Chapter 30

This is the second entry for 9/25. Thank you for reading.

"I'm very sorry, but it seems there has been a change in the schedule."

Warren's arrival is delayed. He has indeed arrived, but he is currently inspecting other matters and is running late.

"Of course, we are the ones who have made a sudden request."

"That's true. We are grateful for the opportunity to meet you."

"It's a relief to hear you say that. I believe he will be here shortly..."

"Has something gone wrong?"

Considering that a lack of conversation would not be ideal, Graf decided to ask the civil servant if anything had happened.

"Well, it's fine to tell you. A member of the royal family, the Ishtrika royal family, is here on an inspection. Given that the sea crystals are an important trade for us, their presence is due to its impact."

"That's quite something... In such circumstances, we are taking up your time."

Graf had not expected that a member of the royal family would be present. Even Warren, who was a significant figure to him, was a big deal, and the news of a royal's presence made him even more nervous.

"Oh, it seems he's here."

Graf looked in the direction he was pointing. An elderly man and a beautiful blonde knight were approaching together.

Considering that he was dealing with someone close to the top of the great nation Ishtrika, Graf could not help but feel tense.

"I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Warren Lark, the Chancellor. You must be Duke August?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Graf August. I recently passed my seat to my son, and now I am just a retired man."

"My apologies. It seems the information has not reached me promptly. Thank you for your long journey. Is this young lady your granddaughter?"

After a brief introduction, Warren looked at the nearby Crone and asked.

"My name is Crone August. Thank you for accepting our sudden request."

Crone also introduced himself briefly and bowed lightly, matching the simple greetings of his grandfather Graf.

"Of course, it's no trouble. We have a few things to discuss... Oh, I apologize, Sir Chris."

"I am Christina Varnstein, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard. I also serve as the protector of the Second Princess and her son, Ein."

Finally, Chris introduced herself. From Crone's perspective, she was a beautiful woman, comparable to Olivia. Upon hearing that she also protected Olivia and Ein, he felt a slight jealousy.

Moreover, the fact that the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard was personally protecting individuals like Olivia was surprising. He realized that they must be of a high status.

"Indeed, you are the Deputy Commander of the renowned Royal Guard of Ishtrika."

"It's an honor to receive such praise. Today, I am here to serve as a protector."

"Now that the introductions are done, may I ask a few questions?"

Warren's expression changed. As a senior figure of the great nation Ishtrika, he needed to investigate the character of Graf and his companions.

"I understand. Please proceed."

"Then, let's start with the verification of your status cards. Of course, we will also show ours."

Graf and Crone presented their cards as requested. Warren wanted to confirm not just through reports but with his own eyes.

"That's fine. Now, let's show our status cards."

Warren and Chris then presented their cards. Graf and Crone looked at them. While Graf managed to hide his surprise, Crone could not hide his shock at Chris's status, which Warren noticed.

"Ha ha ha. Miss Crone, were you surprised by Sir Chris's status?"

"I apologize for my rudeness. Seeing the strength of a great nation like Ishtrika, I couldn't hide my surprise."

"It's a bit embarrassing, but I'm honored to receive such praise, Miss Crone."

Graf and Crone were both surprised by the same thing. The first thing they noticed was the high status of Chris, but more importantly, her job and skills. Her job was a Holy Knight, and her skill, Holy Swordsmanship, was something they had never seen before.

When a Glint was born into the Roundheart family, it was a topic of national interest. Chris had already elevated this skill to a job and possessed the powerful skill of Holy Swordsmanship, which was visibly impressive. They thought, "Indeed, she is the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard of Ishtrika."

"Sir Chris, as the Deputy Commander, your status is outstanding. Now, the verification of your identity is complete. Next, I have a question. I apologize for the length, but I'll be direct. Why did you aim for Ishtrika?"

Graf thought, "Here it comes." He had explained the need for protection beforehand, but since he had not directly explained it, he had anticipated this.

"I will answer."

There was some tension, but he could not avoid answering. Should he say that he wanted Ein to protect Crone, or should he be vague? His thoughts were not clear.

"...Crone, show your left arm."

First, he decided to show the Star Crystal he received from Ein. He was not sure of its value in Ishtrika, but if it came to that, he would explain its value in Heim.

"Here it is."

Crone showed the Star Crystal bracelet on his left wrist to Warren.

"Excuse me... Is this the 'flower' you mentioned?"

"Yes. It is something I received from... Ein, and it is more precious to me than anything else."

"Hmm. I was not aware of this. I didn't know the Star Crystal was the 'flower.' Did you know, Sir Chris?"

"No, I didn't. Ein only mentioned that he gave her a flower he made himself."

"Excuse me for interrupting. What is the value of the Star Crystal in Ishtrika?"

Crone couldn't help but ask about the Star Crystal, interrupting the conversation. Graf thought he might have overstepped, but he needed to consider how to incorporate this into the ongoing conversation, so it was a difficult decision.

"Probably equivalent to its value in Heim. After all, the cost of the Blue Fire Arrows' antidote in Ishtrika is about the same."

Chris explained. Graf was relieved to hear this. He thought a more expensive gift would make a stronger impression than a cheap one.

"Miss Crone, you were attracted to Ein's character, and during this time, you received the Star Crystal. You developed feelings of affection and wanted to see Ein again, which led you to aim for Ishtrika. Is that correct?"

Warren seemed to see through their thoughts and took the initiative. Since the content was not incorrect, he could only nod in agreement.

"Yes, that's correct."

"I see. Then, I would like to hear about the Roundheart family."

Graf thought this was the most troublesome question. If he answered incorrectly, they might refuse to accept them, which increased his tension.

"May I answer?"

Crone spoke up. Graf honestly wanted him to be quiet, but since Crone had already offered to answer, he couldn't stop him.

"Yes, Miss Crone, you may answer. No, let me change the question for you. What do you think of Ein?"

"The Roundheart family is a renowned martial family, a prominent lineage in Heim's military. I heard that when Ein was born, there was disappointment over his skills."

"...Please continue."

"After that, many rumors circulated about Ein. He was said to be impolite, jealous of his younger brother, and a failed project by General Logas."

Hearing this, Chris clenched her hand to maintain her composure.

"Amidst all this, I met Ein at a party held at our house."

"How did you get to know Ein, who couldn't attend the party?"

"I was moved by Ein's thoughtful gesture towards the Second Princess and became curious about him. So, I offered to be his guide."

Warren nodded slightly, and Crone continued his explanation. Graf, who appeared calm, was actually quite nervous inside.

"During the tour of the August estate's garden, I saw Ein's true character. It was the complete opposite of the rumors, and he appeared to be a considerate and wonderful person."

Hearing the rumors about Ein, Chris was slightly irritated, but she was now a bit more cheerful as Crone praised Ein's character.

"...That's the trigger, and it's also a formality."

Warren was momentarily taken aback by Crone's sudden change of topic.

"To be honest, my feelings when I first met Ein were close to love at first sight. Seeing his gentle smile, like that of the Second Princess, and getting to know him better, my affection for him only grew. Since receiving the Star Crystal, I haven't been able to stop thinking about him."

Warren thought Crone was a composed young man. He spoke frankly about his feelings in front of him, considered the balance of the conversation to avoid making the other party uncomfortable, and paid attention to his tone while speaking.

"...Lord Graf, it seems your granddaughter has a promising future."

"I'm embarrassed to say, but she can be a bit of a handful."

"Intelligent, composed, and beautiful. I see... Indeed."

Warren muttered something, which only Chris, standing next to him, could hear.

"I understand your story, Miss Crone, and your thoughts."

"I'm glad you understand my thoughts."

"Miss Crone, I still have a few questions for Lord Graf. How about we go to the pier and look at the sea? The sea in this port town, Magna, is beautiful and soothing to look at."

Hearing this, both Crone and Graf understood the intention behind the words, even if they didn't fully grasp it. They agreed, understanding that there was a reason to have Crone leave.

"That's very kind. Crone, enjoy yourself. Since Lord Warren suggested it, it should be safe."

"Of course. If you fall into the sea, Sir Chris will definitely notice the sound, and there are knights everywhere today, so there's no need to worry about security."

Crone was also told that no monsters would appear in this port, which reassured Graf. So, he decided to let Crone go.

"—!"

"Sir Chris, I'll talk to you later."

After Warren suggested going to the pier, Chris looked at him with a surprised expression, as if she had realized something. Whether she was convinced by Warren's promise to talk later or not, her expression was still dissatisfied, but she didn't say anything more.

"Now, let's have a serious conversation."

Another round of discussion began. Graf tightened his resolve, determined not to be caught off guard this time.

* * *

"I don't understand why he suddenly suggested going to the pier..."

No matter how he thought about it, Crone couldn't understand why he was being sent away. However, he could feel the beauty of the sea, which was indeed soothing to look at.

"Such a beautiful sea. I've never seen anything like it."

After being on a ship for a while, it was a joy to walk on solid ground again. Crone, who had thought Heim was a special city, had completely changed his mind after arriving in the port town of Magna.

"To think he would do something like this after receiving such a great princess. The Roundheart family was just foolish. But... I can't say that out loud."

Crone, who had not been informed of the details of the secret agreement, did not understand why Olivia had come to Heim. Originally, the plan was to cross from Eura to Ishtrika by preparing a ship and hiring adventurers as guards. However, when they heard about the trade deal between Eura and Ishtrika, they were able to board the ship by chance.

"...What a nice day. The wind feels so good."

Walking along the pier, Crone enjoyed the beautiful sea and the breeze. He thought about sitting down somewhere, even if it might dirty his clothes, and found a wooden box where he decided to take a break.

"Ah, Ein...?"

There was no mistaking it. The beautiful hair and gentle yet slightly masculine face, and the tall, grown-up body—this was definitely Ein, the person he had been longing to see. Ein was taking a nap.

"Hehe... So, it was Warren's idea."

Crone understood why he was sent to the pier. He was being led to Ein. He also understood why Chris had looked at Warren with a slightly questioning expression. She was probably still wary of Crone, which was understandable.

But now, such reasons didn't matter. He wanted to go to the side of the person he had been longing to see.

"Oh, you're wearing a gem on your wrist."

Crone took Ein's hand and looked at the red gem on it. Was it a gift from a woman? He felt a bit uneasy about it, but since Ein was royalty, he decided to accept it.

"Really, Ein. Sleeping in a place like this, you must have a headache."

Would it look improper for an unmarried woman to lend her knee? Or would it be considered disrespectful and punishable? After all, Ein was royalty.

Despite these thoughts, Crone felt sorry for Ein sleeping on such a hard surface. He decided to lend his knee to Ein.

"It's been so long since we last met, and you're sleeping. Hey, sleepyhead?"

He gently poked Ein's cheek. Ein moved his face slightly, as if tickled, but showed no signs of waking up.

"Such a high status, Ein... Oh, right, you are royalty, so it makes sense."

Crone, satisfied with his own conclusion, decided to continue lending his knee to Ein until he woke up, gently stroking his hair.

* * *

"Lord Warren? You should be more cautious..."

"I have given him the Ruby of the Earth, so nothing will happen. Oops, I was too honest in front of Lord Graf."

"Yes, as royalty, it's only natural. I have no complaints."

"But Sir Chris? Miss Crone is so close... Oh, my, she even lent her knee..."

Warren and Chris, who were in a different location, could confirm that Crone had lent his knee to Ein.

"Who would have thought she would do something like that... The Ruby of the Earth shows no reaction, so I can tell it's pure affection."

"I decided to let her go based on my understanding of Miss Crone. Isn't it a touching scene, Lord Graf?"

"Indeed, it is touching. To see Crone like this..."

Warren and Chris decided to treat today as a special occasion. Normally, it would not be appropriate for royalty to be seen in such a way, but since Ein's face had not been publicly revealed, it was acceptable.

"Lord Warren, you still have questions for me?"

"Yes, that's right. But I only have one question. There are other things I want to discuss later, but this is my last question. From now on, Lord Graf, you may need to cut ties with Heim. Do you understand this?"

Warren's words were heavy. It was about giving up his homeland. However, Graf's mind was already made up before leaving Eura.

"Home is indeed a precious place that cannot be easily abandoned. But I am a failed noble, and I prioritize my family... and my granddaughter, Crone. So, the result is clear."

"That's not a bad answer. I'm glad to hear it, Lord Graf. By the way, I believe you had another granddaughter, and your sons?"

"Crone had to cross the sea in a hurry due to a marriage proposal from the Heim royal family. If the entire family moved to Ishtrika, it could cause trouble for Heim and Ishtrika again."

Hearing this, Warren smiled.

"Considering Crone's feelings and bringing her to Ein's side, and using her as a connection to protect the August family of Heim, it's a win-win situation."

"Thank you. Indeed, you are the Chancellor of Ishtrika."

Graf thought that by respecting Crone's feelings and ensuring she got along with Ein, even in the worst-case scenario, the August family would not be treated poorly by Ishtrika.

"We do not have good feelings towards Heim. The fact that the third prince of the Heim royal family, Tigr, unofficially proposed to Miss Crone, is quite amusing. Especially when I think about it while watching the two on the pier..."

Warren's smile was mischievous. Graf, understanding his feelings, decided to be more open, knowing that everything was clear to him.

"Miss Crone said she finds the third prince physiologically unpleasant."

"Ha ha ha ha! That's good."

"What a delightful story, Lord Warren."

Even Chris joined in with a smile.

"I almost forgot to tell you, Lord Graf."

Warren's expression changed to a gentle one.

"Welcome to Ishtrika. We, the people of Ishtrika, welcome Lord Graf and his companions."

Thank you for all the bookmarks and evaluations.