Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 270

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 270 – Thing Got a Little Lively on the Departure Day

Even though the crown prince’s fiancée was exceptionally talented, she had some difficulty this time.

This was because the Crown Prince, who was also a Lord, was leaving his territory.

Should she make the reason public?

She considered this at first, but the answer was immediately clear.

There was no way she could make it public and take action. It had to be done as discreetly as possible.

Everyone knew the reason: the matter involving the men in robes, the Ist Trading Company, and the suspicious connection to the research institute.

Krone was concerned that traveling to the former demon king’s territory, now known as the old royal capital, might seem important.

As a result, although it was treated as official business for Ain, it was handled somewhat vaguely, without a public announcement.

“That concludes my report on His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s proposal. We will take care of the schedule and other minor details.”

The letter concluded with this statement.

Krone’s letter arrived in the royal capital on the same day, and Warren replied immediately.

Considering Ain’s past achievements and his free spirit, Warren and Sylvird gave their permission.

Warren laughed, and Sylvird sighed again.

Still, it was a relief to have been notified in advance and to know the purpose of his actions. Krone was also relieved by their response.

Two days after Ain made his decision, he left early in the morning.

Before the sun had risen, he was seen off at his mansion in a small gathering, then he boarded the water train at the central station in Strohm.

“I’m sleepy-nya. I’m going to get some rest, so call me if anything happens-nya.”

Katima rubbed her sleepy eyes and disappeared into the living area of the water train.

The water train carrying Ain, Katima, and Chris was not reserved for the royal family but was the same one used by the nobility.

Using the royal water train would have been the same as making it public.

Therefore, like before, they boarded the train intended for nobles.

“Okay, got it. Sorry for making you come with me.”

“Good grief, it’s fine-nya. I’m the one being taken care of, after all-nya.”

Was that an unusually virtuous attitude for Katima?

The only thing she could guess was that their destination was Ist, which wasn’t a bad thing, considering her inquisitive nature.

However, since Katima was helping him, Ain was sincerely grateful.

“Chris, I’m leaving Ain in your care-nya.”

“P-please leave it to me!”

This time, she disappeared, heading for the train car with the bed.

Left behind, Chris clenched her hands and replied.

“For now, shall I make some tea?”

It was the most she could do to help.

Ain didn’t seem sleepy either and nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. Let’s take our time and talk a bit. It’ll take more than half a day to get to Ist.”

The last time they left the royal capital, it took about half a day to get there by direct train.

Now that they were in Strohm, however, it would take an additional three or four hours.

Ain gazed at the dark scenery outside and looked at Chris sitting on the sofa.

“This is a bit nostalgic, but back then, I still called you ‘Chris-san,’ didn’t I?”

“Fufu… Yes. I miss being called that.”

“It was after we returned from the Baltic that I started calling you without honorifics.”

He remembered how depressed Chris was when she was left behind.

However, she had asked to go with Ain, so he went to talk to Sylvird directly.

“Come to think of it, Ain-sama has really grown up. Now you’re even the Demon King…”

“Hahaha… Now I’m taller than you.”

“And you’ve become stronger than Lloyd-sama without me even noticing.”

Come to think of it, Ain was not sure exactly when he became stronger than Lloyd.

(Hmm. Maybe it was after I trained with Cain-san in the spiritual world. Suddenly, I felt stronger.)

He fought against Marco when he went out of control, and his body grew in the midst of that battle.

At least, there’s no doubt that Ain was stronger now.

It’s hard to admit that he got stronger in just one night.

“Would you like some sugar?”

As Ain was thinking this, a sweet scent drifted by.

He thought it was tea, but it seemed to be Chris’s scent. Ain noticed and naturally sniffed again.

“A-ah, no, it’s okay.”

Even if it was unintentional, he had done something strange.

Slow to respond, he declined her offer and accepted the tea.

He took a sip and felt himself relax.

He exhaled and looked around the room.

“This train car is really nice, too.”

Even Ain, who was accustomed to fine furnishings and architecture, was impressed.

The wooden furniture was intricately designed, the carpets were thick, and there was even an area that looked like a bar.

Seeing it reminded him of the evening Chris appeared in a dress.

“Yes, Krone-san was very happy that she was able to arrange it.”

Ain apologized to her for causing her trouble with his sudden idea.

Soon, Chris sat down in the seat opposite Ain and took a sip of tea, just like him.

“Are the recent commotion and that trading company related to the research institute?”

She asked, her eyes downcast.

She clutched her cup with both hands to warm herself against the winter cold until they boarded the train.

“Something’s strange. Targeting Ain-sama’s sword and worshipping a dragon that no longer exists… And raising funds like a criminal organization…”

“I also think things are moving too fast. But I guess they’re not going to act in our favor either.”

Ain replied, took another sip of tea, and sat up straight.

He spoke based on what had happened so far.

“I’m sure there’s a purpose to all this.

“A purpose?”

Though I have no idea what that purpose might be.”

“Oh, I thought you knew something…”

“I just know that something’s going on. There’s a lot of money involved: my sword, the dragon cult, and the research facility.”

That’s why he’s going to investigate.

“Finally,” said Ain, and Chris also looked puzzled.

“So, it’s that baron’s family?”

“Indirectly, yes.”

Chris remembered that the recent visit had given Ain a clue.

“Is there a possibility that the second wife is involved in this?”

“The second wife… Ah, you mean Alma.”

“Yes. We don’t know where she is, but if she’s thinking of revenge…”

Hearing this, Ain thought for a few seconds.

But he quickly opened his mouth and gave his answer.

“I can’t say it’s impossible, but it would be difficult to carry out. Crossing the sea is one thing, but more than anything else, she doesn’t have the power.”

The power of money and the power of authority—not only was the late Heim gone, but the name Roundheart could not be used openly.

Even if it could be used, it’s doubtful that anyone would cooperate with that name.

“I don’t intend to let my guard down, but I don’t think we should be overly cautious, either.”

“…I understand.”

“Hey, don’t attack her without my permission, okay?”

Chris’s body stiffened.

Ain knew that Chris hated Roundheart so much that she wanted to kill them.

Ain smiled wryly and warned Chris not to take any action to punish Roundheart without his knowledge.

“You can’t do that, okay?”

Chris looked at Ain dissatisfiedly without responding.

When he repeated himself, she reluctantly nodded.

“…Mmm.”

“Not ‘mm,’ right? Neither my mother nor I are worried about it right now. I just have a few questions to ask her.”

Maybe there were others besides Chris with unsettling thoughts.

He thought about it and decided to warn them at some point.

“Let’s put that aside for now and confirm things once we get to Ist.”

Sighing for the umpteenth time, Ain took a folded piece of paper from his pocket.

He placed it on the table between them and unfolded it.

She leaned closer to check the contents.

“Speaking of which, I heard we’re staying at the same inn as last time.”

“It’s convenient. We didn’t have any problems last time.”

It was the same inn where they had stayed a few years ago and where they had also hosted Varra and Mei.

“We’ve reserved rooms for a week, but I’d like to finish the investigation early and move on to the next phase.”

“Yes… The environment in the Baltic region is very harsh at this time of year…”

The road to the Demon King’s castle was difficult.

As expected of a region known for its extreme cold, there was likely to be heavy snowfall at this time of year, just as before.

Ain was reluctant, but Chris also looked grim.

“After we finish our investigation at the research facility in Ist, we’ll part ways with Katima-san there. Any questions?”

“…I know it’s late to ask, but is it really okay for me to be your only escort?”

“Is that not acceptable?”

Chris was taken aback by the question and hesitated for a moment.

“Well, it’s not that it’s unacceptable, but… I’m your escort, so it’s my responsibility to protect you.”

“Are you saying I’m careless?”

Ain replied immediately.

Chris pursed her lips tightly but still seemed reluctant to answer.

“…Yes.”

Of course, she wasn’t dissatisfied with being with Ain.

She was just worried that something might happen.

But…

“If it comes down to it, I can just turn into the World Tree again…”

“You’ll get in trouble, won’t you? Ain-sama, you’ll get in trouble, won’t you?”

“I’m just kidding. I don’t even know if I can do it. There’s a reason why it’s just Chris.”

Chris glared at him with sad eyes.

He realized it was a bad joke and explained his reasoning to her.

“I haven’t seen it with my own eyes, but Chris is still stronger than Dill, right?”

“What do you mean, ‘still’? I have no intention of losing!”

However, Dill’s growth was remarkable.

Since becoming a Cait Sith, his abilities have improved so much that even Ain is surprised.

He made good use of his race’s characteristics and performed as well as he did before.

But Chris was still strong.

“Even if he became a Cait Sith, I could still reach Ain-sama faster than he can!”

If Dill and Katima were cat-like races, then what was Chris?

She’s definitely an elf, but her defining trait is that she’s loyal like a dog.

If she had a tail, it would be easier to read her emotions.

“It’s not a race, but…well, I think Chris is strong, too.”

Hearing this, Chris melted into a blissful smile.

Ain worried that she’d drop the cup she’s holding.

“But Ain-sama seems even stronger.”

“Hahaha… Sorry. That’s partly because of my skills…”

He cleared his throat, changing the atmosphere, which had been weighed down by Chris’s feelings of inferiority toward her lord.

“I’m not trying to brag, but I think the power I possess is quite considerable.”

In fact, it’s uncertain if anyone can match him.

Chris nodded in agreement.

Although it doesn’t feel good to evaluate himself this way, Ain continues.

“I thought I’d maintain the balance of forces at the mansion. We have Marco and Arche-san, but I want one more person to give orders to the Black Knights. I should also bring someone strong with me—that’s why I thought of Chris.”

Honestly, the forces at the mansion might be excessive.

Not only was there Marco, but now there’s Arche too.

The Black Knights were also several levels stronger than the Royal Knights, so their fighting power was extraordinary.

“I can trust Chris. I’m not worried, even if it’s just you. That’s what I thought.”

He really believed that, but he’s a little embarrassed to say it.

When he formally said it, it felt surprisingly ticklish.

It seemed like Chris felt the same way.

“Ah, thank you. I’ll pour you some more tea.”

As if to hide her reddened face, she stood up with two cups of tea, even though her own cup was still full.

Just then, the water train finally started moving.

“Chris, the train’s starting. Be careful.”

It’s okay to get another cup of tea later.

Ain called out to her as she turned around, but she was so excited that she didn’t notice the train starting to move.

“Huh?” She let out a breathless voice and turned back to Ain.

“Eh…!”

A faint sound could be heard.

It was the dull, scraping sound of the water train hitting the tracks.

At the same time, she felt the train begin to move.

Chris was holding the cups in both hands.

She lost her balance, stumbled forward, and almost fell over.

“Just as I said…”

Ain quickly stood up from the sofa and reached out to Chris, who was only a few steps away.

She could fall and hurt herself on the broken cup.

He didn’t want to think about being useless in a place like this, but helping her was more important.

But the moving water train accelerated, transmitting the shift in momentum to their bodies.

Soon, Chris stumbled and began to fall.

“I’m sorry, Chris!”

“A-Ain-sama…?”

He forced himself to stop her and grabbed both of her hands.

Still, she couldn’t support herself and leaned against Ain.

Her ample bosom pressed against Ain’s chest, and the two of them fell onto the sofa.

The sound of their bodies hitting the sofa seemed like a thud.

Chris collapsed on top of Ain.

“Ugh—”

A startled sound escaped Chris’s lips.

The remaining tea in the cup dripped onto Ain’s eyelids, causing him to close his eyes reflexively.

It was only a few seconds, but Ain closed his eyes tightly.

Perhaps because they were so close, they could feel and smell each other intensely. However, Ain was in no state to notice.

That must be why.

It was only a second, but Ain didn’t notice anything touching his lips.

“C-Chris… Are you okay?”

They remained in that position for several seconds.

The shaking subsided, and, once they had regained their composure, Chris realized that Ain had protected her.

They were only a few inches apart. Her face was bright red, and her eyes were wide.

“…”

“Are you…okay?”

Ain asked again as Chris stood there in a daze.

Chris sat up and stroked her lips with her index finger.

The next moment, she stood up, her face even redder than before.

“I’m… I’m… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! But…but…”

She set the cups she was holding down on the table and suddenly ran off.

She opened the door to the living room and headed for the connecting passageway.

“Y-you were so red…”

Was it because she had been hugging him? He wondered why Chris had rushed off so quickly.

Once again, he felt guilty toward Krone, but convinced himself it was to prevent Chris from getting hurt.

Finally, he remembered stroking her lips and worried that he might have injured her.

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