Chapter 78

Thank you for visiting today.

Ein walked back home with a beaming face, and by his side, Dil walked as his guard. There was a reason for his beaming face. It was due to the test results that were distributed this time. With a six-month gap and the time spent on official duties and the journey to Isth, Ein had not been able to find time for studying.

At that time, his state of mind could be summed up in one word: anxiety. He was even prepared to drop a rank.

Amidst this, the study sessions with her began.

She, chosen from among numerous participants, had become an irreplaceable and precious assistant to Ein, far more than just a competent one.

"I have to thank Cron too when we get back."

"…To think you would come back as the top student from that point… I am also surprised."

The test results handed to him clearly stated, 'Top Student.' Of course, detailed subject evaluations were also listed, but nothing else caught his eye except for the word 'Top Student.'

It has been almost two months since returning from Isth. During that time, Ein had studied hard with a competent assistant.

"I want to hug Cron so much right now."

"That's good. Why don't you do it then?"

Ein's mood was so high that he even said such things.

"U-Uh… I mean, it's a bit… You understand, right, Dil?"

"…Sigh."

It was frustrating. It was the unanimous opinion of the knights within the castle. They all thought Ein and Cron should just get together already. But recently, there was additional information to this story.

It was the existence of a dark horse. Christina Varnstein, the new marshal of the Isthari Knights, who had returned from Isth. Rumors about her began to spread within the castle. Tracing the source, it led to a few servants. As a woman, Christina's expression was rumored to be that of just a woman.

Especially Dil, who often interacted with Ein, was frequently asked by knights and servants about Ein's romantic situation. He usually brushed it off, but recently, the castle was buzzing with this topic.

The only ones unaware of these rumors were the people involved.

"It's good that you managed to maintain your rank."

"Really… Let's hurry! I want to report it quickly!"

Ein, showing his joy, looked his age, and Dil felt happy for him. Following his lord, who started walking briskly, Dil also ran lightly.

* * *

Unable to contain his excitement, Ein hurried back to the castle.

But the atmosphere was different from usual, feeling almost like a battlefield. This morning, when he left the castle, the atmosphere was calm as always. What had happened? Dil also had a wary expression.

"…The knights are in their usual positions. So, there hasn't been an attack or anything like that."

"Then it's even more mysterious. What's with this atmosphere, like a battle is about to start?"

But looking at the knights' faces, they seemed more tense than eager for battle.

—Ein asked a passing knight what had happened.

"What happened?"

"K-King's heir… Welcome back!"

He straightened his back and stared at Ein.

"The atmosphere in the castle is bad. I want to know what happened."

"…Actually, we haven't received any information either…"

"Nothing? …Dil, what do you think?"

Ein, looking troubled, sought Dil's opinion. Dil then turned to the knight and said:

"Speak freely. …Do you have any idea?"

The knight, hearing this, crossed his arms and looked troubled. Was there something he found hard to say? But what could it be that the prince asked and he found hard to convey?

"Prince Ein!? When did you return!?"

Cristina, looking tired, came down the stairs. Even Cristina was exhausted? Ein's suspicions grew.

"Marshal. Prince Ein wants to know about the situation in the castle… I'm sorry, but I haven't heard anything…"

"…I see. Understood, return to your post. I will explain to Prince Ein."

"Understood. …Your Highness, I'm sorry I couldn't be of help."

The knight bowed and left the scene. Ein also absentmindedly replied, "Ah," lightly.

"You just returned. You look tired, Cristina."

"Yes… Actually, we're in a very complicated situation… That's why I was on my way to meet you."

"Me?"

"Yes. It's believed that you would be the most effective right now."

Being told that he would be effective, Ein was completely at a loss. Not to mention, there was no explanation for the castle's atmosphere.

"Is this related to the castle's atmosphere?"

"Of course. …Come this way, I'll guide you."

"Hold on! I'll go, but at least tell me where we're going! And what happened!"

"…I apologize. Our destination is the audience chamber. We need you to calm 'His Majesty' there."

Ein, hearing an explanation that wasn't really an explanation, understood that there was a problem with Silvardo. Deciding to first assess the situation, he followed Cristina obediently. Leading Dil, they headed to the audience chamber.

* * *

As they approached the audience chamber, the ominous atmosphere became more palpable to Ein. The pressure was almost overwhelming.

"We've arrived. Prince Ein… Please, don't be afraid and proceed."

"…I don't know what's wrong with Grandfather, but did you move the Demon King's magic stone properly?"

"Without any issues. After all, it would be quite a problem if the prince couldn't enter the audience chamber…"

"Then it's fine. Well… let's go."

Ein didn't know where it was stored, but the Demon King's magic stone was surely kept in a secure place. What he needed to consider now was what was happening in this audience chamber.

The massive doors creaked open. Inside, Silvardo sat on the throne, with Lloyd and Warren standing at a distance.

Seeing Ein, the two of them clearly looked relieved.

"(Hmm… What's with this atmosphere?)"

Ein was surprised that his usual attendants had to keep their distance. After making eye contact with them, he turned his gaze back to Silvardo. Silvardo was looking at some undefined point in the air.

His right hand, resting on the armrest, was tapping quietly.

But even that small tapping motion felt like the impact of a giant dragon walking, making Ein feel disoriented.

Determined, Ein walked straight to Silvardo. As it was in the presence of the king, Cristina and Dil stood to the side.

Suuu… Haa. It was the sound of Ein's deep breath. He never thought he would be doing this in front of his grandfather, but the current aura of Silvardo was so intense that it was necessary.

"Grandfather, I'm back."

He tried to think of something to say, but nothing came to mind. Usually, Ein would have a lot to say, but today, it felt like his glass was cracked.

"…Hmm? Oh, Ein. You're early today."

Ein, taken aback, saw that Silvardo's expression was the same as usual when talking to him.

"Y-Yes. I came back quickly because I had the test results today."

"How did it go?"

"Thanks to you, I was the top student."

"Fufu… As expected of Ein. Well done."

Silvardo beckoned, and Ein approached. Then, he was confused when Silvardo gently patted his head. Usually, it would make him a bit embarrassed, but today, the contrast with earlier was too great, and he couldn't process his feelings.

"Thank you, Grandfather… By the way, why the audience chamber?"

A few seconds later, Ein would deeply regret asking. It would have been best to let it go.

"Yes. I, for the first time in my life… almost ordered a preemptive war."

"…Huh!?"

Ein wasn't the only one surprised. The four others in the room also looked shocked.

"Anger, hesitation, and self-loathing. It was a mix of troublesome emotions."

"Grandfather!? A preemptive war… I mean! A war, with whom!?"

"Obviously, Haim."

Silvardo's words, "Haim," hit Ein like a hammer to the chest.

"What happened all of a sudden! That country… isn't it already irrelevant!?"

For Ein, this was almost his true feelings. The sentiment that Haim was irrelevant was genuinely in his heart. So why now, Haim? This thought dominated Ein's mind.

"You're right. I also thought it was irrelevant until this morning when I received this."

Silvardo took out a letter from his pocket, sealed with gold, indicating it was from a high-ranking person.

"Your Majesty? When did you receive this letter…?"

Warren, who had no idea about this letter, wondered when Silvardo had received it. After all, all letters to Silvardo went through Warren.

"It was in the report from Eulor."

Silvardo handed the letter to Ein, who immediately read its contents.

"…"

"A-Ain? What does it say?"

Warren, who was very curious, was not his usual calm self.

"…Ha. I see, that's why Grandfather is angry."

"I'm not complaining. But I understand that we also bear responsibility. After all, we are known for never initiating a preemptive attack, which is seen as a weakness."

The words of the first unifying king, which are still cherished. That's why during the Olivia incident, Isthari did not take a hard stance or use military force.

"Gradually. Over the years, the opinion that 'some use of military force is necessary' has increased. I understand the sentiment, especially during the Olivia incident, when I was boiling with anger."

"…I understand, Grandfather."

If Isthari sent a fleet with a large army, Haim would be in no position to resist. But, as mentioned, they don't do this because of the first unifying king's words. As a royal family descended from him, they have no intention of breaking that.

Still, with the current frustration, violent thoughts are inevitable.

"Warren."

"Y-Yes… What is it, Prince Ein?"

"It's a ridiculous request. It's almost a joke that makes you question if they have any sense. …To put it simply, they want Graf's information as a formal trade. That's it."

Not only Warren, but Lloyd, Cristina, and Dil were also speechless.

"Excuse me… I was lost in thought. It's too good to be true, isn't it? To be asked for a trade now, when we can't trust them…"

"Exactly, Warren. It's also a letter written by the Haim royal family. I'm sure you can understand my anger."

"Indeed, I feel it acutely. …According to my investigation, the third prince is indeed a strong candidate for the next king of Haim. The first and second princes have no qualities for the throne. …The third prince is still pursuing Cron, isn't he?"

The first prince is just a fat pig, loving women and food, unsuitable for a king. The second prince is weak, capable of doing tasks without mistakes but nothing more, and is timid, loving quiet spaces.

In contrast, the third prince, Tigris, is intelligent and has a commanding presence among his siblings. While not the only reason, it's believed that the next king of Haim will be Tigris.

"Warren, does this mean he hasn't given up on Cron?"

"Exactly. …He's quite persistent."

Lloyd, speaking for the first time, highlighted Tigris's persistence.

"He's probably threatening Eulor. That's how he managed to sneak the letter in, I assume."

"Indeed, that seems to be the case…"

"…I don't like putting a price on people. But Cron is too good for Haim… and for that third prince. Don't you agree?"

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement. Regardless, they had no intention of handing over Cron or Graf to Haim.

Among them, the one most dissatisfied was actually Ein. He didn't openly show his anger, but internally, he was as frustrated as Silvardo, if not more.

"…Why don't we settle this once and for all?"

With Ein's words, the atmosphere in the audience chamber froze. Everyone stopped moving and looked at Ein. Seeing his determined face, Silvardo encouraged him to continue.

"To be honest, I'm fed up. Cron is mine. She's my 'assistant.' I want the harassment from Haim to end. …It's not a good feeling."

Trying to say "my assistant," he inadvertently said "my Cron." He was grateful she wasn't there to hear it.

It was possessiveness. It was natural to have feelings for her. And the thought of handing her over to anyone else made him determined to stop it, even if it meant unleashing a Dullahan.

"Mine, you say… Kukukuku… Did you hear that, everyone! Hahaha!"

"Grandfather! I mean, my assistant! My assistant, okay!?"

Silvardo laughed, and everyone joined in. The atmosphere, which had been tense, became light. Ein's possessiveness, which had burst out, was amusing.

After laughing, Silvardo's expression turned serious.

"But it's not bad. I agree with settling this once and for all."

"However, not with military force, of course. We can't break the first king's words, after all."

To avoid any misunderstanding, Ein added this clarification.

"I know. I have no intention of breaking the first king's words. And there are a few ways to settle this… Warren! Which one would be most effective?"

"There are two. For combat, a duel, though not to the death. …The other is to defeat them in debate. Personally, the latter would be more effective… to make them say 'Gah!'"

Warren, excitedly suggesting options, made everyone laugh with the word "Gah!"

"That's good. If there's a duel, I'll wield the sword. The opponent will likely be Lord Rogas. Hahaha!"

"High-spirited, Lloyd. What are your chances of winning?"

Encouraged by Silvardo, Lloyd straightened his back and spoke with confidence.

"Hah! …I'll finish him in one strike."

Lloyd's eyes, gleaming with determination, were strong. His words were not out of overconfidence; he genuinely intended to defeat Rogas in one strike if given the chance.

"That's the spirit. I believe you can do it, Lloyd."

"Hah!"

"His son was defeated by your son. If the fathers have the same outcome, it would be most pleasant for me. Wouldn't it? …I want my grandson to see such a pleasant scene."

He smiled kindly at Ein, but the content was not kind. Still, for Silvardo, it was entertaining.

"Dil, if I fight Lord Rogas, I'll show you the proof of Isthari's might."

"Pfft… Kukuku. Yes, Father. Show them more than I did."

Lloyd, who usually kept public and private matters separate, interacted with his father in front of the king. While inappropriate in this setting, it fit the current atmosphere. Dil also smiled at his father's behavior.

"Indeed. A reliable father and son. …Ein, I accept your proposal. We will make Haim understand our position once and for all."

"There was no proposal, but I didn't expect you to actually do it."

"Still, it will take time to arrange. We need to decide on a location as well."

Warren, speaking, seemed to be on board with the idea.

"Next, I will declare this here."

Silvardo gathered everyone's attention.

"I will also attend the event."

Of course, everyone tried to stop him, but Silvardo wouldn't listen. He understood his duties as king but had reached his limit of patience.

Ein expected it would take years to implement. But he felt that a meeting between the two countries would definitely lead to something.

"(The adventurer town Balt, the former Demon King's territory, the port town Magna… I have so much to investigate. And now, another major event has been decided…)"

Ein, who was also a party to the matter, especially since Cron was involved, was certain that he would have no leisure time for the next few years.

Starting a new chapter today.

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