Chapter 85

Thank you for always visiting.

"Prince's Adjutant. The packing is now complete. Please check everything."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

The preparations for Balt were carried out with the utmost caution. Every item, from medicines to clothing, was meticulously checked without exception. This was done in the castle's courtyard, where numerous servants packed the items into wooden boxes.

Crona, who was responsible for checking these items, carefully inspected everything that Prince Ein would use, down to the last bandage. She had been dedicated to this task for the past three days.

Ein, watching this scene from his room's window, felt grateful for Crona's work and returned his gaze to the room. His room, which had been meticulously cleaned by the servants, was always a comfortable and pleasant space.

"...Hey, Chris. I'm sorry... Can you cheer up soon?"

In a corner of the room, Chris was sitting on the floor. The former Marshal of the Ishtarka Knights, Christina Varnstein, was displaying a rare moment of dejection.

She had been like this since this morning. For the past three hours, she had been sitting there, her eyes devoid of light.

Ein's room was covered with high-quality carpets, which made the seating comfortable. However, her mental state was far from good.

"..."

A dog on punishment might look happy, but Chris was carrying a sorrow that far exceeded that.

"It was really hard to say... I'm really sorry."

It should not have happened that the Prince's room would display such an unseemly sight. Moreover, she should have obediently followed the orders. Chris understood this, but she was also genuinely happy that Ein was paying attention to her.

That's why she ended up being indulgent and showing this side of herself.

"That's terrible... If only you had told me earlier..."

"Ugh... Well, I can't really argue with that..."

If Chris were to obediently follow, Ein, as a leader, should also consider the mental well-being of his subordinates. If Silvardo were to evaluate the current situation, he would probably say that both sides have their faults.

"Am I not needed as a guard... Am I not needed at all?"

Chris looked up, her eyes brimming with tears, and gazed at Ein. Ein was momentarily taken aback by her expression, but he felt bad for making her cry.

"You are definitely needed! You are important to me... I really care about you... So please, don't say things like that."

He shook his hands and head, flustered, as he denied what she had said.

"But, if Chris isn't here, the knights and the people of the capital will be in trouble. If something were to happen, it would be a disaster... After all, you are the Marshal."

Chris, listening to his excuses, pursed her lips. Her tearful eyes and flushed cheeks made her look more delicate than beautiful.

Since she had looked up, it might be considered a step forward.

"...That's true. But... Hmm..."

"Lloyd is also a strong support. But I was looking forward to going on the investigation with Chris. So... I'm also disappointed."

His words were genuine. He not only felt at ease with her but also enjoyed her company. Deep down, Ein had been looking forward to Chris joining him.

"...!"

Chris wiped her tears, lightly slapped her cheeks, and stared at Ein.

"I understand... I'll wait for you to bring back souvenirs and stay here obediently."

Her feelings were still a mess, but she understood that there were circumstances she had to accept. With a heavy heart, she decided to stay behind.

"Okay... I'll bring back lots of souvenirs, so please wait for me. But I'm sure the people of the capital will feel more at ease knowing you're here."

That word, "so," said quietly by Chris, was deeply piercing to her. As the Marshal, should I... As a guard, should I...? Those words were something that should not have been said. It felt like she was neglecting the people of Ishtarka. She wondered why she had said such a thing. Was she still sulking? No, she needed to change her mindset... She kept repeating this in her mind.

"The mountain delicacies made in Balt are Lady Katima's favorite. So it might be a good idea to stock up on them."

Although she wasn't lying, she felt the need to change the topic.

Ein, unaware of her thoughts, smiled. "Really? That's great... Thank you, Chris!"

* * *

The hero who defeated the sea dragon.

That would be the first words the people of the capital would use to describe Prince Ein.

A great hero who almost single-handedly defeated the sea dragon, bringing two of them to the country. Everyone thought of him that way.

Now, Prince Ein was going to Balt. Since it was for the investigation of the former Demon King's territory, it was bound to attract attention. The capital was bustling with stalls lining the main streets, and everyone was celebrating Ein's departure to Balt as if it were a festival.

"Everyone is so energetic despite the heat."

"Of course, he is a hero, Prince Ein."

Chris, walking beside Ein, smiled at his words.

"I feel embarrassed, I wish they would calm down soon..."

"As long as Prince Ein is alive, they won't calm down."

"What a predicament..."

The main street of the capital, still hot from the residual summer, was scorching. The heat reflected off the cobblestones was oppressive on Ein's body. His heroic deeds would be remembered not only during his lifetime but also in the future of Ishtarka.

"Actually, we should have left at night..."

Due to the grand announcement of Ein's departure to Balt, the departure time was set during daylight. As a result, they were expected to arrive in Balt late at night, the opposite of the departure time for Ist.

"Well, it can't be helped. Let's head to the platform."

Ein, who had arrived at White Rose by carriage, was leading a moderate-sized group to board the train to Balt.

"Prince Ein, I will see you off to the train."

"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Chris."

Chris, who was staying behind, was accompanying him as a guard to the platform. Meanwhile, Crona, Lloyd, and Dil were already waiting on the platform, as they had their own preparations for the trip to Balt.

Incidentally, Olivia, who had tried to come to see him off even in disguise, was being held back by Martha at the castle.

* * *

The station was crowded with many people from the capital. However, Ein used a dedicated passage to reach the platform where the royal train was waiting, so he did not have to walk through the crowd.

Upon reaching the train, Ein bid farewell to Chris and entered the carriage. As discussed with Warren, he did not forget to wave to the people of the capital who had come to see him off.

Ein was now heading to Balt for a month-long investigation.

"How was the atmosphere outside, Your Highness?"

"Everyone was energetic despite the heat. I hope they remember to drink water."

The people of the capital, in a slight festival mood, were a cause for concern.

"By the way, Crona. Where are Lloyd and the others?"

"They are in the front car. This time, we have divided the guards between the front and the back."

"Ah, the standard formation, got it."

The royal train usually carries many guards, so the cars in front and behind the royal family are surrounded by guards for safety.

This standard formation is designed to ensure the safe transport of the royal family. This time, with many guards and servants, the standard formation was in place.

"So, this car is...?"

"Just you and me?"

She was a capable adjutant. A capable adjutant... I should only think of her as an adjutant. Otherwise, I might get too nervous.

"Let's go inside instead of standing here. ...Do you want something to drink, Ein? It was hot outside, right?"

"I'd like some cold tea."

"Tea, got it."

He was just thirsty. As he thought about how capable she was... he made a discovery. It was a hot day, and Crona was probably feeling the heat as well.

Her thin shirt clearly showed the outline of her undergarments from behind. This was a mistake. ...This investigation is off to a bad start. Ein realized this.

"Of course, I'll look away."

This is what it means to be a gentleman. It's an important mindset for a prince. He showed a victorious face to the air.

"...? Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing. I'm just thirsty..."

She looked curious but didn't seem to mind. She continued walking and entered the lounge to prepare Ein's tea.

We will be spending a long time together. Let's stay calm... He placed his hand on his chest and took a deep breath.

"What a tough start... You're really something, the adventurer's town of Balt..."

Although it wasn't the cause, he decided to blame it on Balt, a place he had never been to. It was probably the best course of action.

Ein calmed down and followed Crona into the lounge.

* * *

About four hours had passed since they left the capital. They were still less than halfway through, but the scenery had changed dramatically.

The area was surrounded by large rock mountains, and in the distance, a large bird with four wings could be seen flying.

How strong is it? What kind of attacks does it use? ...What does it taste like?

He reached his usual point of curiosity, but many questions arose.

During the journey, Ein and Crona had several discussions. They mainly rechecked the plans and accommodations for Balt.

Now, they were discussing the topic of the former Demon King's territory.

"I know it's dangerous, but when I heard that the first king had a connection to it, I became curious."

"It's certainly an impressive area. ...Please be careful, and don't touch anything strange."

"I'm not a child, you know..."

Given their history, Crona didn't fully trust him. Ein denied it, but Crona still didn't believe him 100%.

"What the first king of Ishtarka did was, of course, the expedition to the Demon King's territory."

"Yes... The first king did go on an expedition to the Demon King's territory when he was alive. But the way you put it, I can't give you full marks."

"...Huh?"

He didn't understand what was wrong. The first king went on an expedition to the Demon King's territory. This should be correct, Ein thought, but Crona explained.

"When the first king went on the expedition to the Demon King's territory, was he already the king of Ishtarka? ...Or did he become king afterward? That's what I'm asking."

"Sorry, Crona... Can you explain in more detail?"

"It can't be helped." She continued her explanation. It was a bit sad that Crona, who came after him, knew more about Ishtarka's history. He decided to study again when he returned to the capital.

"About 500 years ago. The Demon King was defeated, correct?"

"Yes, teacher!"

He responded energetically, and she reacted positively to his attitude.

"Hehe... Good. ...Now, let's assume the Demon King was defeated 500 years ago. Was Ishtarka already established before that? Or was it established afterward?"

Ein thought about it.

What he had learned was that the Demon King was defeated about 500 years ago, and that was the time of the first king. ...Thinking about it, he realized he didn't know when the country was established.

"Ultimately, the time of establishment is still unknown. Was it before or after the Demon King's defeat? Generally, it is believed to have been established before the defeat, but scholars have not yet reached a consensus."

"I wonder why you know so much, but I learned something."

"It was a topic in the adjutant's exam. I understand this much."

Understanding the difficulty of the adjutant's exam. He hadn't realized that topics still under scholarly research were included in the exam.

"Whether it was before or after the defeat, clues are said to remain in the former Demon King's territory. That's why this investigation is also part of the purpose, but it seems the Prince was unaware."

"Hehe. I feel a bit cornered."

"Even if you feel cornered, you are the commander, so you must be firm."

The commander of this investigation was, in principle, Ein. Although Lloyd and the others would give many instructions, he still held the highest authority.

Ein sipped the tea Crona had prepared and pondered.

"(After the establishment of Ishtarka, was it attacked by the Demon King? Or did they conquer the Demon King's territory and establish Ishtarka afterward? Is that what it means?)"

Which came first. Although there are no records, it is indeed an important question when you think about it.

Looking at the changing mountains, Ein began his own analysis.

The mountains were more jagged than gentle, and the scenery seemed to appeal to his male heart.

While looking at the scenery outside, he heard a voice from the person sitting across from him.

"Hey, Ein. Do you remember the term 'Royal Gacha'?"

"Hmm? ...Of course, I remember. It's a strange term the royal family uses to play with their bloodline, right?"

Crona nodded at Ein's response.

It was the most inappropriate thing, but as a result, various races like Olivia and Katima were born into the royal family. Incidentally, if there were a 'Toxin Decomposition EX' class super rare, what kind of race would it be? He couldn't stop wondering.

"But what about it?"

"It's not clear yet, but it's possible that the non-human races in the Demon King's territory interbred with the royal family."

"...The part that can't be denied is scary."

Ultimately, the line between non-human races and monsters is based on the country's decision.

Both non-human races and monsters have two important organs, 'magic stones' and 'cores,' in their bodies.

If they can communicate with humans and do not cause harm, they are considered non-human races. There are many examples of this in history.

Thinking about it, the possibility doesn't seem zero.

"What was the race of the first king's consort?"

"I believe... the first king named her a Pixie."

"A fairy-type, I see. Makes sense. I don't know where they might interbreed, but there is a possibility..."

Ein would eventually take a wife. This was a fact. If that happened, the next thing to think about would be the 'Royal Gacha.' What kind of race would be born? However, he needed to find a bride first. Thinking about it made him feel a bit awkward.

Looking at the person in front of him, he pondered.

"Eh, eh... What is it, Ein? You're suddenly staring at me..."

—...I don't need to think about it now. I'm not being rushed by my family or Warren. It's a bit awkward to put it on hold, but it's a complicated feeling.

But a flustered Crona was quite rare and not bad. The weak Crona, who blushed gradually, was quite endearing.

"No, it's nothing. I'm glad I'm not being rushed."

"...Hehe, silly Ein. Prince, you're losing to the heat outside."

He wasn't losing to the heat, but he wouldn't say that. For now, he would let himself be healed by her smile.

Thank you for visiting today.

I hope you continue to enjoy it.