Chapter 65

Today, Chapter 2 Update, Part 2.

While Alex and the others were enjoying their dinner, at the same time:

At the edge of the capital city, there was a cheap house that served as the base for Edgar's team. Inside, the voices of lively children overflowed.

In the brightly lit living room, there was a large table that could seat six people. On it, there were many dishes from this country.

There were thin baked breads topped with ham and sausages, drizzled with tomato sauce and generously sprinkled with cheese. There was a fish stew made with plenty of milk and cream. There were fried chicken and grilled blocks of great boar meat.

There were also fried breads sprinkled with sugar and various fruits. There were crepes filled with sweet cream, apple pies, and cakes.

Each dish was piled high on large platters, like mountains. It was a feast that would cost tens of thousands of goats.

The children of Edgar's team had prepared everything themselves, and their eyes were shining. Especially the young warrior Keiri and the young healer Charna were drooling.

The main guest, Princess Novara, also had a bright, youthful face.

"Hmm, it looks delicious! Azuma, are these the specialties of this country!?"

Edgar, seeing Princess Novara's enthusiasm, advised her.

"Princess, you just woke up from being cured? Please be a bit more careful."

"What are you talking about? The puchi-eri I drank just now made me so hungry I can't stand it!"

"Seriously? That's some medicine of Alex's... Well, while being careful not to overeat—let's all eat."

"Thank you!"

Everyone clasped their hands and sang in unison, then approached the food with shining eyes. Each took the dishes they had been eyeing from the large platters.

Princess Novara bit into a thin, pizza-like bread that was steaming hot. She smiled while struggling with the stretchy cheese.

"It's so gooey! It's so gooey!"

"Be careful of burns. The cheese is quite hot underneath."

"Ah! I can heal burns with magic! — Hot!"

Charna opened her mouth slightly and puffed out her cheeks, as the cheese was very hot. The swordsman Yuma and the explorer Shima ate the stew with wide eyes.

"Mm! The stew is delicious!" "I've never had such a variety of ingredients before."

The hunter Moku, adjusting his glasses, ate the fried chicken.

"It's very luxurious, isn't it?"

"It's a celebration of the princess's revival!"

"Then I'll work on reviving every day!"

Keiri grinned and gave the princess a thumbs up. Princess Novara nodded, not entirely displeased.

"Alright, I'll try my best."

"Please don't. We'll go bankrupt."

Edgar clutched his chest and said in a dramatically pained tone. His gesture was so funny that everyone burst into carefree laughter.

However, their mouths and hands were busy. Even while laughing, everyone was engrossed in eating.

Especially Princess Novara seemed unusually happy. Playing with children her age and eating with others were both new experiences for her.

Eating freshly made, piping hot food without having it tasted for poison. Reaching across the table to share from the large platters. Her short black hair bounced as she laughed without restraint.

Thus, a very lively and enjoyable time passed.

After a while, when the food on the table had been reduced by more than half, everyone started to pick at the sweet desserts. They naturally began to discuss the future.

"It's sad that we'll be apart for a week."

The youngest healer, Charna, frowned and said sadly. Edgar squatted behind her chair, making eye contact and patting her head with a smile.

"Don't worry. You've grown into a strong girl."

"I'm still worried without the captain. Can I use magic in a pinch, and won't I make a mistake..."

"Then, here, take this. If you fail a healing spell, use this to treat yourself."

Edgar took a palm-sized pouch—his seal—from his waist and handed it to Charna. She widened her eyes.

"Ah! Isn't this the captain's precious item?!"

"It's okay now. Having it will make you feel more secure, right? ...This is a medicine container, and it works like this, like this..."

Edgar opened the lid and removed the side to explain how the seal worked. Charna was happy but also looked a bit worried.

"Is it okay...? To receive such an expensive item?"

"While I'm away, think of this as me and rely on it. You won't feel lonely for a week, right?"

"Yes! I understand! I'll keep it as the captain's proxy, and I'll return it when you come back from your journey!"

Charna declared with a bright smile and tightly gripped the seal with both hands.

Edgar stood up, stretched, and looked at the other children around the table.

"That's right... You might not feel lonely without me, but maybe you think of me as your last resort. So, I'll give you some tools to use."

Saying this, Edgar handed out folding grappling hooks, hidden blades, ninja tools embedded in gloves, and magic cloths. He taught them how to use them and handed them over casually, shaking his messy hair.

Princess Novara, watching this, was shocked.

"Azuma... That's not a good omen. It's like a farewell..."

However, before she could finish, Edgar gently placed his index finger on her lips.

"No, Princess. I'm just giving you the things I used to help ease the loneliness of missing me... I'll be back in a week."

Moku, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, had his glasses glint. But he said nothing. Princess Novara nodded vigorously and smiled slyly.

"That's right. ...Then, you will feel even more lonely."

"Wh-What?!"

"What do you mean, Princess?""Why?""Why?"

Princess Novara, with a smug smile, arched her chest.

"Hehe. Just coming back would be boring. I'll travel around and enjoy delicious food."

"Whaaat~!"

"Wait a minute!""Princess, the captain's return will be even later.""That's unfair!""It's okay if you bring back souvenirs?"

The children protested, but Princess Novara laughed and ignored them. Edgar, watching this, had a gentle look in his eyes hidden by his messy hair.

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The next chapter will be updated tomorrow

→ 66. A Usual Night and the Demon King