Chapter 34

Well, regarding our companions this time.

From the Princess's palace, there are six female guard knights, myself, and the maid Meina. Also, the footman Dan and the cook Metabon. You might wonder why there are only this many people. It is often thought that when a member of the royal family travels, it would be like a grand procession, similar to a daimyo's procession in Japan. However, in reality, it's just like this.

After all, when we arrive, there will be the marquis's servants, so bringing too many people might cause conflicts in our work.

Of course, there are other knights accompanying us, but they are only for the journey there and back.

The knights of the order lead the way, surrounding the carriage. In front are the guard knights of the Prince's palace, and behind the carriage are the guard knights of the Princess's palace, followed by the knights of the order. Further behind are the carriages carrying the other maids, valets, footmen, and cooks, along with the head butler and myself.

Just looking at this, it's like a procession! A grand and imposing procession. The distance to the Marquis Nashanda's estate is not that far, but there are various towns and villages along the way where people welcome the royal family, and we convey their gratitude on their behalf. There are many such things, and the royal family rarely interacts directly. There are security concerns, and it would be impractical for the royal family to deal with everyone.

If you look at the map of the surrounding countries, you'll see that Kuraum is a fairly large country.

On the opposite side of the neighboring country Shagran, this area is a frontier region with unexplored forests and is considered a dangerous zone. The border areas are generally called frontier regions and are governed by martial figures known as frontier lords, who each have vast territories. If the frontier region is the first zone, then moving inward, there is the second zone, the third zone, the royal direct-administered zone, and finally the castle town and the royal castle. In broad terms, it's like that, but the military has a more detailed understanding.

By the way, my family, the Viscount Fandeed, is somewhere between the second and third zones!

And the Marquis Nashanda's estate, where we are heading, is in the third zone, so it's not that far away... at least on the map. In reality, if we have to greet people along the way with "Long live the royal family," it's a very slow journey.

I understand that it's necessary, but thinking about it, the forced march we had the other day was really a forced march. I deeply felt that I was pushed to my limits by the Prince. Of course, it was really urgent, and the Prince is very strong and confident. He's known for breaking rules when he finds them troublesome...

While thinking about all this, we arrived safely.

We left in the morning and arrived at night. We didn't camp out; we stayed at the lord's mansion in a fairly large town and repeated this process. Princess Primera seemed to see the scenery in a very bright light, except when she accompanied the king on official duties.

Of course, that's understandable. On official duties, she is surrounded by stern-looking men, and the atmosphere is serious. She only sees the king or local lords bowing and speaking to the king. The scenery from the carriage would be nothing but bowing people.

By the way, I also accompany her on official duties, but I should mention that the king is extremely close to Princess Primera. It's almost scary. I won't reveal that he really said something like "my fairy"...

"Welcome, welcome, Crown Prince, Princess. Welcome to the Marquis Nashanda's estate! Welcome to all of you, we are honored to have you!"

The Marquis welcomed us with open arms, as always, a gentleman who makes you want to call him 'romantic gray.'

Speaking of the Marquis, he is often associated with roses. The garden at the entrance, well-maintained, is entirely filled with roses.

I've only heard rumors, but it's said that roses bloom in all four seasons in the Marquis's garden... He really loves roses. And there's actually a purpose for my stay with Princess Primera.

I heard that the Marquis, who handles such a variety of roses, is also working on edible roses, though they haven't been commercialized yet and have few supporters. They are not expected to see the light of day anytime soon, but I am seeking them out!!

I also want high-quality rose oil and rose water.

Actually, Metabon and I have been working together to make agar. Homemade agar!

I want to make agar jelly. It would be nice to have cold jelly on a hot summer day. But in this world, there are baked goods and chocolate (or cocoa powder), but no jelly. There's no sea around this country, and without the sea, you can't get agar. I wondered if there was even such a thing as tengusa in this world... but it turns out there is. Metabon knew of a small coastal village in another country where a jelly-like substance, similar to what you get when you boil animal bones, is made from seaweed.

It wasn't called tengusa, but it was similar. It was a bit expensive, but I easily obtained it through the Rizil Trading Company. They gave me a look like "What a strange request," but I didn't mind.

Even Metabon gave me that look, so I must be known as someone who wants things that people in small, remote villages don't want.

Anyway, I made agar and then jelly, and it was just regular agar jelly. It was a simple jelly made with fruit and sugar, but it was enough to surprise Metabon. He was so impressed by the jelly made from this agar that he wants to order more seaweed. He has learned the method and will mass-produce dried agar. I'm worried that the Rizil Trading Company might notice and raise the price.

... What if this summer is all about jelly desserts?

I thought about that a bit secretly, but it seems Metabon is trying to figure out how to use it in cooking. His efforts are wonderful! I can't be outdone.

So, I want to make rose jam with the orange roses that Princess Primera likes, and rose jelly with rose water and edible roses!!! Eventually, I want to make cute cakes with edible flowers and fruits!!!

Hehehe, I can imagine Princess Primera's happy face.

Oops, I shouldn't get lost in thought. Work, work.

The servants of the Marquis's estate were very kind, so Meina and I quickly got along with them.

The female knights also seemed to relax once they were away from the male knights, and I can't help but wonder if they can't get along.

After taking care of Princess Primera for a while, she said she would give me some free time. I was a bit surprised, but it seemed she had something in mind. Her face looked like a mischievous girl's, so I accepted it honestly.

After all, if I have free time, I can research edible flowers!

Ah, I'm looking forward to it!!!

"Ah, but, but, Yuria!"

"Yes, what is it?"

"At night! Yuria, please bring me tea before I go to bed. And in the morning, I want Yuria to wake me up. Please!"

"...Hmm..."

"Yuria?"

"Nothing. I understand. I will definitely come to you, Princess Primera, every morning and evening."

"Okay!"

Ahh, she's so cute...

Even though I feel the Crown Prince glaring at me, Princess Primera is so cute that I don't care!!! She's the stable protagonist.