Chapter 61

This is today's update.

The room to which Ein and the others were led seemed to be the personal space of the head professor, and it was equipped with high-quality, soft sofas.

However, several storage cases were also prepared, and inside them were a few magic stones, which piqued Ein's interest.

He prepared coffee and handed it to Ein and the others.

"Now... let's start with introductions. My name is Oz, and I serve as the head professor here at Ist Magic Academy. My main field of study is magic stone energy, and I research the energy possessed by magic stones."

Oz, the head professor, was a well-known man among researchers. Blessed with research talent from a young age, he was an irreplaceable talent even in Ishtarka.

"Um... I am..."

Ein was thinking of a pseudonym. The name was Ike... With the Katima incident, Ein realized he had no talent for coming up with names. He could only think of slightly altering his first name.

"Oh, I apologize. Could you first remove the magic item related to your disguise? I have investigated, and according to the letter of recommendation from Professor Majolica, you are referred to as 'His Royal Highness, Prince Ein'... I understand the general situation."

"Hey, Chris. Did Majolica say something like that..."

"He didn't say that. ...Really."

It would have been better if he had said it first. I almost had a heart attack.

"...Then I'll remove it."

Ein removed the magic item made by Majolica, and Chris and Dil followed suit. The magic item was in the form of a ring, so it was easy to remove.

"Then, let me reiterate. Welcome, His Royal Highness, Prince Ein. I apologize for referring to you as an 'important guest' earlier. There were others present, so I had to take such measures."

"I appreciate your consideration. Thank you."

"That is most welcome," Oz smiled slightly.

"Then, let me introduce myself... I don't need to, so all three of us are fine, right?"

"Then I'll start. My name is Christina Varnstein... I hold the position of Marshal in the Ishtarka Knights. Please remember me."

"I am Dil Glacier. I am the son of the former Marshal Lloyd and currently serve as Prince Ein's dedicated guard trainee in the Ishtarka Royal Guard."

Since Katima didn't seem to want to speak, Ein prompted the guards to introduce themselves. After they finished, Katima finally spoke.

"...I am Katima von Ishtarka. It is a great honor to meet the renowned Professor Oz."

—!?

Katima greeted him like a princess, elegantly and ladylike. Not only her gestures but also her way of speaking, without the usual "nya" at the end, left Ein speechless.

But it wasn't just Ein. Chris and Dil were also surprised and speechless.

"...L-like a princess..."

"Prince Ein... She is actually the First Princess, so she is a princess...!"

"Well, I understand how you feel, Prince Ein..."

Katima's face seemed to show a vein, as if she was annoyed that her greeting was interrupted. But of course, that wasn't the main issue. Perhaps as a researcher, she had some thoughts? That's why she took such a respectful attitude?

"Oh! I didn't expect to meet the First Princess, known as the 'Brain of the Capital'... It is an honor."

(Chris, what's the 'Brain of the Capital'...?)

(Katima is known by that name... Apparently, Katima, who is famous even in Ist, is called the 'Brain of the Capital' by the researchers here...)

Ignoring the whispers, Katima continued her conversation with Oz.

"I have come this time to assist Ein, and I have obtained permission from His Majesty with some difficulty. Since this is a rare opportunity to come to Ist, I want to absorb as much knowledge as possible."

"Likewise. I would like to discuss research matters. I never thought I would meet the 'Brain of the Capital' today... Oh, I apologize, Your Highness. As a researcher, I couldn't help but..."

"No, no, please take your time to talk later."

"Ha ha ha. Then, Your Highness. What are you investigating, and how can we assist you?"

"Um, Katima, can you explain it?"

Katima nodded sincerely. Since Katima knew more about it, Ein thought it would be better to let her explain. Katima, being so intelligent, was good at organizing information and conveying it clearly. She summarized the necessary points and provided the information to Oz, including the red fox they were investigating.

Oz's expression changed multiple times as he listened, showing his surprise. What Katima was explaining was something no one had known before, and as a researcher, he couldn't help but be interested.

Finally, when Katima mentioned that Ein could absorb magic stones, his excitement reached its peak.

"...Your Highness, is everything you just said true? That you can absorb magic stones..."

"Yes, that's right."

Katima also explained that Ein had absorbed the magic stones of a Dullahan and an Elder Lich. Oz seemed to be thinking about something after hearing this.

"...I understand why the distinguished professor recommended me. Considering the magic stone aspect, I am the most suitable person..."

Oz was a leading expert in magic stone research. Probably no one in Ishtarka knew more about magic stones than he did.

"Please wait a moment. I will bring it."

"Bring it...?"

Oz, who had been thinking, seemed to have made a decision. He stood up and walked towards the case in the room, where the magic stones were stored.

"Professor Oz, what are you going to do?"

"Please don't worry, Lady Christina. There is a seal created by Professor Majolica here, so there is no risk of anything going wrong... Here we go."

Oz opened the case and took out an engraved box. He brought it back to Ein and the others.

"...What is this, Professor Oz?"

Ein asked before Oz could answer.

"This contains what you are looking for, Your Highness."

"What I'm looking for...?"

As Ein wondered, Oz opened the case. A magic stone appeared, with a purplish flame-like pattern that felt somewhat toxic.

"It's a valuable item. I have only seen one other like this."

Chris, hearing this, was the first to realize what it was. She quickly took Ein's hands in both of hers and held them tightly, trying to prevent him from transforming and to help him in any way she could.

"...Chris?"

"I'm sorry, Prince Ein. But please stay like this for a moment... Professor Oz, please continue."

"Um, um... Actually..."

Oz was as surprised as Ein. It was natural for him to be surprised when a guard suddenly grabbed his master's hands.

"This is the magic stone of a red fox."

'Ah, I see,' Chris understood why she had taken his hands. She could feel Chris's tension through her unusually warm hands. But after hearing Oz's words, she was fine for now. She thought that perhaps Chris, or the Elder Lich, was holding back the Dullahan, her husband. This thought made her smile slightly.

"Such a valuable item."

"Yes. However, I have completed all the research I can do. The analysis is done, and I have extracted all the information I can from this magic stone."

"Did you study it for a long time?"

"...Studying the red fox, I have been laughed at many times in my life."

Oz smiled bashfully, but his expression hinted at the hardships he had endured.

"Could you please teach us about it? Of course, we will provide compensation."

"That's not necessary at all... In fact, I might have to pay you. As a researcher, wouldn't you think the same, First Princess?"

"Yes, that's true. For us researchers, there is no greater reward than discovering new facts."

Even Katima, who was still acting oddly, agreed with Oz's words.

"...But, for a member of the royal family to do it without compensation... Chris, what do you think?"

"You're right, Prince Ein. Some might think it's an improper use of authority."

"Hmm... Then, how about this? I will ask you a few questions about your condition. Can that be the compensation? Of course, I won't share the information with anyone else."

"...If you can keep it secret, I might be able to provide more details. But then, you won't be able to publish your research, will you?"

"Resolving some of the questions and mysteries is enough. There's no need to publish it."

Oz was a true researcher. He had no desire for self-promotion or to use his research for profit. He simply wanted to resolve the things he was curious about. Thinking about this, receiving information was more valuable to him than money.

After some thought, Ein realized that he might receive useful information from Oz. This arrangement wasn't bad.

"...Alright. I'll answer what I can."

"That's great! Thank you so much!"

Oz looked genuinely happy, smiling like a young boy. Ein, on the other hand, felt that he should be the one thanking him.

Today, they decided to organize the information they had and explore new information. They spent the afternoon sharing information and looking for clues.

*

"..."

"Lord Grintheart! You'll ruin your health if you overdo it!"

In the new Roundheart residence in the capital of Haim, Grintheart was seen training relentlessly. Around him, the exhausted knights of the capital lay on the ground.

"Revein, I have to get stronger. If I don't, I'll... I'll make the same embarrassing mistake!"

Revein, the son of Viscount Ricardo Lance, who was taken care of by Grintheart's father Logas, often stayed by Grintheart's side. When Grintheart went to Tigris and Eura, it wasn't widely known, so Revein was left behind.

"Grintheart! I've already told you not to overdo it!"

Not just Revein, but Logas was also worried about Grintheart. Since returning from Eura, Grintheart had been training intensively every day, and Logas was concerned about the excessive training.

"Father... You're here."

"Not just 'you're here.' You'll be no good if you ruin your health."

"But...!"

"Ha... Are you going to tell me about the Ishtarka knight who defeated you?"

Even after more than half a year, Grintheart hadn't told Logas about it. The humiliation of being treated like a worm was too much to bear.

"If you can't tell me, I'll put you under house arrest for a while!"

"Wh... Father!"

Logas was genuinely worried. While he admired his son's efforts, he couldn't allow this to continue. He wanted to know about Grintheart's opponent, even if it meant being a bit forceful.

"Will there be no house arrest if you tell me?"

"I won't push you too hard after that. I promise. So, please tell me about your opponent."

Logas sat in a nearby chair, bringing his gaze level with Grintheart. In this moment, he seemed to be a good father, though that was only true in the absence of Ein.

"...I can only guess. I think he is about seven years older than me."

"Hmm? That would make him a squire's age."

"That's what I'm saying! He... He was serving as Prince Ein's guard, but he's still a teenager like me!"

This statement shocked both Logas and Revein. Grintheart, despite his young age, was already an excellent knight, skilled not only in the abilities of a holy knight but also in his genius and talent. The fact that he was treated like a worm by a fellow teenager was a shocking revelation.

Logas, though he didn't say it, wanted to challenge this knight himself.

"I see. Grintheart... I understand why you are so fixated on this knight."

"I will defeat him next time... I will treat him like a worm, just as he did to me!"

Seeing his ambitious son, Logas felt a desire to support him. He understood Grintheart's determination to win at all costs, as he himself was very competitive.

"The next time will be a real duel. I will defeat that knight, Dil."

Grintheart clenched his fist, determined. Would he ever have the chance to duel a knight from Ishtarka? Logas doubted it, but given the unexpected encounter with Ein six months ago, anything was possible.

Just as Grintheart was making this resolve, a visitor was announced.

"Grintheart? I understand you're training hard, but you have a visitor."

"Mother? Who is it?"

Alma, Grintheart's mother, appeared in the training area to inform him of the visitor.

"Your fiancée is here. Go get ready and go to your room."

"Anon! Got it, I'll go right away!"

The visitor was Anon. Anon Bruno, Grintheart's fiancée, was a year older than him. Though they were engaged, Grintheart had grown to like Anon a lot and looked forward to seeing her.

Logas and Revein were relieved. It was good to see Grintheart willing to take a break.

"Father! I'll take my leave! ...Revein, see you tomorrow!"

"Go on, Grintheart. Make sure to get ready properly."

"Yes, go on, Lord Grintheart. See you tomorrow."

Seeing Grintheart run off energetically, Logas felt relieved that his son was acting his age.

"...I'm sorry, Revein. I'm putting you through a lot."

"Not at all. ...I hope that one day, Lord Grintheart will achieve his goal."

Revein understood. It was a difficult goal, especially since diplomatic relations with Ishtarka were severed, and the chances of encountering and dueling a knight from Ishtarka again were slim. But he still hoped for Grintheart's success.

*

"Anon!"

"Oh, Lord Grintheart. Hello, did I make you rush?"

"Not at all! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting!"

After cleaning up after training and getting ready, Grintheart returned to his room, where Anon was waiting. She was wearing light makeup and a bright dress, which caught his eye.

"Please, come this way. You must be tired today."

"Y-Yes... I'm sorry!"

As he approached her, she gently patted his head and pulled him close to her chest. Though not fully developed, the softness of a woman and Anon's scent made his head spin.

"You don't have to be so shy, Lord Grintheart. ...Let's talk, shall we?"

Grintheart couldn't hide his embarrassment, which Anon noticed immediately. Though he felt embarrassed as a man, Anon didn't seem to mind.

He sat on the bed, and she patted the spot next to her. They chatted about trivial matters, and Grintheart felt a sense of comfort and motivation.

This was a side of Grintheart that he never showed to Logas or his mother Alma, only to Anon.

"I heard you trained hard today. Your efforts are very impressive, and I admire you... But, please don't overdo it. I worry if you get hurt."

"...I understand. I'll be more careful."

He often listened to her words. He didn't want to disappoint Anon, whom he loved, so he could endure many things. He cared for her that much.

"Hehe... You're such a good boy. One day, I hope to see you achieve your goal of avenging your defeat... I'll invite you to the VIP seats, Anon!"

Anon smiled at Grintheart's energetic response.

Gr