Chapter 52

Thank you for always visiting. Here begins Chapter 4.

In Istarika, winter is approaching, and it's getting so cold that one must wear a jacket to go outside or risk catching a cold.

The sky is somewhat cloudy, not exactly a clear and sunny day. Despite this, he has come out to the courtyard.

"You really eat a lot, don't you?"

Five months have passed since the sea dragon incident, and it's already getting cold outside. Ain is in the castle courtyard, watching his pet twins eat. It feels wrong to preach the goodness of humanity to these twins, but they are almost completely harmless and have become the castle's mascot.

"Chomp chomp chomp chomp!"

After some twists and turns, it was decided that the twin sea dragons could be kept. Since they are currently small enough, they can be raised in the water area of the courtyard, where they are now. The water area is connected to a series of waterways after passing through the castle gate and boasts a considerable size.

Therefore, the twin sea dragons do not seem to find it inconvenient.

"Looks like you're still energetic today, El and Al. Right, Lord Ain?"

El and Al. Ain thought these names were easy to call and understand. El is female, and Al is male. They are twins of different genders.

"That's right, Martha. It's nice to see them eat so much."

"I was worried about what they would eat, but it turned out to be a groundless concern."

There is no precedent for raising sea dragons. Therefore, what they eat and how to raise them had to be figured out step by step. However, there were no particular problems with their diet. They eat fish, and also cattle and pigs like livestock. They eat the meat of land-dwelling monsters and vegetables without any issues.

Additionally, they tried both seawater and freshwater, but there seemed to be no particular problems with freshwater. Once it was confirmed that freshwater was fine, they were released into the castle's water area.

By the way, now, three servants, including Martha, are feeding the twins. The menu is well-balanced, with meat, fish, and vegetables.

"Here, here. There's still more."

"Good boy, good boy. Ah, there you go, bowing. Over here."

Watching the two servants feed the twins is somehow soothing. When it was decided to keep the sea dragons, the people in the castle were very afraid. When Martha bravely brought food, the twins made cute chirping sounds, and the fear quickly disappeared. Since then, the servants have taken turns feeding them.

Ain is the owner, but as the crown prince, he often doesn't have time, especially when he goes to the academy. Therefore, he often relies on the servants for help.

"Kururu!"

"Kya!"

Perhaps as a sign of gratitude for the meal, they make a sound and start to dive into the water.

"Oh, they're gone..."

"Healing... I feel so much better. Shall we go, Lord Ain? I will take my leave now."

"Sure, thank you."

Leaving Martha behind, the two servants headed to their next tasks.

"Watching them eat, they are indeed cute. But when you see them dive into the water, you can tell they are sea dragons."

"Even though they are small, they are still sea dragons, aren't they?"

They probably have the skill to control water currents from birth. Without moving their bodies, they can move through the waterways with the flow of water and play by bumping into each other.

When Ain visits the water area, they don't swim but are carried by the water currents, which looks a bit silly but also cute.

"Well, I guess I should go too."

"Understood. Is there something you need?"

"I've been called by Grandfather, so I'll just go and see him."

"Understood. I will accompany you. I will prepare tea."

Ain, who enjoyed watching the twins, today is a holiday from the academy, but he was called by Silvardo in the afternoon. To avoid keeping Silvardo waiting, he decided to go early.

*

"Grandfather, I'm here."

"Hmm. Unlike Katima, you are a good child who keeps time."

Ain doesn't particularly defend Katima, who is casually criticized. Ain sat in the seat in front of Silvardo. In the room were Silvardo and the usual two, Lloyd and Warren. On Ain's side, Ain and Chris sat, making a total of five people gathered.

"Such a gathering of important figures. What's going on?"

"Warren, explain."

"Understood. Lord Ain, you are in the position of Crown Prince."

"Yeah, that's right."

"Although I have explained it many times before, the Crown Prince represents His Majesty and is responsible for many public duties."

"I understand that. Does that mean something has been decided for me to do?"

"That is correct."

Warren conveyed his approval to Ain and then handed a few documents to Ain and Chris.

"Lord Warren, what is this?"

"Please look at the first page. The summarized numbers are about the flow of gold in our transactions with Euru."

Ain wondered why Euru, but he looked at the content as instructed.

"...It's doing quite well, isn't it?"

"Yes. As Lord Ain said, the mining volume seems to be high."

"I'm glad you both noticed. As you said, the mining volume is going well. Under the surface, new magic item projects are also progressing. However, the sea crystals obtained from Euru are essential for Istarika. I never expected such results."

"Yeah... If the volume is this high, it's an important transaction for Istarika."

"To be honest, there is no guarantee that the new magic item standards will be established. Development has made significant progress in recent years, but there are no guarantees."

Istarika uses magic items for everything. Sea crystals are always used in these items, and without them, harmful substances from magic stones can flow into the human body, causing significant adverse effects. Therefore, sea crystals are crucial materials for Istarika.

"That's why. We have decided to deepen our relationship with Euru, given the results we have achieved."

"Wait, does that mean... I have to go to Euru..."

If it were Heim, he might have felt differently or had different thoughts. But since it's Euru, it shouldn't be a problem. Ain felt relieved that he wasn't so flustered, realizing his own growth.

"That's right, Ain. I will explain from here... For your first public duty as a representative, I thought it might be too much for you. However, after a meeting with everyone, it was decided that you would be fine. It would be too much for me to go, so you will go to Euru as my representative."

"Grandfather... So suddenly. What about the academy?"

"Yes. The regular exams are next week, but as the highest councilor of the academy, I will grant permission. You will take the same exam upon your return, so there should be no problem. The group's demotion will be decided after the exam, so you can rest assured."

The academy is not a problem, and you will be allowed to take the exam upon your return. Hearing this, Ain felt relieved that there would be no demotion, although a poor exam result could still lead to demotion.

By the way, Ain had been prepared for the possibility of representing the king in public duties someday. However, he never thought his first representation would be a trip to Euru.

"Considering the issue of succession, is it appropriate for me to go to Euru? What if something happens..."

"Chris will lead the Royal Guard, and Dil will also go. Warren's subordinates will also accompany you, so there should be no problem. It will be difficult for the castle to be without the Royal Guard, but we cannot always be fully prepared. The castle's alert level will be significantly increased, so there should be no issues on either side."

"Ah... If I have such protection, I feel reassured. Yes."

The Royal Guard. The most excellent knights in Istarika. They are not only skilled in combat but also intelligent. Each one is trained to act as a commander in emergencies. Chris and Dil will also accompany as guards, providing sufficient protection.

"Then, when should I go?"

"Within this week. Understand?"

"Again, so suddenly..."

Although he feels a bit overwhelmed by the sudden decision, there's no point in complaining.

"Warren, Chris. I entrust Ain to you."

"Understood."

"Hai!"

"Wait, Warren will also come?"

If Warren comes, it will be reassuring. Ain thought that no one would be more reliable than Warren in a meeting like this.

"This is a special meeting. As the representative of His Majesty, the Crown Prince, and as the Chancellor, I will go. This will show our seriousness and commitment."

The members were chosen to demonstrate Istarika's sincerity and seriousness.

During the meeting, many people argued that there was no need to go to such lengths for a small country. Istarika is overwhelmingly stronger, and it would be unacceptable to appear weak. Therefore, this is the result of consolidating both sides' opinions.

Warren and Ain will prove their seriousness. At the same time, they will demonstrate Istarika's military strength as a show of force.

For this reason, the ship that Ain and his party will board to go to Euru is...

"Ain, I will allow you to use the White King as my representative. Show our seriousness and the strength of Istarika."

The ship that Ain will board to go to Euru is the White King, the largest warship in Istarika, passed down through generations of kings.

After that, Ain ran around to persuade the women close to him.

First, Olivia. When the sudden news came, she almost went to retract it from Silvardo, but he managed to stop her. After that, he spent the night in Olivia's room, talking and drinking tea to finally gain her approval.

Next, Crowne. It didn't become as serious as with Olivia, but she made him promise to go shopping with her for a few days after his return. He also entrusted her with a letter.

"Please deliver this to my father. Through Euru, try to get it to the August residence."

Ain readily agreed, promising to deliver the letter.

Ain thought he would have to prepare for the trip, but it was the capable Martha. She quickly finished Ain's travel preparations, and by the day before departure, everything was perfectly ready, and the luggage was already transported to the port.

On the day of departure, Ain boarded a special train with Chris and Dil, and Warren, heading to the port town of Magna, where they boarded the Istarika royal ship, the White King.

Ain had seen the ship before but never boarded it. Once inside, he was amazed by its luxurious construction and numerous weapons, and couldn't help but explore. Warren smiled and guided him around.

*

The sea near Euru is also getting cold as winter approaches. The castle where Duke Amour lives is by the sea, and the cold sea breeze pierces the skin.

Usually, such a breeze would be a bit bothersome, but today, he couldn't feel that way because of the tension that was about to come.

"Indeed... Duke Amour, I never imagined such a thing."

"...Is that really something made by humans...!?"

Near the castle where Duke Amour lives in Euru, three ships are docked at the harbor. On the opposite side of the castle, on a cape, other Istarika ships are docked. Even these ships were impressive, but three ships, each twice as large, were even more so. The ship in the center was the largest and most beautiful.

These three ships had just arrived for the meeting with Euru. The two warships on either side are likely carrying the knights who are guarding the important figures.

Among the three ships, the one that particularly caught the attention of those present was the ship in the center, which exuded the most presence.

"The famous Istarika royal ship... the White King, right?"

"E-Edu... Is there anything wrong with my appearance? Will it be disrespectful?"

"There is nothing wrong. They are from a country with a high culture. If we convey our thoughts sincerely, they will not be angry. Please be at ease."

Duke Amour, forgetting his position, was nervous. Struggling to maintain his sanity amidst the overwhelming strength of Istarika, Edu tried to calm him down.

Then, suddenly, a loud whistle sounded from the two large warships on either side of the White King. This was the signal. From the two warships, well-dressed knights appeared and disembarked in an orderly manner, forming two rows on either side of the White King, leaving the center open.

"...The unified nation of Istarika. The highest order of knights, the Royal Guard. Their movements are impeccable. There is no other word for it."

"If we were invaded at this moment, our castle would fall in an instant..."

"What are you saying, Duke Amour?"

"M-M... That's right. It would fall in an instant."

"They would have already fallen when those three ships approached."

Duke Amour, hearing this, felt dejected, but it was true. The three ships, equipped with numerous cannons and magic items, were so close that if a battle were to start, it would already be over.

While this was happening, four people disembarked from the White King, walking through the Royal Guard and approaching Duke Amour.

"Duke Amour, please maintain a firm attitude."

"Y-Yes..."

Duke Amour tried to regain his composure and prepare to greet them. As they approached step by step, he could feel his heart beating louder and louder.

Finally, the moment of their meeting arrived.

"Nice to meet you. I am Warren, the Chancellor of Istarika."

"Likewise. I am Amour von Euru, the leader of Euru."

"Lord Warren. Your name is well-known even in Euru. I am Edu. I have no family name... I am an old retainer who has served Duke Amour since my youth."

"You are Lord Edu. It is an honor to meet you. I have heard your name many times. I understand that you recently won a tournament where the continent's strongest warriors gathered."

For a moment, Edu's eyebrows twitched. He was impressed that Warren knew about his achievements, even from a distant continent.

"Oops. I shouldn't be talking so much. Allow me to introduce... The person here is the representative of His Majesty Silvardo. Crown Prince Ain."

"Duke Amour, nice to meet you. I am Ain von Istarika, representing His Majesty. I hope this meeting will be fruitful. Please treat me well."

Ain received some guidance from Warren on the ship.

He doesn't need to speak from a completely superior position. However, he doesn't need to be completely equal either. He should act in a way that makes his position slightly higher, with a bit of tact.

Ain found it a bit difficult but tried to act accordingly.

"I am grateful to meet Crown Prince Ain