Magic Gems Gourmet

Chapter 304

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 304 – Pre-Ceremony Exchange

“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—”

“Dill brought me something interesting this morning.”

“Something interesting? I’m not really in the mood to hear about it.”

“What do you usually think of me?”

“It’s obvious. If you lack self-awareness, Strohm’s rule must end today, or it will become dangerous.”

That was harsh.

Unable to retort, Ain sat down on the sofa.

He had a careless attitude. He sat down sloppily with a loud thud.

“Since they’re such troublesome items to handle, I thought it best to consult with you as well, Grandfather.”

“Did you pick up another troublesome thing?”

“Do I always go around picking up weird things?”

“The context is different, but wanting to keep the twins and receive materials from Marco… I can think of plenty of examples.”

“I’m aware of the former, but the latter was something I received…”

Sylvird followed Ain’s lead and sat down.

His complexion remained unchanged, yet the utter exhaustion radiating from his expression suggested that he was fed up with the situation while also conveying tension and focus.

He held out one hand limply, fingers extended, urging Ain to continue.

“You just mentioned it. They’re two magnificent fangs from El. They’ve grown in, and they’re truly splendid.”

“See? Just as I thought! It’s definitely that kind of item!”

Sylvird gazed up at the ceiling, propping his elbows on the edge of the sofa.

His long beard swayed weakly from side to side yet retained its dignity—typical of him.

He swept aside his flowing silver hair with a bold hand gesture.

“To be frank, the twins’ upkeep drains the national budget. It would be a great help if one could be stored in the castle.”

“Of course. I’ll make arrangements immediately upon returning.”

“That would be appreciated. But feel free to use the other one as you wish. Though ‘as you wish’ doesn’t mean wasteful spending—not that you’re the type to do that anyway.”

“I was thinking of having a sword made for Dill, but even then, there’d be too much left over. I’d like the other one made into a greatsword. I’d actually considered a rapier for Chris, too, but apparently, making it too thin isn’t ideal…”

“Good use of them. It’d be convenient for Dill to have something bestowed by Ain, especially considering his future. But a greatsword? Who are you bestowing it upon?”

“Marco. Is that a problem?”

That knight has the potential to become stronger than he already is.

The notion that Ain’s forces alone could take down a nation gained more credibility.

But there was no objection.

“You say his rebellion is impossible? That’s true as long as Ain doesn’t betray Ishtalika.”

“I think I’d do the same. If something happened to my family or someone important to me, I’d hunt down whoever was responsible.”

“I know that. And I know there aren’t many ways to stop it, either. It’s fine. I’m not seriously worried.”

“Please spare me a second rampage from the demon king transformation.” 

That was Sylvird’s only wish.

Moreover, he wanted to avoid unleashing his power intentionally, as that could trigger such a rampage.

(Hmm, what if Marco evolves?)

A mere directive. This perception was mistaken, but to outsiders, that connotation was strong.

The sword bestowed by his lord carries even greater significance.

What would become of Marco, who once claimed to have returned to his prime? Considering his influence, withholding the sword was one option. However, given his loyalty thus far, especially in the former capital, refusing was unthinkable.

What would he become if he evolved? Based on precedent, perhaps a Dullahan?

Recalling Cain’s example, Sylvird mused that a butler’s uniform would suit Marco rather well.

Eventually, Sylvird rose and exited the room.

The ceremony was scheduled for after two in the afternoon. How to pass the time until then became Ain’s problem.

“It’s snack time, so maybe a snack… Wait, what am I saying?”

After muttering this silly thought aloud, he remembered what he had meant to tell Sylvird.

“Ah, I forgot to mention the dungeon of divine abduction. Never mind, though. I’ll ask for some time tonight to talk.”

This was actually a stroke of luck for Sylvird.

If he had been burdened with such a heavy topic now, he wouldn’t have had the mental fortitude to get through the ceremony.

Ain also stood up and gazed out the window at the bustling castle town.

“I wonder if Krone’s ready. Oh, wait. She said she’d come talk about work, too.”

He crossed his arms, deciding he couldn’t interrupt.

Then—

“Hm?”

A dry knock sounded on the door.

He approached the door where the knock had sounded.

“Oh, Chris.”

“I’m sorry to drop by so suddenly. Is now a good time?”

“Sure, I’m bored right now.”

She was wearing a predominantly white knight’s uniform.

Still, her makeup was different from before.

(Chris really is beautiful, isn’t she?)

He was aware of it before, but lately, he found himself thinking about it intensely.

He wouldn’t say what triggered it, but it was the party in Balt. On that day, she possessed a beauty that even the nobles, accustomed to beauty, couldn’t help but gaze at in awe.

Ain felt the same way, he just hadn’t voiced it.

“…?”

The way she tilted her head cutely, combined with her beauty, was captivating.

He was aware that the distance between them had grown closer lately, but Ain had experienced this situation before.

(It felt like this when Krone became my aide.)

He was referring strictly to the distance between them as opposite sexes.

Back then, despite their relationship, they both knew deep down that they liked each other.

But that feeling wasn’t there this time, leaving a strange, vague sensation lingering.

“Ah, um… Ain-sama? Being stared at like that is kind of embarrassing.”

“—Sorry, sorry. I was just spacing out.”

“You’re acting strange, Ain-sama. I wondered what came over you.”

What if she had tied her hair up like before? If she had shown vulnerability like before—or at least shown it less often—then things would be different.

There were countless differences, but he couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason for this strange feeling.

She has sharply defined eyes with long lashes. Her porcelain skin and red lips drew more attention than before. Even her straight, well-defined nose drew more attention than before.

A halo of golden threads flowed down from her head.

“Were you bored, too, Chris?”

“Um… well, yes, I suppose…”

“Sorry, sorry. Well, then. Keep me company for a bit.”

Ain started walking, leaving her looking bewildered behind.

“Where are we going?” Swallowing her words, she followed after him.

“I was thinking of heading to the audience chamber.”

Ain said as soon as they stepped into the hallway. His tone was usual, showing no particular excitement.

“Isn’t it still noisy over there? Is that okay?”

“Nah, the audience chamber’s quiet now. Grandfather said so.”

After that, it would be deserted until Tigre entered the castle. The reason was today’s ceremony. The audience chamber was isolated for security reasons.

“Come to think of it,” Chris nodded.

“I just want to get a feel for the atmosphere first. So I won’t be nervous later.”

“Huh? Does Ain-sama ever get nervous?”

“Not really. I’m used to official duties now, and things tend to work out somehow.”

This was, in a way, a change of pace.

Before the ceremony, amidst the castle’s bustling chaos, Ain wanted to take a look at the unusually quiet main stage.

Not out of mischief, but purely as a means to relax.

The two walked side by side, passing servants bustling about.

“Don’t you feel kind of bad about this?”

“I do. If we’re talking about that, I’ve been doing it every time someone bows to me forever.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m used to your unprincely remarks, too, Ain-sama.”

“You’re the one who asked…”

Chris chuckled softly.

She pressed a hand to her mouth and narrowed her eyes as she looked down slightly. You might say she was a beauty, and these charming, girlish mannerisms suited her perfectly.

The two of them stood side by side before the large doors that led to the audience chamber.

When had the two of them last come to the audience chamber together?

“Since that time, I suppose.”

The answer came to mind instantly.

It was the night he’d been troubled, when she had followed Ain.

“…? Is something wrong?”

“I was just wondering how long it had been since I came here with Chris.”

“Hmph—”

She seemed to remember, too.

Not that the day’s actions were shameful, but they stirred up a sense of embarrassment.

“Speaking of which, that ritual—”

“W-w-w-wait… It was an ancient ritual passed down in my family!”

“Eh… Really? A Wernstein one?”

“Actually, yes! I forgot to tell you!”

(Didn’t she say it was an elf ritual?)

But it wasn’t something to doubt. When she mentioned that it involved the Wernstein bloodline, he nodded.

Their actions were bold. It was simply that they were a man and a woman.

Ain was surprisingly easily convinced by her words. He placed his hand on the double doors.

“Next time, in the truest sense…”

Chris murmured his resolve.

The beloved didn’t notice the sound of the door opening, but Chris did and mentioned it.

The audience chamber was completely empty and filled with a solemn, sacred atmosphere.

“Oh? A special ritual from the Wernstein family? That’s news to me.”

Warren smirked.

In stark contrast, Chris opened her mouth and silently pleaded with her eyes for Warren not to say anything unnecessary. Warren looked like a kindly old man.

He approached quietly from the opposite direction of the path that Ain and Chris had taken to reach the audience chamber.

“Wa… Warren-sama…?”

“By the way, if you are of Mark—no, His Majesty the First’s—bloodline, perhaps I should address you as Christina-sama instead of Chris-dono. What do you think?”

Was that truly the only meaning behind his words?

Of course not. Chris sensed his half-teasing intent.

“…Warren-sama? How much do you know…?”

“Hmmm, I don’t know what you’re referring to, but when you mention an ‘elf ritual,’ something comes to mind—”

“Warren-sama!?”

He probably didn’t know. He hadn’t seen what Chris and Ain had done that night.

Chris’s brief relief vanished as she panicked, fearing he might reveal the ritual’s true nature.

Left behind and confused by the commotion, Ain felt happy in the familiar daily life they had lived in the castle. A soft smile naturally spread across his face as he murmured,

(Somehow, it really feels like we’re back…)

Beside the flustered girl, Ain thought this secretly.

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