Chapter 31

Thank you for always visiting.

"Um, aren't your legs sore?"

Crona tried to show concern for Crona to hide a slight embarrassment. This was a stark contrast to the determined words she had just said, but there was nothing she could do about it.

"...Ha. No, I'm fine. It wasn't that long."

"R-Really? That's good. I'm glad."

Still, she couldn't completely hide her embarrassment. Ein felt a bit confused. She also felt as if they were being watched by the people around them.

"Hey? Are we being watched?"

"Well, of course, we're doing this in such a place, aren't we?"

"True."

The pier at the port. Since it was a place where large ships docked, only knights and people involved with ships usually came here. It was only natural that they would stand out if they were doing something like this. When Ein was napping alone, it wasn't that noticeable, but now it was a different story.

"I'm relieved that we arrived safely."

"Yes, thank you. I'm relieved that you're doing well too."

"Did you leave late last night?"

"Yes, that's right. The ship from Ishtarka is really fast. I was surprised to hear that you were on an even faster one."

"I thought the same thing. I'm still learning new things."

Their conversation was short, but they felt as if they could be themselves. There was just a little tension in their hearts.

"...I was surprised to hear that you're royalty."

"I was surprised too when I was suddenly told."

"I thought I wouldn't be able to talk to you anymore when I heard you went to another continent."

"But now we can talk."

There were so many things they wanted to talk about, but once they were in a situation where they could, the words wouldn't come out.

"Hey, is that gem on your arm a gift or something?"

"It's something to protect the royal family. I received it from Warren."

"...Oh, then it's fine."

As she said it was fine, Crona ran her fingers through her hair. Seeing the Star Crystal on her arm, Ein felt a sense of happiness.

"Thank you for the knee pillow. Thanks to you, I could sleep well."

"Hehe, that's the best."

There was a slight sense of reluctance, but with the attention they were getting from the surroundings, she couldn't stay lying down. So, she thanked Crona and sat up. Her body was a bit stiff from napping on a hard surface.

"Hey, what do you think of a royal napping in a place like this?"

"You might think it's a bit worrying."

"Yeah. Well, I'll try to avoid it from now on. Hey, is it just Crona?"

Ein was grateful for the knee pillow Crona had given her, but she was curious about why Crona was alone.

Did she cross the sea alone? Thinking about it, it seemed like something Crona could do, but it didn't seem realistic.

"Grandfather and Alfred, and... some guards and servants came with us. Look over there."

Crona looked at Warren and the others. Ein followed her gaze and saw an elderly man with a distinguished appearance standing next to Warren and Chris.

"That's Duke August, isn't it? He seems like a dignified person, as befits a pillar of Heim."

"He's the former Duke. He has already passed the head of the family to my father."

"Ah... Since you're coming to Ishtarka, I guess that's necessary."

"The necessary procedures will be completed soon, and I was told I could come to the pier to see the sea. That's how I found you napping here."

"I see. It was Warren's doing, then."

Ein understood. It had seemed strange that Crona just happened to be there.

"Yes, but thanks to that, I could meet you again. I think Warren was also checking something."

"What do you mean?"

"Whether I would really do you any harm. But I think he understood that I wouldn't, so I'm grateful for that."

"Ah, I see..."

In the end, Warren's judgment was correct, and there were no problems. Chris, however, still felt the need to be more cautious.

"How is Lady Olivia?"

"She's enjoying herself, having tea with the Queen and other ladies. I'm sure you'll be called to have tea with her too, so please join her."

"Me, having tea with the Queen and Lady Olivia...?"

"Oh, it looks like they've finished talking over there."

Crona, who had been told she might be called to have tea with Queen Lalarua, was a bit taken aback by the sudden news, but Ein, who had already noticed Chris and the others coming, didn't pay much attention to her confusion.

"You should be more careful. ...Ein? You were napping here, so your nice clothes are dirty."

Crona said this as she patted Ein's back to remove the dirt. Ein, who felt a bit embarrassed again, didn't forget to be grateful.

"S-Sorry, thank you. Well, I guess I've been relying on you a lot."

"It's fine. Here, it's clean now."

Crona, on the other hand, had already cleaned the dust off herself.

"Ein, how was your rest?"

"Warren is a good worker, as I've confirmed again."

"That's good to hear."

Warren approached Ein and the others, followed by Chris, Graf, and Alfred. Ein decided to praise Warren's work.

"Ein, this is just for today. Napping in a place like this..."

Chris continued to scold Ein. Even though she had let him nap, she felt the need to give a warning.

"I couldn't help it. I understand, and I'm grateful that you let me today."

As they were talking, Crona left Ein and went to stand next to her grandfather, Graf. She didn't want to be seen as disrespectful by standing next to Ein with Warren and the others present. Although she had already been seen giving a knee pillow, it still felt a bit awkward.

"Ein, let me introduce you. This is Graf August, Crona's grandfather and the former Duke of August."

"I am Graf August. I served as the head of the August family until just recently. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet a member of the royal family of Ishtarka, Ein."

Graf's greeting to Ein. Honestly, being treated so formally by someone like Graf, who had been through many battles, made Ein feel a bit uncomfortable.

"It's nice to meet you, Graf. I'm honored to be able to speak with the former head of the renowned August family. I hope you had a good journey. I'm sure you're busy today, but I hope you can enjoy Ishtarka after that."

As a member of the royal family, Ein thought it was better not to use the honorific "sama" with Graf. So, he used "dono" and said "gohuro" instead of "go-kurou-sama." The words that followed were a way to smooth things over without causing any offense.

"Also... Crona, it feels a bit late, but..."

"Ku, ku, ku..."

Ein understood why Crona had been so formal and the reason behind it, but the timing still felt a bit off, so he couldn't help but comment. Seeing Ein, Warren also seemed to be trying hard not to laugh.

"Ein, those words are a bit too much for Crona..."

"Huh? Well, you just gave me a knee pillow, and it feels a bit lonely when you're so formal."

Seeing Ein, who had undermined Crona's efforts and concerns, Chris also tried to smooth things over.

"Ein, you're always so cheerful. Well, Ein, today's inspection is over, so you can go to the market with Chris as your guard, as planned. I have some more work and meetings to do, so I'll continue with Graf."

"Understood. Then, um..."

Ein thought he would move on to his plan to buy a gift for Olivia. Warren, who still had meetings with Graf and the others, couldn't leave. Ein wondered what Crona would do and glanced at her before looking back at Warren.

"Crona, if you don't mind, would you like to accompany Ein? I think Ein would enjoy it even more."

"I understand. Ein, may I accompany you?"

"Uh, yeah... I'd be grateful if you could."

Crona wasn't particularly upset by Ein's earlier words. She was caught off guard by Ein's lack of tension and asked him in the same manner.

"Warren, what about my butler, Alfred? I'm worried he might cause trouble, and he can also help Ein with the market tour."

Alfred, who was standing behind, bowed to Ein. His movements were so refined that even Ein, who was used to the servants of Ishtarka, felt impressed.

"Hmm, that sounds like a good idea. Alfred, would you be willing to help?"

"Of course. It's an honor to meet you, Ein. I am Alfred, who has served the August family since Graf was young. I am deeply honored to be able to accompany you."

"Nice to meet you, Alfred. I appreciate your help."

With Alfred joining, the group became four. Ein decided to go to the market of the port town Magna with the four of them.

*

"I am grateful for your concern for Crona."

"From my position, it was more for Ein. Seeing Ein so happy, I couldn't help but feel that way."

"A much more charming person than I had heard."

"That's good to hear. She is a treasure of Ishtarka."

This was the first time Graf and Ein had met. Despite this, Graf could understand why Crona liked Ein.

"By the way, Graf, you had some questions?"

"Yes, that's right. First, we need to find a place to stay in this port town. If you could recommend a place, that would be great."

"...Huh? A place to stay? You don't need to worry about that."

Graf had thought he needed to prepare a place to live, but he had planned to stay at an inn for a while first. He needed to move to the capital and find a house, but for the first day, he had planned to stay in the port town.

"You don't need it? Do you have a facility we can use?"

"No, no. While there are no noble accommodations here, there are rooms for the royal family. They are already prepared for you in the capital, so you don't need to worry."

"Really? That's very kind of you. How much will the stay cost? I'd like to pay after exchanging some gems for money."

"You will be staying in the guest rooms of the castle, so there is no need to pay."

Warren had no intention of keeping them under surveillance. This was because the second princess, Olivia, wanted to have a long conversation with Crona.

"...I never thought I would have the honor of stepping into the castle of Ishtarka."

"It's what the princess wants. She hopes to have a long conversation with Crona, so I hope you can let Crona be her companion."

"Crona will be delighted. She admires the second princess."

"That's good. The princess also hopes to have dinner with you today, so please be prepared for that."

"...Huh? Me too?"

Crona alone would have been understandable. Crona and Olivia had talked at the August estate, and Olivia was Crona's idol.

"Yes, the princess also wants you to join."

Graf was a bit surprised to be included, but being given the opportunity to express gratitude was a welcome thing for him.

"That's... Then I will express my gratitude directly at that time."

*

After that, Ein and his group enjoyed the market and bought a lot of seafood. When the time was right, Ein's group, who had gone to the market, and Warren's group met up and took the water train to the capital.

On the way back on the water train, Ein and Crona were in different cars, but both fell asleep immediately. They had used a lot of energy, Ein from the inspection and market tour, and Crona from the long journey and the market tour.

When Crona woke up near the capital, she felt a bit regretful. She had wanted to enjoy the journey to the capital on the water train, but she had fallen asleep immediately.

However, the scenery from near the capital was still very stimulating for her. As the sky grew darker, the capital was lit up with many lights, making it look beautiful.

Seeing the size of the capital, she felt excited. She had never imagined such a huge city existed.

As they got closer, the capital of Kingsland grew even larger. Crona, who had lived in the capital of Heim, was amazed at how different it was, even though it was also a capital.

"Grandfather?"

"Hmm? You're awake, Crona. The market was quite fun, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was more fun than I've ever had before."

Ein didn't seem to mind, but with Chris nearby, Crona remained formal. However, walking around the city with Ein, whom she had wanted to see again, was still special.

"Can you see, Crona? The largest city in Ishtarka, the capital of Kingsland."

"Yes, I can see it. I never imagined such a beautiful and large city existed."

"It's a symbol of Ishtarka. Even the port town during the day was full of surprises, but the capital is even more shocking."

"Grandfather, may I say what I've been thinking?"

"Of course, I'd like to hear it."

"Roundheart has done something terrible."

Crona said this with a slight sweat on her forehead. She had felt this way when she saw the ship and the port, but seeing the capital of Ishtarka, a symbol of absolute power, made her feelings even stronger.

"I understand now why you were sweating when you mentioned Olivia and the others. This country is one that should never be opposed, no matter what."

"...Yes, that's right."

"I have heard the words of the first emperor of Ishtarka. We should be grateful that Ishtarka continues to uphold those words."

"Now that I can say it, the punishment of the Heim royal family was far too lenient. Sending the heads of the Roundheart family, that's what should have been done. The royal family took advantage of Ishtarka's rules."

"Roundheart was