Chapter 63

If Chris had a tail, I would have wanted to see it. That should be a common desire for the servants in the royal capital, and it would be fitting to add that the second princess, Olivia, would be included in that desire.

After the commotion she enjoyed—a bit of a ruckus with the adventurers—Ain made his way to the guild master's office. When he arrived, Chris presented her status card and was escorted in. Since then, both of them have taken off their robes and revealed their appearances.

"---I will give a stern warning to that pair."

"Since it feels like I've already given them a punishment, I don't mind going further."

The thought of his grandfather, Silvado, who often spoke of the principle of rewarding the good and punishing the bad, came to mind. If a punishment were to be given to the two, the terror he felt from Ain would be sufficient. That was Ain's response.

"I am grateful for your exceptional leniency—by the way, we were planning to pay our respects to the crown prince tomorrow, but what has happened suddenly?"

The guild master was an elderly man. His short hair was neatly combed, and his mustache was meticulously groomed, like that of a noble. He had rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt, revealing lean but strong muscles. He asked Ain, who had suddenly appeared, with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"I came here to see the city of Strom and the guild as a common citizen, even hiding my identity."

"I see... Then I have shown you our shameful side right away."

"Haha. I gave a wry smile. The commotion just now was partly due to Chris's inappropriate reaction, but her actions before that were also not good. Moreover, their behavior afterward was indeed problematic. Although adventurers tend to be rough, not everything can be overlooked."

"My acquaintance, the adventurer, was a composed and mature adult."

Ain indirectly referred to Marjolica and Kaiser. The guild master then spoke.

"Most likely, the person the crown prince is referring to is a top-notch adventurer. They know that appearance does not prove strength..."

To put it another way, they are like a rose that is beautiful but has thorns. They won't recklessly start a fight and get burned.

"...So they don't act rashly?"

"Exactly. Furthermore, their composure and ease come from the battles they have experienced."

The guild master wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and hunched his shoulders as he answered Ain. His attitude was overly passive, but given that his interlocutor was the crown prince, it was understandable. He narrowed his eyes in a fawning manner, and his hand, which did not hold a handkerchief, was tightly clenched.

"I myself have traveled to many places as an adventurer in the past. Back then, young adventurers were always trying to act tough..."

(...Just like in the past)

These adventurers, in general, possess greater strength than ordinary citizens. Otherwise, they couldn't work in areas where monsters appear. However, the fact that they act aggressively and show the same attitude as before made Ain feel a bit of sadness.

"Some guild branches have experienced adventurers as their base. Young adventurers tend to follow them..."

I see. Ain understood. In other words, a certain level of hierarchy is maintained. The city of Strom is still young, so there are no such senior adventurers. Ain placed his hand on his chin and thought about what to do.

(In other words, we need someone like a senior adventurer...)

Do you have any ideas, Chris? He sent her a look, but she only looked at him with a puzzled expression, as if to say, "What's wrong?" There was a certain cuteness in her, but she provided no answer that Ain sought. He felt a bit of relief.

"I'll think about it for a while. Would it be alright if I send some suggestions in my name eventually?"

"Y-Yes! Of course, it would be fine. Rather, I apologize for the trouble..."

"This is fine. As someone entrusted with Strom by the king, it is my duty."

(But it's difficult,) Ain muttered to himself. He briefly considered asking for help from Kaiser and Marjolica. They were once top-notch adventurers with impressive records. However, they have already retired and have new lives. It wouldn't be right to ask them rashly.

The quickest solution would be for Ain to become the senior adventurer of this adventurer guild. Of course, that would be impossible. This became an immediate issue after he arrived in Strom.

"---Ain-sama, it's about time."

"Hmm? Ah, I see."

Prompted by Chris, who stood behind him, Ain looked at the clock. It was time to leave. Realizing this, he stood up. The guild master, looking flustered, also stood up.

"Guild master, I apologize for the sudden visit."

"Not at all---I will call a carriage for you immediately."

"No, no. It's fine. We will walk back through the city, so don't worry about it."

Usually, nobles rarely walk around on their own. As the crown prince, Ain was in a different league from nobles, and his response surprised the guild master.

"Guild master, if you need to report or contact the crown prince, you can send a messenger to the mansion. In the future, the crown prince may visit again, so please be prepared to receive him."

Chris spoke about future communications. During this time, Ain put on his robe and hid his head, as he did when he arrived.

"I understand. I will see you to the exit."

"Thank you, but I'll decline that. If the guild master sees us off, people might look at us suspiciously."

However, it was a bit late for that. Ain had just knocked out two adventurers. If he appeared in the hall with the bulletin board, he would likely draw attention.

"Thank you for listening to me today. I'll contact you again soon."

"H-H-Have a safe trip back..."

Chris also put on her robe and led Ain out of the room. The guild master, left behind, slumped into his chair, completely drained of energy. Or rather, he had lost all his strength.

---A few minutes after Ain and Chris left, he finally managed to speak.

"H-Ha... Ha... I see... That person is the hero who defeated the sea dragon, the lord of the Black Knights, and the crown prince who is hailed as the second coming of the first emperor."

Muttering Ain's aliases, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and neck with a handkerchief. He took a deep breath and drank the tea on the table in one go. His hands, which trembled slightly, were a striking sight.

"I have gone through many battles... I had such pride..."

That pride was now gone. Seeing Ain, who was much younger than himself, he felt a difference in their biological levels. This was probably because Ain had just intimidated the adventurers, and the guild master could still sense that presence.

He didn't feel as if he had been intentionally intimidated. This proved that the guild master had felt the power on his own.

"That person will surely bring a new wind to Ishtalica."

◇ ◇ ◇

Compared to when they left the mansion, the sun had completely set. The streetlights elegantly illuminated the city, and the dining places were beginning to bustle.

"Ain-sama. Ain-sama."

"Hmm? What is it?"

While the guild master was losing his strength, Ain and Chris were on their way back from the guild. During this time, Chris spoke to Ain.

"Why did you look at me when you were talking to the guild master?"

"...At that time, I was definitely seeking a good idea from you."

He recalled that, in the end, what Chris provided was a bit of relief.

"Ah... Ah... Isn't it too late now?"

"It's never too late."

After all, they were still searching for a solution to the problem.

"The quickest solution would probably be patrols, I think."

"What do you mean? For example, how?"

"Besides the royal guards, the Black Knights are also in the mansion. I think it would be most effective if they made the rounds."

I see. Ain nodded deeply. The royal guards and Black Knights were far superior to ordinary adventurers. Seeing their armor, even adventurers would refrain from rash actions.

"Good point. I think that's a good idea."

"Thank you... I did it...!"

Using a deliberately clear onomatopoeia, Chris showed a wavy smile. It was clear that she was in high spirits from being praised.

"Let's consult with Crownne as soon as we get back!"

Chris walked ahead of Ain, her steps light. She moved quickly, and her robe swayed widely. Then,

"Ah... Ah... I almost...!"

The wind blew, and her hood fluttered up. As a result, her hidden golden hair spread out with the wind, and her face was briefly revealed. Although it wouldn't matter if she were seen, after hiding it for so long, she felt a bit embarrassed.

"It felt like I was hanging by a thread..."

"No, I think it was already torn."

"...Don't be mean."

Since her hood was already up, there was no point in saying it. He answered honestly, but Chris pouted, looking sulky. Her moist lips were seductive, and her golden hair highlighted her nobility.

(After all, she is a princess.)

Smiling wryly, Ain looked at Chris and then gazed at the night sky of Strom. He wondered what they would have for dinner on the first night in their new home, as usual, thinking about food.

It should be about time for a climax...

Thank you for your visit today.