zenjiro, Aura did not reveal the inner details and simply added this casually.

"I understand. I will definitely return it."

"Very well. Is there anything else you need? We are already engaged, so there's no need to be reserved."

After finishing their breakfast, Aura and Zenjiro continued their conversation while drinking water mixed with citrus fruit juice. The water, which tasted like a sweet lemon, refreshed Zenjiro's palate. He thought it would be even better if it were served cold with ice.

While still thinking about such luxuries, Zenjiro suddenly remembered something.

"Right, other than that... Oh, right. We're engaged. We're getting married. Aura, do you have a ring that fits your left ring finger? If you do, could you lend it to me?"

Since this world doesn't have the custom of engagement or wedding rings, Aura tilted her head in confusion, not understanding Zenjiro's intention.

"I can find one quickly, but what do you need it for?"

"Well, it's... a surprise for a month from now."

Even without knowing the custom of wedding rings, combining the request for a ring that fits and the mention of a surprise in a month, Aura could easily guess that Zenjiro, upon returning to his world, intended to give her a ring as a gift.

Aura smiled, a mysterious smile that was both alluring and innocent, and met Zenjiro's gaze directly.

"I understand. I'll look forward to it. Can I expect you to explain the significance of the ring on your left ring finger in your world a month from now?"

"Ah... Yes, I will definitely do that."

Zenjiro, realizing that his intentions were already mostly understood, returned her words with a wry smile.