Chapter 99

Today, along with the previous casual talk, there are two updates.

Ain stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly held the letter containing the secret given to him by his mother.

The gift from Ain arrived in the capital, and that evening, Chris and Martha also partook in the feast. Of course, it goes without saying that dinner was delayed. With Katima's fierce determination, she managed to convince Silverwood reluctantly. Nevertheless, the wait was worthwhile, as the castle's chef prepared a considerable feast.

The next morning, Ain woke up when it was bright outside. Since there was no special business, he took a longer sleep than usual.

The second expedition to the former Demon King's territory. The plans for it are almost set, and it might be said that he is preparing his spirit for it.

"Good morning, Crowne."

"Yes, good morning, Ain. Already... your hair is sticking up again."

"Eh, where, where?"

This rather relaxed appearance is something that must never be shown to the royal guards. It's not something that should be shown even to an adjutant, but the fact that the surroundings tacitly accept it reveals the nature of their relationship.

"Not there... over here."

Crowne, who stood up, approached and gently pressed down on Ain's head. Recently, she has been getting closer to him. If asked if he has gotten used to it, the answer would definitely be 'no.'

"Ah, thanks."

"Hehe... You shouldn't show this side to anyone else, okay?"

Crowne thought about it, but since she has seen it many times, it's too late to worry now. She smiles, so he wants to believe she isn't disappointed.

"Hmm. Am I too relaxed?"

So, to actually find out, he decided to ask for her opinion.

"Oh, you were aware?"

"...Well, I guess I've been too slow or something. I know I've been a bit too relaxed."

"Hmm... Is that so? You've been too relaxed..."

While holding down Ain's hair with her hand, Crowne moved her head from side to side to look at Ain's face. She seemed a bit pleased, but he couldn't understand why. Nevertheless, Ain was satisfied as long as she was happy.

"By the way, a prince who had his bedhead fixed by an adjutant..."

"Probably, as you might imagine, Ain is the first, I think."

The House of Ishtalica... and as a prince, Ain has been setting various "firsts." He can't help but wonder how he will be remembered in the future.

"I don't want to be remembered in the future, quite seriously."

"Hehe... Then pray to God that your diary isn't found, okay?"

"That's right, pray to God... Eh? Sorry, diary... Eh?"

Ain, who heard ominous words. From the flow of the conversation, it seems she has been recording such things in her diary? He turned his gaze to Crowne.

"——... Yes, it's already fixed. Here, good job, Ain, it's over."

She seemed a bit reluctant, but without showing her face to Ain, Crowne removed her hand from his head.

"Hey, Crowne? About the diary... Eh?"

"Do you want something warm or cold to drink? Your throat must be dry, right?"

"Ah, yeah. I'm a bit dry after just waking up, so I'd like something cold... No, wait, Crowne? About the diary..."

Leaving ominous words, she quickly left the room at her own pace. This is one of her techniques.

"Well, the weather is so sunny, but my heart isn't calm."

Outside the window, the blue sky stretched endlessly, and the contrast with the occasional white clouds was beautiful. It was probably a warm day. Water droplets were dripping from the icicles on the protruding roof more vigorously than usual.

Incidentally, after the snow melts during the day, the temperature drops at night, causing the ground to become slippery. Ain learned this from the current investigation.

"What are you looking at outside? Is something happening?"

Crowne, who returned with a drink, prepared a cold drink for Ain as requested. On a small tray, there was another container with steam rising, which was probably for Crowne.

"It's a nice day today, that's all."

There's no way she would tell him about the diary. Thinking so, Ain decided to talk about the scenery, which was indeed beautiful.

"It's warm today. This way, it should be easier to go to Mutton's forge."

"Huh? But Dill just went there yesterday, didn't he?"

"You didn't tell me, Ain. About the cost of moving the magic stone furnace, you asked if there was any way to reduce it."

"I did, but... Is it already done?"

Indeed, he had mentioned it. Since she was taking care of his weapon, he had consulted her about whether there was any way to reduce the cost.

"Yes, it just got done. Look at the table?"

Turning around, he looked at the table in the center of the room. He thought a paper would be spread out, but there was a thick envelope prepared.

"That envelope?"

"I put a few things in it. Are you curious?"

Rather, if she gives such a playful look, Ain can't help but ask.

"There might be something other than what I asked for... What did you put in it?"

Crowne, who took a sip from her teacup, smiled and said to Ain with a graceful gesture.

"Maybe a bit of salesmanship. I've done some unfortunate things to the old man, so I thought I'd introduce myself as well."

"Graff... Ah, I see. You mean that... August Company, right?"

She laughed, "Correct. Considering the new residence and various other things, I think it will be quite a bit of work. So, I prepared the materials for it."

It can be said that she is thorough and capable. Given Mutton's character, he would probably appreciate this approach.

"It's a good plan that benefits everyone. —... Eh? Crowne, you said you did some unfortunate things to Graff, right?"

"Yes, well... Maybe I was a bit too forceful? I do have regrets sometimes, so this time—"

"Then, regarding the introduction to Mutton, you didn't make any unreasonable requests, did you?"

She looked puzzled, showing a surprised expression. After a few seconds of stiffness, Crowne finally spoke.

"Hey, Ain. Your hair is sticking up on this side too, let me fix it for you?"

"...Thanks."

It was a rather obvious attempt to dodge, but he decided to forgive her because of her playful smile. He decided to send a letter to Graff next time.

* * *

"Since it seems fine, it's okay for just Crowne and me, right?"

This was what Ain said when Lloyd and Dill were preparing for the escort. Lloyd and Dill rejected it with a look of exasperation. It was only natural.

Then, Ain laughed and said, "Then, what about the people outside?"

Lloyd and Dill, who couldn't understand the meaning, asked Ain about it.

"I think it's Warren's subordinate. They usually watch from a distance, so I thought I'd ask him."

...Of course, for Ain, it was a playful and mischievous statement. However, sympathy was the only feeling that came to mind for the already exposed secret agent.

It's their fault. So, don't worry about it... Lloyd consoled them in his heart.

—...While this was happening, Lloyd and Dill silently prepared for the escort. As usual, the four of them came to Mutton's forge.

"Hey, Your Highnesses! Come on in!"

"Hello...!"

They entered smoothly, as they had become familiar with each other. Of course, there were no customers today, and there were no plans for any tomorrow.

Dill, who usually stood guard outside, decided to come inside today.

"Hey, guard lady! Sorry for coming again yesterday!"

"No, it's fine. Don't worry about it."

Mutton, who received a casual response, didn't take it badly. On the contrary, he felt positively about Dill's dedication to his job. He thought Dill was a solid young man.

"By the way, Eme is sleeping today."

"Eme? Is she not feeling well?"

"Last night, I made her work too hard. So, I let her sleep today. Sorry about that."

Glancing at the space where the furnace was, he saw that the disassembly of the magic stone furnace was more than halfway done. This work, which requires physical and mental effort, is quite labor-intensive, as Mutton had explained.

"So, what brings you here today? Since all four of you came, it must be something important, right?"

He sat down heavily at the table, resting his muscular arms on it. Lloyd, who looked at his arms, could apparently tell the skill level of the craftsman just by looking at them.

"Today, I have something to discuss with you, Mutton."

"Ho, from the princess. So, what is it?"

Crowne, who was pleased with the term "princess," took out the envelope and spread its contents on the table, revealing the proposals she had considered.

"Do you know the August Company, Mutton?"

"Of course, I know. Even nowadays, blacksmiths in Balt rely on them from time to time. So, what about it?"

"...That's good to hear. Actually, I am the granddaughter of that company. So, I thought I could make some proposals regarding the move to the capital."

"Ho... I'm surprised. A granddaughter of that rich and foolish company! That's great!"

Mutton laughed heartily. He never imagined that such a big catch would come to his forge.

"I don't like beating around the bush. So, I'll be clear. If you need anything, our company can guide you through 'everything.'"

Crowne's confident expression was persuasive. Mutton, sensing this, seemed to become a bit more serious.

"Everything, huh... What do you mean by everything?"

"Exactly what it says. Arranging housing, purchasing land, preparing necessary equipment... and addressing your concerns about moving, among other things. Please let us know what you need."

Her smile was fitting for a granddaughter of the great capital company, "August Company."

"Hahaha! That's great! I hate troublesome things. I don't like dealing with multiple companies or hiring adventurers. It's a waste of time! ...So, are you saying that you can take care of our 'future,' including Eme?"

A normal woman might be intimidated by Mutton's gaze, but Crowne not only didn't flinch but also smiled even more.

"...If there's anything else you need besides what I've said, please let me know. I promise a comfortable life."

Those words seemed to be the deciding factor. Mutton's expression softened, and his tone became gentler.

"Then, I'll leave all the troublesome things to you. Since you're the princess, I assume you'll study the finances, right?"

"Yes, of course. I've already negotiated with my grandfather."

Ain, who wondered when she had done that, wanted an explanation. And the term "princess" seemed to be a fixed term, which made Ain feel embarrassed.

"Then, can you tell me about the property? There's a budget, and I want to stay within it."

Saying that, he stood up and took a sooty piece of paper from a shed near the furnace.

"I'm sorry it's dirty. I got it covered in dust while cleaning the furnace yesterday. ...I discussed the conditions of the property with Eme and wrote down the budget. Can you consider it based on this?"

Their conversation was sharp and to the point. Each decision was made quickly, reflecting their dislike of troublesome things.

"I'll take a look."

Crowne, who