Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 112

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Enjoy~

ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 112 – Goddess of the Audience Room

It took about half a month for Ain to realize his condition.

The day after he realized that, he missed school for the first time. He was so fed up with his disorganized mental situation that he faked an illness for the first time.

It was a big deal for Ain to be absent due to illness, and there was a slight commotion in the castle. Ain did not want to make a big deal out of it, so he stubbornly insisted that he was fine. The day off was over after only one day, but still, Ain was not as energetic as usual.

At first glance, he looked the same as always, but it was only natural that the people in the castle, who had been watching Ain since he was a child, would notice something unusual about him.

“Well then, Krone. Good work today.”

“Yes… Um… Ain?”

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

After the work was done, Ain and Krone looked as usual from the outside. But Krone also noticed something unusual about Ain.

They had already eaten and finished their work for the evening. Ain made sure his work was done and quietly took his seat.

“Um… you’re not overdoing it, are you…?”

“Oh, even Krone said that… I’m fine, I’m just a bit tired these days, that’s all.”

“I-I see… Really? Are you okay?”

Seeing Krone, who keeps asking how Ain is doing, Ain is also filled with a feeling of apology in his heart. He is glad that she notices him like that, but he deeply apologizes for not being able to get into the right frame of mind.

“I’ve recovered a lot after a day’s rest, so I’ll tell you if things get tight again. So, you know, I’m really okay.”

Ain was definitely hiding something; Krone was sure of it. But Ain was also strong-willed, and since she could not force him to ask if that was the case, Krone decided to quietly watch over him.

“…I have work to do, so I’ll be staying at the castle for a while. So… if you need anything, let me know right away, okay?”

“Hmm. I see, then I’ll probably go even if I have nothing to do, but I’ll make sure to pick you up.”

“Fufu… I understand. I’ll wait for you whenever you come.”

Ain looked like he was pushing himself too hard, but he said that and left Krone’s office.

Krone sighed deeply, wondering what was wrong.

——Knock, knock.

“Eh? …Y-yes, please come in.”

Shortly after Ain left, Krone was startled by a knock at her office and answered the visitor.

“I’m sorry, Krone-san. Um… It’s me. Chris.”

“Ch-Chris-san? …A-anyway, please come in. Please come in…”

The visitor was Chris, which was unusual. When she heard Krone’s reply, she rushed inside.

“Sorry for the suddenness. Um… I was waiting outside for the right moment…”

“Could it be that you were waiting for Ain to leave?”

“Y-yes. Actually, yes.”

Chris’ topic was also about Ain. However, Krone was a little grateful because she had few people she could talk to about Ain’s problems, and these days, she was always hesitating about what to do.

“What has he been up to lately… Right?”

She asked Chris as she prepared tea for her. Chris, who was sitting on the sofa, opened her mouth and immediately agreed.

“Yes. I want to talk about Ain-sama’s recent situation.”

“As I thought. I was worried about it, too, so I was very happy that you came to see me.”

Krone smiling softly and Chris sitting on the sofa were both beautiful. However, their state of mind was not so peaceful.

“…Today I received an order from His Majesty.”

“An order, is it?”

“Yes. The content of the order is… to keep an eye on Ain-sama’s appearance so that “just in case” doesn’t happen. Oh… I’m switching to Dill now and leaving him in charge for a while.”

Sylvird was also worried. Also, that “just in case” was about the worry that he might disappear like the first prince…

“His Majesty said that Ain-sama might be worried about his future…”

“His future… Does that mean after he becomes king?”

“I think that’s what he meant. …To put it bluntly, it’s a concern we don’t understand.”

Krone agreed. Being a king was not an easy thing. There were many things to think about, and it was a special position for a person. It was only natural that he would have his own concerns and thoughts.

“That is why I have come to you, Krone-san, with a request.”

“…A request for me, you say?”

Chris put her hand on her right breast and took a deep breath. She repeated it a few times and then said the request to Krone-san.

“Krone-san can only do what Krone-san can do. I want you to support Ain-sama with what only you can do in your position. And I will… do what I can in my position. I will put it into words and convey it to Ain-sama.”

“What only I can do…”

“Yes. I’ve decided that I’m ready, and I’m going to tell Ain-sama what I’m going to do.”

Work your brain hard and think about what you can do. As an assistant, she has supported Ain, but what more can she do?

“…Krone-san is a very special woman. Although you are an assistant, you are also very involved in his personal life, and you are the only woman who has a deep bond with Ain-sama. …There are things you can do, because that is what Krone-san does. Not just as an assistant, but because of the woman you are.”

There were things she could do, not as an assistant, but as a woman. Chris said to Krone.

“…Is that what you mean?”

“I’m saying that myself, but I understand that it’s also difficult… I’m sorry for throwing things at you…”

Chris, who had been a beautiful woman with a dignified expression, now looked confused as she held her head in her hands. She looked so cute that Krone put her hand over her mouth and smiled softly.

“Fufu… Hey Chris-san. You were so dignified a moment ago, but now you look so adorable, you know?”

“…U-uh… please don’t tease me!”

Chris, his face slightly upturned, was adorable. As if her worries of a while ago had been solved, Krone was able to refresh her mind easily.

It was probably thanks to Chris.

“It’s time for me to go back! I can’t leave it to Dill all the time.”

“Yes, I understand. Thank you… Chris-san!”

“No, I don’t mind. Please don’t worry about it.”

She had Dill take over for her, but she wanted to return soon and take care of Ain herself. Chris agreed and got up from the sofa.

“Well, I’d better get back. Sorry for my abruptness.”

“No, thank you for your help, Chris-san.”

‘I guess she really was saved.’ Krone looked at Chris with such a relieved face. Chris confirmed it, then turned and went to the door of the office.

“…But Krone-san. I envy you.”

Chris left the room with a clang and the sound of the door opening.

She had intended to mumble so that Krone would not hear her, but unfortunately, her mumbling eventually reached her.

“Huh… Ain is so popular, isn’t he? He’s even able to have such a wonderful girl like Chris like him so much.”

Krone smiled and said this in a joking tone.

＊＊＊

Even the next day, Ain remained depressed, but it was indeed not a good idea. …He was still worried about it. He just went to the academy as usual, and when he returned to the castle, he would do his work as usual. …It was true that he repeated this process, but it was obvious that he was not in his best form. The problem was that everyone knew about it.

“That’s why I’m here. What do you think?”

“Kyuu?”

“Nom, nom, nom, nom!”

One day later, in the morning.

Ain was playing with the twins on the dock in the harbor. He asked the twins what they thought of him, the man who killed their parents. …It was an act that might be morally problematic, but for the twins, there was no problem because Ain was their parent.

“You have grown so big, you know. …I feel like you could invade a port city on the other side of the ocean by yourself.”

He was looking in Heim’s direction. Although he didn’t really mean it, he was tempted to say something twisted like that. After all, the name of that port city was Roundheart.

“Kyuu…”

“Nom, nom, nom, nom!”

Older sister El looked at Ain worriedly, but younger brother Al simply devoured the fish Ain brought him. Ain was amused by the scene and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Kyuuuuu!”

“Kyuuu!”

She made a loud noise and slapped her brother’s head with her proud fins. Then Al looked at his sister in surprise. These were the monsters who were supposed to be the kings of the sea, and they treated the Kraken like a toy, so you didn’t really know what the world was like.

“El? It’s okay, it’s okay. Al was probably hungry too, so I don’t mind.”

“Kyuuu…”

“Yes, yes. Good girl, good girl…”

How long do you think they were? If you extended the neck and tail, they were thought to be 20 meters long by now. Lately, they have been growing faster and faster and were no longer seen at the castle’s watering hole. Perhaps something would be done about it. However, considering the future size of the sea dragons, it would be difficult for them to come to the castle.

“Good, good.”

El laid her head on the dock, and Ain stroked the tip of her nose gently. Al seemed to think about what to do and circled around them.

…Just as he was thinking about it, he suddenly began to dive and soon disappeared from sight.

“H-huh? Al went away…”

“Kyuuu…”

El felt comfortable being stroked by her father, and Al’s condition was completely out of sight. She closed her eyes and silently enjoyed the feel of Ain’s hands on her.

“I thought it would take you a hundred years to grow up, but I guess it’s just a matter of nourishment…”

Much nourishment was still provided by Katima. If the twin sea dragons continue to absorb the strength of the land monsters and continue to grow at this rate, they may double the size of the sea dragons that have been identified so far.

If that happened, they would truly become the guardian deities of the continent.

——Splash!

As he was thinking this, the surface of the water suddenly shook, and Al, who should have been underwater, appeared out of it.

“Kyuu… kyuuuu!”

“W-what happened all of a sudden… What’s that in your mouth?”

With a thud, a hard, heavy object was placed next to Ain. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, Al put his face on it like El.

“…Were you worried about me and looked for me? Hahaha… thank you Al. It helped.

A large chunk of sea crystal, about 40cm in diameter, must have come all the way here to look for it. Ain and the others will feel happy if he brings them sea crystals, and since he understood that, Ain will be happy, too! With this thought, he dove into the sea.

“Hafuu…”

He let out a happy breath and began to enjoy Ain’s hands as much as his sister. This way, he was really just a pet and not a monster that would turn out to be a national disaster. For Ain, however, he aws like a cute little child from the very beginning.

“Alright, alright…”

After enjoying the time with the twins for a while, Ain finally returned to the castle in the late evening.

＊＊＊

“I can’t sleep.”

After returning to the castle, he ate and did some work in his room. Ain tried not to think about anything and just did that in silence.

Later that night, he spent about two hours in bed. Occasionally, he would get sleepy, but it would only last a few minutes, and then he would wake up immediately. After repeating this over and over again, Ain finally could not fall asleep even at midnight.

Only moonlight shone in the dark room, and many things came to his mind when he remained silent.

I’ll apologize to Krone next time. I’m sorry for worrying her… was what Ain said in his mind.

It was obvious that she was aware of it, and Ain knew it and took advantage of her kindness. But there were other people to apologize to besides Krone…

“Alright…”

He got up from the bed and went to the teapot on the table. There was still some tea inside, so he poured it into a cup.

He took a sip, moistened his mouth, and exhaled with a huff.

“I think I’ll go for a little walk… well, inside the castle.”

Let’s get a change of scenery. So he decided to take a walk in the castle.

He took off his pajamas, grabbed a shirt and pants that were nearby, and put them on. He was dressed too roughly, but it didn’t matter at this point. No one would see him.

“Okay. Where shall I go…?”

Thinking about where to go, a place suddenly came to mind. …It was usually not a good place to go at a time like this, but Ain, in a special tension like this, decided to go there without worrying about it.

“Okay, let’s go. The destination is…”

＊＊＊

“I was a little scared. My usual self probably wouldn’t have made it.”

The sound of the soles of his shoes hitting the floor echoed as he walked down the unlit corridor. After a while, Ain reached the place he was looking for.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is visiting…”

With a creaking sound of wood, the doors of the audience room open to the left and right.

“Well, I don’t have to open them myself…”

Despite the fact that he said “visit,” the reality was that it’s all manual. It was a story that could not be tightened in any way, but perhaps it could not be helped for today.

Then, the audience room was shrouded in darkness, and not a single person was present. The thick carpet prevents the sound of Ain’s footsteps from echoing. However, as he continued on his way, he gradually approached the king’s throne. Ain’s eyes are fixed on it.

“Only the king can sit on the throne…”

In other words, it was a seat that only Sylvird is allowed to sit on, and it was the seat that Ain would sit on in the future.

As Ain approached it, he stopped at the line where the audience stopped.

“…..”

He just stared at the throne without thinking. While doing so, many thoughts came to his mind, but it was strange that he was in a somewhat calm state all the time.

“…I wonder who made this throne…”

It was a question that came to his mind. What kind of craftsman would make the throne, and how old would it be? The current Ain had plenty of time to ask such questions. He did not ask anyone but just muttered a small question. That was Ain’s intention, but then he heard an unexpected voice behind him.

“The throne is created when a new king ascends the throne. Therefore, only one person can sit on the throne, even during his lifetime. The throne that Ain-sama will sit on will be different. The craftsman will be chosen at that time.”

“…Thanks for the explanation. Chris.”

He answered without looking back. He had no idea how long she had been nearby, but she must have noticed as soon as Ain had left the room. The usual Ain might have noticed her presence, but today’s Ain did not feel it for a moment.

“But, Ain-sama. As expected, this place is not good for a walk…”

“Just let it go today, okay?”

“…Well, what are you going to do now?”

After a small laugh, Chris gave Ain a teasing look. Chris was in such a rare appearance that even Ain was taken aback for a moment. But Ain, defeated by his own words, thought for a moment and opened his mouth to tease her back.

“If you don’t let me go, I’ll absorb your magic stone like I used to, you know?”

He said this as a joke with a laugh. Normally, Chris would have laughed at this joke, but just today, Ain didn’t get that response.

…Did I fail? The first thing that comes to his mind is that he is worried.

“…Yes, you can absorb it. That’s what I’m here for.”

“Uh… Wait, what are you talking about?”

When he turned around in surprise, Chris was standing right in front of him, not more than 30 centimeters away, and he could see each of her long eyelashes. From such a close distance, Chris stared into Ain’s eyes.

He thought back to last year. When he made Chris his exclusive escort, he once described her as being like a goddess.

…The figure of Chris, illuminated by the moonlight, had an inhuman beauty, just like a moon goddess.

Her eyes, the bridge of her nose, her mouth… and her curves. The beauty, so seamless in every way, stared back at him.

She, like Ain, was dressed a bit roughly, wearing a skirt-like knight’s outfit with a blouse over it.

“Like I said, you can absorb it. …That’s what I’m here for.”

“No, that’s not good. That could be life-threatening, and that is really too much of a joke.”

“Ain-sama? I wonder if it is intentional that you sometimes become insensitive…?”

“Insensitive…?”

Gently, she took Ain’s hand and wrapped both hands around it. Then she brought the hand to the front of her chest, quietly closed her eyes, and opened her mouth.

“I offer everything to Ain-sama. Will you accept it?”

“…..!”

When she finished, she opened her eyes and turned her sapphire blue eyes to Ain.

“I don’t understand… why did you do that?”

“It’s because I wanted to dedicate it to you. Or is it that you don’t want me, Ain-sama…?”

“No, no, no! It’s not a question of not wanting it or wanting it… Um, it’s not about that. I really care about Chris… but that’s…”

Ain, who looked nervous, continued his “slurred” excuse for a while. Chris enjoyed watching Ain for a while and then turned her gentle face to Ain.

“I’m ready. Do you remember…? The other day, the day Ain-sama came of age as a dryad. That morning, I told you to wait until I was ready.”

“I remember, but… that’s not the point.”

“You do remember, right? Thank you so much! I’m so happy.”

This is not good; I am losing to Chris’ pace, which is rare. Thinking this, Ain desperately tried to regain the initiative, but Chris was strong today. She smiled softly, but behind her smile, she was strong, like a thick core.

“This is the most precious thing I can offer. Therefore, I offer it to Ain-sama.”

“I told you, I won’t take it…”

His worries were gone, and all he could think about was what to do with this out-of-control Chris. He felt like a fool in the moonlit auditorium, wondering what he was doing in such a place.

“My magic stone is right here…”

She took both of Ain’s hands in hers. She takes Ain’s left hand from one of them and presses it to her own right breast.

She was only wearing a shirt. Underneath, Ain felt a slightly hard touch, which was probably Chris’s underwear. The soft touch and warmth of Chris’s hand began to transfer to the palm of Ain’s hand pressed against it.

Chris held Ain’s hand with her own two hands and pressed it firmly against her own breast. Then, her large, plump breasts begin to change shape in response to Ain’s hands.

“…W-what are you doing…!”

The situation and the tension made Ain unable to move his body.

Chris must be in a difficult situation as well, and when Ain looked at her expression, she just stared at Ain with an expression like a holy mother.

“Ain-sama, please calm down. …Can you understand this? Just like my heart, my magic stone is also beating repeatedly.”

Chris supports Ain’s hand and begins to stroke it gently. The tip of Ain’s hand was on Chris’ chest, and what she was doing was very bold. However, as Chris did this, Ain began to calm down and gradually began to notice what she called the heartbeat.

“…Yeah. It’s definitely beating…”

Hearing this, Chris mouthed the words, “Please feel a little more,” and began to gently stroke Ain’s hand.

She continued to stroke gently and lovingly, going from each finger to the wrist and then to near the elbow. Then, there was a quiet moment between them, so quiet that Chris can feel Ain’s pulse.

——After this time, which felt very long for both of them, Chris finally opens her mouth.

“…If you don’t want to absorb it, I will dedicate this to you.”

“Dedicate…?”

“Yes, I offer it to you. …Ain-sama, may I also place my hand on your right chest?”

“Mine? Yes, I don’t mind…”

“Yes. Thank you.”

With a happy smile on her face, Chris turns the hand she was caressing to Ain. It reached Ain’s breast in a leisurely motion.

“This is a ritual handed down to us, the old elves. It originally had a different meaning, but it means dedication… That’s why I decided to use this method this time.”

They both stood there with our hands on each other’s right chests. Chris started to talk about what it meant.

“We elves have a magic stone in our right chest. By touching it to each other, we show our utmost trust and affection for each other.”

“…I see.”

“Therefore, I swear it.”

Ain’s hand and Ain’s chest. Chris, who had been staring there for a long time, looked up and began to stare at Ain from the front. Heartbreakingly, Chris’ magic stone… felt as if its heartbeat had become louder.

“I will be with you in sickness and in pain, even if death awaits you on your way. I will be with you. Even when this life ends, my spirit will continue to be with you. Please remember that.”

She looked at Ain with moist eyes and gave him these words.

For a moment, he was drowned in the illusion that he wasn’t himself, but then a single tear rolled down his cheek.

“H-huh… Ain-sama! Are you okay? Why are you crying like that…?”

He didn’t know the reason himself. But when he felt his heart warm, the tears flowed spontaneously. Just a single drop of a single tear… it stopped there, but Ain certainly shed a tear.

“Uh… huh… How can I…”

“Pfft… H-hey Chris? I feel like you were a goddess and now you’re ruining it.”

“E-ehh…? B-because I can’t understand Ain-sama crying… Ugh!”

But for the first time in a long time, Ain felt refreshed. He could laugh from the bottom of his heart, and he could shout for joy from the bottom of his heart.

This was undoubtedly thanks to the moon goddess who was standing before him, stunned.

“Ahhhh. I’m starting to feel like a fool about a lot of things, but thanks to Chris, I’m cheered up. Thank you.”

In return, he patted Chris on the head. Then Chris said, “Hah,” and accepted it. If she had a tail, she would have swung it around at a very high speed.

“I think I’ll go back to my room. …Can I ask you to keep me company until I get sleepy?”

“Of course! I’ll do my best to help you…”

Chris looked shocked and thought about it. Then, she was convinced on her own and told Ain.

“Um… W-well, in that case, would you mind if I call one more person to come?”

“I don’t think anyone is awake at this hour, but… Well, who is it?”

It was unusual for Chris to say such things. Ain was curious about who on earth she was going to call.

“It’s Krone-san. I think she’s probably still awake, so I can call her… It’s okay, right?”

Oh, Krone, I see. But that is convenient because I was just about to apologize to her, Ain thought to himself. Besides, he should think of something to thank her for. With that in mind, Ain agreed with Chris.

“Yes, I understand. Then can I ask you to call her?”

“I understand! Then, um… I’ll send Ain-sama to your room first.”

The two of them then left the audience room, looking as happy as usual. Ain seemed to be feeling better after the troubles of the past few days, and for the first time in a long time, he showed a real smile on his face.

The two men in the small room at the back of the throne room seemed to confirm this as well, and both of them shouted softly with joy.

“Your Majesty. It’s a good thing we have Chris-dono as the exclusive advisor.”

“As it turns out, it looks like it was the right decision. There are still a lot of lumps in his heart, but I’m sure things will improve a bit.”

Sylvird and Lloyd happened to be having a pleasant conversation in the small room.

As they were doing so, Ain and Chris came into the audience room, and Sylvird and Lloyd quietly disappeared.

Ain would still be full of worry, but he must have felt reassured. His earlier attitude was proof of that.

“Being a king is full of emotions and worries. And many problems.”

“It is as you say…”

“But I have a thought.”

“…What do you mean?”

Sylvird’s expression was joyful but suddenly changed to one of confusion. Lloyd asked him what was wrong and corrected Sylvird on what was bothering him.

“What Chris did was that… I mean that thing, wasn’t it?”

He puts his hand to his forehead and sighs deeply. It was as if he was stunned, contemplative… or as if he was watching over them. He became the face of such an expression.

“…I understand what Your Majesty is saying. Is this what you mean?”

“U-umu. Ain did not understand the meaning, and Chris also seemed to use it as a different meaning. But still, she said she would give her all. So that means…”

“I think so. It is true that it is an old Elvish ritual and not many people know the ‘meaning’ of it.”

The two of them talked and thought back to Chris and Ain earlier. And they paid close attention to the ritual that had just taken place.

“He’s a pretty sloppy Crown Prince… Good grief.”