Chapter 47

... This is a new ceiling. No, maybe it's the one I saw yesterday. This seems to be the guest room I stayed in yesterday.

What happened to me? Ah, right, I must have used a heal on the king and then passed out from the exhaustion of using up my magic.

Looking around, I don't see Luna or Yomi. As I sit up and daze off, Luna comes in after about five minutes with a water pitcher and a glass.

"!! Master, you're awake! Are you feeling okay? Is there anything different? Would you like some water? And then..."

"Luna, I'm fine, really. Calm down."

I'm glad she's worried about me, but her face is really close. So close that I might accidentally kiss her.

"Luna, your face is too close."

"Ah! S-Sorry! I-I'll go get Yomi!"

"What's Yomi doing?"

"She should be telling the Duke of Listania about the time we transported the monsters to your hometown."

I see. So the Duke of Listania is checking the background of what the Chancellor did. Speaking of which, how long have I been asleep?

"Luna, sorry, how long have I been asleep?"

"Um... about a day and a half? We were worried because you slept so much!"

After saying that, Luna left the room. A day and a half, huh... Even though I was tired, I must have slept a lot. But thanks to that, my head feels pretty clear.

While drinking the water Luna brought, I looked out the window and saw a clear blue sky without a cloud in sight.

... It seems things have settled down for now. The entrance exam is still a few months away, so I might as well go home for a while. There are a lot of things I want to do, after all.

While organizing my thoughts on what I want to do next, Luna, Yomi, and the Duke of Listania entered the room.

"Master, congratulations on your recovery. We've been waiting for you."

"Sorry for the worry. But I'm fine now."

Meeting Yomi's eyes, I naturally smiled. As we created a warm atmosphere, I felt the Duke of Listania and Luna's gazes piercing us, so I decided to stop.

"I'm glad you're safe. Let me introduce myself again. My name is Listania von Ronderk, and I hold the title of Duke. I apologize for my rude behavior last time. I was short on time and treated you like a child."

"No, I'm just a commoner. My name is Owl from Oren Village. Please keep what happened a secret, if you don't mind."

Of course, "what happened" refers to the miracle cook business.

"That goes without saying. I've also received a gag order."

As he said that, he returned an empty basket. ... I feel like he's hinting at something, so I put some cookies with a different jam in the basket and gave it to him.

"Oh! I'm sorry if it seemed like I was rushing you! I didn't mean to! Hahaha!"

Despite his words, he put the basket into a small pouch. It seems that small pouch is a magic bag.

"By the way, have you finished questioning Yomi?"

"Yes, there were no issues. We had already done some investigation, so this was just for confirmation. When we investigated the Chancellor's house, we found evidence of various wrongdoings. What I want to ask you, Owl, is about the Chancellor."

Right, I put the Chancellor in a state of suspended animation and wrapped him in ice. If it's only been a day and a half, he should be fine, but there's a chance he might be dead. Just to be safe, I should probably release him from the suspended state.

"The Chancellor is probably still alive. I just put him in a state of suspended animation."

"What? ... You surprise me. Not only did you fight the butler on equal terms and defeat him, but you also stopped the Chancellor. Who are you? ... No, you don't have to answer. Just one thing, are you on our side?"

I see, the Duke of Listania was unconscious during the part where Tendo appeared. I should probably tell him, but it might cause more confusion... Besides, his current target is probably me.

I'll keep quiet for now.

"I'm on this country's side for now. I love Oren Village. ... But I won't forgive anyone who tries to harm Oren Village or its people, no matter who they are."

"For now, huh? Understood. I'll keep that in mind. If I say something like 'don't touch Oren Village,' it might make you suspicious, so I won't cause a fuss."

"Thank you for your consideration."

"By the way, I heard from your servant Yomi that you're going to attend the Luina Magic Academy. That means you'll be in the capital for the next three years, right? I'd like to invite you to my mansion from time to time. Please visit when you have the time! You can bring these two as well. How about it?"

"Hmm... Alright, I'll visit when the time comes. But in return, I'll charge for any cooking or baking I do. Got it?"

"Of course! Just let me know! I'll do anything I can! How about a letter of recommendation for the academy? With that, you're guaranteed to get in."

Well, it's a generous offer, and it's tempting, but I shouldn't use backdoor methods to get in.

So I politely declined. From what Luna told me about the entrance exam, I probably won't fail. I'll start studying a month before the exam, though.

After talking with the Duke of Listania about the recent events, he left. It seems the Listania family has been tasked by the king to investigate and apprehend troublemakers in the country, a job they've been doing for generations.

I thought about whether it was okay to tell me this, but apparently it's about sharing secrets. This way, we can trust each other, he said. Despite his intimidating appearance, he seems to be a reliable person.

... It's just a shame he doesn't take better care of his body.

Also, it seems I have an audience with the king scheduled once I recover. However, this time it's unofficial, and only a select few high-ranking nobles will be present.

I'm feeling better, but I'll take it easy for the rest of the day. So, I have an audience with the king first thing tomorrow morning.

Grrr...

While relaxing in the room and looking outside, my stomach growled. ... Actually, it was Luna's.

"Hehe, it seems Luna is hungry too. It's lunchtime, so let's have lunch. I'll ask the maids to prepare it."

Luna, blushing, followed Yomi. Come to think of it, I'm hungry too... When I get home, I might make some pasta. I should also buy some souvenirs for the village. I remember there were some fruits in the Labyrinth Forest area, so I'll pick a few. I should also make some smoked meat and a lot of charcoal.

... Hmm, it's fine for now since I'm not going to the academy, but once it starts, I won't have much time. I could ask Luna and Yomi, but I want them to continue their adventurer careers.

I could start a guild, but I don't know the basics of business, so it would be difficult. Maybe I should sell recipes to Lebrant. I've caused him a lot of trouble, but he's probably making a profit, so it should be fine. I'll talk to him next time. I'll leave most of the work to him and only handle the parts that only I, Luna, and Yomi can do.

Now that Luna and Yomi can gather Thunder Eagle feathers on their own, I'll make a lot of charcoal on weekends. I need to supply charcoal to the yakitori stand, and I'll leave the meat to Luna and Yomi.

If they can raise their adventurer ranks, it might help me when I join the Adventurer's Guild.

While waiting in the room, Luna and Yomi brought lunch on a cart. It was a gentle meal of barley porridge and dried vegetable soup. It's simple but might be just right.

Luna seemed to be still hungry, so I gave her some charcoal-grilled chicken I had made earlier, and she happily ate it. Yomi, who was also hungry, ate it too.

My girls are carnivores, as the name suggests.

After that, the Margrave of Randolf and the Second Prince came to visit, but they left after some casual conversation. The Second Prince subtly tried to recruit me, but I pretended not to notice. He's a hard-to-read person. He might try to contact me again in the future, so I need to be careful.

Thankfully, they didn't suggest sharing the same bed, so I was able to sleep soundly alone. They disappeared in the evening, and I later found out they were learning about being maids from the head maid. They were apparently trained rigorously at night. Namo.

When I woke up in the morning, I was in perfect condition and marveled at the royal bed. It must be the mattress. We use the highest-quality Thunder Eagle down for our comforters, but the mattress is a regular one.

It's still dark outside, but the sun hasn't risen yet, so I'll do my daily magic training and staff technique practice. I can tell I'm gradually regaining my staff techniques, but I still have a long way to go. I feel like I'm being swayed by the benefits of my level, so I might spend a few days in the labyrinth before going back to the village.

"Good morning, Master."

After finishing my training and wiping my body with a towel, the two knocked and entered. ... I casually said they could enter, but I'm bare-chested. It's not like I'm embarrassed by my body, but Luna's face is a bit red.

I feel embarrassed when I get that reaction! Yomi, stop licking your lips!

Breakfast is white bread, salad, grilled bacon, and dried vegetable soup. Bacon is served at the royal palace as a matter of course, but it seems there's not much fresh meat due to the winter.

Dried meat is definitely more delicious. But if the supply chain is this established, there shouldn't be enough smoked meat. Selling recipes to Lebrant might be urgent. It was a good hobby, but I want to find a new one, and this might be the perfect time.

After selling the pit bread recipe, I'll sell cookie and smoked meat recipes. Having passive income at the age of ten is great, but it would be boring to just sit back and relax.

I might use the money to develop the village. I could use magic, but it would take time, so I'll give the money to the village chief and have him work on public projects to improve the village!

That way, the economy will circulate, and the village will improve. There might be security issues, so I need to continue researching golems.

If I can have golems help with the village's defense and security, it would be much more reassuring. I plan to make a few powerful ones without weight restrictions. ... If I can, that is. The orb is finally full of magic. If I can recover golem parts and techniques during my next trip to the labyrinth, I should be able to achieve some results.

"Master, you look happy. Did something good happen?"

"Hehe, a smiling Master is handsome."

Oops, I must have been grinning. I want to go home soon.

After finishing breakfast, the maids came in to prepare for the audience. The two also changed into different dresses. They even gave me the dresses from last time. They seem expensive, but it's typical of the royal family to give them.

Walking the same path as last time, we headed to the audience chamber. The knights opened the door, and the audience proceeded as before.

The only people present were the Duke of Adams, the Margrave of Randolf, and the Duke of Listania. It seems they only invited the nobles I'm involved with. Seeing the Duke of Adams wink at me, it seems he arranged this. I should thank him later.

"Owl, you did well again. Thanks to you, I and the other nobles were saved. Many nobles are still unaware of the full situation, but I've imposed a gag order on those who know. If we cause a fuss, other nobles might try to contact you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. However, I will not hesitate to retaliate against anyone who tries to harm me, my servants, or my hometown."

"That's what I'm worried about. If something happens to the nobles, the country will fall apart. We just lost a marquis and a chancellor in a short time. There will be nobles who will try to become the new chancellor, and it will be difficult. Owl, your contribution this time is too great. You're a hero who saved the country. So, do you have any interest in becoming a noble?"

"A noble...?"

I had a feeling this might happen. Given my achievements and abilities, I didn't think the king would let me go. I would probably try to ennoblement me and bring me into the fold.

"Of course, not immediately. I heard you plan to take the academy entrance exam, so it would be at least after you graduate. Just think about it until then. How about taking my daughter Elizabeth as well?"

The king, grinning, seems to be enjoying my reaction. But I don't like being on the receiving end...

"I'll think about it."

I gracefully ignored the offer of the Third Princess.

"That's fine. As for your reward, is there anything you want?"

"Hmm... I received a lot of money as a reward last time, and I don't have anything I particularly want now, so how about I owe you a favor?"

"......"

The king, clearly not expecting such a response, was speechless. Did I get one over on him?

"Hahaha! So, a favor from the king! You got me there! Alright, I understand. This time, it's a favor. But this is a big favor you've created."

"Yes, I'll ask for your help if anything comes up."

"You're a brave child. I can't believe you're only ten. I have a feeling we'll have more connections in the future! That's it for the audience."

The audience ended without any issues. Now, I'm on my way home in a carriage arranged by the king.

"It feels like it's been a while since I've been home!"

"Welcome back, Master."

"Hehe, we'll clean the house, so please take your time and rest."

The two, despite being tired, offered to clean the house. Lunch is coming up, so I might make it today.

I decided to make pasta when I got home, so I plan to boil a mountain of it. I still have milk and cream, and I have eggs. I also have guanciale from before, so I'll make carbonara today.

The lunch menu is carbonara, pot-au-feu, fried eggplant, and apple juice. Eggplant is delicious. I can't wait for winter to end. I need to make a field.

Actually, can I find something to replace plastic? If I can make a greenhouse, I can grow vegetables all year round, and if I popularize it in Oren Village, the villagers can eat more delicious food!

If it goes well, I can sell it to Lebrant, and it will spread throughout the country. Alright, my future goals are golem research, greenhouses, village development, wine making, preparation for selling recipes, and magic item prototyping, and leveling up to counter Tendo.

... Wait, don't I have too much to do? I might be overdoing it. But it's better than having nothing to do. I need to finish as much as possible in a week.

"The house is clean, Master."

"Hehe, it's been a while since I cooked for you."

"Itadakimasu."

"Itadakimasu."

"Both of you, we have a lot to do from tomorrow. Can you help me?"

"Of course, Master!"

"Leave it to us, Master."

"Also, once everything is done, I want to visit my hometown at the end of the year. What do you think?"

"Um, what do you mean by 'what do you think'?"

"Hehe, do you want to introduce us to your parents?"

"Um, yeah, something like that. If you want to stay in the capital, you can wait here."

"I'm going!!"

"I want to be introduced. We should buy some souvenirs."

"Right, let's buy a lot next time."

"What else do we need?"

"Hmm... But..."

Oops? I seem to have flipped a weird switch. But both of them are coming, so I need to introduce them properly.

... Ah. What should I say to Mirei?

...

Well, it'll work out somehow! Yeah, if it comes to it, I'll give her a cake to distract her! And I haven't done anything suspicious... right?

When I introduce them to Mirei, there will be another commotion, but that's a story for another time.

I'll update bit by bit.

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