Chapter 88

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The meeting with Count Balt went on longer than expected.

Naturally, the issue of the former Demon King's territory had a significant impact.

By the time the red sunset began to shine into Ein's room in the evening,

Count Balt finally left the premises.

"Well, what should I do now...?"

In the end, one thing remains unchanged:

Cron cannot accompany Ein to the former Demon King's territory.

However, she seems determined to go, which makes it difficult to persuade her.

Ein glanced at Lloyd's face.

He is a smart man, and perhaps because of that, he understood Ein's dilemma through eye contact.

Lloyd began to think, covering his mouth.

It would be easy to simply order her to stay behind, but using such a forceful approach from the start is not desirable.

"If we set out after sunrise, we should arrive by midday..."

Dill was talking about the march time.

However, it is unclear how long it will take for the royal guards to complete their movement.

"After all, we are not very accustomed to marching in the snowy mountains. I apologize for that."

The capital also gets snow in winter.

However, such training is not thoroughly conducted, so it is expected to be quite challenging.

"Those knights and adventurers who defend the fortresses are more accustomed to it."

Cron, sitting next to Ein, said that the knights and adventurers are more experienced in such conditions.

However, there is no point in complaining about it. We must do our best with the current situation.

...For Ein, there is another concern.

As he thought about this, Lloyd seemed to have come up with an idea and spoke.

"By the way, Lord Ein. The letter of introduction from Lord Kaiser... How about using it to have the guild conduct an investigation?"

"Um, what do you mean by that?"

"It means conducting the investigation in two parts. One team will investigate the former Demon King's territory, and another team will work with the guild to conduct an investigation. What do you think?"

Ein considered this.

In other words, staying in Balt and having the guild conduct the investigation, appointing Cron as the commander and entrusting her with the letter of introduction. Is that what he means?

And then we will march to the former Demon King's territory... Hmm, I see.

"Your long years as a marshal have served you well."

It's a good idea.

In fact, Ein thought there might not be any other option.

Moreover, it feels like the better choice.

Considering efficiency and suitability, this approach could lead to the best results.

"Let's incorporate Lloyd's idea and discuss the details."

The direction is set. Now, it's just a matter of conveying this to her in a way she can accept.

—Actually, if Ein had been honest and said, "I'm worried about Cron," she would have been able to endure staying behind.

This was one of Ein's mistakes, as he had yet to fully understand women's hearts.

*

Several meetings were held with a few royal guards and servants.

They discussed the two-pronged investigation plan proposed by Lloyd.

The teams were divided as follows:

The "Former Demon King's Territory" team, consisting of combat-experienced members and researchers.

And the team led by Cron, which would conduct investigations in Balt.

The latter team would receive the letter of introduction from Ein and be entrusted with the investigation in his place.

Cron, who had been looking dissatisfied, agreed when she heard she would be acting on Ein's behalf.

She consented to conducting the investigation in the city of Balt.

Under her command, the organization was formed, and the team division was completed within a day.

The necessary materials were selected and confirmed, and the supplies were packed into the bags of those heading to the former Demon King's territory.

Considering the unfamiliar snowy terrain, the preparations were meticulous, ensuring they could survive for a month even if they were stranded.

Cron's face often showed signs of frustration, indicating the difficulty of the preparations.

The departure to the former Demon King's territory was set for four days after the meeting with Count Balt.

—And finally, the morning of that fourth day arrived.

"It's cold today, isn't it?"

"But at least it's not snowing. Instead, it's so cold it feels like it's freezing."

That morning was the coldest since they arrived in Balt.

The water droplets on the windows had frozen, and the icicles on the roof had extended to the ground.

Ein and Cron woke up a few minutes earlier than usual.

Without any prior agreement or signal, they met in the living space as if they had planned it.

"The colder the temperature, the more slippery the ground becomes. So be careful, okay? Don't roll down the hill and never come back to town... okay?"

She chuckled as she said this, but it was a serious concern.

Ein, like Cron, was not very accustomed to the snow.

He was worried about being a burden, but hearing it from Cron made him feel less confident.

"...I really need to be careful. It sounds like it could actually happen and that's scary."

"Oh, really? If you come back rolling, I'll catch you and stop you, so don't worry."

"That's tempting. I might roll on purpose."

While joking, Cron helped Ein with his travel preparations.

The packing was already done, but they were now changing into their cold-weather gear, preparing carefully due to the severe cold.

"Here, this is a magical item that keeps you warm, so take good care of it. ...And don't suck it unconsciously when you're hungry, okay?"

"Survival is a serious matter. I think even my younger self could have resisted."

Cron was referring to when Ein was a child.

Before his training, he used to unconsciously absorb magic stones.

He recalled how he would unconsciously absorb Chris's magic stones, which showed his voracious appetite.

Recently, Ein had not been absorbing magic stones due to concerns about demonization.

However, Katima's research proved that a moderate amount was safe. Absorbing the energy required for a demon to evolve would not lead to demonization.

Thus, Ein could once again enjoy absorbing magic stones.

"The replacement magic stones are in this bag. ...I know you understand, but don't eat the replacements, okay? Can you resist?"

"Hey, don't look at me like I'm a child. I can resist, you know?"

While it could be seen as a kind expression,

it also felt like she was talking to a child, which made Ein feel a bit sad.

"Anyway, those magic stones are usually for worms or big bees, so they're not that special..."

"...Hey, Ein? Would you have eaten them if they were special?"

"Ah..."

Unable to deny it 100%, a strained "ah" escaped his throat.

It reached the ears of the woman next to him, and she glared at him.

"...Your Highness? What do you mean by 'ah'?"

"Oh, come on. Don't put that much pressure on me with that smile... Can you pretend you didn't hear that?"

Have you ever thought about this?

The glare of a beautiful woman can be quite intimidating and exert a certain pressure.

"Just in case, I'll tell Lord Lloyd to remind you."

"Huh? Do I lack trust?"

Ein has a heroic tale that he can't share with the public.

It's about slaying a sea dragon, a story told by Chris.

Even on the brink of death, Ein was bravely enjoying the taste of the sea dragon's magic stone.

This story, told while Chris was giving him a pillow, was known to the royal family and those in close positions.

"Do you really think you'll be trusted after the sea dragon incident?"

"Um... I thought it was a 50-50 chance."

"Hehe. I'd be happy with 5%."

The preparations proceeded smoothly and carefully as they talked.

Cron's attention to detail was impressive, making Ein admire her.

The atmosphere of being able to play around without reservation was comfortable.

"Alright, that's it. All you have to do now is carry the bag."

"Thanks. ...Whoa, it's pretty heavy."

Ein moved his feet, now fully equipped with cold-weather gear.

Even though he moved his feet as usual, each step felt dozens of times heavier.

He almost fell to the floor.

The equipment, almost entirely covered in fur, and the multiple layers of clothing inside made it impossible to feel light.

If the focus was only on warmth, it wouldn't have been this heavy.

But their destination was the former Demon King's territory.

Neglecting defense would be suicidal.

That's why they chose materials with excellent defense and had them transported from the capital.

"Your steps seem unstable... Are you okay? Can you walk properly?"

"Um... Just give me a moment."

He tested his steps in the room.

The journey to the former Demon King's territory would be harsh, but they could at least check if he could move his feet here.

He carefully stepped on the floor, testing his balance.

The sensation of having a new layer of skin on top of his own was strange.

Managing his center of gravity was challenging, but it was manageable compared to the first step.

"As long as I'm conscious, it should be fine. The first step was just a matter of getting used to the sensation."

"Y-Yes, that's a relief."

Cron sighed in relief. She had been through a lot.

To repay her efforts, he wanted to bring back some results.

"...But, if I had known, I should have tested the gear properly in the castle."

To Ein, this statement had no special meaning.

But to Cron, it carried more weight than Ein realized.

"Y-Yes... I'm sorry."

"Huh? Why are you apologizing?"

Seeing her apologetic expression, Ein asked, a bit worried.

"I should have noticed and checked it beforehand as your aide..."

She looked unusually dejected, almost regretful.

While he appreciated her strong sense of responsibility, Ein sometimes wished she could be a bit more relaxed.

"It's not that big of a deal..."

"Part of my job as an aide is to eliminate all possible issues. I don't want to be vague about that."

"Umm..."

Being faced with such an expression at the last moment made Ein feel concerned.

The phrase "reward for good deeds, punishment for bad" came to mind.

"Hey, Cron. I'll be back in three days, okay?"

This was their first trip, so the schedule was three days, including today.

They would likely make several more trips.

"...Yes, that's right. But what's your point?"

In such a situation, a little deviation from the norm shouldn't be punished.

"I'll probably be very tired when I return. So I'm ordering you, Aide Cron, to massage me when I get back. That will make up for this mistake."

Seizing every opportunity to be close.

Actually, Ein's body would likely be extremely fatigued.

The harsh journey, unfamiliar terrain, and heavy snow would take a toll.

After walking for hours and conducting the investigation in the former Demon King's territory, he would be exhausted.

So, to be honest, there was also a part of him that wanted to say, "Please give me a massage."

—Hearing this, Cron's face showed surprise, and Ein smiled.

"C-Cron... Why that face? When you jumped on the sea dragon, you had a similar expression."

"M-Mmph! What's that supposed to mean... Ugh..."

Finally, he had the upper hand.

She puffed her cheeks slightly, looking like a normal girl.

Her cheeks were slightly red, probably from embarrassment.

Still, it was the first time he had seen her like this.

But he thought this side of her was also acceptable.

"You look unhappy, but I'm the one saying it, so it's settled."

Before she could argue, he declared it.

Sometimes, being a bit forceful made her more honest.

"...Even if you didn't say it, I was planning to do that much when you return."

"Oh, really? Then I'll ask for a thorough massage. Is that okay?"

Her willingness to serve was impressive, but Ein decided to be a bit forceful.

Even if she would do it without being asked, it's all in how you say it.

For a while, she looked displeased, biting her lip.

She must have sorted things out in her mind, as she finally nodded, blushing.

"Alright... If you say so, Your Highness, I'll indulge in your kindness this time."

"Good. Being honest is good."

Maybe this was a good start.

It was a small thing, but seeing Cron's embarrassed and pouting face was a good sign.

He thought the investigation would go well.

"Well, let's go. We're a bit early for the meeting, but it should be fine."

Actually, his body had gotten used to the weight.

The movements he made to support Cron had helped him adapt.

His body felt lighter than before.

"Hey, Ein. Be careful, okay? Don't overexert yourself."

"I know. It's the first day, so I'll consider returning if the situation gets dangerous."

They wanted to avoid getting lost.

While the path was clear and getting lost was rare, they would have guides from the guild.

With the proper equipment, they were well-prepared.

"Are Lloyd and the others already downstairs?"

It was a bit early, but Lloyd and Dill were probably already in the lobby, working on a few tasks.

"I think so. They're probably rechecking the preparations for the departure."

Ein nodded at Cron's words.

They headed to the lobby together, as she was seeing him off.

As expected, Lloyd and the others were in the middle of their preparations.

After a brief greeting, they continued their work and finished in about ten minutes.

The royal guards, unlike usual, were dressed in full cold-weather gear.

Despite the situation, Ein felt a bit like he was going on a leisure trip.

—After telling Cron, "I'm off," Ein finally left the inn and headed to the former Demon King's territory.

This journey included not only the royal guards but also a few researchers.

The cold was so intense that his sweat felt like it was freezing on his face when they left the inn.

But when he moved his limbs, he didn't feel the cold.

The equipment was excellent, and it seemed he wouldn't feel the cold throughout his body.

...First, for three days. Including today, it's three days.

If they return to the inn, they will likely make several more trips.

But without relying on that, Ein prayed to the nostalgic little goddess, "May we make a discovery from the start."

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