Chapter 33

After Crown and the others arrived in Ishtarka, several days had passed since the dinner Olivia hosted. During that time, it seemed that several things had been progressing behind the scenes, and for those few days, Ein had not seen Crown at all.

"Oh, Master Ein. Good day to you."

"Madam Majolica, you're here?"

Today, after finishing his studies, Ein was on his way back to his room when he met Majolica. She seemed to have come to the castle to deliver magic stones.

"Have you found out anything about that magic stone?"

"No, not at all. It's just that it feels rather ominous."

In the end, Majolica had already known about Ein. She had come to the castle to deliver magic stones to Katima a few days after Ein had visited the Majolica Magic Stone Shop. At that time, she casually called out, "Oh, Master Ein."

When Ein asked how she knew, it seemed that she had guessed from Chris's attitude. However, since Majolica is tight-lipped, it didn't cause any particular problems.

"Even Lady Katima doesn't know. That's understandable..."

"Such a special magic stone hasn't existed before, has it?"

"It's not that it hasn't existed. The only ones that came to mind were the Demon King's magic stone in the audience chamber and the Dullahan's magic stone that Master Ein ate."

"Huh? The Demon King and the Dullahan were special?"

"Indeed, I hadn't heard that before," Majolica said.

"The Demon King's magic stone and the Dullahan's magic stone were attracted to each other. When those two were close, visible magic power was emitted from the magic stones, and they moved slightly as if trying to get closer."

"Did they have wills?"

"...Yes, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they had wills. That's why the Demon King's magic stone was placed on a powerful sealing pedestal in the audience chamber. Once that was done, the Dullahan's magic stone became as quiet as if it were dead. It was already dead, of course..."

Ein felt a sense of déjà vu. What he had experienced was that when he held the magic stone, the Dullahan's skill was activated. This didn't seem to be a coincidence. The Demon King's magic stone and the Dullahan's magic stone were attracted to each other, and the Dullahan's skill and the magic stone were also attracted to each other. Although the latter was no longer the Dullahan's magic stone, it seemed to be a plausible hypothesis.

"Master Ein? You seem to have some thoughts, but don't do anything reckless."

"Yes, I'll try not to worry anyone."

"Don't forget that the Dullahan's magic stone had a strength that could attract the Demon King's magic stone."

Hearing that, Ein flinched a bit. He resolved to be more cautious from now on.

"Thank you for your advice. I'll be careful."

With that, Majolica said, "Excuse me," and left. Feeling the strange connection between the magic stones, Ein decided to investigate more carefully. However, he couldn't deny that he was also very interested in this strange connection.

"Oh, Master Ein. What a coincidence."

It seemed that Ein wouldn't be able to return to his room easily today. This time, Lloyed appeared in front of Ein, apparently with some business.

"Hello, Lloyed. You said it was a coincidence, but did you have something to talk to me about?"

"Yes, actually, I thought I might introduce my son during the afternoon training."

"Why suddenly?"

Ein had heard about Lloyed's son from Chris. He was older and already attending the academy that Ein was planning to attend, making him a senior. When Lloyed suddenly said he wanted to introduce his son, Ein was puzzled.

"Actually, my son will serve as Master Ein's guard, though it will be limited to within the academy."

"Guard limited to the academy?"

Ein couldn't understand that right away. Seeing his confusion, Lloyed continued.

"Master Ein is probably wondering why a guard is limited to the academy. However, it is natural. There are times when a guard cannot be provided. But when a guard can be provided, it is our duty to do so."

"Ah... I see. But why limited to the academy?"

"From the position of a marshal, it's simply a matter of insufficient strength. He has outstanding abilities among his peers. However, if asked whether he can protect Master Ein anywhere, I cannot be confident."

"So Chris will continue as the main guard, and Lloyed's son will serve as my guard within the academy?"

"That is correct."

In other words, Ein would have two guards, though in a limited capacity. Chris would be the main guard, and Lloyed's son would start as a trainee, limited to the academy for now.

"I understand. So you'll introduce him during the afternoon training?"

"Yes, I thought I should let you know in advance since I'll bring him."

"Then I'll be there."

"Yes, I look forward to seeing you this afternoon."

With that, Ein parted ways with Lloyed. He decided to return to his room and take a short break.

*

After a short break and lunch, Ein headed to the knight training grounds.

"I wonder what he's like."

Ein was curious about Lloyed's son. To be honest, he couldn't imagine what kind of person he would be. Lloyed, a giant, and Martha, a small woman with a youthful appearance. Thinking about what kind of child they would have, he was a bit excited.

"Come to think of it, I didn't even ask how much older he is. Well, I'll find out when I meet him."

"Oh, Master Ein, are you heading to training?"

"Yes, and I heard you're going to introduce Lloyed's son."

"Ah, I see. I heard that Lloyed's son will serve as Master Ein's guard, and this is the first meeting."

"Is that so? Have you seen him before?"

"Yes, I have."

Ein, who had been looking forward to meeting him, couldn't help but ask what he was like when he heard that.

"Really! Could you tell me what he's like?"

"Of course. However, since you'll meet him soon, I'll just give you my first impression."

The knight, with a smile, said he would only tell Ein his first impression.

"Master Ein will definitely think, 'Huh?' You'll definitely feel that way."

"I'm already thinking, 'Huh?' but I understand that he's quite unexpected."

"That's good to hear."

Ein understood that Lloyed's son was quite unexpected. In the end, he still couldn't imagine what he would be like.

"Then I'll go to Lloyed."

"Please be careful."

Ein, knowing that Lloyed's son was quite unexpected, parted ways with the knight and headed to where Lloyed was waiting.

"Unexpected, unexpected..."

Was it actually a daughter? No, that wouldn't make sense as a son. Maybe a throwback to an ancestor? It's not impossible, but it doesn't seem particularly unexpected.

"Martha's face on Lloyed's body."

That was a stretch. It felt like opening a forbidden door.

While walking and thinking about this, Ein finally reached where Lloyed was waiting.

"Excuse me."

He knocked on the door, called out, and entered.

"Oh, Master Ein. I've been waiting for you. This is my son, Dil Graysar, a 12-year-old knight trainee. Dil, greet Master Ein."

"Pleased to meet you, Master Ein. I am honored to be appointed as your guard. I will protect your safety with my life. Though I am still inexperienced, I will strive to become a strong knight like my father, dedicating my life to this task."

At that moment, Ein understood. He had been overthinking it. Dil, the boy, was just a normal-looking young man, not some throwback or anything. The knight's words about Ein being surprised finally made sense.

"Nice to meet you, Dil. I'm Ein von Ishtarka. I won't be entering the academy for a while, but please take care of me when I do."

Dil was a slender, handsome young man. Ein had indeed thought, "Huh?" Dil seemed to have inherited the best traits from Lloyed and Martha.

Honestly, Ein wouldn't have known if Dil hadn't mentioned Lloyed in his introduction.

"By the way, Master Ein. Actually, Dil's role as your guard is also related to your education."

"My education?"

After the introductions, the conversation continued. Dil, as a knight, stepped back and listened to his father.

"Master Ein uses polite language and shows respect to us knights. This is a virtue and a good thing, there's no doubt about that."

"That's very kind of you to say. I'm glad to hear it."

"However, sometimes it can be a hindrance. There is a certain attitude that those in a higher position should have."

"...You want me to get used to that attitude?"

"That is correct."

Dil's role as Ein's guard had another aspect. It was part of the education Silvardo had set. Ein is generally polite and rarely shows the attitude he does with Katima. Even with servants, he uses polite language and treats them with respect. This was also to teach Ein to use a more authoritative and dignified manner when necessary.

"I thought something like that might be part of it."

"That's good. Ideally, your attitude towards me should also be different."

"Considering that I will eventually become king, I can see why."

"Thus, Master Ein has received an instruction from His Majesty. You are not to use polite language with Dil, nor should you try to read his expressions. You are to respect him and show your own value under these conditions."

Silvardo's order seemed a bit challenging for Ein, who usually uses polite language.

"Is this an order from His Majesty?"

"That is correct."

"...I understand. Dil, I will try to interact with you in that manner. Please take care of me."

"I am honored to serve as your guard. I will do my best."

"Dil, look at me."

Lloyed, who had been watching Ein and Dil, turned Dil to face him.

"This is your punishment. Clench your teeth."

Then Lloyed hit his son, Dil, who fell to the ground.

"You don't understand why I'm angry, do you? You greeted the Crown Prince with such respect but didn't stop him, didn't even bow, and just said, 'Please take care of me.' How is that not disrespectful!"

Ein, who didn't understand why Dil was suddenly hit, finally understood after the explanation. He realized that it was his fault that Dil was hit.

"I'm sorry. I was too lenient. Please punish me as you see fit."

"Run around the training grounds. Don't come back until I say it's okay!"

"Hai!"

Ein watched Dil, who was hit and punished because of him. Dil, told to run by Lloyed, immediately headed outside to start running.

"Are you even capable of speaking to the Crown Prince!?"

"...Prince! As a guard of the Crown Prince, I apologize for my behavior. I will do better!"

Dil bowed and ran outside again.

"...So that's how it is, Master Ein. As a marshal and Dil's superior, I will be strict with him."

"I understand. I'll try to be more assertive and not take it easy until I get used to it."

"That's good. I won't have to hit my son as much."

Ein wasn't good at being assertive, but if it was necessary, he would do it. He didn't want to see others punished because of him.

"Still, if I call it disrespectful, my attitude towards you and Warren is also disrespectful! Hahaha!"

"You're ruining it, Lloyed..."

"Perhaps I'll have you practice with Dil and gradually get used to it. Everyone knows how kind you are, Master Ein. I hope you can show the same attitude towards me and Warren eventually."

Ein understood that this was something only a unique and long-serving minister like Warren could do. He also knew that he lacked many qualities to achieve this.

However, Ein felt a bit envious of Dil. He had never had a father who approached him so sincerely.

*

While Ein was receiving new education, in a room in the castle, Crown was given a new task.

"Well, Crown. The homework I gave you the other day was perfect. There were no problems at all."

"I'm relieved to hear that."

"Therefore, as promised, you will start attending the Liebe Girls' Academy, which has been run by the princesses for generations, at the same time as Master Ein after winter."

"Will I receive a recommendation letter?"

"I will write the recommendation letter, so there's no problem."

Crown had been given numerous tasks over the few days since the dinner with Olivia. She completed them without difficulty and submitted them to Warren. Since there were no issues with the results, Crown would start attending the academy in the capital at the same time as Ein.

"Understood. Will you guide me on what I'm lacking until then?"

"Of course. I thought the amount of work would take longer, but it seems I underestimated you. I'll increase the amount from now on."

"...Thank you."

Crown, with a slightly strained smile, had worked hard on the tasks Warren gave her. The tasks ranged from etiquette and manners to case studies and proposals on law and policy, as well as math problems. She had worked hard on them, thinking they would be useful in the future.

"However, the tasks I will create from now on will be based on three educational goals. You will choose one of them."

"Will I choose one of them?"

"That is correct. You will choose one of the three I will present."

"Understood. I look forward to it."

Warren took a piece of paper and read it aloud.

"The first goal is to educate you to become a person who will be essential to Master Ein in the future, similar to my position."

The three educational goals were about what Crown wanted to become in the future. Hearing this, Crown seriously considered what she wanted to be.

"The second goal is to aim to become a princess. A person with extensive knowledge and unmatched as a lady. You will aim to become such a person."

Crown thought, "I see." She didn't know what kind of person Ein would want, but the idea of becoming a highly educated princess was appealing.

"The third goal is to aim to become a queen. A person who can think and act independently, protect the people, and give orders, even without a king. You will be trained to develop strong judgment and thinking skills."

After hearing all the options, Crown thought about what would be best for her and for Ein. She ran many simulations in her mind.

"...Sir Warren, may I suggest something?"

*

On the day Ein and Crown decided to work on new studies for their future, the usual group of three gathered that night to report on the day's events.

"Lloyed, I heard you hit Dil."

"Hahaha