Chapter 32

A short while after the carriage carrying Ein and the others arrived at the castle, another carriage carrying Graf and his party passed through the castle gates and came to a stop. Graf and the others disembarked from the halted carriage, and before them stood the White Knight, a castle with an overwhelming presence.

"I never thought we would actually set foot in the very heart of Ishtarka."

"It's so tall that looking up makes my neck tired, and it's so wide that I can't even see the ends... How beautiful is this castle?"

This was Graf's first time stepping into the royal castle of Ishtarka. Crowned was speechless, simply amazed by the size of the castle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived. Welcome to our Ishtarka, the heart of which is the White Knight."

Warren welcomed the disembarked Graf and his party. The castle gates opened as soon as they arrived, and several knights and servants appeared from within.

"Please entrust your luggage to them. We will also take the luggage of the servants of the House of August. We will show you to your rooms for a brief rest, and they will guide you there."

"Ah, yes, I am grateful, Lord Warren."

"Thank you, Lord Warren."

Though still amazed by the grandeur of the White Knight, Graf and Crowned managed to regain their composure when Warren offered to guide them.

"Miss Crowned, you must be tired from the long journey. If you wish, you can soothe your fatigue in the castle's renowned bath. After that, you can join Lady Olivia for dinner."

Crowned, who had been thinking about tidying up, found this proposal delightful. After a long day of walking and sweating, she was eager to meet Olivia again and share a meal with her.

"I appreciate your consideration. I will take you up on your offer."

"Understood. Lord Graf, it would also be good for you to rest. I will prepare a guest bath for you as well."

"Then I will also take you up on your offer."

"I will assign a few servants to assist you. They will guide you to the bath and help you. Please let us know if you need anything. For now, I will show you to your rooms."

Warren signaled, and the servants guided Graf and his party. The knights carried their luggage to their rooms.

"Ah, Lord Alfred. After Lord Graf and his party have rested, I will send someone to guide them to Lady Olivia's table."

"Understood. I will await your call."

The servants guided Graf and his party to their guest rooms. The seafood purchased from the port town of Magna had already been delivered to the head chef and was being prepared.

After guiding them to their rooms, Warren headed to the room where the king was waiting to report on the day's events.

"Excuse me."

"Enter."

Warren arrived at the room where Silvardo was waiting. Lloyd was also there, eagerly awaiting Warren's arrival.

"You must be tired from the inspection this morning, Lord Warren."

"Not at all. It was a fruitful inspection, indeed."

"Then please report."

Silvardo was eager to hear the results. He had repeatedly asked the servants to check on Warren's condition until he arrived.

There were two reasons for this. First, the important report on sea crystals for Ishtarka. Second, the members of the House of August.

"...I understand what both of you are concerned about. I will submit a detailed document on the sea crystals later. Let's start with Lord Graf August. In a word, he is not suited for the nobility."

"Really? He chose his family over the country?"

"Yes. As a result, he ended up coming to Ishtarka."

"Hmm? So, he values Lady Crowned more than the country he served, Prince Heim?"

"That's correct."

Lloyd's statement was agreed upon by Warren. Warren had observed Graf and his party closely to understand their characters.

"Then can we not expect his loyalty?"

"That's not the case. At least, if the safety and well-being of his family, specifically Lady Crowned, are guaranteed, Lord Graf will be sincerely cooperative. He is intelligent and capable of strategic thinking. When in a superior position, he can negotiate favorably. However, when in a subordinate position, it is difficult for him to fully utilize his strengths."

"Your Majesty, it's rare for Lord Warren to speak so highly of someone, despite his flaws."

"I also agree. He seems to have a shrewd side."

Warren's evaluation of Graf was not low but rather high. The only drawback was that, due to the strong presence of Ishtarka, Graf felt somewhat inferior and did not fully display his true strength.

"If we can ensure that Lady Crowned and the members of the House of August in Heim will not be harmed in any unforeseen future scenarios, they will not become our enemies."

"Initially, I heard that he was a strict and fair noble in Heim, but it's understandable that he chose his family over his country."

"While it may seem contradictory for a noble, it's clear and straightforward."

"I agree with Lord Lloyd. If they understand that they will not be harmed, it would be good for them to work for their safety. In that case, he will likely use his abilities for their protection."

Graf's straightforwardness, as Lloyd pointed out, was also evident. Given the current situation, if he values Crowned, he will likely feel a great sense of gratitude to Ishtarka and return the favor.

"Then, to put it bluntly, the preliminaries are over. I want to hear the main topic."

"Preliminaries, Your Majesty?"

"Indeed... I knew our king was family-oriented, but..."

The main topic Silvardo mentioned was about Crowned. While Graf's matter was not insignificant, his current priority was to understand the relationship between Crowned and Ein.

"Lloyd! You must be curious too. What are you saying?"

"Hahaha! Then, Lord Warren, please continue."

"Understood. Lady Crowned is a gem in the rough, a woman too precious for the prince of Heim."

The report on Crowned began. Her ability to understand things in detail, her skill in conversation without making others uncomfortable, her courage to act, and her decisiveness left a strong impression on Warren. Her appearance was also comparable to that of Lord Chris, which was not a problem.

"Is she that capable, Lord Warren? To the extent that you say?"

"This time, let me use a different expression. Lady Crowned will surely become a more capable person than me in the future."

"Even compared to the prime minister who is said to be among the best in the history of Ishtarka?"

"Indeed. Another point to add is that she has a favorable view of Lord Ein as a potential partner. I will not discuss the specifics of how she will be by Lord Ein's side in the future, but in any form, she is someone who should be by his side."

"Then, if we provide her with thorough protection and support, it will align with Lord Graf's wishes as well."

"Indeed. She is worth the effort."

"Then, what does Lord Ein think of Lady Crowned?"

"An interesting thing happened today."

Warren reported on the incident in the port town of Magna, where Ein had taken a nap on Crowned's lap. Silvardo did not approve of a prince taking a nap in public, but he did not have a bad impression of what happened afterward.

"Hmm. It seems Lord Ein also has a favorable view of her."

"That's correct. Therefore, there should be no problem with her being close to Lord Ein."

"Lloyd, what do you think?"

"Actually, it might be better. Lord Ein has no one of his age to be with."

Lloyd agreed. Indeed, in the castle, there was no one of Ein's age to enjoy activities with, except for Katima.

"From the perspective of the prime minister, she will be a woman who brings benefits to the country."

"Then, as a personal opinion, what do you think, Lord Warren?"

"Since they have a favorable view of each other, it would be better for them to be close. At least, it seems there will be no harm."

It would be sad to keep them apart, Warren concluded, speaking with a gentle smile, as he would when talking to Ein.

"I also speak as a marshal. If she is someone who can bring benefits to the country, as the prime minister thinks, she should be welcomed with open arms. Personally, if it leads to something good for Lord Ein..."

"I understand your thoughts, both of you. If she can bring benefits to the country without negatively affecting Lord Ein, there is no issue. Warren, ask Lady Crowned what she wants to do from now on. If the result is favorable, you can consider personally educating her."

"Understood."

"Hmm. The education by Prime Minister Warren sounds quite strict."

"It will be the same as the education Lord Lloyd gave to his son."

The atmosphere became warm, and Warren's report concluded. He would later submit a more detailed document on the sea crystals and his thoughts.

* * *

The scene shifted to the guest room where Graf and his party were guided. After enjoying the castle's bath, they were waiting in the salon of the guest room.

"By the way, Crowned, you seem to have become even more beautiful."

"The skills of the servants were impressive, but the beauty products were of even higher quality..."

Compared to before going to the bath, her hair had more luster, and her skin had a higher transparency. The massage had also relieved her slightly tired appearance.

"To be shown the difference in skills even in such a place..."

"It was a comfortable bath, wasn't it, Grandfather?"

"Yes, it helped me relax."

After a brief rest, the servants finally arrived to guide them. Graf instructed Alfred to let them in.

"Excuse me. I am Martha, the head servant in charge of Lady Olivia. I have come to guide you to Lady Olivia's dinner table."

Graf was momentarily taken aback by the small woman but did not show it in his demeanor.

"Understood. Then, my grandson and I will go together, is that acceptable?"

"There will be servants at the venue, so please rest assured. Your servants must be tired from the long journey, so the second princess has instructed them to take a rest."

"Understood. Alfred, please inform everyone."

"Understood."

"I will also bring food to the servants. Please wait. Then, Lord Graf, Lady Crowned, this way, please."

Martha led them out of the room. As instructed, only Graf and Crowned left the room.

"The venue is a salon that Lord Ein and others often use. The food will be served there, so please enjoy it."

* * *

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the salon where Olivia was waiting. Martha knocked on the door, and after hearing a response, she opened it.

"Lady Olivia, I have brought them."

"Thank you, Martha. It's been a while, Lord Graf, Lady Crowned. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable."

Crowned felt a sense of relief seeing Olivia, who was the same as before. However, her attire was more beautiful than before, and she must have used the same high-quality beauty products as Crowned, making her hair and skin even more beautiful.

"Second Princess, I had many words to say, but first, I must apologize."

"Ah, no need for that, Lord Graf. I'm not holding it against you."

"Calling me 'Lord' is too much for someone of your status, Second Princess."

"No... Ein, what should we do?"

"Let's just call you 'Lord' for now."

"Second Princess, it's been a long time. I have thought about how you and Lord Ein are doing every day. I am truly delighted to meet you again."

"Ah, Lady Crowned... 'Lord' is not appropriate, and 'Sir' sounds too formal. Let's just be patient for now, okay?"

It seemed that the exterior had not changed, but the interior showed that she was even more doting on Ein than before. The strong affection Olivia showed for Ein was evident, and it seemed she was now more free to express it.

"Let's sit down first, shall we, Lady Olivia?"

"Martha is right. I apologize for keeping you waiting. Please take your seats."

Following Martha's suggestion, the guests were seated. Graf sat opposite Olivia, and Crowned sat opposite Ein.

The table brought into the salon was larger than usual, considering that it should not be too close.

"Let me prepare some drinks for you."

After confirming that they were seated, Martha prepared the drinks.

"Thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Lady Crowned. Please make yourself comfortable."

"Now, Martha, can I ask you to do something?"

"Understood."

At Olivia's request, Martha gave instructions to the other servants in the room. They then left, leaving only five people in the salon.

"It's okay now, Crowned."

"Lord Ein? I don't understand what you mean."

"Lady Crowned, Lady Olivia and Lord Ein want to have a conversation with you as you used to. I will not mind if you do so."

They wanted Crowned to have a natural conversation, as it would be sad if she felt formal after coming all the way to Ishtarka.

"Actually, Chris is also fine. But it's a bit late for that now."

"...Ein, do you enjoy making my efforts meaningless?"

"It's not that my nature has changed. I understand the need for formality, but it's tiring to always be formal."

"Ha... I understand. If it's okay with you, Ein, I will do the same."

What she had been doing was not wrong. When dealing with royalty, it was natural to be considered impolite if she called them by the same names as before.

"Second Princess, it has been a long time. Since Grandfather said it was fine, I will refrain from mentioning 'that matter' again. However, your appearance, which has become even more beautiful, is dazzling to me."

"Thank you, Lord... Let's use 'Crowned' to make it less formal. As you have grown, you have become even more beautiful, and I'm sure many have proposed to you."

"There have been some proposals, but I usually declined them with a single word, so I don't know the details. Right, Grandfather?"

Graf, who was suddenly asked, was a bit slow to respond.

"Yes, as Crowned said. The most troublesome was the proposal from the third prince."

"Really? A formal proposal?"

"No, it was informal, but if a prince says it, it can be considered formal."

"Indeed. It's impressive that you could come to Ishtarka amidst all that. I left to retire and recuperate in a trading city, and Crowned accompanied me. Since then, we have used multiple layers of information to ensure that our location cannot be pinpointed."

"But, Second Princess, even though he had seen me many times, it was the first time we had a conversation. His sudden proposal was absurd, and I found it physically repulsive."

Ein smiled slightly at her words. The act of giving Crowned the star crystal at the August estate had the same meaning, and he had unknowingly done something similar to the third prince.

"Excuse me. I have brought the food."

Martha brought the food. It was a menu made with fresh seafood purchased in Magna, using Olivia's favorite ingredients, which she was looking forward to.

"Hehe. I would like to hear more of your story, Crowned, but since the food has arrived, please