Chapter 83

Today's update:

"Lord Ain, I apologize for interrupting your meal."

"Huh? Martha, what are you doing here?"

After Dill had calmed down the knights, Ain was enjoying a meal with his three friends in the knight's cafeteria. The menu mainly consisted of a large piece of meat, a few side dishes, and soup, making it quite filling. Incidentally, since the knights can use this cafeteria for free after training, it is a welcome benefit for them.

When Martha suddenly appeared in the knight's cafeteria, Ain asked her what was wrong.

"I have some difficult news to tell you... about your afternoon schedule."

Ain had taken his time a bit too much. He thought he had come to the cafeteria early, but he ended up chatting and sharing thoughts about the day with everyone. Before he knew it, it was past noon, and his afternoon schedule was approaching.

Martha seemed hesitant to speak, but since it wasn't her fault, Ain also showed a similar expression.

"Oh, I see... I guess I took my time a bit too much."

"Yes, it's about time you start preparing... And Dill, you should continue guiding the guests. Understood?"

"Understood, Lord Martha."

Dill, who called Martha "Lord Martha" instead of "Mother," had to part ways with Ain, who had to leave for his afternoon schedule, despite feeling a bit reluctant.

"Everyone, sorry. I actually have plans this afternoon. It's within the castle, so it's fine, but it's important, so I have to leave early."

Ain turned to the three friends and apologized.

"Your Highness, please don't worry. Since today's tour is over, it's fine for you to leave early."

"Yeah, that's right. It was fun, see you at the academy!"

"See you at the academy!"

Ain was relieved that his friends didn't mind him leaving early. After hearing their responses, he turned to Dill, who was sitting next to him.

"Dill, can I leave it to you?"

"Of course. I will take full responsibility for guiding them to the castle gate, so please rest assured."

"...Then, that's good. Everyone, thanks for today!"

At first, Ain was feeling a bit down, but with Katima sealed away, he managed to finish the day without any major issues. If it had been within the castle, things might have been different...

If there was a problem, it was probably the incident with the angel Mei in the cafeteria. But since his three friends didn't see it, it wasn't a bad outcome.

Still, thinking back on the slight mental impact it had on him, he hoped there wouldn't be another opportunity like this.

"Then, Lord Ain, this way, please. Lady Crowne is waiting for you."

"Got it. Thanks for the guidance."

For his next schedule, Ain left the knight's cafeteria.

Seeing Ain with his friends, the knights commented. They saw a side of Ain they don't usually see, and it became a bit of a bragging right...

*

"Martha, where is Crowne?"

Ain, who had left the cafeteria and started walking towards the castle, asked Martha, who was walking a bit ahead, about Crowne's location.

"In her office, waiting for you."

"I see. So, we're heading to Crowne's office."

"Indeed."

Ain's question was answered quickly, and a brief silence enveloped the two. Ain thought it was just right and asked about Mei.

"Um, Martha?"

"Yes, Lord Ain?"

"I had no idea Mei was working in the cafeteria."

"That's what you wanted to know, right? Actually..."

Why Mei was working there was a question he had, so he asked Martha, his mentor. Her response was much deeper than he had imagined.

"Actually, I did the same thing."

"Martha, you did the same thing...?"

"Yes. I was also made to work in the cafeteria by my teacher."

This was the first time he heard about it. Moreover, he didn't even know about Martha's teacher. The fact that the now top-tier server Martha had once worked in the cafeteria was a surprise to Ain.

"In such a busy place, I was told to act gracefully... Though for Mei, it's more about learning the job first."

Martha laughed and continued to speak with a nostalgic tone.

"But it will be a good experience. Listening to many people's requests and fulfilling them in the best order is quite challenging."

"...Yeah, she did seem to be struggling."

"But Mei enjoys the challenge... So, in a few decades, she might become a top-tier server like me."

"Wow, that's a high evaluation, Martha."

Martha is strict with her work, so it was impressive to hear her praise Mei so highly. Her smile while talking about Mei even made her seem like Mei's mother.

"Those who can put their heart into something will become great at anything... Though that's also what my teacher said."

"By the way, who is Martha's teacher?"

"Oh, did I not tell you, Lord Ain?"

"I don't think I've heard about it..."

Reflecting on it, Ain had never heard about Martha's teacher. But for Martha, it wasn't something she was hiding. After a light cough, she revealed the answer.

"Lady Berial. The current head server, Lady Lalura's personal server, Lady Berial, was my teacher."

Hearing this, Ain easily understood. Berial... an elderly woman in her late 60s, she still serves Lalura and is the highest-ranking server in the castle.

Due to her age, she no longer takes care of anyone other than Lalura, so Ain rarely sees her. But he understands how amazing the head server Berial is.

Even with the same tea leaves, the taste changes depending on who brews it. But Berial can brew a cup that even makes Martha's efforts pale in comparison.

Even though it looks like the same movements, the taste and aroma somehow change. Even after years of serving, Martha still can't understand the head server Berial's skills.

Moreover, Berial can prepare what is needed without Lalura even saying a word. She is a monster in the serving world, that's Berial.

"Before we know it, we're at Lady Crowne's office."

"...That was a very interesting story. Thanks, Martha."

"Not at all. It was a boring story, but I'm glad it helped pass the time."

It was more than just passing time; Ain wanted to hear more in detail... But since they had arrived at Crowne's office, he had to end the conversation.

"That was a fun talk. Berial is really amazing..."

"Yes, she is. And she's quite mysterious... She used to be in a relationship with Lord Warren. But... I've said too much. Lord Ain, I'll leave you here."

"Huh, wait, Martha!? What did you just say..."

In the past few years, Martha left with a top-tier intriguing statement. Warren...? It's impossible not to be curious.

"...No, it's no good. I have plans today... I'll ask you about it in detail when there's another opportunity."

Ain made a mental note. Remembering he had plans, he didn't want to keep Crowne waiting. With a heavy heart, he held back his curiosity.

*Knock knock*

Ain knocked on the door and entered Crowne's office. From now on, he would head to Warren's location with Crowne and discuss some plans regarding Balt.

*

"Welcome, Lord Ain, and Lady Crowne."

Ain, who had joined Crowne, was heading to a conference room within the castle. Warren was already waiting, so Ain and Crowne sat down together.

"Did we keep you waiting?"

"Not at all. But Lord Ain, it seems you enjoyed the morning events, which is good."

Warren smiled gently. Ain couldn't deny that he had been reluctant until today, but he couldn't say he didn't enjoy it today.

"...I'll leave it to your imagination."

"Hehe... I see. That's good to hear."

Warren, who understood, smiled. Ain, on the other hand, didn't want to reveal his true feelings, as a form of resistance.

"Let's get started with the planning, then."

With that, the meeting began. Warren handed some documents to Ain, who read through them.

"The former Demon King's territory. This area is indeed dangerous. Normally, it's not a place where the Crown Prince, Lord Ain, should go."

"...Yeah, I understand."

"But given the situation, we will proceed with all necessary precautions."

Ain thought he would be told it was impossible to go to the former Demon King's territory. He never expected permission to be granted.

"More than half of the royal guards will accompany you."

"I see. With that level of support, I feel more at ease."

"That's good to hear."

The elite of the elite, the royal guards, would be a great help to Ain. Crowne, who was listening, nodded in agreement.

"Will Chris and Dill be coming as well?"

"No, Chris will not be going to Balt this time."

"Huh? Chris isn't coming?"

"She is the Marshal, so she will stay behind this time."

That made sense. Chris is the Marshal, and she shouldn't leave the capital so easily.

"So, in her place... Lord Lloyd will accompany you. Please rest assured."

Warren smiled mischievously. His prank was successful, as Ain was clearly stunned. Crowne, who was sitting next to him, also looked surprised.

"Isn't he the personal guard of the old man?"

"In terms of position, yes... But the King will be staying in the castle, so it's not a problem."

It was a bold statement, but Silvardo rarely goes out. So, whether a personal guard is necessary is debatable.

"Lord Lloyd is enthusiastic. He has the King's permission, so there's no problem."

"...By the way, what did Chris say?"

Lloyd and Silvardo are probably excited. Imagining them chatting, Ain wondered what Chris would say. He had confidence that Chris liked him, so he was curious about her reaction to this personnel decision.

"Actually, I haven't told her yet."

"...Huh?"

"Seeing a sad face makes me sad too, so I thought maybe Lord Ain could tell her."

"Ugh... Why do I have to be the bad guy..."

Warren waved his hand playfully. Ain suspected it was intentional, but he couldn't do anything about it.

"Anyway, let's put Chris aside for now. We'll leave it to you to tell her later."

"You're just passing it off to me, aren't you, Warren? Hey?"

"Next, let's discuss the number of personnel accompanying Lord Ain to Balt."

"...Okay."

Ain decided to hear Warren out and deal with it later.

"In total, 122 people. It's a large group."

"Such a large group...?"

"Given the level of danger, I hope you understand."

"...I guess so. It's a dangerous area, after all."

Warren also didn't fully grasp the level of danger. The former Demon King's territory is an unexplored area, and no one knows what might happen.

"Then, Crowne?"

"Yes?"

"Crowne, I will entrust you with taking care of Lord Ain. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes, of course. I'll take care of it."

During the journey to Balt, Crowne would take care of Ain's daily needs. But Ain felt something was off. With such a large group, why not bring servers?

"Warren, is there a reason not to bring servers?"

"No, servers will come as well. It's just that Lord Ain's daily needs will be taken care of by Crowne."

"I see... I understand, but I'm not entirely clear."

But for Ain, having Crowne around would be more comfortable. He understood that Crowne would take care of his needs, even if he wasn't entirely convinced.

"Ain, the servers will also take care of the royal guards. If they take care of you too, they won't have time to rest, right?"

Crowne, sitting on Ain's left, grabbed his left arm and explained. Her natural gesture didn't bother Ain.

"Maybe I can understand it better now."

"That's good. ...But you said it first, didn't you? 'My Crowne.' So, it's fine if I do server-like things, right?"

"Did you have to say that now..."

Warren, watching their interaction, found it endearing. Compared to when Crowne first came to Ishtarka, they had become much closer.

It made him feel nostalgic.

"I understand that Crowne will take care of my needs. I also understand the large group and that I'm the one telling Chris to stay behind."

Ain's words were laced with a bit of resentment. Imagining Chris's sad face, he felt a bit heavy-hearted.

Warren had a reason for asking Ain to tell Chris. For example, if Warren told her officially, it might be harder for her to take. As a Marshal and a knight, personal feelings come second. But if it could reduce her sadness, it would be better.

"Ha ha ha! That's great. ...Next, let's discuss the timing of Lord Ain's departure and some details about the Balt region."

"Huh, is the timing already decided?"

"Of course. This is the first time I'm telling Crowne, so I'll need her to coordinate."

"I understand, Lord Warren."

Crowne opened her notebook and prepared to take notes. Incidentally, all the small items she used were provided by her grandfather's trading company.

"Two months from now, as autumn approaches, we plan for you to depart."

"That's soon."

"After considering the schedules of the royal guards, servers, and researchers, we determined this to be the best time."

With a large group, scheduling was a challenge. Ain was flexible with his time, but this time it wasn't so easy.

"We will finalize the detailed personnel and itinerary by the beginning of next month. At that time, Crowne will also attend the meeting."

"I'll prepare accordingly."

"Thank you. ...By the way, Lord Ain?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"How much do you know about the climate in Balt?"

*Climate?* he thought.

He understood the details about the many adventurers and the numerous monsters in the area, but he had never considered the climate.

"Sorry, I haven't really thought about it. I don't know much."

"Apologies, Lord Ain. Don't worry. ...Crowne, do you know?"

"Yes, of course. Listen, Ain. Balt is, in short, a very cold place."

"How cold?"

Crowne put her finger to her lips and thought for a moment. After a few seconds, she resumed her explanation.

"Half the year, it's always snowing."

Ain wondered why anyone or any monsters would gather in such a place, but complaining to Crowne wouldn't help. He put that thought aside.

"Compared to the distance to Isto, it's about 10% closer. But to get to