episode_0097

“Hahahaha! My apologies for this. It’s been so long since I’ve been confined to a chair due to work!”

The Crown Prince laughed heartily as he spoke.

He didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the earlier mistake.

The Crown Prince sat in his chair and looked at us.

“My physique isn’t much to speak of, and I have little talent for martial arts or magic. I hope you’ll forgive me for staying seated like this.” “Mm.”

So Yeon-hwa nodded in response to the Crown Prince’s words.

Was it really okay to speak so casually to him?

Regardless, the Crown Prince didn’t seem to mind, smiling as he turned his gaze to me.

“I didn’t call you here for anything major. Though it might be something significant for you.”

I had a bad feeling about this.

I glanced at Diago.

Diago had his head deeply bowed.

“Don’t blame him too much. Sir Diago only acted as I instructed. It’s not a bad proposition for you either.”

I looked back at the Crown Prince.

The mighty empire that ruled most of the Western Continent.

Its power was truly fearsome—rumored to be capable of standing alone against the entire Western Continent.

—Be wary of the Empire.

Volkan had warned me.

Other nations, I could handle somehow.

But the Empire?

Be cautious.

Given its connection to [The Cradle],

it was only natural that the Empire held considerable influence there as well.

And.

If this man was its Crown Prince…

‘……The Crown Prince of the Empire, incapable of martial arts or magic.’

At a glance, it might sound like a weakness.

But it also meant he had overcome such disadvantages to become the Crown Prince.

A man who could never be underestimated.

Weighing the danger he posed, I chose my words carefully.

“So, what is it you wish to say?” “What I wish to say?”

Golden eyes fixed on me. The Crown Prince grinned, an inscrutable smile on his lips.

“Nothing, really.” “……Pardon?” “Seeing you with my own eyes was the purpose of this meeting. Ah, unless there’s something you want?”

Something I want?

Not really, at the moment.

I could acquire most things on my own anyway.

“Your expression tells me you don’t have anything in mind. Well, think about it if you change your mind. Ah, perhaps a title from the Empire would suit you?”

A title?

I glanced at Diago. The moment our eyes met, he nodded firmly.

As if urging me to accept.

‘……A title would be convenient.’

But being dragged to banquets and the like didn’t sound appealing.

Parties weren’t my style.

“Hmm, not interested in that either?” “It’s not that, but accepting it so casually feels burdensome.” “Burdensome, you say. Then how about acting as my escort? It won’t take much of your time. Just a brief moment will suffice.”

The Crown Prince flashed a brilliant smile as he made the offer.

I nodded.

“Ah, I’ve missed this kind of atmosphere.”

The bustling marketplace. Delicious-looking food was everywhere, with vendors calling out to passersby.

There, alongside So Yeon-hwa and Diago, I escorted the Crown Prince.

Though dressed in commoner’s clothes provided by Diago, the Crown Prince’s striking appearance still drew attention.

“Have you ever been to a place like this before?” “Only occasionally, when I indulge in a little escapism. Ah, let’s get four chicken skewers from that stall over there.” “Eating while on duty is…” “Tsk tsk, by order of the Crown Prince.”

Diago’s protest was met with a laugh as the Crown Prince dismissed it, returning with five skewers and handing them out.

“Five?” “The lady said she hadn’t seen such handsome men in a while and threw in an extra as a treat.” “Hmm… Well, between His Highness and me, I suppose that makes sense.”

As Diago nodded smugly, So Yeon-hwa tilted her head.

“Diago, are you handsome?” “Handsome enough, I’d say. Though not exceptionally so. She was probably referring to Sir Yuseong and me.”

The Crown Prince chuckled at So Yeon-hwa’s question, while Diago looked utterly betrayed.

No need to be that shocked.

As we walked, a familiar figure came into view.

“Well, well~ Look who it is~.”

A woman, utterly drunk and barely able to stand, stood before us.

Dressed in a black nun’s habit, her eyes spinning dizzily.

Hic.

No point hiding it.

This was our clan’s sole healer—Rosenta, a candidate for sainthood.

Quickly, I shoved the chicken skewer the Crown Prince had given me into Rosenta’s mouth.

Mmmph.

Seemingly pleased, she chewed on the skewer before shoving a glass of alcohol toward me.

Giving me food, now offering a drink in return?

“But who’re these people?” “……Smells like my dad.”

So Yeon-hwa muttered under her breath and hid behind me.

The Crown Prince studied Rosenta with his gleaming golden eyes.

“Hooh, a woman with remarkable potential.” “…….”

I looked at the Crown Prince.

He smirked, then turned his gaze back to me.

“You seem to attract extraordinary people. Having someone like this by your side speaks volumes.”

A deeply suspicious remark.

It gave me a hint as to why the Crown Prince had wanted to meet me.

Hic. “H-Hey, ignoring me is a crime~ Hic. You drink too~.”

Rosenta shoved the glass toward the Crown Prince and me.

Just as I stepped forward to refuse, the Crown Prince laughed and accepted it.

“Perfect timing—I was thirsty. Thank you. Truly, the clergy of the Goddess of Light are overflowing with mercy.” “Ehehe~ You, you know how to appreciate people~.”

Rosenta, swaying unsteadily, giggled drunkenly.

The Crown Prince downed the beer in one go.

Gulp.

Then Rosenta, reeking of alcohol, clung to me.

By now, I could tell she was sobering up slightly.

“But seriously, who are these people?”

Rosenta asked, taking a swig of vodka.

Before she could embarrass herself further, I whispered to her.

“That’s the Crown Prince.” “Pffft—!!!”

The alcohol in Rosenta’s mouth sprayed directly onto the Crown Prince’s face.

……Farewell, Rosenta. I won’t forget this.

After the brief commotion,

Rosenta trailed behind us like a condemned criminal, her head hung low.

“Quite an entertaining experience.”

The Crown Prince brushed it off casually.

Or perhaps he was doing this to make me feel indebted.

Rosenta, oblivious, looked even more mortified.

“By the way, The Cradle isn’t half bad either.” “It’s about time we headed back.”

The sunset bathed the scenery in gold.

The Crown Prince chuckled at my words and took a sip of beer.

“Do you know how many eyes are on you?”

How would I?

Though many watch me, I’ve never truly felt it.

I receive plenty of attention, but the higher-ups and other clans remain out of sight.

“Hoho, your expression tells me you haven’t noticed. Not surprising. Sword King Volkan protects you, and the Guild Master has your back too. Even the lofty Beast King keeps an eye on you.” “…….” “You probably don’t realize it. Lesser beings may watch you, but those of a certain caliber stay hidden. The lesser ones are all blocked by the Golden Witch anyway.” “So what’s your point?”

I wanted to know his intent.

I could understand wanting to see me,

but why show me all this?

“Nothing much. Just a small gesture of goodwill.” “Goodwill?” “I may be Crown Prince, but I’m not yet Emperor. I still have many rivals. So I’m extending this favor. If, in the future, someone makes you a similar offer, I hope you’ll remember this day.”

The Crown Prince smiled ambiguously.

People really had too much time on their hands.

‘I think I understand now why he became Crown Prince.’

There was something peculiar about his aura.

Commoners and the like probably adored him.

With that thought,

“I’ll consider it then.”

I let the words slip.

“Then I’m satisfied.”

A faint, pleased smile crossed the Crown Prince’s face.

It seemed Diago’s mess had finally been resolved.

‘I should hurry home and practice synthesis.’

Ah, but first—

Sniffle.

I had to console Rosenta.

On the way back to the inn, ensuring the Crown Prince’s safety,

I spotted familiar faces.

Veronica and Erme.

Veronica was grumbling as she approached.

“Ugh, who even got hurt here?” “H-Haha.”

Veronica was glaring daggers at Erme with her eyes,

while Erme looked awkward.

‘What an odd pair.’

A bizarre combination.

If it were Rosenta, fine,

but why Veronica?

As I pondered, Erme noticed us.

“Oh, Yuseong? And the others too…”

Erme trailed off, her expression blanking.

She stared dumbfounded at the Crown Prince.

“Ohh, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

The Crown Prince waved at Erme.

Flustered, Erme bowed deeply.

“What brings you here?” “Just fulfilling a request at the moment.” “But why with Master Diago?” “Don’t call him ‘Master’ so casually.” “Because Sir Diago got roped into my affairs at my request.”

The Crown Prince laughed lightly.

I glanced at Erme.

Veronica did the same.

Though the moment I looked,

“Hmph.”

She turned her head away.

‘What a strange duo.’

But why Veronica, of all people?

As I puzzled over it, Erme sidled up to me and whispered.

“T-There’s nothing between me and the Crown Prince!” “M-Me neither!”

At Erme’s words,

Rosenta chimed in from the side.

“……?”

What was that about?

Before I could ask—

‘……!’

I tensed.

Too late—I realized.

Countless presences had silently surrounded us.

‘When did so many gather?’

Around thirty.

But three among them radiated an undeniable aura.

I stepped in front of the Crown Prince.

Erme and Diago shielded Rosenta and Veronica behind them.

‘No wonder he brought a priest.’

……Seemed the Crown Prince was under attack.