Chapter 64

"Your Highness. It seems you summoned my attendant last night. Was there something you needed?"

That morning.

While the prince was taking a break from his official duties on the terrace, I approached him.

The prince smiled and replied.

"I just wanted to have a chat. But she turned me down."

"Since she seemed confused, I told her it wasn't necessary for me to go. Could you refrain from such summons in the future, Your Highness? She hasn't decided to join the harem yet, nor is she your attendant."

Turning to me with a serious face, the prince said,

"…It seems I caused some misunderstanding. I really just wanted to have a chat over tea."

"At that hour?"

"Due to my official duties, I often work late. Everyone usually adjusts to my schedule, so my sense of timing has been a bit off. I apologize."

The prince sincerely apologized.

But it still seemed suspicious.

"Could you also apologize to Iifa?"

"…If you really intend to invite her to the harem, then you should do it yourself."

Surprised, the prince widened his eyes and said,

"I'm surprised. I thought you would oppose Iifa joining the harem."

"…Do you really intend to have her join the harem?"

"Of course."

The prince nodded vigorously.

"What about her do you like?"

"Her appearance, I suppose."

"…"

"I'm not just talking about her beauty. I was drawn to her intelligent aura."

The prince said this with a slight blush.

"Probably… Iifa is one of the top students in that academy, isn't she?"

"Well, she usually ranks first or second in written exams."

"Of course!"

The prince said this happily.

"In Astiria, it is customary for the queen to be heavily involved in state affairs. The woman who becomes my wife must be intelligent."

"Ah."

"Furthermore… Iifa is very beautiful and delicate. She has the grace to represent the country. Moreover, she is also to my taste…"

The prince cleared his throat and continued.

"Since becoming a vassal state of the empire, the economy has developed, and more commoners have gained power. Bloodline is no longer as important as it used to be. If possible, I would like to welcome her as the first queen and have her support my state affairs."

The prince said this with a serious tone.

Then he looked at me with a subtle expression.

"However… with her beauty and her status as a slave… She was also close to Lord Seika… But I don't mind. I will keep her past hidden from the public."

"…Iifa and I are not like that."

"But, as a servant and master, you seem a bit too close…"

"She is a house-born slave. We grew up together in the mansion since we were young. To me, she's like a sister. I'm actually younger than her."

"I see, that makes sense. In that case… Lord Seika, I would like to ask you again. Could you let her go?"

"…"

"I will pay any amount of money. Joining the harem of Astiria would be a happy thing for Iifa. As her brother, could you wish for her happiness?"

"I refuse to sell her."

I said.

"However, if she wishes to join the harem on her own… I will free her from her slave status in this country. That should be fine, right?"

"…I, I see… By the way…"

The prince said, somewhat hesitantly.

"Could you persuade her for me?"

Huh?

"Could you at least try to talk to her yourself? Your Highness, you are a prince. You have a good appearance, and you are probably one of the most fortunate people. Generally speaking…"

I stopped myself.

I almost started lecturing him.

"Anyway, I will only respect Iifa's wishes. I have no intention of doing anything unnecessary."

"I see, that's reasonable. Lord Seika really cares about Iifa…"

"By the way… Does she wish to be freed from her slave status?"

I frowned slightly and replied.

"Well, there's nothing good about being a slave. I want to free her, but in the empire, a guardian is needed after adulthood. She has been having a hard time at the academy."

"I see… I understand."

The prince nodded firmly.

Then I remembered another matter.

"By the way, Your Highness. I plan to enter the mountain where the dragon lives tomorrow."

"What? That mountain? It's reckless, far too dangerous."

"Don't worry. I just need some supplies. Can I ask for your help?"

"Ah, yes, I will have my subordinates prepare them… But do you really need that much?"

"It might take a few days, so I need food and changes of clothes."

"Indeed, it won't be a one-day trip… I see, it might take a few days…"

The prince nodded after muttering something.

"Understood. I will prepare everything you need for your investigation."

Looking at him, I narrowed my eyes and thought,

"…Thank you."

This guy…

I hope he's not planning anything unnecessary.

****

The next day.

I was climbing the mountain behind Proto-Astiria with a backpack on my back.

The prince had prepared everything I asked for, but it was only ready this morning, so my departure was slightly delayed.

Yuki asked from above my head,

"Is the dragon's nest far?"

"Yes, and we need to take a detour. I want to avoid encountering it at night, so we'll need to camp somewhere."

Normally, birds don't fly at night.

However, monsters, as seen in the dungeon, don't mind the darkness.

There are also records of dragons flying at night.

I didn't want to face them in the dark.

Camping in the mountains is usually dangerous, but beasts and minor monsters can be handled with barriers or shikigami.

I could even use owls or light spells to travel all night, but I didn't want to tire myself out on the first day.

There's no need to overdo it.

I can grasp the destination, current location, and surrounding terrain with hawks and crows.

If there are beasts or monsters nearby, I can immediately detect them with mice or sparrows.

Even a mountain that no one enters is like a garden to me.

"…"

But… Iifa, who came to see me off, looked very worried.

I'll try to return as soon as possible.