Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 303

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 303 – Heading to the Royal Capital First

“…They grew back?”

Ain’s eyes opened wide at the sudden news. After a few breaths, he spoke.

It was early morning in his room at the mansion, and he was in the middle of preparing a change of clothes. He involuntarily turned around toward Dill, who had come to report.

Dill brought a wooden box into the room, placed it down, and took a deep breath to steady himself.

“Y-yes… Apparently, they just called a passing knight and suddenly handed him these two. When asked if they wanted them delivered to Your Highness, they reportedly responded with a cheerful cry.”

“El and Al are clever, you know. But I see… So that’s why something like this appeared so early in the morning.”

This indescribable object sat at the entrance to Ain’s room.

With just some design added to the wooden box and some silk tossed in, it wouldn’t have been out of place as a legendary treasure.

Ain, who had been busy getting ready, stopped what he was doing. He approached Dill, who was standing at the entrance, and his mouth fell open in astonishment.

“Even like these, they look just like treasure swords…no, perhaps lances?”

It was a single mass, entirely gem-like, like an unpolished crystal.

When light passed through it, striations appeared, streaked with blue in places.

It was slightly shorter than Ain’s entire body. Placed at the entrance of the mansion, for example, it would surely catch the eye.

“So, whose fang is it? El’s or Al’s?”

“It seems to have come from the older sister, El. In exchange, two even more magnificent fangs grew in their place.”

“Ah, I see. That was quick.”

Ain smiled at the monster’s vitality, the sea dragon.

He couldn’t help but grin at the report arriving before sunrise. He gave the two splendid fangs one last glance before gently closing the wooden box’s lid.

The powerful magic aura lingering here… Was it because of El, who had achieved this monstrous growth?

“I saw something good before returning to the capital. Once back, I’ll have to discuss what to do with this with everyone.”

“Indeed. Now, I’ll get to the main reason I came to report. I’ll move on to the main subject.”

“Huh? Was there something else? What is it?”

After finishing his preparations, Ain headed straight for the capital. As Crown Prince, he was scheduled to wait for Tigre at the royal castle, so he planned to arrive before him.

He planned to change into formal attire upon reaching the castle.

“Actually, last night, Marco-dono engaged in combat with the assailants—”

“Continue.”

“Yes, he said he handled it alone. However, when the enemy scattered, he used the power of his familiar.”

“…Marco’s familiar?”

“Skeletons, apparently. He was delighted to be able to summon them again, just like before, thanks to Ain-sama’s power. Unfortunately, though, the men in robes he sent the skeletons after managed to get away.”

“It’s unusual for Marco not to use his own hands.”

To his surprised lord, Dill produced a crest from his pocket.

It was charred and sooty, making it hard to see. Unfortunately, it looked familiar.

“The crest of the former Heim royal family…”

The prefix “former” was used because the Heim royal family no longer existed. Tigre had established a new house as Duke of Heim.

The crest has also changed since then. Tigre now bore a new one.

“Why this?”

“According to Marco-dono, three captain-level figures led the men in robes. They were quick-witted, battle-hardened, and loyal to their lord even to the point of taking their own lives. Marco-dono himself has been patrolling nonstop since last night.”

“Tell him I’ll thank him later. But, sigh… it looks like another troublesome presence has gotten involved.”

He didn’t need to hear the details to know what was happening.

He knew that survivors of the Heim War existed. He knew they were connected to the men in robes and had launched an attack here in Strohm.

Ain let out a blatantly disgusted smile. He tossed several days’ worth of clothes into a large bag, roughly fastened it, and slung it over his shoulder.

“Tigre probably has nothing to do with this.”

“Isn’t that judgment a bit premature?”

“Nah, not at all. Tigre knows how strong we are. As the ruler of the Heim Autonomous Territory, he’s seen this nation’s military might more clearly than anyone else in Heim. I don’t think he’d seek a fight. Personally, I don’t see him as that kind of person.”

“…Ha.”

“Besides, I don’t think the attackers see Tigre as worthy of respect anymore.”

“I’m sorry, but how did you reach that conclusion?”

“Dill, maybe it’ll be easier if you put yourself in their shoes.”

With that, Ain placed his hand on the door handle.

By now, Krone and the others accompanying him to the capital should be ready.

“Attacking a place where the lord resides… It’s nothing but a hindrance, no matter how you look at it.”

Now that he thought about it, Ain was right. Dill followed behind Ain, who was walking ahead.

The dimly lit corridor of the mansion created a peculiar atmosphere with the early morning gloom and winter chill.

Thud, thud—the sound of footsteps on the carpet.

“It’s confusing, isn’t it? Fanatics willing to die, a baronial house from a new city, an ancient biological research institute… and mixed in with them, survivors of the Heim soldiers? Honestly, I’m losing track of who the real enemies are.”

“…I understand.”

“I thought things would be tough when I came to Strohm. I thought I’d be worried about how to get people excited or what kind of governance would work. I thought I’d be really worried about that. But you know—”

Ain stopped.

He looked out the window and gazed fondly at the first snowfall in Strohm. He blew on the frosted glass and drew a childish doodle on it.

“But you know… I’ve just accepted that this is what my life is like now. I guess there’s nothing I can do about it. Ahaha…”

“Uh, well… I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t worry about it. I actually feel like I’m enjoying my life quite a bit, even like this.”

Then, Ain wiped away the doodle with his palm.

Two or three droplets formed a line and flowed toward the edge.

He clenched his fist tightly, then let his arm hang limply down.

He inhaled the cold air coming through the windowpane and opened his mouth.

“So let’s just wipe out all the enemies at once. I know it sounds like I’m some kind of tyrant saying this, but you see! I’m the crown prince, destined to become king someday. I have to eliminate anyone who threatens Ishtalika!”

He meant to sound noble and brave, but his lack of conviction made him seem like Ain.

He could captivate you so much that you’d get lost in him, but ultimately, it was just an aura. That wasn’t the case right now, though.

“You don’t need to make excuses…”

“…It’s fine. It’s not like I’m usually the type for a serious demeanor anyway.”

Since becoming the Demon King, though, Ain possessed both a dignified bearing and a sensuality inherited from Olivia.

Others thought it suited him, but there was a side to him that only those who knew the old Ain would recognize.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

The setting changed to a chamber within the royal castle of Ishtalika.

“You’ve truly grown splendid.”

Sylvird murmured this with deep feeling.

He spoke just as the sun rose—the perfect time for a late breakfast.

The castle grounds were bustling with life for the first time in a while. This wasn’t because things had been gloomy lately; it was simply because, without Ain and the others, the usual lively atmosphere had faded.

Crown Prince Ain was dressed in formal attire dominated by silver, with a jet-black cloak draped over one shoulder.

His hair was neatly styled, unlike usual. Every detail was impeccable—his waist, legs, and shoes—and his fingertips were covered in pure white gloves.

Turning at his words, Ain replied, “That’s not true.”

“And please, don’t say such things so earnestly. You’re making me blush.”

“What nonsense. It’s only natural that you should bear the royal crest of our house embroidered upon that cloak upon your back. Compared to when you first arrived, you have truly grown into a fine young man.”

“Please don’t retire early, okay? If you want to spend more time with Grandma, I can help out with all sorts of work.”

“Once Strohm’s governance is safely concluded, I thought that might be acceptable.”

“I said, give me a break…”

The servants assisting Ain with his preparations exited the room all at once.

Seeing this, the two changed their expressions. Standing shoulder to shoulder, they altered their voices.

“Just moments ago. I decided to dispatch forces.”

“To the Heim Autonomous Territory?”

“No, to Birdland, and the rest to Rockdam. Compared to before, these two cities have become places where adventurers active in Ishtar also venture. Their internal affairs are largely akin to those of free citizens. But for fallen knights, there’s no easier group to work with than adventurers.”

Saying this, Sylvird produced several documents.

Important papers bearing gold-foil seals.

“What distinguishes the nobility from the commoners is their cultivated awareness as commanders. If that awareness was forged at the Royal Kingsland Academy and honed alongside Crown Prince Ain through numerous experiences, it is all the more profound.”

The House of Duke Fors. The House of Baron Crim. Ain confirmed the approval of both houses.

“I’ve decided to entrust you with command of a detachment: Leonard and Batz. The decision on whether these two cross the sea rests with you. Use them as you see fit.”

They were the regular knights that the capital of Ishtalika boasts.

They had the mental and physical fortitude to endure long expeditions and, above all, the combat strength necessary for the task.

“So, are we assigning knights to serve under those two?”

“Precisely.”

“…I see. A promotion.”

Sylvird had been informed that they were working under Marco.

Upon hearing about the surviving Heim soldiers, Marco granted them these forces.

“Make them your hands and feet. With Marco there, they won’t make poor decisions, will they?”

“Well, it’s Batz… He might say he wants to cross the sea himself.”

“Then let him go. That’s what this approval is for. No one in the castle will force them. But if they wish to cross the sea beyond just orders, we won’t stop them.”

It felt like being told, “You’re not a child anymore,” and he felt a sense of having grown up.

Then, changing the subject, Ain said, “By the way—”

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