Chapter 73

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It had been two weeks since they last visited the capital. Despite everything being as lively as ever, the beautiful streets welcomed Ein and Chris.

Was last night's conversation with Chris just a dream? The atmosphere had changed so much that it made her wonder.

"Finally, Lord Ein."

"It's been two weeks... but it feels like we've been apart for much longer."

'It must be completely like home now,' Ein thought. It made sense, considering how well he had adapted to life in Ishtarika, the capital. Even though it had only been two weeks since he last returned, it felt like he had been on a long journey.

After getting off the vehicle, they moved quietly to avoid drawing attention, heading toward the carriage.

The carriage had already arrived from the castle and was waiting at the White Rose, so there was no need to wait.

Currently, with Dil and the others not around, Ein was carrying his own luggage, which oddly gave him a sense of having been on a trip, and he didn't mind it.

"Compiling the report is a hassle, though."

"It's part of the job. I also need to write a report, so if you'd like, I can help you with it?"

"That would be a great help... Since I haven't done it much before, it would be nice to learn from you."

Ein clenched his fist on the opposite side. It was a bit of a pretext, but Chris was glad she could make use of it.

"The report, and... then there's the troublesome care of the magic stone."

"...Right. Once we get to the castle, we should contact Majolica."

Ein glanced at the luggage Chris was carrying. Inside was the magic stone of the red fox they had received from Oz.

The two had two concerns. First, whether the magic stone would act up in some way, and second, whether the two inside Ein would lose control, especially the Dullahan.

"For now, we can only trust Elderlich."

"Can we really trust him...?"

Ein had met Elderlich before. Whether it was right to call it a meeting was questionable... But compared to Chris, Ein trusted Elderlich more.

"I think it'll be fine. Maybe the Dullahan is the one being controlled."

"Ku... ku ku... Even after becoming a magic stone and being absorbed by Lord Ein?"

"Unfortunately, that seems to be the case."

Chris laughed, covering her mouth to avoid being rude. Even if absorbed, still being controlled by a wife? There was nothing else to do but laugh. Should she feel sorry for the Dullahan's pitiful state, or envy Elderlich's competence? She even thought about such things.

"By the time we finish talking, we've arrived. Shall we get in?"

"Eh, yes... Let's head to the castle right away."

They had arrived at the carriage. But Chris was still laughing, had she hit a funny spot? Seeing Chris enjoying herself, Ein couldn't help but smile too.

"...Finally, we're home."

Home might sound simple, but since Ein's home was a castle, it wasn't quite ordinary. However, for him, it was undoubtedly home, so there was no mistake in calling it a return home.

*

What to do after arriving at the castle? While discussing this with Chris, Ein enjoyed the journey.

Of course, it was a familiar scene. After all, it was the route he used for school and the path he always took when going from the castle to the town. But for Ein, who enjoyed walking, the view from the carriage was not bad at all.

"As usual, you can leave the luggage as it is."

"Got it."

Ein's luggage would be taken to his room by a servant, so he would get off the carriage empty-handed.

It wouldn't be proper for him to carry his own luggage after arriving at the castle.

"There's a duel the day after tomorrow, so we can't take it easy."

"You're right, but you should get a good night's rest tonight."

"Ah..."

"If you fall ill, that would be a bigger problem."

Ein hadn't yet asked how they would get to the duel site. He could guess they would take the river and bring the twins, but he wasn't sure if they would cross the nearby road or not.

"Do we need to discuss the duel or anything?"

"What are you worried about...? Don't worry, leave everything to us."

"But I'm one of the parties involved, right?"

"There's no need for you to handle such 'trivial matters.' Just understand that you'll be there as an observer."

Yeah, trivial matters...

Ein was surprised that Chris didn't think it was important. Rather, had she forgotten that she was being treated as a prize? Ein thought about that, but Chris's answer was different.

"Think about why the sea dragon only appears every hundred years and why it's treated as a national crisis."

Ein was aware of that. If asked if he could defeat it again, he would shake his head vigorously. It was a result of sheer luck.

And the black dagger Elderlich made was gone. Without it, it seemed impossible. Even if he had absorbed some of the sea dragon's magic stone, it wouldn't change that.

"Of course, I understand. But the twins are still children, right?"

"Several reports about the twins from Lady Katima have arrived. Have you read them, Lord Ein?"

"Yeah, I confirmed they're growing well, but..."

"...And about the other parts..."

"I haven't read them."

The most important thing was that the sea dragons were living well. He had checked their health and growth, but hadn't read much else.

So he just replied that he hadn't read them.

"After all, you are their parent, Lord Ein..."

"I'm starting to feel a bit guilty... But, does that mean there's something special?"

"...Let's save the best for the main event."

Chris put her index finger to her well-shaped lips. It was a secret, she seemed to be saying. Indeed, against a prince... or something, but ultimately, it was his fault for not reading the reports thoroughly. He decided to keep it to himself.

The soft lips deformed by the pressed index finger seemed a bit unfair.

"It's a bit frustrating."

"Well, Lord Ein, there's no need to worry. So, get plenty of rest and compile the report about Isth. And think about the red fox's magic stone... just those things."

"Meaning, before the duel, I'll just be taken to the site. Is that it?"

"That's right."

Chris smiled and said so. 'I see, there really is nothing to do,' Ein finally understood.

"After that, there will be a bit of work, like restraining 'that,' but don't worry about it."

"O-Okay..."

His tone was different from usual, but the conversation had progressed that far. The Warrens had probably already decided what to do after the Viscount Sage was restrained.

"But I thought..."

"Yes?"

"Maybe I should participate too?"

After all, it was a named creature. He could swim, so it shouldn't be a problem, right? That's what Ein said next.

Ein was talking about the duel. They had set conditions like underwater monsters, but since he could swim, it should be similar, he thought.

"...Ha... Why would you think such a thing...? We really need to reconsider your education..."

Ein had tired Chris out as soon as they returned to the capital. Chris held her head in her hands. Ein had meant it as a black joke, but he felt sad that she didn't take it as a joke at all.

"I... I didn't laugh..."

Saying this with a sad tone, Ein looked at Chris, but she replied calmly.

"Lord Ein, I can't laugh at that?"

I see, that's a no.

With Chris's straightforward answer, Ein understood that this joke wouldn't work. He had thought about using it again if it got a laugh, but he decided to discard this gag right here.

"Talking about weird things, we've arrived."

"Lord Ein, were you aware of that?"

"Sort of."

"...Did you play with me?"

Finally, Chris realized. Hearing this, Ein smiled and looked at her.

"Let's go. Everyone must be waiting!"

Chris looked a bit annoyed that she had been avoided, but even in her knight's uniform, she showed her usual self, which made Ein happy.

The carriage stopped in the castle grounds and was opened by Martha, who was waiting outside.

"Welcome back, Lord Ein. His Majesty and Lady Olivia... everyone is waiting for you."

"Thanks, Martha. ...I'm back."

Getting off the carriage, Ein felt relieved to see the familiar castle scenery.

The long distance from the magic city Isth. He felt a bit nostalgic about leaving Isth, but the capital was still the best.

*

Ein was welcomed by many people, including Olivia and Crones.

They wanted to talk to Ein, whom they hadn't seen in a while, but Silvardo called a halt.

A formal report would come later, but a brief report was needed first.

So, Ein was taken to a meeting room and was giving a simple explanation to save time.

In the room were Silvardo and Warren, Chris and Ein, four people in total. Lloyd, the king's personal guard, was off duty today, which surprised Ein.

"But I was surprised. I didn't expect you to notice one of my subordinates..."

"I've seen him around a lot, so that's part of it."

The topic was about Ein noticing one of Warren's subordinates. It was the day when the incident with Viscount Sage occurred, and they ended up changing their destination to the magic arena.

"He's a squad leader, you know."

"Squad leader?"

"Yes. We divide the team into several groups, and he's the leader of one of those groups."

"Ah... So, it wasn't good that I noticed him?"

Warren didn't have many subordinates, but the man Ein noticed was one of the capable ones in his covert team.

"No, it's not a problem that you noticed him. So, don't worry about it."

"That's right, Lord Ein. ...Well, I shouldn't act superior since I didn't notice him myself..."

Chris, unlike Ein, hadn't noticed Warren's subordinate. If she had gotten closer, she would have definitely noticed. She would have noticed even if attacked from a distance.

"It must have been a good match. So, Chris, cheer up..."

"...I've entrusted everything to Warren's men, so I have nothing to say. But from what I hear, your trip to Isth was fruitful, which is good."

"Yes, that's true. But, Grandfather, we should contact Majolica. The red fox's magic stone is still not safe."

"I understand. We'll keep it securely, so don't worry."

Ein felt relieved hearing those words. It was reassuring to hear them from his grandfather, the king.

"Also... Even though he says he doesn't need it, the royal family should show gratitude."

"Of course. As I often say, reward the deserving and punish the guilty. Those who have achieved something should be rewarded accordingly."

"I'm glad to hear that. It doesn't feel right to keep receiving help without giving anything in return."

"We'll thoroughly evaluate that matter later."

"Thank you."

Thanks to Oz, many things were revealed. On the day they returned to the capital, they even brought the red fox's magic stone, which was unexpected. It was unthinkable for Silvardo to do nothing.

There would probably be some benefits for Oz personally and for his research.

"And, Ein, I should give you a few rewards too."

"Let's put it on hold."

"...I see, as expected."

"I don't really want anything."

Honestly, Ein would have liked to ask for a few rewards on the spot. Frankly, putting rewards on hold for Ein seemed to invite trouble.

On the other hand, forcing something on him went against Silvardo's principles.

"Well, that's fine. But please don't use them for troublesome matters."

"I'll handle it properly."

"...Shouldn't you just say 'yes'?"

"I can't lie about it."

Ein was becoming more cunning with age. In a good sense, he was becoming more royal, and in a bad sense, more cunning.

"Well, well, Your Majesty. As someone who has educated him for many years, I find it gratifying."

"Warren might think so, but I can't be that happy."

"Well, well, you are indeed Lady Olivia's son, as I've come to realize again."

Warren and Silvardo had contrasting expressions. But it wasn't all bad that Ein was becoming more cunning. It was good that he was gradually acquiring the strengths of a royal.

"So, Grandfather, about Viscount Sage..."

"Yes, that matter. You don't need to worry, Ein. You just need to be present on the day."

"...I heard the same thing just now."

Chris had said the same thing. Ein thought they were taking the matter of Viscount Sage too lightly.

"Just the result of that, but... we uncovered corruption. Of course, Ein will also be rewarded."

"Can I put it on hold too?"

"...I see, that was a mistake."

It was an unintended result, but it was good that the corruption of Viscount Sage was exposed thanks to Ein.

"Actually, Lord Ein, Viscount Sage was connected to another noble and engaged in several other corrupt acts. So, other nobles will also be restrained for other matters."

"He was completely corrupt, then."

"That's right. So, this is also a significant achievement. That's why His Majesty is in a dilemma..."

Thinking about it, he wanted to use it somewhere. After all, he could do as he pleased twice.

It wouldn't be good to worry his grandfather too much, though, even if it was a bit late for that.

"Then, I'll use one of them for something, Grandfather. I'll let you know as soon as possible, is that okay?"

"Of course."

"Ah, yes..."

Feeling one less worry, Silvardo responded more energetically than before. Ein thought about saying 'I'll put it on hold' again, but decided against it, thinking it might be bad for his grandfather's heart.

"Still, I should explain the schedule for the duel, Warren."

As a party involved, Ein felt he had been left out of the loop regarding the duel. Finally, the schedule for the duel was explained to Ein.

"Yes, leave it to me. ...Lord Ein, you don't need to prepare anything special. You'll leave the castle tomorrow night. We'll prepare a long-distance carriage, so you can rest assured about the ride."

"Wait, what about the twins?"

"We'll follow the river, so they should be able to see the carriage you're in from the twins. We'll take a few breaks, but we'll arrive at the site the morning after tomorrow, so there's no risk of being late for the duel."

The duel was scheduled for the morning after tomorrow. If they wouldn't be late, that was reassuring.

"I see."

"So, until you arrive, you can just rest in the carriage. You can even work on the report if you want."

"Seems like I really just have to go there. Then, I'll organize the report as Warren suggests."

Hearing the explanation, it seemed Ein really had nothing to do. Just be present, and everything else would be handled. Despite being the cause, he was getting VIP treatment. Noticing this, Warren continued his explanation.

"What Viscount Sage did is something the country needs to address... So, this is the natural course of events."

"Hmm... Then, I guess there's no choice."

"Yes. So, I suggest you talk to the twins. I think it will encourage them."

"Of course. I did involve them, after all."

He couldn't help feeling guilty, having involved the twins, who had nothing to do with it. Thinking about the possibility of them getting hurt, he regretted his rashness.

"Still, it's their favorite in the vast sea, so..."

"Well, it's fine, Ein. There's no danger as you think. ...Well, Warren, there's still more to discuss, right?"

"Still... Oh, that's right! Lord Ein, we've assigned someone to be your aide... more like a secretary, but I'm here to inform you."

Warren was the prime minister, but in a position similar to Silvardo's? Ein thought. No, it was the first he was hearing of it. Such an important decision was made suddenly...

"I wish you had told me earlier... Grandfather."

"It was decided while you were in Isth."

"Ah..."

Ein wasn't particularly shy, but as an aide, they would spend a lot of time together. He hoped it would be someone he wouldn't mind being around. As a prince, he didn't want to complain, but he had his own preferences.

"Please wait a moment, Lord Ein. I'll bring the person in."

Warren left the room.

"Is this person in the castle?"

Since Warren had left the room, Ein had no choice but to ask Silvardo.

"Yes, and the preparations for the long-distance carriage and such were actually entrusted to this person."

"Isn't that a bit too much to ask suddenly?"

"According to Warren, there were no problems at all. Everything went smoothly, and there were no issues even at the final stage."

"...Quite an excellent person, then."

"Of course, since they're assigned to the prince. ...But even from my perspective, they are excellent and have no issues working close to the prince."

The prince of a great nation like Ishtarika, Ein von Ishtarika. The selection process was strict, but especially for someone assigned to the prince, only the most capable would be chosen.

"Did you know about this, Chris?"

"No, I heard about it for the first time... I didn't know anything, just like Lord Ein."

"I see. Then it must have been decided recently."

Chris had no reason to lie. So, it was clear that this decision was made recently.

"Please wait, Lord Ein. I've brought the person who will be your new aide."

Warren returned to the meeting room. The door was closed once, and the aide was waiting in the hallway.

I want to meet them quickly.

"Then, I'll introduce them, Warren."