Chapter 46

Standing alongside Prince Eric for a few minutes, a long queue had formed, but the ice cream was being produced at a surprisingly fast pace, and they had already progressed to about halfway through the line.

It was particularly hot today, but even so, the people in line seemed to be enjoying themselves, chatting casually, and some were even reading books.

"Leia, there are people receiving their items without entering the store."

Prince Eric suddenly noticed the people who were handed containers of ice cream to take away.

Upon closer inspection, there was a small window separate from the store entrance, and a few people with tickets were waiting there.

"It seems they also accept takeout orders. Linsha mentioned that there are cold stones inside to maintain the ice cream's temperature."

"Hmm, I see. So that's an application of cooling magic. It's a good business practice. This way, even those who can't come to the store can enjoy the taste."

Prince Eric was impressed by the ice cream shop's approach.

He is fair and just. Even if he has no interest in business, he will praise it if he thinks it's good.

I've recently come to realize that his straightforward and pure heart is also one of his charming qualities.

(He seems to be enjoying it more than I thought.)

While stroking his chin, the prince observed the shop.

With the intense exchanges of assassins now over, I hope we have more days like this.

It doesn't have to be a special day. As long as the prince can live in peace, that's all that matters.

But soon, this country will be in turmoil. The king is abolishing the privileges of the nobility.

When that happens, the prince will no longer be able to stand in lines like this—

"But I have one question."

"Huh? Your Highness, a question?"

What could it be? As I was contemplating the future after the abolition of privileges, the prince suddenly looked serious.

Is there something wrong with the shop? For example, is there a sign that a noble who learned about the abolition of privileges is planning to assassinate the prince again?

"No, it's about Linsha. If we can take it away, he could have bought some for us to take home, right?"

"Oh, I see. Linsha thought the same thing, but apparently the cooling stones only last for half a day. So, he gave up on bringing it the next day."

"I see. I apologize to Linsha. Half a day, huh? I see..."

I think it's quite an impressive magical technique to attach cold air to a stone to maintain the cooling effect.

I've used magic to manipulate cold air to change the temperature of a gem to deceive Jade Belcrane, but I couldn't sustain it for several hours.

Therefore, it's easy to assume that the confectioner making the ice cream is a skilled magic user in manipulating cold air.

(I wonder what kind of person they are. A man or a woman?)

There was no one like that in the Holy Maiden selection.

While being skilled in magic is necessary to become a Holy Maiden, not everyone who is skilled in magic wants to become one. So, it's entirely possible that the person is a woman.

"It's almost our turn."

"Yes, I'm having trouble deciding which flavor to choose."

"Hmm. There are many flavors, then. That's why so many people are buying multiple ones."

Seeing his interest in ice cream, Prince Eric seems like an ordinary young man.

According to Mr. Johan, he has been aware of the responsibility of carrying the country since he was young, and there were times when the pressure made him lose his composure.

I think that's admirable for a prince. At the very least, he doesn't use his power for personal gain. He is full of ambition to implement good governance and change the country for the better.

I have no doubt that the people will be happy if he becomes king.

But is the prince's happiness there? If he is sacrificing his own happiness due to his sense of responsibility, I wonder if it's enough to just watch over him as he is.

"Hey, Ia, Leia, hey. Can you hear me?"

"Ah! I'm sorry. I was spacing out."

"Yes, that's unlike you. Is it because of the heat?"

"Maybe."

It's really unlike me to miss the prince's words due to my thoughts.

Worrying about the prince's inner feelings is rather presumptuous, after all, I am just one of his guards.

"Then, the heat can be relieved with some ice cream. Let's go inside."

"Yes. I'm sorry for causing you concern."

I've become accustomed to the prince's straightforward kindness, which I didn't notice when we first met.

A moment of peace. I believe that one day, it will become the norm, and until then, I will protect him.

Gazing into his deep, beautiful blue eyes, I entered the shop with him.

The book is now available for pre-order, and you can read a sample on the official website! You can also see two illustrations and the significant additions from the web version. I hope you will check it out!

You can access it from the URL below. Please take a look!

https://over-lap.co.jp/Form/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?shop=0&pid=9784824000477&vid=&cat=NVL&swrd=