Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 241

I sincerely apologize for the lack of updates over the past few days. I had to attend to various RL matters. While I know this isn’t the appropriate place, I’m truly desperate to resolve this situation. I need money to cover my mother’s medical bills, so I’m reaching out to you all for assistance. If you donate via Ko-Fi or directly to my PayPal, I will fulfill your requests for chapters of novels such as “Hero or Demon King,” “Trading in a Different World,” and “Demonic Land.” Alternatively, you can request new titles that align with the themes of the novels I have already translated. Another option is to join my Patreon, which will give you access to extra chapters from your chosen novel or from all novels on my site. If you’re willing to help, I sincerely appreciate it. Thank you very much, and please enjoy this chapter.

ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 241 – After the First Day

If Chris had a tail.

It would have been common knowledge among the servants of the castle in the royal capital.

Besides, the second princess, Olivia, would also fit in there.

The commotion that made her happy—some time had passed since the commotion with the adventurers, and Ain was on his way to the Guild Master’s office.

When he got there, Chris showed her status card and was allowed to pass through the reception.

Once inside, they both took off their robes and revealed their appearance.

“I’m going to give these two a stern warning.”

“I’ve already punished them, so I don’t care what you do.”

What came to mind was the phrase “Reward the virtuous and punish the guilty” that his grandfather Sylvird had repeated so often.

If these two were to be punished, the fear they felt from Ain would be enough.

That was Ain’s answer.

“I am grateful for your special kindness. By the way, we were supposed to pay our respects to the Crown Prince tomorrow, but what happened?”

The guild master was an older man.

His short hair was neatly combed, and his mustache was trimmed like a nobleman’s.

He rolled up the sleeves of his pure white shirt, revealing his slender but muscular arms.

He asked Ain, who had suddenly appeared with a look of surprise.

“I came here in disguise because I wanted to see the streets of Strohm and the Guild as a commoner.”

“I see… Then we showed you our shameful side.”

Haha. Ain smiled ironically.

The commotion just now was partly due to Chris’ inappropriate reaction, but their behavior before that was not good either.

Furthermore, their behavior after that was problematic. Even though they were adventurers, many of whom were rough and ready, not everything could be overlooked.

“The adventurers I know are calm and composed adults.”

Ain hinted that he was referring to Majolica and Kaizer.

Then the guild master opened his mouth and said, “I’m sure the person His Royal Highness is referring to is a first-class adventurer. You know that looks are no proof of strength…”

To use an analogy, even roses were beautiful, but they had thorns.

It meant they didn’t make the mistake of picking a fight and getting hurt.

“…So you’re saying they don’t act recklessly?”

“That’s right. Moreover, their calmness and composure are probably the result of their own experiences in battle.”

The guild master wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief and shrugged as he replied to Ain.

His attitude was rather passive, but perhaps that was to be expected when dealing with the crown prince.

He narrowed his eyes and clenched his hand, which wasn’t holding the handkerchief.

“I myself traveled to many places as an adventurer in the past. Since then, I’ve come to believe that young adventurers are people who want to appear strong…”

(…Nothing has changed since the old days.)

Adventurers were generally stronger than ordinary citizens.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to work in areas where monsters roam.

But even they, who were so strong, were acting so boldly and showing such an attitude right now. This made Ain feel a bit sad.

“Depending on the branch of the guild, there are skilled adventurers who use them as their base. Then, the young adventurers tend to follow them…”

I see. Ain nodded in understanding.

In other words, the hierarchical relationship is followed to a certain extent.

The city of Strohm was still young. That was probably why there were no adventurers who acted as leaders.

Ain put his hand to his mouth and wondered what to do.

(In other words, it would be good if there was someone to act as a leader…)

He looked at Chris, wondering if she had any ideas.

But she just looked at Ain with a puzzled expression, as if to say, “What’s wrong?”

There was a certain cuteness to it, but it was not the answer Ain was looking for.

He concluded that he had received a small consolation.

“I’ll think about it. Would it be okay if I sent you my opinion on my behalf?”

“Eh, yes! Of course. I’m sorry to bother you…”

“It’s no trouble. As someone entrusted by His Majesty with the Strohm, it is my duty.”

Still, it’s difficult. Ain muttered to himself.

For a moment, he considered asking Kaizer and Majolica for help.

They had once been first-class adventurers, and their track record was impressive.

But they had already retired and had a new life. Considering that, he couldn’t ask them lightly.

The quickest solution would be for Ain to become the head of the adventuring guild.

Of course, that was out of the question.

He had just arrived in Strohm and was already faced with a problem.

“――Ain-sama. It’s about time.”

“Hmm? Ah, I see.”

Prompted by Chris standing behind him, Ain looked at the clock.

It was time to leave. Noticing the time, Ain slowly stood up.

The guild master also stood up quickly.

“Guild Master. I apologize for the sudden visit.”

“Not at all. I’ll call for a carriage right away.”

“No, that’s fine. We’ll take our time and enjoy the city on the way back.”

It was rare for a noble to walk around alone.

In Ain’s case, he was the crown prince. He was not comparable to other nobles, but his reaction surprised the guild master.

“In that case, Guild Master, please send a messenger to the mansion to report and communicate with His Highness the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince may visit again in the future, so we ask for your cooperation in that case.”

Chris explained how they would communicate in the future.

Meanwhile, Ain put on his robe and hid his head as he had done when he arrived.

“Understood. Then I will accompany you to the exit.”

“No, that’s not necessary. If the guild master sees us off, some people might look at us suspiciously.”

However, it was a little too late for that.

Ain had just knocked out two adventurers.

If they went out into the hall with the notice board, they would probably attract attention.

“It was helpful to hear your story today. I’ll get back to you some time.”

“H-ha! Please be careful on your way home!”

Chris also put on her robe and led Ain out of the room.

Then, the guild master who was left behind relaxed his body and sat down deeply in his chair.

No… Rather than relaxing, it was more like the power had been drained from him.

A few minutes after Ain and Chris had left, he was finally able to speak.

“Ha… hahaha… I see… So this man is the hero who defeated the Sea Dragon, the master of the Black Knights. The Crown Prince who overthrew Heim and is hailed as the reincarnation of His Majesty the First.”

As he spoke Ain’s alias, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and neck with a handkerchief.

Breathing rapidly, he swallowed the tea on the table.

Looking down at his hands, he noticed that they were trembling slightly as if trying to keep up with his breathing.

“I’ve been through many trials and tribulations… I used to have that kind of pride.”

That pride was now gone.

Looking at Ain, who was much younger than him, he felt the difference in their status as living beings.

It was probably because Ain had just intimidated the adventurers. The remnants of that intimidation remained on Ain, and the guild master could feel it.

He didn’t feel intimidated on purpose. In other words, it was proof that the guild master had felt his power on his own.

“That man will bring a new wind to Ishtalika.”

◇ ◇ ◇

Compared to when they left the villa, the sun had completely set.

Street lamps elegantly lit the streets, and the restaurants began to bustle with activity.

“Ain-sama. Ain-sama.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

Inside, the Guild Master was slumped over, exhausted.

Ain and Chris had left the guild and were on their way home.

At that moment, Chris spoke to Ain.

“When you talked to the guild master, why did you turn to me?”

“At that time, I was asking Chris for a good idea.”

Finally, he remembered that what Chris had given him was healing.

“U-um… It’s late, isn’t it?”

“It’s not late.”

After all, he was still looking for a solution to the problem.

“I think the best thing to do now is to go on patrol.”

“What do you mean? Like what?”

“Not only the Royal Knights but also the Black Knights are at the mansion, so I think it would be most effective if they went.”

I see. Ain nodded deeply.

Ordinary adventures were no match for the Royal Knights and the Black Knights.

If they were to see their armor, even adventurers would think twice before acting rashly.

“That’s a good idea.”

“Th-Thank you… Yay…”

Using an easy-to-understand onomatopoeia, Chris showed a gentle smile.

It was obvious that she was in a good mood because of the praise.

“Let’s talk to Krone-san about this as soon as we get back!”

Chris walked lightly in front of Ain.

She took a step forward, causing her robe to sway wildly.

Then…

“W-whoa… That was close…!”

The wind blew, and her hood fluttered up.

As a result, her golden hair, which had been hidden inside, spread out in the wind, revealing her face for a moment.

She didn’t really care if anyone saw her now, but since she had gone to so much trouble to hide it, she felt a little embarrassed.

“I-it was a close call…”

“No, I think it was cut in half.”

“…Don’t be mean.”

Since she had exposed the inside of the hood, there was no “thin layer of skin” left.

She answered honestly, but Chris pursed her lips in a sulky way.

Her wet lips were seductive, and her golden hair accentuated her nobility.

(She is a princess, after all.)

With a half-smile, Ain looked at Chris and then up at the night sky over Strohm.

He wondered what they would have for dinner on his first night in the mansion. As always, he found himself thinking about food.

If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!