Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 258

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 258 – It’s About Time I Became a Bad Girl

The investigation team that went to Heim concluded their investigation, with Batz and Leonard at the center and Tigre joining them on site.

After completing their preliminary investigation of the mysterious ruins, the team set off on their return journey along the same route they had taken there.

In Ishtalika, water trains were the primary means of long-distance travel.

However, since there were no water trains in Heim, it was clear that the journey back would take all day by horse.

The three of them were exhausted from the unusual journey, but they discovered that traveling with friends made a mission surprisingly easy.

Two days after returning to the port town of Roundheart,

After completing their various tasks and negotiations, Batz and Leonard began their journey home.

“What? That second wife was in Rockdam?”

“That’s what I heard… But information control is strict these days. I don’t think it’s possible to cross the sea.”

“I don’t understand what’s going on, but if she goes to Ishtalika, a lot of people will want to cut off her head.”

Batz’s expression was complex as he spoke with Tigre, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The two looked at each other, their expressions hardening as they wondered what to do.

“As Ain’s companion, don’t you want to be the one to cut off her head?”

Tigre laughed lightly.

He was handsome enough that even such a small gesture looked good on him.

Batz also sensed a different kind of royalty in Tigre that he didn’t sense in Ain.

However,

“How could I say that, you idiot? That story is over. Ain has moved on, so why should we keep dwelling on it like fools?”

“Well, I have mixed feelings about it. For now, we’ll continue the investigation. If anything happens, I’ll let Warren-sama know.”

Originally, Tigre and Ain were enemies.

Now, he was an ally, friend, and subordinate, but he hadn’t completely let go of the past.

Looking uncomfortable, he smiled shyly and gazed out at the sea.

“Yeah, please do.”

An autumn breeze blew through the early-morning port town of Roundheart.

The sea’s color, different from that of Magna, made it clear that this was not Ishtalika.

Bathed in the morning sun rising above the horizon, the two felt reluctant to leave.

“You… When are you coming to visit next?”

“I’m supposed to go in two weeks. I have a busy schedule of meetings with Warren-sama.”

It must be about this matter.

Warren is usually busy, but he’s making careful preparations for this trip.

“I have to negotiate with many people, including artists and carpenters, before then.”

“That’s tough.”

“Batz, when you return to Strohm, you’ll be assigned to that investigation, right?”

“Haha, you’re jealous, aren’t you?”

“…Unfortunately, I’m not cut out for physical labor.”

“Damn, you’re no fun. Hey.”

However, the lighthearted exchange was coming to an end.

Leonard approached the two and spoke, judging the timing.

“We’ve finished loading the ship. It’s time to return to Ishtalika. What’s wrong with you two? Were you gazing at the sunset on the beach this morning? Did you read some old heroic tale?”

“Don’t say that, Leonard. We’re not in a heroic tale; we’re in a story that’s either a comedy or a heroic tale.”

That was certainly true.

Batz laughed loudly, and Leonard responded with a half-nod and a wry smile.

Then, the morning sun finally shone brightly on the three of them.

“Ah, I’m so sleepy. We finished the reconnaissance, so why do I have to do paperwork too?”

Batz yawned widely and complained softly.

He turned around and started walking toward the nearby pier.

“See you later, Runaway Third Prince.”

“Y-You…! I told you to stop calling me that!”

Startled by the insulting nickname, Batz hurriedly walked away. Leonard called after him.

“If we have time, let’s grab a bite to eat in Ishtalika. Leonard and I are heading back now.”

“Ugh… You should have just said so.”

Embarrassed, Batz waved his hand without turning around.

Leonard sighed and slowly followed after him.

“Tigre. Thanks for everything this time.”

“No, I’m always the one being taken care of. Be careful on your way home.”

Ain’s first business trip was as a representative to Euro.

Now, even Batz and Leonard were taking business trips.

Unlike in their school days, they had grown closer to adulthood and were gradually becoming involved in the country’s work.

The Ishtalika ship set sail with a dull whistle.

It was carrying the two of them back to the royal capital of Ishtalika, Kingsland.

They weren’t going to Magna because it was too far away.

They weren’t going to Strohm either because it would take too long to report to Warren.

They were scheduled to report to Warren as soon as they arrived in the capital.

Afterward, they were to meet with Marco to discuss the investigation into the Dragon Faith and adjust the schedule for the days ahead.

For the two recent graduates, the challenging tasks ahead were far from over.

Their renowned friend, the hero, was undoubtedly a source of motivation for them.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Now, let’s shift the focus to Ain’s mansion in Strohm.

While Batz, Leonard, and Tigre were on their mission, Ain was busy with many tasks.

In addition to the matter of Ain’s branded strawberries, he was investigating the Dragon Faith and coordinating the schedule for future activities related to it.

There were also countless other small tasks, such as preparing for the defense of the mansion and reporting to Sylvia and the others.

Shortly before Batz and the others left the port town of Roundheart,

Ain had been working late into the night—no, until the sun began to rise—and finally went to bed.

“Finally, I’m done.”

None of the tasks he had just mentioned could be neglected, even if they were not urgent.

The reason was simple: If he could only do one thing at a time, then he was not fit to be king.

This was why, even at a time like this, he had no choice but to continue discussing local specialties.

This meant that his to-do list grew longer and longer.

Ultimately, Ain had no choice but to work hard and sacrifice his sleep.

“Huh… I-I’m sorry… I couldn’t help it…”

Krone stretched and yawned.

“It’s okay. I’m tired, too.”

Ain and Krone were working in an office that wasn’t their own.

That was finally over.

At last, the two of them would be able to go to bed.

“Let’s talk for a bit before going to bed,” Krone said.

Her suggestion was just right.

Ain stood up and took her hand as if to escort her.

“Should we go to Krone’s room?”

“No, I’d prefer to go to Ain’s room. Is that okay?”

“You can go anytime, except when I’m sick.”

“Ara, do you get sick, Ain?”

She only pointed this out because of the strength of Toxin Decomposition EX.

They smiled at each other and naturally linked arms.

“I said it wasn’t good when I’m sick, but I’d like to be nursed by Krone. Can I ask you anyway?”

They exchanged lighthearted jokes as they left the office.

If someone had asked them whether it was necessary to link arms inside the mansion, they would have had a hard time answering.

But, since it made them feel good, one could argue that it was the best mental stabilizer around.

They walked down the quiet hallway in the morning and headed for Ain’s private room nearby.

Perhaps because of the quiet hallway, they didn’t say a word, simply enjoying the feel of their arms touching.

That was enough for them.

Having overcome an abnormal love affair, they were now in a good relationship where they could enjoy silence for as long as they wanted.

Tap, tap.

Even the occasional irregular footsteps seemed to be in perfect harmony.

Eventually, they arrived at Ain’s private room, opened the door, and entered.

Naturally, they headed for the bedroom instead of the sofa.

Ain collapsed with a soft thud, and Krone smiled gently.

“Would you like me to make some tea?”

“I already had some in my office, so I’m fine. How about you, Krone?”

“Actually, I’m fine, too.”

Neither of them were particularly thirsty.

Glancing out the window, which was gradually turning brighter with the light of the rising sun, Krone sat down next to Ain.

“I think I’ll take another bath before going to bed. Would you like to join me, Ain?”

She smiled mischievously.

She wanted to see him look confused and feel comforted.

However, Ain had grown stronger lately.

He had grown accustomed to her, and now he had the power to confuse her instead.

He looked taken aback for a moment, but then he got up from the bed.

“Okay, let’s run the water.”

It wasn’t a lewd smile.

Rather, it was the smile that Krone loved so much.

Now, however, it was Krone’s turn to be taken aback by his retaliation. She asked,

“U-um… Are you serious?”

“You mean you’d rather take a shower?”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I meant taking a bath together…”

Then, Ain thought to himself.

(If I say I’m serious, will she get in with me?)

Even without any ulterior motives, he felt that such physical contact wouldn’t be a bad thing.

But, even if he had ulterior motives, he hoped she would forgive him.

She was Krone.

Her beauty from childhood had matured, her body had become more feminine, and her chest had grown fuller.

He wondered if he had any value as a man if he didn’t have ulterior motives.

Ain took a few seconds to think about it.

1. Push further.
2. Brush it off as a joke.
3. Pick her up without saying a word.

Which is the right answer? He’d like to personally ask God, but he’d probably get scolded if he did.

“…S-Say something… Ain…”

“Oh, sorry. I was just thinking.”

Ain responded to her, who had turned red, casually and spoke in a weak voice.

In the past year, the only progress they’d made is that they could kiss without hesitation and that it felt natural to hold hands or hug each other.

But that’s all there was to it. There’s nothing more beyond that.

What crossed Ain’s mind was the fact that they haven’t officially announced their engagement yet.

They hadn’t said it out loud, but it’s clear that they’re both hesitant to take the next step because of that.

“…”

Then, Ain fell silent and stared at her.

Her hair was lustrous and light blue, and her skin was smooth and flawless.

Needless to say, her features were stunning, and the faint redness on her neck was provocative.

When she shyly shifted her body, her figure was emphasized.

She was wearing a white shirt and a tight skirt.

Having finished work, she must have unbuttoned an extra button without noticing, drawing Ain’s eyes to her chest.

She used to enjoy such glances, but was it because of the situation?

She shyly crossed her arms over her chest.

(…That’s backfiring.)

It only emphasized her chest even more.

When she swayed her hips, her lower body was highlighted, creating the illusion that Ain was being counterattacked.

Dangerous. Dangerous. Dangerous. Dangerous.

He couldn’t keep looking at her.

He slowly shifted his gaze away and looked the other way.

Then,

“H-Hey, Ain… Are you serious?”

The girl sitting next to him pressed her body against his.

She grabbed the front of his shirt and looked up at him with a sultry gaze.

They were close enough to hear each other’s breathing, and their thin clothing made it easy to feel each other’s body heat.

Her moist lips were like a moth to a flame, and her sweet, unique scent melted his brain.

Like Krone, Ain had also lost his rationality before he knew it.

Eventually, he reached out and placed his palm on her cheek.

“I’ve been thinking about a lot of things…”

But at that moment, he couldn’t bring himself to act like a man.

What should he do?

Was he stumbling over the engagement, or was he simply a coward?

Krone understood his dilemma, though.

It was precisely because she knew this that there had been no new developments up to this point.

That said, any obstacles to their feelings for each other had disappeared.

Krone placed her hand over Ain’s and moved close enough that their noses almost touched.

“Fufu, I feel the same way. I’ve been confused, wondering if I should give up, but I’ve been holding myself back.”

“Ahaha… I know. I’m sorry. It’s because I put myself a little too high up.”

“Yeah, I understand. But… I can’t help it; I love you.”

There was only a thin, fragile mental barrier left between them, like walking on thin ice.

If someone were to push them from behind with the strength of a baby, the wall between them would collapse instantly.

Krone acted first, showing her desperate resolve.

“K-Krone?”

It was easy to shake off her weak embrace.

She pushed Ain and threw him face up on the bed.

She covered her face with her hands, hiding her reddened cheeks, and brought her face close to Ain’s neck.

“This is our secret. So…”

She brought her mouth close to Ain’s ear and said,

“Do you hate Krone for trying to be a bad girl?”

Would you like to be naughty with me? Krone said.

She kissed Ain’s earlobe.

Her invitation was sweet and loving, melting Ain’s brain completely.

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