Chapter 80

Thanks to everyone, I won the [Net Novel Grand Prize]. I will have it published by Futabasha.

It's been a while since I had a dream.

There was chocolate and sugar nearby, and chocolate cakes and puddings were a common sight.

In the dream, I seemed a bit more grown-up, and there were the figures of Luna, Yomi, and Mirei around me. I felt they were chatting and laughing while holding small children and eating sweets.

I remember my cheeks relaxing at the heartwarming scene, even if vaguely.

"I hope we can take a break after this mission is over."

Even though the assassin of the former prime minister hasn't been identified, I feel like I'm overworking myself. I'm definitely going to take it easy after this is over.

This is definitely not a flag.

That said, since yesterday, I've been receiving strict etiquette training from Luna, Franz, and Alph. I feel like it's not necessary to this extent, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I have to protect the princess in a world full of suspicion and intrigue, so I intend to learn the basics. The dining etiquette was relatively easy to pick up, thanks to my experience from my previous life, which helped a lot since the manners were almost the same.

"Master, your dining etiquette is almost perfect, but please try to eat more convincingly."

No, I can't taste anything with such a stiff meal. Besides, Alph is quite strict; I wonder why he knows so much about etiquette. It's understandable since he's a butler, but what kind of person is he to be so knowledgeable about human etiquette?

"Master, when walking, it's better to keep your back straight."

...Luna is unexpectedly strict too. Since becoming my fiancée, the distance between me and everyone, including Luna, has become much closer, which is good, but I feel like I'm being dominated.

It feels like things will go well, but I don't want to lose my dignity as a man when it matters. It would be great if there were women who could support me in such situations.

...I can't imagine that. I feel like these three will resolve things before I can do anything. They even interrupted when I was talking to the princess. It's a challenge for the future.

I think I've learned the minimum necessary etiquette, manners, and behavior for interacting with nobles. I'll just deal with the rest on a case-by-case basis. As a precaution, I'll make more sweets, and if I get stuck, I'll use them to solve the problem.

I also prepared a water bed, down comforters, and multiple rocking chairs. These were limited in quantity, so they can be used as negotiation materials.

"Next is assassination prevention. I can probably avoid it to some extent with malice detection, but it's difficult against professional assassins..."

If I had magical devices like the ones I gave everyone, I could set up barriers. It would be best if I could add poison resistance, but those are apparently national treasures, so they can't be easily handed over.

"Would a poison-resistant pendant be okay? And maybe an earring that automatically deploys a single barrier?"

Would this be enough? I'll use magic crystals to create the barrier, and I'll consult Retia about the poison resistance. It's beyond my capabilities alone.

When I found Retia, she was teaching Mulan the basics of magic on the sofa. I didn't want to disturb her, but I wanted to try various things.

"Retia, can I ask you for a favor now?"

"It's fine. Mulan, let's take a short break now."

Mulan seemed tired and soon fell asleep on the sofa. It seems Retia is a bit strict.

"...So, I want to make a poison-resistant pendant. How should I do it?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, but poison resistance is not impossible. However, it might be difficult to gather the necessary materials. I can apply the enchantment, but you'll need a high-purity magic crystal and mithril."

I still have some mithril left from Gras. I have some homemade magic crystals, but will they work? If not, I might have to hunt S-rank or higher monsters.

"Would this magic crystal be okay?"

"Mu, it seems fine. However, such a high-quality magic crystal would not be easy to obtain."

...I can't say it. I can't say that I can create magic crystals from magic stones.

"Don't worry, this one is fine to use!"

"Is that so? Then I'll apply the enchantment to the magic crystal. Please prepare the engraving and chain with mithril first."

It sounds easy, but it's actually quite difficult. I wish dragons and humans weren't so different. Well, I can do it with my magic power.

It took an hour to finish the engraving and other tasks, and Retia applied the poison resistance. The enchantment itself was instantaneous, and the deep green magic crystal turned a beautiful purple. It looks like amethyst. It's incredibly beautiful.

Maybe I'll make one for each of the three in the future.

"Thank you, Retia."

"Not at all. If it's something like this, feel free to ask anytime."

Retia is so kind and perfect, but she becomes pitiful when it comes to Gras. Both of them are so focused on their own things. I'll keep an eye on them bit by bit in the future.

Thanks to Retia, the 'poison-resistant pendant' is complete. I think it turned out pretty well.

This might even be a national treasure. I might sell it to the king after this mission is over. It's probably quite valuable.

I could also ask Lebrant to put it up for auction. ...In any case, the possibilities are endless!

"Next is preparing clothes. I can probably manage if I go to the usual tailor."

"Master! Leave it to me! I'll choose the perfect clothes for you!"

"Hehe, leave it to me. I'll choose clothes that bring out your charm."

"Aowl, it's me, right?"

Oh oh? A battle suddenly started among them. And for some reason, they're glaring at each other instead of me.

"Going together...?"

"No way."

"Hehe, no."

"No way."

For some reason, I can feel magic leaking from their bodies. Is it just my imagination? No, it's not. Is this what they call 'aura'?

It feels like a battle is about to start, so I'll decide with rock-paper-scissors. After explaining rock-paper-scissors, they all seemed to understand and took it seriously.

It seems they all activated body enhancement and vision enhancement. ...Why are they doing this just to buy clothes?

Ah! Maybe this is a date?

If so, they're fighting over who gets to go on a date with me. The reason is incredibly cute. I'll go on a date with each of them separately.

"Rock-paper-scissors! It's a tie! It's a tie! It's a tie! It's a tie..."

How much time has passed? ...No, it hasn't been 10 minutes, but 10 minutes of rock-paper-scissors is long.

After a long and intense battle, Mirei won. Is it a gift from the gods, or just luck? In any case, Mirei won't go to the empire, so it might be for the best.

"Then, see you today."

"Okay! I'll change and be right back!"

After waiting for 30 minutes, Mirei came down. Her hairstyle was a bit different, and her clothes looked even cuter than usual.

She was already a beautiful girl, but I didn't expect a loose, fluffy skirt and blouse to make her look so cute. My childhood friend is the best.

"Sorry for the wait! Let's go, Aowl!"

"Okay! See you later!"

This was almost our first date, and both Mirei and I were nervous at first, but that was only until we reached the tailor's shop.

I already knew what kind of clothes I needed to buy, as Luna and Alph had told me, so there was no need to worry. I just needed to adjust the details and color.

Honestly, I don't have much sense, so it's a big help to have girls choose for me. I'm not sure if Mirei's sense has been honed since coming to the capital or if she was already good, but she usually wears cute clothes.

I've bought her clothes a few times, but she usually earns money by selling materials from the labyrinth. Luna and Yomi also fully support her. I thought about giving her an allowance, but she refused.

She would accept food, but she's been very responsible with money since she was young. Is this a characteristic of poor farmers?

However, I might have underestimated the situation. I thought it would be a quick trip to buy my clothes, but it didn't take long to finish the tailoring and selecting accessories.

I thought we could eat and go home, but it didn't work out that way. We visited various shops, looked at stalls, and accompanied Mirei on her shopping, and before we knew it, it was night.

The slightly sour but sweet fruit we bought from a stall earlier was delicious. I want to buy it again. Thinking about it, there are still many shops in the capital that I haven't seen, which is fun.

From this date, I realized that it's better to spend more time with everyone! I'll try to create more opportunities to spend time with them.

While walking with Mirei, we reached a slightly elevated area in the capital. From there, we could see the entire capital, and it was a beautifully lit view.

There were a few benches, which might be the perfect place to rest.

Since the view is beautiful even when sitting, this place will probably become one of my favorites.

"Amazing... I didn't know there was such a place in the capital."

"Right? A friend from class told me. I wanted to come with Aowl."

"With me?"

"Yes. Aowl, I've liked you for a long time."

When I turned to Mirei, her face was right in front of mine, less than 10 cm away.

"Um... I think I liked you too."

I accidentally used polite language.

"What do you mean, 'I think'? ...You still have a lot to learn about women, Aowl, hehe."

S-She's so close! If she gets any closer, our noses will touch!

I can see Mirei's face turning red, but I'm sure mine is even redder.

"Hehe, it's not embarrassing."

"Well, that's part of who you are, Aowl."

"..."

"..."

Is it okay? She has her eyes closed. I have to do it now or I won't be a man.

I gathered my courage and slowly moved my face closer, and our lips touched, even though I was inexperienced.

"Mm...!"

Oh my! What a cute sound! And it's so soft! Moreover, it tastes slightly sweet and sour?

How long did it last? I was so nervous that I couldn't tell.

"...Phew! That was long!"

"Sorry! I couldn't stop..."

It lasted longer than I thought. But I didn't want to stop.

"That's... I feel the same way..."

"Hehe, then we should have breathed through our noses."

"...But it would have made us look less cute."

Fwah!? No, the blushing Mirei is even cuter!! I almost died from the cuteness!

I couldn't help but kiss her again. This time, it was a quick peck.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist because you're so cute."

"~!"

She's squirming, but she doesn't seem to mind, so I'm relieved. I heard the first kiss tastes like lemon, but it tasted more like the fruit we ate earlier?

Ah, my first kiss was with Luna, right? But this is the first time I initiated it.

"Then, let's go back since everyone is waiting."

When we got home, Luna and Yomi quickly took Mirei away, sensing the change in our atmosphere.

They're so pushy.

Alph had prepared dinner, so we ate that.

When I taught Alph how to make hamburgers, he absorbed it quickly and now makes various types of hamburgers.

There are ones with potato salad and cheese, and Alph's creativity is on par with Earth's.

...But eating hamburgers every time is getting a bit boring, so I hope he makes different dishes soon.

During the month of preparation, I attended school while practicing etiquette and gathering information through Lebrant.

I also made sweets and prepared souvenirs.

I entrusted the house management to Mariana, Retia, Gras, and Tiara, so there shouldn't be any problems.

Still, how long will Retia and Gras stay here?

I've prepared a means of communication in case of emergencies, so it shouldn't be a problem.

I received a letter from the princess, so I arrived at the designated place early.

Surprisingly, the princess was already there, and there was also a young knight who was out of control, but I silenced him with the same method.

Of course, I used restraint.

"It's been a while. Let's depart immediately. We'll talk in detail in the carriage."

The carriage the princess prepared looks quite ordinary. In fact, it doesn't look like a carriage for a princess at all.

However, the horses are not ordinary. I saw them in the monster encyclopedia; they are probably C-rank Rapid Horses.

The driver must have tamed the monsters.

"Wow!"

When I got inside, the impression changed completely. The inside was wider than it looked from the outside, and it seemed to have been expanded with space expansion.

"Amazing, right? This is made using magic items from the labyrinth."

The labyrinth in the empire has some incredible magic items. I want to explore it at least once while I'm here.

"Thank you again for accepting this mission. We will travel to the empire over the next four days."

It would normally take more than 10 days, but using these monsters significantly shortens the journey.

Moreover, this carriage is strong enough to withstand the speed and has shock resistance.

The kingdom might not have this level of technology. Maybe they have springs or suspension built in?

The carriage was more comfortable than I expected. It has sofas and a small table.

We spent the time chatting with the princess and taking breaks, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

"I hope we reach the empire without any problems!"

...Luna, that's a complete flag.

This concludes Chapter 3! Thank you very much.

Starting from the next chapter, [Chapter 4: The Imperial Family Troubles] will begin.

I will continue to update quietly.

I would be grateful for your ratings and bookmarks.