Chapter 59

Eifa seemed confused by what was said and directed a puzzled gaze at me.

However, I also didn't know what to say.

The prince continued speaking.

"The current king of Astiria is my mother, Her Majesty the Queen, and the current harem is nominally opened for me, who am first in line for the throne. To be able to receive education at such a prestigious academy, Eifa, you must be a remarkably intelligent and noble woman. I would like you to come to the harem for me and my country."

By then, Eifa seemed to finally understand the situation.

She bowed her head slightly but spoke with a firm voice.

"S-Sorry... I am, well, Seika-sama's slave... It's a bit, impossible..."

"Indeed... I thought you were a student at this academy."

"N-No, I am a student, but..."

"Hmm, I see. Then you are still a talented woman. That's fine. Seika, let's buy her at the asking price. Can we pay with our country's gold coins?"

I was speechless but managed to open my mouth.

"W-Well, um..."

"Boy."

The woman of the demi-human race said this with a cold voice.

The prince immediately looked embarrassed.

"I understand, Rize. My apologies, Seika. The purpose of meeting you was not for this. Let's get to the main topic."

"…If that's the case, let's move to a different place, Your Highness. We'll attract too much attention here. Let's use one of the academy's rooms. This way."

As I started walking, I thought to myself.

Is he okay?

****

The prince's visit to the academy was known in advance by the principal, so we were able to smoothly borrow a reception room for important guests.

In that room, we faced each other.

"..."

For some reason, Eifa was sitting next to me, looking tense.

Well, it was because the prince had specifically requested it... but for now, it's fine.

I regained my composure and spoke.

"First, could you tell me about the situation in the old capital?"

"Aye, that would be the first topic, Seika."

"Before that, Your Highness, there's no need to address me with the honorific 'my lord.' I haven't inherited my father's title and have no plans to."

"Ah, I see... Then I will call you Seika. We seem to be around the same age, and I prefer a more relaxed atmosphere."

The prince said this with a smile.

His every word and action exuded grace.

"Regarding the old capital, do you know which specific city it is?"

"Yes. It's the city of Proto-Asta, located about half a day's carriage ride west of the capital, Asta."

The old capital is indeed that city.

It means something like 'the former capital of Astiria.'

The prince nodded and began to speak.

"Although its influence has weakened since the capital relocation about a hundred years ago, Proto-Asta is still a major city in our country. Since the relocation, it has been a tradition for the next in line for the throne to serve as the governor. I came to the imperial capital and met with you here for that reason."

This was unexpected.

I thought he was just a messenger, but he was the governor of the old capital himself.

It's a custom I hadn't heard of in my previous life, but it might make sense to have future officials gain experience in advance.

The prince continued.

"And the dragon of Astiria has lived with the people in that area for over two hundred years before the capital relocation. It makes its home in the mountain right next to the city."

"That's amazing."

I was genuinely surprised.

In my previous life, I had never heard of a powerful creature living with humans for over two hundred years. Apart from being a guardian deity, it's usually difficult for such creatures to coexist in human settlements.

The prince nodded solemnly.

"Aye. It is said that in the past, it fought alongside our ancestors to repel enemy forces advancing on the capital... However, as you may have heard from Lord Blaze, the dragon has been acting strangely for about a year."

"About a year, you say. I heard it started attacking livestock and people."

"Aye..."

The prince nodded gravely.

"The damage is not severe. The attacks on livestock have been limited to a few stray sheep during grazing. As for people, only those who entered the mountain where the dragon lives without caution have been attacked. They were injured but managed to escape without being eaten, only slipping and falling off a cliff. However, it is clear that the dragon's behavior has changed. It was not like this before, and it has become more cautious. Recently, it has even started to threaten people from the city who venture outside the walls."

"Does the dragon distinguish between the people of the city and others?"

"Aye. It seems to recognize familiar faces. While it doesn't land inside the city walls, it used to land near the pastures and fields surrounding the city, often just standing there. It didn't mind if people were nearby. However, merchants and travelers from other cities often report being glared at or pursued from the sky."

"I see..."

Is it wary of those from outside its territory?

But it's also strange that it accepts the people inside.

"Originally, why doesn't the dragon of Astiria attack people? From what I've read, dragons don't seem to be the kind of monsters that can coexist with humans."

"I don't know the exact reason. It has just been that way since ancient times."

The prince said.

"However, there is a legend... that the dragon was hatched from an egg by a queen of Astiria."

"A dragon hatched by a human...?"

"It's just a legend. I've heard that dragon eggs occasionally appear in the market, but I've never heard of one being hatched by a human."

"..."

Snake, turtle, and lizard eggs usually hatch without any intervention.

I thought dragons might be similar, but maybe not?

"I said the damage is not severe, but it's not a situation to be optimistic about."

The prince said gravely.

"The livestock are becoming too scared to graze, and merchants are avoiding large transactions. The people are growing anxious. Moreover, the empire is also on alert."

The prince's gaze was fixed on me.

"I want you, Seika, to thoroughly investigate this matter."

The prince said with a serious expression.

Officially, his rank is higher, but in reality, mine is. My report will determine whether the situation in Astiria improves or worsens.

From his tone, it seems Astiria has some plan to resolve the dragon's issue.

I smiled in response.

"Of course, Your Highness. My father tasked me with conducting academic research, analysis, and reporting on this matter."

I included the meaning of maintaining neutrality, and the prince's expression softened.

"I'm relieved. However, I am also interested in the academic aspects. Seika, do you have any thoughts on the matter so far?"

"Hmm..."

I thought.

There are some points of interest, but with the limited information, I can't say much.

"No... I think I need to go to the site and examine detailed records."

"Understood. What about Eifa?"

The prince then turned to Eifa, who had been silent.

Eifa's voice was clearly flustered.

"E-Eh, me?"

"Aye. Do you have any thoughts?"

"I-I don't know... If Seika-sama doesn't understand, then I don't..."

The prince smiled and said.

"I am asking you. You don't need to worry about your master. I want to hear your opinion."

"E-Eh... Um..."

After a moment of hesitation, Eifa spoke.

"Well, I don't really understand, but... Has something like this happened before?"

"Hmm..."

The prince put his hand to his chin and thought.

"I haven't heard of it, but it might be worth revisiting the records. Thank you, Eifa. I will rely on your insight from now on."

"H-Ha..."

"By the way, how about a dinner tonight? It would be good to have a thorough discussion with Seika as well."

"Boy."

The demi-human woman standing nearby said sharply.

"It would interfere with the security plan. Be cautious."

The prince looked bitter.

She seems to be a servant or guard, but she has a strong position.

With platinum hair as fine as silk and emerald eyes, she is tall with long, pointed ears.

She is probably a Sylvan.

A race skilled in archery and magic. It's understandable that she exudes a strong aura.

What's concerning is... since I met her in the cafeteria, she has been looking at me with a strong sense of caution.

It doesn't seem to be for my protection.

Rather, it's similar to the wary looks I often received in my previous life.

A look of fear.

What's going on? Does she sense my power?

But we just met.

"I understand, Rize."

The prince answered the Sylvan with a bitter expression.

"I apologize, Seika. My guard is rather cautious."

"…No, it's fine."

"Then I will take my leave. Until our departure."

"Your Highness."

The prince and his Sylvan guard left the room.

Once their presence was gone, I sighed and sat back down in the reception chair, leaning against the backrest.

This is tiring.

It reminded me of my days as a low-ranking official bowing to important nobles.

It was truly exhausting. One of the reasons I half-disappeared from the Yin-Yang Bureau.

Eifa, standing, asked anxiously.

"Hey, Seika, did I do anything disrespectful? Is everything okay...?"

"Eh? Ah, it's fine, it's fine. I think your opinions were quite reasonable."

Investigating similar cases from the past is the first thing to do. It often leads to potential future developments and solutions.

From the prince's behavior, it's uncertain if he has done this.

Thinking back on the conversation... I started to feel irritated.

That prince... is he okay?

Did he not think it could be considered disrespectful to ask a servant for an opinion in front of their master?

Moreover, trying to buy someone else's slave and invite them to the harem... is that something to do now?

And bringing female servants to flirt with a woman... what kind of nerve does he have?

The word "useless man" came to mind.

"Ah, Eifa... if you don't want to come, you don't have to force yourself."

"Eh, why? I'm not forcing myself. I'll go with you, I'm your servant."

"A, so..."

To Eifa's puzzled expression, I only replied with that.

Well... it's fine.

He seemed to understand his situation and his words and actions were refined.

He's not completely incompetent.

A royal of a vassal state, and the first in line for the throne.

He has status and wealth. Being favored by him isn't bad.

The treatment in the harem would likely be good. It's a decent match.

I glanced at Eifa.

She has become beautiful. She is popular among the male students at the academy, and it's not surprising that a prince from another country would notice her.

She is fifteen this year, the age of adulthood in this world.

It's time for her to decide her future.

It's a bit sad to let her go... but it's not bad to have connections in other countries.

If Eifa wishes,

I could arrange for her to marry into Astiria.

****

On the way back to the boys' dormitory, I was pulled into the bushes with a strong force.

"Be quiet."

"We're going to get everything out of you."

My mouth was covered, and I looked up at Maybel and Ami while lying on my back.

"What did you talk about with that prince?"

"...What, the situation in the old capital and the dragon. We talked about it at noon."

After Maybel removed her hand, I answered, and Ami frowned.

"That's not important. What I want to know is about Eifa. You took her there on purpose, didn't you?"

"Ah..."

"What? You're not thinking of selling Eifa, are you!?"

"No, no. We only talked about the dragon. There's nothing else to say."

"Really?"

"Really. Well, the prince did seem to like Eifa a lot."

The two girls looked at each other.

Then Maybel asked.

"Really, you won't sell Eifa?"

"No, I won't. Do you really think I'm that untrustworthy?"

"That's not it, but..."

"Well, just..."

I stood up and brushed off my clothes.

"If Eifa wishes, I plan to free her from her slave status. It was difficult in the empire because of the need for a guardian, but in Astiria, it shouldn't be necessary."

"In Astiria, that means... Eifa will enter the harem?"

"If she accepts the prince's invitation."

"What are you saying? There's no way she would say that."

"What are you saying?"

I couldn't help but sound a bit reproachful.

"Eifa is coming of age this year. It's a rare opportunity to be noticed by a royal from another country. It's time for her to decide her future. We shouldn't interfere."

The two girls had mixed expressions.

Maybel said hesitantly.

"I understand what Seika is saying, but... please don't tell Eifa. I think she would be sad."

"Why would she be sad? If I don't tell her, she might hesitate to bring it up out of consideration for me."

"Please don't."

"...Alright. But if she brings it up, it's different."

"Okay, even then it's fine."

Pushing Ami, who still seemed to want to say something, Maybel left.

They were probably worried about Eifa.

It would indeed be sad if she were forced into the harem by a useless prince.

Don't worry, both of you.

I will respect Eifa's wishes.

Ami and Maybel both have the ability to live on their own. Eifa is the same.

Building a career at the academy is a good option.

But there are other choices too.

Some of my disciples, despite their talents, chose a different path.

I have no intention of denying the lives of those who lived and died happily.