Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 161

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 161 – His Desperation

With Sylvird’s words, Warren dispatched the Ishtalika battleships.

The harbor was abuzz as the battleships suddenly returned home.

It was early in the morning, and it was still a little dark, but there were many lights in the harbor.

By the way, the reason for the return was briefly communicated to Warren, but the amount of information was still minimal.

…Then came the long-awaited arrival of the battleships.

In order to get information as quickly as possible, Warren came to the harbor with the knights.

“Chris-dono. I apologize for the suddenness of this.”

“No, I think I’m the right person to check it out.”

Chris was brought in to confirm the existence of the mysterious creature.

The body had been frozen and brought in. However, in case of any problems, Chris was brought in because of her knowledge and skills.

Warren would have preferred to wait until things had calmed down a bit before coming to confirm the situation, but he also did not want to be left behind, so Warren and Chris went to see the creature.

“This is an unprecedented situation. According to Lili’s report, it can’t be called a monster, but it’s not just an animal either. But it looks like an enlarged magic stone is embedded in it.”

Warren said, but even for Chris, who lived in Ishtalika, it was a surprising report.

“Yes. Normally, magic stones are only found in monsters or different races.”

“That’s right. So I came up with some hypotheses.”

As he said this, Warren coughed to clear his throat.

“The first is that it’s a new kind of creature. In that case, however, it would be a miraculous probability.”

“…It all seems like a dream story.”

Chris let out a wry smile.

“Haha, you’re right. And the other thing is that it’s an artificial creature. Apparently, red foxes can control monsters… so don’t you think it’s not surprising that such technology exists?”

The source of this information was an old book that Katima had bought.

In fact, it contained information about controlling monsters.

It was undoubtedly an unknown technology, but such a possibility could not be denied.

“I don’t want to think about it, but it makes sense…”

The ecology of the area would have to be studied by a specialized organization.

However, Warren’s hunch seemed correct.

“Looks like they’ve arrived. Well then, Chris-dono, I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

A ramp connected the fully docked battleship to the harbor.

Seeing this, Chris hurried to the ship.

Meanwhile, Warren waited quietly on the battleship where Lili disembarked.

“…Oh my goodness, you’re really here.”

He couldn’t believe it until he saw them, but the two people walking behind Lili were Elena and Tigre.

Even Warren hadn’t expected to see their faces like this after several days.

…There are many things he would like to say, but he’ll leave them for later.

“Your Excellency, I’m back.”

Lili, who had just stepped off the ramp, bowed to Warren.

“I’m glad you’re back. Now, I’d like to hear the details from both of you. Shall we change locations first?”

Elena had experienced the city of Magna, but even so, the scale of the royal capital was far superior.

In other words, she had a similar reaction to Tigre, who was still in shock beside her.

Warren saw the two of them and smiled happily, pointing to a carriage waiting nearby.

＊＊＊

“I see. That’s what happened.”

The four of them got into the carriage and told Warren about what they had discussed on the battleship.

They told him about the strange happenings with the Heim royal family, as well as about the Bruno and Roundheart families and Ed.

The content of this conversation was so surprising that even Warren had trouble keeping his expression from showing.

“Lili, that story was too much for you to decide on your own, but judging by the results, it was a good job.”

“Ha.”

The information they were able to obtain and the fact that they were able to protect Elena and Tigre’s lives was something they could use somewhere in the future.

Even considering these advantages, it was not a bad story at all.

Lili’s relief and joy at Warren’s agreement was obvious.

“I’m sorry. I said this in our meeting the other day, but I know you won’t believe what I’m saying. But I will definitely pay my respects once the excitement dies down.”

Tigre bowed, and Elena followed.

“We will discuss that later. Right now, there are too many things to think about and decide. This is not the time to talk about such things.”

After a few seconds, Warren spoke again.

“For example, proof that you two have not been kidnapped by us. We would like you to sign something to that effect. Is that okay?”

“…Of course.”

“Yes, I agree.”

This was the same story that Lili had told them on the ship.

At least they wanted to avoid situations that could cause trouble later.

Tigre was more reliable than before, but considering Ralph’s situation, they wanted to be extra careful.

Then, as if he wanted to change this oppressive situation, Warren started another conversation.

“Still, I never thought we’d see each other again so soon.”

With a smile on his face, Warren spoke to them, and the feeling of intimidation he had during the meeting seemed to have completely disappeared.

“Y-yeah. I never thought it would turn into such an uproar either.”

“We were surprised as well. But still, Elena-dono is as expected. How did you come to this conclusion?”

“It was a coincidence. I just happened to remember the message.”

“That’s not all. Your subsequent decisions were also the best, as you didn’t deal with the Roundheart or Bruno families.”

Elena seems embarrassed at being praised a little too much and makes a gesture of lightly scratching her cheek with her finger.

“Prince Tigre’s actions have also paid off. I’m sure the cooperation between the two of you led to a good result.”

“…M-me?”

“Yes. Actually, I’ve been admiring Prince Tigre’s energy and drive for a while now.”

“…Don’t flatter me.”

Tigre turns away, thinking the flattery is obvious.

“To be honest, I could see that you still have some young parts in your thinking. But that does not mean that it is all humiliating.”

The two of them couldn’t understand the true meaning of Warren’s words.

They had no idea what the advantage was of flattering someone like that.

Elena, who was a little worried, asked him about something that was bothering her.

“――By the way, Warren-dono. Can I ask you something?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“We are in a situation where diplomatic relations have been severed. There must be a clause that prohibits such dialogue, but what will happen in this case?”

“There is no need to worry. We are not that cruel, so please rest assured that we will not attack Heim in light of the current situation.”

Hearing Warren’s words, she let out a sigh of relief.

“I am sorry. Thank you again.”

Warren was surprised when Tigre immediately expressed his gratitude.

“Hmm… Prince Tigre seems a little less spirited than the day we met in Euro or the other day at the meeting.”

He decided to ask him directly.

He could have been more indirect, but they would soon arrive at the castle.

With that in mind, Warren chose his words carefully as he asked the question.

“Haha… that’s a pretty direct way to ask.”

“I thought it would be better for Prince Tigre if I did.”

“Well, that’s fine… As a token of my gratitude for your help, is it okay if I tell you this much?”

With a resigned look on his face, he raised his hand, and Tigre looked into Warren’s eyes and opened his mouth.

“I have had the opportunity to be frightened on several occasions recently. The meeting the other day was one of them, but the most significant was this morning… or rather yesterday morning.”

“Is that the situation where you couldn’t tell a friend from a foe that you mentioned earlier?”

“Yes. And when I heard that my father was also involved, I felt a lot of emotions. At that time, I had forgotten my brother’s death and was desperately trying to survive.”

As he says this, as if hating himself, he presses his hands to his eyes.

“Even my own room, where I had lived until then, felt like another world. Then strangely enough, for some reason, I was able to think about things calmly. Perhaps my whole body had become desperate as a result of thinking about the possibility of death.”

“Hmm…”

“All that remained in my mind was the thought of how to stay safe. I had already lost any sense of shame or self-respect, and I fled to Euro.”

It could be a survival instinct.

But whatever the content, Tigre was able to prove the fact that the results of his actions were connected.

“I thought I would choose my words carefully to protect my pride, but it seems I can’t do that anymore. I’m sure I’ve become afraid to stay in Heim.”

It must have been a terrible fear.

The fact that his brother’s death had implicated Grint and the nobles around him and that his father might have been involved as well.

It’s no wonder that his previous sense of normalcy collapsed all at once, and he felt as if the world had changed.

The feeling that it could happen to him next must-have gradually grown stronger.

“I know I shouldn’t say this, but I think I was also hoping for Elena’s help.”

“By ‘Elena-dono’s help,’ do you mean Krone-dono’s help?”

“Ah, yes. Even in the darkness, the strength of the country of Ishtalika did not waver. Perhaps I could rely on this connection and receive help. I guess I had such a foolish thought.”

A single drop of water trickled down the edge of Tigre’s hand, which covered his eyes.

As he spoke honestly about what was in his heart, he cried from his own shame.

“A-after doing such a terrible thing, I rely on other people and the bonds of my subordinate. Isn’t that the most pathetic story of all? I only believe in things that are convenient for me… I’m sure I’ll be saved! I only felt such shallow emotions…!”

He tried to maintain a resolute attitude, but it gradually began to crumble.

Like a child crying and shaking with fear, Tigre’s voice changed to a weak, trembling tone.

“What a human way to speak.”

What Warren sensed was the humanity of the man named Tigre.

The complex emotions of using one’s wits to survive, suffering the bitterness of it, and ultimately hating oneself.

In a way, these were words that revealed Tigre’s immature humanity.

“…Even though I’m a royalty, I’ve abandoned my country. What I’m doing is even worse than what I said to Elena, which was like denouncing my father. How despicable I am… I protected myself instead of my country, and I crossed the sea relying on the connections of my subordinate…”

“However, Prince Tigre. In that case, I have a question for you.”

“…Ah, what is it?”

Tigre replied, his voice slightly hoarse as he hid his eyes.

“You used your subordinates and abandoned your duties as a member of the royal family. And even though you were shamed for finding hope in an enemy nation, you still wanted to live. Is that what you mean?”

It was a despicable characterization, but what Warren had said was true.

When Tigre heard those words, he shook his body violently for a moment, but then, with a trembling mouth, he took a breath and spoke his feelings.

“Yes…! Even though I was such a despicable person, I wanted to escape my fears and live!”

This must have been an emotion he had been carrying since he left Heim for Euro.

After Tigre had expressed all this, he let out a small sob and began to cry even more.

“A mere pinch of courage in an immature vessel…”

Warren’s heart was moved by Tigre’s lack of balance.

Tigre, the owner of a vessel that was extremely fragile and had stopped growing, had expressed so many emotions and shown his courage in facing Euro.

…The complex, unattractive, timid existence of Tigre himself seemed somehow pitiful.

If only the times, his parents, and his environment had been different, he might have become a great king.

This made Warren think about such things.

Therefore, Warren decided to tell him honestly about the future.

“Prince Tigre, as you may know, there are those who hate the Heim royal family so much that they want to take their heads.”

When he heard this, Tigre visibly trembled. Elena also leaned forward to say something, but Warren’s hand stopped her.

Then, feeling sorry for her, Warren spoke quickly.

“But we are a civilized country. If Prince Tigre does not harm us anymore, we will not harm you. If you behave normally, we will guarantee your safety.”

There were probably many people in Ishtalika who thought that he was being naive.

However, at the moment, Warren had no desire to harm him.

Even though there was nothing to believe in Tigre’s words in the past, the words he had just spoken were mixed with a desperate emotion that made Warren want to believe him.

Perhaps throwing away his pride and dignity and showing his tears like this was the greatest punishment for Tigre so far.

After all, Tigre was not the prince here but a young man who had not yet grown up.

＊＊＊

“Hey, hey, over here! You, you crybaby prince!”

“W-wha… Y-you bastard! You’ve been saying whatever you want since last night! Hey, wait!”

Tigre’s eyes are swollen and slightly red, but he seems to have regained some of his energy.

――When they arrived at the castle, everyone had to separate.

Tigre had to sign some documents, so he had to leave Elena for a while.

Lili was supposed to show him around, and she teased him as she went ahead, and Tigre followed her.

“Warren-dono, did you put Lili in charge of His Highness as a sign of your concern for him?”

“Oh, you noticed that, huh?

“…You must have done it to make sure His Highness would not be worried, right?”

“Hahaha… Even this old body has some kindness in it.”

Lili must have understood his intentions.

The words she had just said to the prince were extremely rude, but Tigre seemed to feel comfortable with them.

Maybe that was only possible because it was Lili.

“Ignorance and bad upbringing can sometimes be a sin. For this time, please pretend that we, Ishtalikan, or rather His Highness the Crown Prince, have some leeway to show mercy. Besides, there are circumstances like the assassination.”

Warren described Tigre’s life in the Heim royal family as a bad upbringing.

Elena doesn’t pursue the matter further, as she probably knows what he’s talking about.

“…I’m grateful to Ishtalika and His Highness the Crown Prince for his mercy.”

How many times has that happened?

Warren was so dumbfounded by his own naivety that he couldn’t even understand it.

But if he were to make an excuse, he couldn’t help but feel that he couldn’t be the only one to blame since Sylvird and the others had similar personalities.

“Besides, it’s true that this is good information. We might be able to track down our fated enemy as well.”

“Fated enemy…?”

Come to think of it, Elena did not know why Ishtalika was so interested.

But when she heard the words “fated enemy,” she wondered if she should casually ask about it.

…While she was hesitating, Warren spoke up about something new.

“Well, I should get ready as well. It would be bad to keep Prince Tigre waiting.”

“I see. Where should I wait then?”

“That’s right… Please wait here for a moment. I will bring someone to show you the way.”

After saying that, Warren slowly walked off somewhere.

Elena had not expected to be left alone like this, so she was quite surprised.

…But after a short while, a small woman approached Elena.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I am the first-class maid of the castle. My name is Martha.”

After briefly introducing herself, Martha turned around.

“Please follow me. I will show you to a room where you can rest, Elena-sama. “

“Uh, yes. Thank you…”

The petite woman introduced herself as a first-class maid.

That meant she was also a person of some importance.

Elena thought about this as she walked behind Martha, who had already started walking.

＊＊＊

“Please wait here for a moment.”

Outside the room they’d arrived at, Martha said this and left.

Elena thought she’d be shown inside, but she never imagined she’d be left here.

She wondered if she should open the door herself, but she’d been told to wait in this room, so she obediently went inside.

After calming down, Elena put her hand on the door.

“…Yes.”

There was nothing strange in the room; it was a normal room. By normal, she meant that there were no tricks.

The room was still shrouded in a thin layer of darkness, although the morning sun was beginning to rise.

However, the large desk in the back and the neatly arranged piles of documents and books showed that this was an office, and the interior design gave a good indication of the personality of the person who used it.

“I think I’ll sit down first.”

Elena slowly made her way to the sofa in the middle of the room.

But everywhere she looked, she saw nothing but furniture that made her sigh in admiration.

The carpet brought a unique sense of happiness unlike anything she had experienced before, and the walls, floor, and even the single pane of glass in the window made her feel a great difference in civilization.

“I never thought I’d come to the castle of Ishtalika in just one day…”

At this time yesterday.

Elena remembered that she was busy with work in Heim castle.

And yet she had arrived at the castle where the king lived, not to mention the enemy’s homeland.

You really never knew what life would bring.

“Suuu…suuu…”

――And then it happened.

Elena, who had approached the sofa, heard regular breathing coming from her ear.

Warren and the others didn’t seem to know, but had someone else been here before her?

Thinking about it, she was about to leave the room, but the atmosphere somehow reminded her of something.

“…Could it be that this room…”

Elena looked fearfully at the figure of the person snoring in the room.

And her prediction was right.

“Mmm…nnn…”

The woman lay on the sofa and slept.

Elena not only recognized the woman but also had many similarities with her.

“Haa. I never thought that Warren-dono would play such a trick on me.”

She was so nervous.

With a light sigh, Elena sat down next to the woman.

She sat down slowly so as not to wake her.

“You’ll catch a cold.”

She took off the cloak she was wearing and draped it over the sleeping woman’s back.

“I guess she’s taking a nap after work. I can’t believe we’re mother and daughter at this point.”

The one sleeping was Krone.

In other words, this was the office of the Crown Prince’s Assistant, Krone.

I see; this is the perfect place to relieve my tension, Elena said.

She couldn’t deny that Warren had a mischievous side, but she still appreciated this consideration.

Then Krone, who had been using her arm as a pillow, moved her body as if she was having trouble sleeping.

“…Yes, yes. Come here.”

She let out a voice of exasperation and laid Krone’s head on her lap.

She seemed to like the way the sofa was sinking and the height of Elena’s thighs, and she lay there obediently.

“We used to do this a long time ago.”

Even though it was a long time ago, it was almost ten years ago.

It was when Krone lived in the Augusto mansion, and she was probably about six or seven years old.

Whenever she was tired from studying, or whenever she suddenly felt sleepy at night, Elena would sometimes lend her lap.

However, since Krone is now 18 years old, her body and appearance have grown a lot since then.

Her body has become more feminine, and her face has acquired the charm of an adult.

Even though it was her daughter, Elena was confident that Ain would not be able to resist her daughter’s appearance and body.

Elena was even jealous of her silky hair and smooth skin, but she was probably also influenced by Ishtalika’s technology.

…Thinking this, she decided to hide this feeling of jealousy.

“It’s a shame that I couldn’t see you grow up close, but if you’re happy, that’s the most important thing… surely.”

When she thought about it, she could only be grateful to Graff for being so devoted to his granddaughter.

He had taken such a bold action and risked so much to travel to Ishtalika via Euro.

There was no denying that Heim was dealt a heavy blow by Graff’s departure, but if it was for the sake of her daughter’s happiness, there was a certain amount of compromise that could be made.

――Knock, knock.

As Elena looked at Krone on her lap, there was a soft knock at the door.

She wondered if she should answer, but Elena replied in a low voice, “Yes.”

“Excuse me.”

And so Martha came in.

It seemed that she had prepared some tea, and as she walked over to the sofa, she began to make some warm tea.

“Excuse me, but is the other cup for Krone?”

What was strange was that there were two cups.

However, considering that this was Krone’s office, it wasn’t particularly strange.

“No, it seems that Krone-sama is resting, so this is for someone else.”

“Someone else…?”

Who could it be?

Just as Elena was thinking this, there was another knock in the room.

“Ah… um…”

“Is it okay?”

When Martha spoke so softly, Elena naturally nodded her head.

She didn’t know what to answer, but Martha spoke for her.

“Please come in.”

Who on earth was coming?

She waited with a nervous expression on her face, but the person who came radiated gentleness.

“Good evening. …Oh, is it morning already? It’s been a while since we last spoke, hasn’t it, Elena-san?”

“C-Crown Prince――”

She panicked and almost stood up, but Ain held her back with his hand.

“It’s okay. Krone will wake up, so please just sit there.”

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