Chapter 61

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Originally, it was the princess who introduced me to Lord Igor, and the princess is a friend of Lord Igor. Furthermore, since I received a blessing related to business, if there were any problems and I had a card to solve them in my hand, wouldn't it be natural to cooperate?

"Really, how does he think he can act without going through me? You are my vassal, you know!"

"Hmm..."

"And you, you! You should have sold it at a higher price, but you settled for just the materials."

"Ah... No..."

After all, you know?

If I say so, he would take care of all the troublesome legislative matters with just a single piece of beadwork, so I thought it would be a good deal.

As you said, it seems the funds can be managed somehow, and it looks like I can get good materials. If we talk about combining pleasure with profit, it would be like a boat coming when you need to cross the river.

Of course, there might be some smelly situations... but what can they do to me, who is a recluse within the territory?

Besides, my future is already decided.

"Well, it's fine. If you think it's necessary, then it must be. Enrich the territory quickly and show me a musical."

"I understand. This is one step towards that goal. If the craftsmen become prosperous, wealth will circulate to other places. If they have extra money, they can afford education and entertainment."

"Indeed, keep working hard."

"Yes."

Building up from small things, we will eventually reach our goal. Now, we have just put our foot on the stairs, and another step will lead to the next.

We must also solidify our footing while looking up.

Thinking this, I looked down and saw red in my field of vision.

To confirm what I saw, I looked towards the shrubs and saw a bright red wild rose blooming.

It's unusual for it to bloom out of season.

Regulus, who noticed me looking at the shrubs, also looked in the same direction and then pointed at the flower.

"Princess, the flower is talking!"

"Hmm... This isn't good."

Seeing the beautiful wild rose, the gentle face that usually admires flowers suddenly became stern.

Not in anger, but with a look of distress, I asked, "What is it?" The princess then took out a piece of cloth with a mysterious color and luster, which could be described as either white or silver, from the empty space.

"Because I was asked by Igor, I grant this to you. Use it as you wish. It's a parting gift."

"A parting gift...?"

"From today until spring, I will return to the heavens and not appear on the earth."

Surprised by the sudden words, my mouth opened and closed.

Anxious words escaped my throat.

"Why! Did I do something wrong!?"

"Princess, we won't see each other anymore!?"

"Calm down. I will return in the spring."

Quietly, the princess pointed to the bright red, out-of-season wild rose.

"When I am on the earth, the flowers try to please me by blooming out of season. However, this shortens their lives. It is not my intention. Therefore, I do not appear on the earth during winter. I invite the winter flowers to the heavens to admire them there."

I see, the princess is considerate so the flowers don't have to go out of their way. As a superior, I should learn from that.

But I'll be lonely until spring.

Regulus, who seems to feel the same way, squeezed my hand tightly.

"Don't look so despondent. I said I will return in the spring."

"But... I'll be lonely."

My persistent questioning made the princess's eyebrows rise slightly.

Dealing with a child throwing a tantrum is surely troublesome, and I must have annoyed her.

When I looked down, a gentle voice told me to raise my head.

"You are throwing a tantrum appropriate for your age. It's rare to see. Well, it's not bad to be admired to this extent."

Seeing her smile, I realized she really is leaving.

With a frown, I was beckoned by the princess.

When Regulus and I approached the princess, she held a red brush in her hand.

"While I am away, I will ward off any disasters for you. Show me your forehead."

"Yes..."

"Ah!"

As instructed, I lifted my bangs, and the princess took a little red from the brush and touched my forehead, drawing a small pattern.

She did the same for Regulus, and a small flower pattern appeared on his forehead.

"It's called a flower diadem. It's a charm to ward off evil. I drew it, so even the Demon King will avoid it."

"Is there really a Demon King!?"

"There is. There is, but... it's harmless."

It's harmless. So, it's okay... right?

No, I thought they didn't exist, but I'll remember that such beings exist.

"...What you need to be careful about more than the Demon King is other humans."

"Uh..."

"Because of the divine blessing, most things can be managed. However, that applies only to you. You need to look after and protect the people around you. No matter how strong the three elves are, they can't protect the servants who prepare your meals, clothes, and other necessities."

"Ah..."

"The old foxes you will deal with will reach out to the weak spots, knowing full well. Be prepared to face the demons and goblins."

Indeed, that's true.

I don't want to think that they would go so far as to target children or put me in the front line, but if conflicts arise, I might unknowingly incur significant grudges.

Mr. Romanov and Mr. Rottenmayer will be concerned about the safety of Regulus and me. But there are many people in the mansion, including the head chef. It's not certain that none of them will be threatened or harmed directly.

Now, the princess is teaching me the resolve needed to lead from above.

This must be the true parting gift.

When I gripped her hand tightly, her soft, chick-like hand gently squeezed back.

I must protect this child and the people in the mansion.

"Extend your hand."

"Yes."

"And have resolve."

"Yes!"

A heavy brocade bag, clearly not made on earth, was placed in my palm. When I opened the tassel-tied bag, a beautiful black-sheathed dagger was inside.

"It's my protective sword. I'm lending it to you, so return it in the spring. However, do not draw it."

"Yes."

"You are the commander of this house. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to draw your sword, it means you have already lost. Take action before it comes to that. If necessary, eliminate the threat."

"...Understood."

The weight in my hand is not just the weight of the sword.

By the time this person returns in the spring, will I have grown even a little?

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