Chapter 41

Thank you for always visiting.

"Ain...! Ain!"

Just as she was about to call out to her mother, Ain was enveloped in her mother's ample bosom. Although there was a sense of embarrassment now that his body had grown, many thoughts raced through his mind—reuniting with his mother, causing her great worry, and so much more. Ain responded sincerely to her embrace.

"I'm sorry for worrying you. ...Mother, I'm back."

"Welcome back... I'm so, so glad you've returned..."

Seeing Olivia's tears, Ain felt a deep sense of regret. Thinking about how she must have felt until his return, a sense of helplessness overwhelmed him.

"Welcome back, Prince."

While still in her embrace, Ain was addressed by Crowne. She had tried to hide her red eyes with makeup, but she couldn't hide everything. Of course, her bloodshot eyes were easily noticeable, and Ain immediately realized this.

"Ah, Crowne. I just got back, and I'm sorry for worrying you."

"You always say that so lightly... But, Ain, you've changed somehow."

"I've changed?"

"Yes. You might have become a bit cooler. Maybe you've matured? ...Lord Warren, I would be grateful if you could allow this attitude towards the Prince just for today."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

It seemed Warren had decided to remain silent.

"I have a few things to say to you, Ain. But first, welcome back, Ain. I'm just so glad to see your face again."

"I'm glad to talk to you again, Crowne."

"Hehe, thank you. But, Olivia's room cleaning is your job, Ain?"

"Wh-What... cleaning?"

When Crowne said this, Olivia blushed slightly. What had happened?

"Welcome back, Lord Ain."

Ignoring Olivia's reaction, Martha began to praise Ain.

"Martha. I'm back, and I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Yes, I was very worried. I never thought you would cause more worry than Lady Olivia, but, Lord Ain... the Prince saved many lives, and we are very proud of that."

"It helps to hear you say that."

"And about Olivia, who is blushing here. According to Lady Crowne, you will clean Olivia's room, so please take care of it later."

"Sorry, Martha. I don't understand at all."

Being suddenly told to clean the room was confusing. Ain thought Olivia might have caused a mess, but he knew she wasn't that kind of person.

"According to Lady Crowne, it's a punishment for worrying Olivia and her. And it's a treat until you enter the room... One thing to note is that Olivia is a very strong dryad."

The word "dryad" deepened the mystery, but Ain thought he understood a little.

But it was true that he had caused them great worry, so he thought this punishment was fair.

"Got it. I worried you two, so it's the least I can do."

"Everyone, let's go inside. There's a lot to talk about, but first, let's go into the castle. After all, Ain has done heroic work, and we should commend him."

Following Silverwood's words, they decided to enter the castle. They were at the gate where the carriage had stopped, not a place for long conversations.

As they opened the door and entered the castle, they were greeted by the loud cheers of the knights and servants who worked there. The people who worked in the castle had heard of his deeds and had made time to praise Ain and his companions.

"...I'm back, everyone."

*

The group moved to one of the castle's grand halls. There, two people were waiting: Queen Lalura and the First Princess, Katima.

"Welcome back, Ain. You must be tired, so please sit down and rest."

"Welcome back, you reckless Prince."

Lalura welcomed Ain warmly. However, Katima had been under a lot of stress from the many questions she had received from Silverwood and the others after his escape, so this was a bit of payback.

"I'm back, Grandma. ...Sorry, Katima, I can't deny I was reckless."

"Indeed. Chris also returned safely, and Dil had a hard time dealing with this reckless Prince. Please sit down first."

Katima's kindness was deeply felt. Everyone took their seats.

"Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your hard work in commanding the sea dragon slaying and protecting Ishtalica."

"Your Highness, please don't say such things! It's enough to say I worked hard!"

"Dil. I believe you have received instructions from the King and the Marshal."

"..."

"Therefore, I will not comment on that matter. But, I have one thing to say."

Lalura never criticized Dil for what he did or Chris for relying on Ain's power.

"I am grateful for your service, risking your life for Ain. I cannot say more from my position, so please do not forget this."

Her words were filled with gratitude. Dil had done something he shouldn't have, but for Ain personally, it was a great support, and his presence was irreplaceable to Ain.

Hearing these words, Dil's eyes welled up with tears. The tension finally broke.

"Such kind words, I am grateful."

"Dil! You... I will speak to you more strictly again."

"Lloyd. The Prince Ain and Dil are not yet full-grown adults. What can you scold them for, really?"

Ain and Dil had carried too many heavy burdens in just one day. Considering this, Dil had been remarkably strong.

In the midst of this, a servant knocked on the door and left a message with Martha.

"Understood... Excuse me for a moment."

Pushing Lloyd aside, Martha approached Ain.

"Lord Ain, forgive me, but I heard something was brought into the castle."

"Something brought in? Hmm..."

"Probably what you insisted on bringing from the port..."

Hearing Chris's words, Ain remembered what he had brought, and the atmosphere in the room changed.

"Ah, right! I brought something for everyone to eat, Martha. Can I have some steaks?"

"Steaks? What did you bring, Lord Ain?"

"Ho, Ain. Did you bring some souvenirs from Magna?"

Silverwood showed interest in what Ain had brought. Since everyone loved the seafood from Magna, he smiled, thinking they would get to taste it.

"Yes, Grandpa. I brought something I hunted in Magna. Fresh is better, right?"

"Aye, that's right. Then, let's have it for dinner tonight. Lloyd, Warren... let's all share it tonight, it's fine, isn't it?"

The word "bought" from Silverwood and "hunted" from Ain had different meanings, but this was not conveyed in the conversation.

"I'll have the cooks prepare it as quickly as possible. It will take a little time."

Martha left the room to give the instructions.

"Ah, Ain, what happened to the short sword you had on your belt?"

Asked by Lalura, Ain opened his mouth apologetically.

"Grandma, the short sword you gave me... it might have fallen to the bottom of the sea."

"Oh, it's fine, don't look so down. But, how did you lose it?"

"I'm not sure. When I was fighting the sea dragon and was ready to die, I drew the short sword. I thought I could land one last blow with my own hands."

As Ain began to recount his battle with the sea dragon, everyone became interested in what kind of fight it was. Even Chris and Dil hadn't heard the details yet.

"That's wonderful. If the short sword helped you, I couldn't be happier."

"Indeed, if I hadn't received that short sword from Grandma, I wouldn't have won. In that sense, I was saved by Grandma."

"Well, well, you're such a good boy, Ain."

Olivia's embrace was followed by Lalura's. Still looking young and beautiful, Lalura made Ain blush again.

"By the way, Ain. What do you mean by stabbing the sea dragon? What kind of battle did you have?"

"Yes, please tell us. We would like to hear your heroic tale, Lord Ain."

When asked this, Ain had no choice but to speak. But the method he used would definitely anger everyone, and he knew he would be scolded. However, he couldn't lie about how he defeated it, so he decided to tell the truth.

"...On the forehead. I jumped onto the sea dragon's forehead and... defeated it in the sea, yes."

Silverwood held his head, and Warren was trying not to laugh. Olivia and Crowne were pale and supporting each other. Warren, laughing, urged Ain to continue.

"Hehehe... Lord Ain, you mean you jumped onto the sea dragon's forehead and defeated it while being dragged into the sea?"

"...Yes."

Chris and Dil, who already knew this, still held their heads in their hands. Meanwhile, Katima, with a loud cheer, jumped at Ain.

"What, Ain! That means... the Dark Straws worked!?"

"To be honest, I wish I had a few more. They worked quite a bit."

Hearing this, Katima's body trembled, but not from illness.

"The claws I made worked on the sea dragon! This is wonderful! I'll forgive you for all the trouble you caused me today."

Ain thought it was easy.

"Ain. Did you use the Illusory Hand to immobilize it and then absorb the magic stone?"

Silverwood mentioned a new method of killing by absorption.

"Indeed, that's what I did. I thought it was the quickest way."

"Did you plan to use it from the start...?"

"Yes, that's... Ow!?"

"That's enough for now."

Silverwood's punch hit Ain. It was very painful, but he had to endure it.

"So, you were in a contest to see who would run out of stamina first while being dragged into the sea?"

"Yes, but before that, I used the Illusory Hand to stop the sea dragon's movements."

Lloyd finally joined in the questioning. His response was something Lloyd hadn't expected.

"Stopping the sea dragon's movements?"

"Father, Lord Ain didn't just stop it... he stood at the helm and stopped the sea dragon's charge head-on."

"Is that true, Dil!?"

"Your Majesty, I have never heard of such a heroic tale. Stopping a sea dragon's charge head-on is an incredible idea."

"Indeed, Warren. How much more can you surprise us?"

"I was just doing my best! That's all I could do!"

"Being so reckless is not the way to go..."

The result was a success, but the significant danger involved made it hard to praise him easily.

"By the way, Ain? Why have you been letting your arm dangle? Did something happen?"

"My arm can't move right now, Mother. The healer said it will heal if I rest it for a while."

"Really!? It won't be permanently damaged?"

"It's fine. I just took a lot of damage, so I'll rest for a while."

Olivia noticed Ain's hand and pointed it out. Relieved that it wasn't a permanent condition, she felt a bit better.

"Then, Ain, I'll feed you dinner."

"Crowne... that's a bit embarrassing."

"Everyone knows us, so it's fine. Right, Olivia?"

"Yes, I'll leave it to Crowne. Ain, you'll be fine, right?"

"Make sure he eats properly," Olivia said just as Chris blurted out.

"I, I'll take care of Lord Ain!"

Chris, blushing, said this. No one expected her to say such a thing, so not only Olivia and Crowne but even Warren and the others were surprised.

Surprised, Crowne easily agreed to Chris's suggestion.

"See, Ain? You're lucky Chris will feed you."

"Don't rephrase it to make it more embarrassing..."

"Hehe, I see."

Olivia seemed to have noticed something and had a mischievous look, but she didn't say anything.

"By the way, Ain. You said you absorbed the sea dragon, right?"

"Yes, but what's the matter?"

"Show us your status. And before leaving the castle, you absorbed that magic stone, so maybe you can tell us something about it."

"Come to think of it, that's true."

Ain asked Dil to fetch his status card. Seeing this, Chris and Lloyd approached.

"Why is everyone coming closer?"

"Of course, everyone is curious. Come on, Ain, show us your status card."

"It's the status of a hero who defeated a sea dragon alone, so there's no reason not to be curious."

"...Alright, I'll show it to you."

Ain von Ishtalica

[Job] Named

[Level] 64

[Strength] 4055

[Mana] 7367

[Attack] 473

[Defense] 952

[Agility] 395

[Skills] Dark Knight, Grand Mage, Sea Current, Fog, Toxin Decomposition EX, Absorption, HP Auto Recovery, Gift of Training

"Did you know, Ain? Named is a type of monster job. When did you stop being human?"

"What's going on here?"

Ain's status had risen to an extraordinary level. While he thought his physical strength had been enhanced by absorbing the sea dragon, he hadn't absorbed it completely because he had used the power to maintain the Illusory Hand.

"This is a significant growth... don't you think, Lloyd?"

"I've never seen such a large amount of mana. He has also grown significantly in strength and defense..."

"It's okay, Ain. Even if you had become a complete monster, I would still be with you."

"Thanks for the support, Crowne, but I'm not sure how to feel about it."

The mysterious magic stone and the sea dragon's magic stone. While he hadn't absorbed the sea dragon completely, the growth was visible. Absorbing a magic stone alone had made him feel guilty towards everyone.

"The two new skills are Grand Mage and Sea Current. The ability to control sea currents is a terrifying power that can turn the tide of battle."

"Indeed, Warren is right. But I've never heard of Grand Mage..."

"Father, Warren? You just said Grand Mage!?"

"A, ah, yes, Katima. You should read more."

Katima, prompted by Silverwood, snatched the status card from Ain and examined it closely. She hadn't noticed the "Named" job and the status before.

"Really... then that magic stone is..."

"Katima. Do you know about this skill? What about that magic stone?"

"...Chris, do you know about this? This matter?"

"Yes, I know. And about the owner of that skill."

"Sister? Can you tell us without being so mysterious? Ain is worried."

Olivia's words finally made Katima speak.

"Ch, yeah."

"I can't hear you, Katima. Speak up."

"Because! It's a Lich! The magic stone Ain absorbed is a Lich's magic stone! As valuable as a Dullahan, if not more!"

Katima's words triggered another commotion.

"Wait! I'll get the materials, so wait here!"

The atmosphere in the room became intense, but Katima left to fetch materials from her laboratory.

A few minutes later, Katima returned to the grand hall, out of breath.

"Here. A Lich... like a Dullahan, it no longer exists. In terms of magic, it's a monster without equal."

Katima spread out the materials for everyone to see. The image depicted a skeleton in a robe holding a large staff.

"Katima, does this mean... Ain absorbed two national treasures?"

"You're right, Mother. Not just a Dullahan, but a Lich. I never thought that magic stone was a Lich's. But the mystery is solved. A Lich, skilled in magic, could easily cast a curse."

"Oh, Ain, you've become even more attractive."

"Olivia..."

Katima agreed with Lalura's words. Beside her, Olivia looked at Ain with gentle eyes, and Silverwood held his head in his hands at her words.

"I see. The binding magic you used to stop the movement, I was wondering how you could use such advanced magic."

"Indeed, I never imagined a magic stone of such value would be in Marjolica's shop."

As Warren said, who could have imagined a national treasure item would be sold in a magic stone shop in town?

"Katima, it's probably this Lich, not the other one."

"Huh? What do you mean, Chris?"

"Not those materials, but this one. The book with ancient Elvish script."

Chris pointed to a book, the one Katima had struggled to decipher.

"What do you mean? Can you read this?"

"Yes, my tribe is a gathering of the old ones. 'An Examination of the Truth of the Demon King and His Followers'—that's the title of the book... Katima!?"

Hearing this, Katima made a loud noise and fell to the ground.

"What... I didn't know someone who could read this was so close. I should have shown it to you from the start."

"But what does it mean? The truth of the Demon King?"

"Indeed, it's intriguing. Katima, can we see the Lich mentioned by Chris first?"

"Sure. I'll have you decipher everything later, Chris. You can touch the book, so open that page."

Following Katima's instructions, Chris opened the relevant page and showed it.

"Here. The Lich's skill is called 'Mastery of Magic,' a different skill. This is likely the owner of the magic stone absorbed by Lord Ain."

"I don't understand, so I'll explain... No, I'll read a bit of what's written here!"

"