Chapter 92

After thoroughly enjoying the hot spring, Cain used his exploration ability to confirm that the maid from earlier was not in the changing room, then quickly changed into a new set of clothes from his item box.

He dried his wet hair using magic.

"Really felt good..."

In his previous life, he would have moved on to drinking coffee and milk after this, but there was no such thing in this world.

Even coffee, which he could have had at Yuuya's place, had never come his way.

When he left the changing room, a maid who had changed from a bathrobe to a maid uniform was waiting.

"Master Cain, there is still some time before dinner, and Lord Eric is waiting for you in the parlor."

She approached him as if nothing had happened earlier.

Sighing, Cain followed the maid back to the parlor. The maid knocked on the door and, hearing "Come in" from inside, opened it.

"Cain, how was the hot spring? It's one of the prides of this mansion."

"It was really great. I want to come again."

Sitting across from Eric, Cain shared his honest thoughts. Eric nodded, looking satisfied with Cain's words.

"Since you'll be my son-in-law soon, you're welcome to come anytime. You can transfer here instantly, right?"

"Thank you, I will."

The maid placed the tea she had been brewing at the edge of the room in front of them.

"Also, Cain, the adventurer who attacked you earlier has been sentenced to become a mine slave. This land is famous for its hot springs, but it's also known for its mines. He will work there for about ten years. Just drawing his sword in the city is a problem, but attacking you made it worse. There were even talks of capital punishment, but we decided to make him a useful mine slave."

Cain nodded in agreement. He understood that there was no room for leniency after an attack in the city.

"This is the money from selling the adventurers who became slaves. I've added a little extra as an apology for what happened today."

Eric handed a small bag to Cain. Peeking inside, he saw several platinum and gold coins.

"Isn't this too much? Selling them to slave traders wouldn't fetch this much, right?"

"Yeah, that's why it's an apology. The slaves are worth five gold coins for five people, and the apology is five platinum coins. I'm sorry, but please accept it."

Cain, who had also been at fault for his poor response, had no choice but to accept it. Moreover, the head of a ducal family had already apologized. Receiving such a large sum as an apology made him feel uncomfortable.

"But, this is too much—"

"Cain, you're developing Drinthur, right? I heard you built a city wall that encircled the city in just one day. Developing the city requires a lot of expenses. Please use this."

Eric explained, stopping Cain's words. Given the consideration shown, Cain couldn't refuse.

"Understood. I'll accept it."

He put the small bag in his pocket and bowed to Eric.

"That's all, let's have dinner now. The food here is quite delicious."

They left the room and followed Eric. In the dining room, everyone was already gathered.

Of course, Noelle and Delita were seated, and there was another woman who seemed to be Eric's wife.

Two seats were empty at the head of the table, and Eric sat in one, gesturing for Cain to take the other.

Given his position as the head of a noble family, Cain reluctantly sat next to Eric.

Once everyone was seated, drinks were poured into glasses for a toast. Eric and the others, who were adults, had wine, while Cain was given iced tea.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Today, Viscount Cain is here. There were some unfortunate misunderstandings, but he will be Silk's husband in the future. I hope we can all get along. Cheers."

"Cheers."

Everyone raised their glasses and drank.

After the toast, they introduced themselves. Noelle and Delita were sisters.

Silk's older sister, who was much older, had already married and was living in the royal palace as the wife of the crown prince.

Cain had been to the royal palace many times, but he had only met other members of the royal family during his ennoblement ceremony.

Most conversations were confidential, so they were held in private chambers.

The food was served by the maids, who divided the large platters and placed them in front of each person.

The delicious smell tickled Cain's nose.

"There are many mountainous areas here, so we get a lot of goats."

Eric explained. Cain used his knife and fork to eat.

The sauce mixed in his mouth, and it was very delicious.

He savored each dish as it was placed before him, enjoying the meal.

As they ate, the conversation flowed.

"Cain, did you come straight from the capital to this town?"

Shaking his head, Cain replied to Eric's question.

"On the way, I stayed at Viscount Santos's mansion due to a connection."

Eric was surprised by Cain's answer.

"Viscount Santos? That stubborn old man let you stay on your first meeting?"

"Actually—"

He told them about how the carriage was attacked by bandits on the way to Marlbic, and he helped to defeat them.

He hadn't confirmed with Sara yet that the old man was his grandfather, so he kept that part quiet.

"I see... That makes sense. Since it's a matrilineal family, you might have been asked to be a husband. There are also children around your age."

"Indeed... That's true."

Cain smiled wryly, as it was exactly what had happened.

"In your case, I'm worried that you'll keep getting more wives. Right now, including Silk, you have three fiancées. It's rare for a noble to have three fiancées at your age."

With the alcohol flowing, Eric became more talkative.

"No, no, I won't be adding any more."

"Really? By the way, you should also visit the home of Knight Commander Tiphana."

Cain's original plan was to reach Marlbic in one day and then head to Liebert the next day, but his schedule had been thrown off.

"Visit the home of the knight commander...?"

Delita interjected, hearing Eric's words.

"Didn't you know? Cain, you are engaged to Princess Teresia, Silk, and Knight Commander Tiphana."

"Wh-what...?"

The commander of the royal guard was famous in the kingdom for being obsessed with mock battles and for boasting that she would only marry someone stronger than herself.

"She was already stronger than Tiphana when she was five. Good for you, right? If she had attacked you... well?"

Eric didn't finish his sentence, but Delita swallowed hard, as she could easily imagine what might have happened.

"By the way, are you staying here tonight? The preparations are already made."

Cain could have returned to the capital using the transfer magic, but since only Eric knew about it, he nodded.

"I plan to head to the capital tomorrow, but I'll stay here tonight."

"Sure, Cain, since you like the hot spring, I'll make sure it's ready for you tonight."

Cain, remembering the hot spring he had just enjoyed, answered immediately.

"Yes! Please do."

"Really, you do love the hot spring."

Eric smiled at Cain's answer.

"Yes..."

Cain nodded, blushing from his enthusiastic response.

After the meal, he was shown to his guest room. He intended to go back to the hot spring soon.

"Master Cain, the hot spring is ready."

The maid informed him that the hot spring was available.

"Yes, I'll go."

Guided by the maid, he entered the changing room. As he was about to undress, he heard a rustling sound from behind and turned around.

The maid who had guided him was taking off her maid uniform.

"That's not necessary!!"

"Too bad."

The maid, looking genuinely disappointed, reluctantly left... but turned back at the last moment.

"Can I at least wash your back—"

"Get out!!"

Cain closed the door.

Thank you for always reading.

The updates are delayed because I am working on revising the corresponding parts of the book version.

I apologize for the inconvenience and hope for your understanding.

I was really surprised by how many corrections were needed.