Chapter 7

It would be a luxury to have lunch prepared in the garden, something I couldn't have asked for until yesterday. However, I feel that not saying anything would make the other person worry. This is what Chiharu thought, and she expressed her desire to go to the garden.

Perhaps the season is the same as in Japan, for during the time she spent looking at the garden where roses and other flowers bloomed beautifully, light and easy-to-eat dishes were prepared on the table under the pavilion.

"I have prepared a refreshing drink, but please let me know if you would like tea."

With that, the guard and Sera left to a place out of sight.

Chiharu and Maki gently sat down on the chairs. The breeze was refreshing.

"I didn't get to ask if we could go back."

"It wasn't the time for that, was it?"

"Yeah, it was quite a shock."

The two of them touched their smooth foreheads simultaneously.

"..."

They looked down at the same time.

"It's forming again."

"I don't want it to fall off again. If I drop a million by accident, it won't be funny."

A small magic stone had formed on their foreheads again. Wasn't it supposed to be once a month?

"Hey, what if we put a net over it like with mangoes grown in a greenhouse?"

"Yeah, to prevent it from falling when it's fully ripe."

"Right."

"It looks like an injury."

When Chiharu said that, Maki thought about it.

"Then how about this? Like a ninja's."

"Ah, a headband?"

"Something like a saint's mark on it."

"A saint's mark... a third eye?"

"No way."

"No, it's not."

The two of them looked up at the sky simultaneously. Chiharu said,

"Realistically, we could tie a ribbon and tie it on the side."

"It's a bit embarrassing for a 25-year-old, isn't it?"

"Well, it's better than a net or a headband. And better than dropping it."

"True."

"Anyway,"

"Uh-huh?"

"Ultimately, if it's one a year, it means we can't go back and will die here."

"..."

The sky was blue, and the wind carried the scent of flowers. The smell of the food was also in the air.

"Shall we start eating?"

"Hunger is the best sauce, right?"

"Especially for ninjas?"

"That's over."

For breakfast, they had rice balls, but for lunch, the main dish was bread. The first thing that caught their eye was the salad. Finely shredded carrots and radishes were marinated and served in a small white bowl, the slightly sweet and sour dressing was enough to stimulate the appetite. Thinly sliced French bread was served with green and yellow pastes. There were also thinly sliced ham and a small, palm-sized omelet stuffed with plenty of ingredients. The golden oil-fried black shells were filled with meat.

Once they started eating, they couldn't stop. Of course, it was more than they could finish. However, the well-spiced dishes were delicious even when cold, and they wanted to taste each type, even if just a bite.

Satisfied, they drank the prepared drink.

"It smells like grapefruit. Maybe it's just the peel steeped in water?"

"It's not sweet, but refreshing. Have we had this before somewhere?"

"Before bed last night."

"Oh, right."

There are some things we don't need to remember. The sky is still blue. Maki said,

"What should we do from now on?"

"Even if we become automatic magic stone producers, I want to work eventually."

"True."

"But if our basic needs are secured, let's do what we want first. I think spending money is also a kind of work."

Chiharu replied. We don't have to start a big business, but we should use the savings we've accumulated effectively.

"I want to go to the country of Rush."

"Zainus, right?"

"Yes. Are they all like Zainus? Are there any felines? Pandas?"

"I don't think they're that diverse."

"And they mentioned a magic stone train."

"That sounds great! I bet they have in-train sales."

"Sure, sure. It's old-fashioned. They'll probably come around selling tea in something other than plastic bottles and sandwiches."

"Maybe in earthenware."

"Throw it out the window when you're done?"

"Or sell local specialties at each station."

"Or bento boxes."

The two of them were completely absorbed in planning their trip.

"What about Airis's country?"

"She's an elf. They live in the forest."

"I read somewhere that their main food is thin cookies, and they don't eat meat."

"They're all good with bows and arrows."

"If they don't eat meat, why do they use bows and arrows?"

"Not eating meat isn't a given."

"To travel, we need to learn more about this world first."

"Starting with studying, I guess."

They talked about various things until Sera called them.

That night, Edwy was already preparing to rest.

"I didn't ask her age, but she's probably around the same. She seemed mature, so she might be a bit older."

The palace has portraits of the saints from generation to generation. Black hair and black eyes, which are not found in the Sun Realm. A small, delicate build. The saint I admired as a child was there, just as I remembered. Specifically, Chiharu.

Of course, Maki is also beautiful. But the contrast between the fainting and the subsequent practical appearance after Airis took the lead was striking.

Of course, as the next king, I am prepared to protect the people. But I also want to protect Chiharu... Edwy was thinking about something that Chiharu would turn around and leave if she heard. At that moment,

"Edwy, can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Airis, Zainus, it's unusual for you to come at this hour."

His older friend had come to invite him.

"Where to?"

"Come on."

They headed to the saint's room. There were two guards, Sera, and the king and Guld at the door.

"Even Father."

The king signaled for silence. Quietly. What's going on?

This room is a regular guest room with no living room. Therefore, just beyond this door, Chiharu is there. Of course, Maki is there too.

Suppressing the slight flutter in his chest, he quietly approached the others. Then he was startled.

From the other side of the door, he could hear sobbing. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but the two of them were taking turns talking and crying. Edwy looked at Airis and Zainus, and the two nodded at him. Don't be fooled by their outward appearance. That's what it means.

They spent a prayer-like time together until they could no longer hear anything.

At least, may the darkness be kind to the two of them.