Chapter 45

In this story, the way of writing the narrative has been changed.

The book version has been rewritten entirely in this style!

I hope you enjoy it!

"Leia, have you heard of something called 'ice cream'?"

It was an especially hot day.

On the evening after my audience with His Majesty the King, while I was performing my guard duties in Prince Eric's office as usual, he suddenly asked me a question.

(How unusual. I never thought His Highness would be interested in something like this.)

Prince Eric, who is known for his utmost seriousness and always works diligently to uphold his own sense of justice.

I never expected that a word like "ice cream" would come out of his mouth.

"It's a popular confection in the capital. It's cold like ice, sweet, and has a unique texture that has gained a lot of praise."

"A confection that's cold like ice? I thought it was the name of a secret weapon or something being developed."

"Your Highness, that's a scary thought. If the name of something so dangerous was being whispered in front of a store with a long line, wouldn't there be something more important to do before abolishing the privileges of the nobility?"

I never thought Prince Eric's earnestness and detachment from the world would show up in such a way.

While he occasionally dines at commoner restaurants, his mind is usually preoccupied with the peace of the nation and the plots of those who target him, making his thinking rather pitiful.

(Ice cream, huh. Rinsa said it was delicious. I've been wanting to try it too.)

"Shall we go and have some? This 'ice cream' you mentioned."

"Huh? W-What did I say?"

"No, it was just your expression. You were quite impressive when you deceived Jade Belcrane, but you're not very good at poker face, it seems."

Oops, it showed on my face again.

It's embarrassing to be caught looking so eager in front of His Highness.

I've been wanting to try it because Rinsa boasted about how delicious it was.

"It melted smoothly in her mouth, like snow."

When someone says something like that, it's only natural to want to try it.

But I had been working hard to thwart Jade Belcrane's plot until recently, so I never had the time to visit a popular store in the capital.

(Although it's embarrassing that it showed on my face, there's no point in denying it.)

"Your Highness, I want to try ice cream. Is it really okay to go together?"

I decided to be honest and confessed my desire, affirming His Highness's suggestion.

"Of course. It's a bit disappointing that it's not a secret weapon, but it's not bad to know about the current trends among the people from time to time."

That's a typical response from Prince Eric.

Still, I wonder what's behind His Highness inviting me out.

We've trailed Jil to investigate his actions and gone out to create a trap for Jade Belcrane, but this is the first time something like this has happened.

So, with His Highness cutting his work short, we got into the carriage together.

"By the way, I'm curious, how do they make a confection that's cold like ice?"

While the carriage was swaying, Prince Eric asked a normal question.

That's what everyone would be curious about, since there were no cold confections before.

"It seems the confectioners use a cooling spell."

"Wow, that's impressive. They use magic in confectionery?"

"Apparently, there's a ring that enhances ice magic, and after obtaining it, they can release powerful cold air and control it freely."

"Interesting. I didn't know such a magical tool existed."

Controlling cold air and applying it to confectionery—such confectioners have never existed before.

I use magic to create barriers, heal, and do various things, but I'm impressed by the application methods.

Most of what I just said is what I heard from Rinsa, but listening to her, I became interested in the confectioner's magic as well.

As we talked, the carriage arrived at the famous ice cream shop.

(Ah, as expected, the line is long. If His Highness revealed his identity, he would probably be given special treatment.)

"I see, we should join the line at the back, then?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

This is what makes Prince Eric, the prince, who he is.

He hates unfairness and wouldn't think of using his status as a prince to receive special treatment.

"You really are quite awkward, aren't you...?"

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing."

My Highness and I stood at the end of the line. I've become quite used to standing beside him like this.

The wait is long, but it's never boring with His Highness.

Under the early summer sun, we waited for our turn to enjoy the icy treat.