Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 287

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 287 – The End of a Special Night

The sight of the two of them walking together drew attention.

As Chris walked beside Ain, onlookers wondered aloud who that beautiful person was.

Though Chris seemed on the verge of breaking down from nerves before their arrival, she now showed none of that. She appeared to fully entrust herself to Ain’s escort.

“It seems like you’re drawing attention. Are you okay with that?”

Ain asked, still looking forward. Chris’ hand, which was resting on his arm, trembled for a moment.

After a few seconds of silence, she forced herself to sound calm as she spoke.

“I’m fine.”

“Ah, yeah… I know you’re fine, but…”

It was clear she was trying her best.

Ain had asked if she was okay. But her answer gave him a good idea of her current state.

Her cheeks twitched for a moment, and then she returned to her usual composed expression.

“Come to think of it, I hadn’t considered this. How should I proceed when greeting Count Raizer?”

“What do you mean, for example?”

“Well, should I first announce that Ain-sama has arrived, as usual?”

“That probably isn’t necessary. You aren’t acting as my escort today, and it feels odd for a lady to introduce a gentleman.”

“…Understood. I’ll leave it to you, Ain-sama.”

“Mm. Understood.”

Once more, she leaned her body firmly against Ain’s arm.

It was a sign of her unease, a way to calm herself, and a hint of confusion and secret desire to be pampered.

Tormented by multiple emotions, she resented Ain’s excessive composure.

“Mmm…”

“Um, is there something wrong?”

“No, I was just wondering if I’m the only one feeling nervous.”

“…You were worried about that?”

The familiar atmosphere that had drifted in unnoticed was a natural result of their usual banter.

Ain responded exasperatedly to Chris, who voiced her dissatisfaction as if looking up at him.

“Th-that’s kind of unfair, don’t you think?”

“What do you want me to do about it?”

This was selfish. Chris knew it when she said it, and Ain accepted it, knowing full well.

Deep down, she understood that this exchange was necessary for them to be themselves again. Ain’s gaze met Chris’ pouting lips, soothing her.

After this exchange, soft smiles naturally spread across their faces.

“If you’re going to say that, I have my own ways, too.”

“Ways? What exactly might those be?”

“Even if Chris’s lineage isn’t revealed, you’re still a princess. That means I should probably treat you appropriately, right?”

“Ugh—enough already! If you keep this up, my face will turn redder than this dress!”

To those around them, they appeared utterly affectionate. It was entirely natural and effortless. Despite their closeness, there was no sense of awkwardness.

In other words, the question of who Chris was with Ain only grew stronger.

The interior of the mansion had a distinctly Balt-like feel.

Befitting a town where adventurers gather, impressive taxidermy specimens, monster bones, and hides were on display.

These stood in stark contrast to the royal capital’s nobility, and both Ain and Chris enjoyed looking at them.

After walking a considerable distance down the long corridor, they arrived at the grand hall that would serve as the venue.

The double doors were open for the party, and guard knights, servants, and butlers were waiting to receive guests.

Surrounded by all these guests, standing tall, was an elderly gentleman with a sword at his waist. He was Count Raizer, whom Ain had not seen for quite some time.

“Your Highness. It has been a long time.”

Noticing Ain approaching, he knelt before him.

Following his lead, those around him knelt simultaneously.

“Count Raizer. My apologies for the sudden substitution.”

“N-no, not at all. Your Highness’s presence is a treasure for our household.”

He finally raised his head and averted his gaze from Ain to look at Chris.

He wasn’t scrutinizing her face, but merely greeting her.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Raizer Balt. I hold the title of Count, but pardon me, perhaps we have met before?”

“…I am Christina, Captain of the Royal Knights. By a fortunate coincidence, I have come today to accompany Ain-sama.”

Her demeanor displayed a touch of femininity, yet it also exuded a grace that was uniquely feminine and different from the knightly bearing.

After exchanging a glance with Ain, she answered Raizer and executed a splendid curtsy. Ain had never seen this before. It was natural yet so graceful that it was captivating. The stark contrast to her usual demeanor quickened his pulse.

“I must say, I’m astonished. I knew Christina-sama was beautiful, but truly… tonight every other lady pales in comparison.”

The servants nearby were equally taken aback.

As Sylvia had suggested, some maliciously speculated about Chris accompanying Ain, while others were simply captivated by her stunning appearance.

At the very least, the fact that Ain had come as a substitute only amplified their astonishment.

“So, Your Highness, you did not bring an escort tonight?”

“Ah, that is correct.”

“Hmm… Speaking as a citizen, I must humbly suggest that it might be somewhat problematic.”

“If anything, I have someone to protect today.”

Ain glanced sideways at Chris. Raizer caught the look and understood its meaning.

After all, it was only natural for a gentleman to protect his lady companion. Ain had made it clear that Chris was not acting in her role as a knight tonight.

“…?”

He smiled at Chris, who tilted her head slightly. He offered her his left arm.

She took it immediately. Ain began walking with Raizer striding right beside him.

Raizer let out a short, breathy “Hoh,” as if to warn, “If this Chris situation causes a stir…”

“Fufu. But a hero protecting just one person—some young ladies might envy that.”

“I’m not so sure about that. All I can say is, both my arms are occupied today.”

He was implicitly telling him to stop prying.

“Oh? But your right arm seems free at the moment.”

“I’m keeping it free to draw my sword if something happens.”

“I see. You’re quite right. Compared to when we last met, you seem to have acquired an even stronger king’s bearing.”

His phrasing was indirect, but he meant that Ain had matured.

He had grown more adept at responding, sometimes giving answers that left his interlocutors frustrated.

His ability to convey hidden intentions without directly answering questions stemmed from what he had learned from Warren.

“To be addressed as such by the ruler of the adventurers’ town—I’ve truly grown.”

“Hahaha… You jest, Your Highness.”

As the three entered the party hall, the nobles who had heard the rumors all attempted to kneel simultaneously.

Ain gestured for them to stop, as he had before, but order didn’t return so easily. Feeling somewhat apologetic, the three proceeded directly to a seat at the far end.

“Count Raizer. I forgot to ask Sylvia-sama, but does tonight’s party hold any special meaning?”

“No, it’s just a typical noble gathering. If we don’t hold them regularly, the money won’t circulate.”

Rubbing his gray beard, Raizer chuckled softly.

“Excuse me.”

Just as the three of them picked up their glasses to make a toast, a middle-aged waitress approached.

Her attire differed from that of the other waitstaff, indicating that she was the head waitress. She had probably come because she had seen Ain seated there. After addressing them, she bowed to Ain and Chris before speaking to Raizer.

“My Lord. The head chef wishes to make one final confirmation, just to be certain—”

“Understood. I’ll be there right away. Your Highness, I deeply apologize for leaving the table so quickly. Please forgive me for leaving the table for a few minutes.”

“A-ah, it’s fine. But will the head of the household himself confirm the dishes?”

“That’s not usually the case. However, I thought I should personally ensure the dishes meet your taste.”

“I’ve made you go out of your way.”

“Not at all. I intended to do this from the moment the invitations were sent to Sylvia-sama and Cain-sama.”

Then, Raizer bowed deeply, bending at the waist.

“This is my household’s head waitress. I shall leave her here in my stead—”

“She has her own duties. Chris and I are conversing alone. Such consideration is unnecessary.”

“But…”

It was unthinkable to make the crown prince feel constrained. Raizer tried to persist, but Ain’s gaze made it clear that this was not the case.

“I’ll return shortly. If anything arises, please feel free to ask any of the staff at the venue.”

Finally, Raizer left the two of them with a knowing look.

Shortly after, Chris spoke to Ain.

“Really, Ain-sama, you’re always so kind.”

“Hm? What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb. I know. You were concerned about me, weren’t you?”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m surprisingly calm, even to myself. It’s thanks to you, isn’t it?”

Her smile was soft today.

Not that it was usually stiff, but today it was exceptionally gentle.

Chris seemed so perfectly suited to her mannerisms, makeup, and attire today that one might mistake her for a noble lady like Krone rather than a knight.

“I don’t think I did anything, though. I just held your hand.”

“Yes, that’s enough for me. I’m having a much more wonderful time than any fairy-tale princess.”

“…”

Chris seemed more assertive in her speech than usual, whether it was due to the venue’s atmosphere or their own appearance.

That was why Ain fell silent, averting his gaze in embarrassment.

“Um, well… Compared to when you came as a knight, today is definitely more fun—”

“Ah, no, no, that’s not it. Today is incredibly fun, that’s true, but as a knight, I also feel like I can’t give up my place beside Ain-sama…”

She occasionally felt competitive with Dill. Being Ain’s personal bodyguard was undoubtedly her most valuable treasure.

“It’s just… right now, this is what I like best… that’s how it feels.”

Then, the two clinked glasses and enjoyed the day’s party.

After Raizer returned, there were sometimes greetings from participating nobles, but soon enough, the two found time to relax.

They spent an unusual night until it was time for the water train to Strohm, but the night was far from over.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The party at Count Raizer’s residence continued, but Ain and Chris left early.

As they boarded the water train, Ain noticed that Chris seemed reluctant to leave and was about to go change.

They had already left, but they could still enjoy themselves here. With that thought in mind, Ain stopped Chris as she headed to change and sat down at the bar counter built into the rented train car.

Sitting side by side, they talked and reminisced about the days since leaving Strohm.

“Ugh… I always try my best, too, you know? It’s just that you, Ain-sama, keep getting stronger.”

“I know, I know. You look sleepy, though. Should we rest soon?”

The date had already changed.

Perhaps because they were doing things differently than usual, Chris’ body was demanding rest.

Her eyelids drooped heavily, and her tone softened gradually.

“I just want to talk a little longer. Is that okay?”

“It’s not that it’s not okay, but if you’re tired, maybe you should rest. I think?”

“No, it’s no good. Since I finally got to accompany you to the party today, I want to talk a little longer.”

She said that, but it was apparent she was pushing herself.

As if she had realized that holding a glass was dangerous, she had been leaning her arms on the counter for several minutes.

Her ample bosom was emphasized, making it awkward for Ain to look at her. The stark contrast between her provocative appearance and childlike gestures made a strong impression.

“Ah…this—”

“It’s still a bit chilly, so you should keep it on.”

Ain slowly took off his jacket and put it on Chris.

It was warm inside the train car, so covering her up wasn’t necessary, but it hid her exposed shoulders and cleavage.

Then, Chris wriggled her body as if burrowing in, tucking herself inside Ain’s coat.

“It’s warm.”

“Well, that’s good. Come on, I’ll walk you to your room. Stand up.”

“Mph. I told you, I’m not sleeping yet!”

Ain mentally retorted. “Stop rubbing your sleepy eyelids and then say that.”

Her long, slender legs dangled limply from the counter stool, and her upper body nestled contentedly in Ain’s coat. She could fall asleep at any moment; she was definitely reaching her limit.

“All right. But just one last drink, okay?”

With that, Ain stood up, approached the magic tool in the back, and opened the door.

He picked up a bottle of liquor, then turned back to Chris.

“Eh, what—… You mean in this short time…?”

Her face was resting on her arm like a pillow as she slept peacefully with a blissful expression.

With her eyes closed, her makeup and appearance made her sleeping form even more fantastical than usual.

“Turns out my concerns were right. Yeah, I wasn’t wrong.”

If he had to point out one mistake, it was that he should have been more forceful about sending her to the bedroom.

It felt awkward to carry her now that she was asleep. He took her to the bedroom and lay her down on the bed. Even though she was Chris, someone he knew well, this was one thing he couldn’t do easily.

“I’ll wake her up in a little while… Until then.”

Would that sofa be okay?

Looking at the one near the bar counter, it seemed large and comfortable—likely designed for nobility.

Deciding that a nap wouldn’t be a problem, Ain placed his hand on Chris’s back, slipped his other hand under her knee, and lifted her up.

Lightweight. He caught himself thinking that and quickly scolded himself for being rude to her while she slept.

“I told her so, didn’t I? But she seemed to enjoy herself today, so I’ll let it slide…I guess.”

He’d spoken with Krone, too. If he had time, he’d planned to accompany her shopping. But that would have to wait until they returned to Strohm.

Ain was genuinely pleased that they had been able to attend the party together and that Chris had enjoyed herself.

“Mmm…”

“Alright, alright. Just for a little while, though.”

After telling her this, as she shifted restlessly on the sofa, Ain sat down on the opposite sofa.

Then, Ain’s eyelids gradually began to feel heavy.

“Maybe I’m tired, too. Thinking about getting back to Strohm, I guess I just let my guard down.”

He stretched, let out a large, listless yawn, and undid a couple of buttons on his shirt.

Soon, sinking into the soft sofa, he surrendered his body without resistance.

“Maybe I’ll rest a little too. I can’t just leave Chris alone.”

This was the last memory Ain retained.

He’d planned to sleep for just a few minutes, maybe an hour, but the fatigue accumulated in his body was heavier than he’d expected.

In the end, he awoke several hours later when it was bright outside.

Upon waking, he felt stiffness in his body and the weight of something.

Along with a sweet scent and a soft sensation, he felt the ticklish sensation of hair rubbing against him as she playfully nuzzled him.

“—Huh? The sun’s already up…”

He’d failed. He had overslept.

What about Chris? He tried to look toward the sofa where she was sleeping, but his body wouldn’t move.

Realizing that something was on top of him, he lifted his head to investigate.

“C-Chris—!? Why are you there?”

“Mmm… Ain-sama… I’m still sleepy…”

She clutched Ain’s shirt and rubbed her face against it, their bodies pressed together. She clung to Ain as if seeking comfort.

Though she was in an awkward, uncomfortable position, she wore a blissful expression.

In her dreams, she was probably just being her usual clingy self. There was no way for Ain to know that she was doing it in reality, too.

“She must be half-asleep, but she’s so skillful…”

Neither Ain nor Chris knew that this was the result of a coincidence.

Partly spurred on by Sylvia in the Demon Lord’s Castle, Chris, still half-asleep, drifted toward Ain. Once she reached this position, her mind found satisfaction, and she unconsciously fell asleep.

Deeply and sincerely apologizing to Krone for their pressed bodies, Ain slowly sat up and lifted Chris into his arms.

He laid her down on the sofa directly opposite him, just as he had before she fell asleep. This time, he silently apologized to Chris for picking her up twice without permission.

He apologized for her falling asleep with him while drowsy. Needless to say, it was perfectly natural that Sylvia’s encouragement had unconsciously influenced her. Unaware of this, Ain was startled by Chris’ boldness, which was so unlike her usual self.

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