Chapter 103
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Enjoy~
ED: LonelyMatter
Chapter 103 – The Defeated Grandfather
Sylvird’s bedroom was filled with an uneasy atmosphere.
The unease was not that heavy; if anything, it was just that Sylvird looked worried.
Inside the room, Sylvird, Laralua, and Warren were all waiting for Ain’s arrival.
“H-hey, is Ain here yet? When will he be here?”
“Dear? I don’t think it’s right for a king to look like that.”
“I know! But… it’s that Ain! That Ain who spoke of settling his rewards! I don’t know what he will say…”
By the way, only Sylvird looked worried, while his wife Laralua and Prime Minister Warren only looked amused.
He had no allies, he could only trust himself. Sylvird was trapped in such a state of mind.
“Your Majesty, please calm down. Isn’t it good that he’s going to settle the rewards he’s acc.u.mulated? And now that Baltic’s reward will be added to it, isn’t that actually a good thing?”
“Don’t be ridiculous! It is enough for him to wish for the desired rewards one by one! But to ask for them all at once… I’m sure he’ll ask for something outrageous!”
“Then why don’t you just refuse?”
Said Warren, but Sylvird would never shake his head.
Sylvird often used the phrase “trust, reward and punishment” because he believed it was his responsibility as king to uphold them.
“I-I guess that’s impossible… If I do that, I will cease to be a king and become just another old man.”
See that? Just as Warren had predicted, Sylvird said it.
Laralua seemed to be thinking along similar lines and, like Warren, had a smile on her face.
…Knock, knock.
“Your Majesty. Isn’t that Ain-sama you’ve been waiting for? I’ll see who it is.”
The king’s bedroom. Only a select few could knock on the door of this room, and at a time like this, it is almost certainly Ain.
Warren got up and went to the door. As for Sylvird, Warren’s every step was a bit frustrating.
“Oh, Ain-sama, we’ve been waiting for you. Please… come in… Chris-dono?”
“I called Chris-san. If I called her, it should be okay for her to come in, right?”
Ain’s att.i.tude was a bit more imposing than usual.
Warren was pleased to see that the trip to the Baltic had had a positive effect, that he had shed another layer of skin.
“Yes, of course, of course. Now, both of you, please approach His Majesty.”
“Very well. Let’s go, Chris-san.”
“Y-yes!
Sylvird couldn’t understand what was happening. Why did he bring Chris? He wondered what she had to do with what he was about to tell them.
No way, ‘let me marry Chris.’ While he doubted that he would say such a thing, Chris also looked somewhat serious, so there was no way to read into Ain’s behaviour.
“Hmm… what’s going on all of a sudden, Ain? You wanted to settle your reward.”
Sylvird had changed from the previous scene and now showed his dignity. He was still worried inside, but it was a bit of grandfatherly pride.
Sitting next to him, Laralua understood Sylvird’s inner thoughts very well.
She thought it would be pitiful for Sylvird if she laughed here, so she spread her fan to hide her face, and her mouth began to open.
“I found something I want… No, I mean someone. I’m here to talk to you about it.”
Ain’s expression, which he took the trouble to rephrase, had a nice, confident look on it. Lloyd had told him about Ain’s new sword. The report from Krone should also be delivered to him by Warren tomorrow.
If that was the case, what on earth did he want? Since Ain usually had a weak desire for things, he was not able to see the desired item any more.
“This is unusual… I didn’t expect to hear something like that from you, Ain.”
“Grandfather, no, not even from my mother and the others… but I’m sure this is probably the first time I’ve asked you like this for something I want.”
“Hey, Ain-kun? Is it something even His Majesty could give you?”
His wife, Laralua, saw Sylvird’s hesitation and gently interjected.
“Yes, Grandmother. Only Grandfather could give it to me, that’s how big it is.”
A bead of sweat ran down Sylvird’s neck.
The path of the sweat was cold and flinty, and it was clear to see that it was an expression of Sylvird’s discomfort.
“…Go on, Ain. What exactly is the reward you want?”
If it were Ain’s usual self, he would have taken a deep, visible breath at this point. But this time there was no such gesture, and he continued to open his mouth with a face full of confidence.
“Now, before I tell you about my desired reward, let me tell you about someone I would like to reward.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Many things. The person I want to reward is Lloyd Glacier. As the crown prince, allow me to reward him.”
“L-Lloyd…? What kind of reward is that, Ain?”
Warren realized that Sylvird would lose this argument. Even Warren could not understand what Ain wanted. However, Ain was in control of the situation and was undoubtedly the dominant figure at this point.
In terms of martial arts, Ain was a very strong person. Even with the influence of Dullahan’s group, he was the hero who single-handedly defeated the sea dragons.
Warren changed his mind. The Crown Prince was indeed a man of the king’s caliber, even in a war of words.
“Thanks to Lloyd, my investigation team accomplished a great deal. I felt safe and comfortable in Baltic. What would you call it if I didn’t call it an accomplishment?”
“I have no doubt. I would also recognize it as an achievement, but even if it were an achievement… what would Ain want from Lloyd?”
These were the words Ain wanted to hear. This was nothing more than a word from Sylvird’s mouth about what he wanted to do with Lloyd.
Relieved that this had happened, Ain continued with his own request.
“I would like to undo one of his past punishments.”
“Mm…? Lloyd’s punishment?”
Laralua and Chris still did not understand what he was asking for. But when Warren heard the word “punishment,” he nodded and said, “I see…” as if everything was connected.
“Yes. Lloyd was ‘defeated’ by me and failed to stop me. Therefore, he received two punishments. I would like to withdraw one of them as a reward and compensation.”
“The two punishments… and his defeat against Ain… You can’t be serious, Ain, you are…”
“As you might have guessed. I am considering withdrawing the revocation of Lloyd’s knighthood and marshalship.”
Lloyd was no longer a knight in this castle.
He was employed as an individual as Sylvird’s personal bodyguard, so to speak, and his seat as a knight did not remain.
It was his failure to stop Ain during the defeat of the sea dragons. He was in this position as punishment.
“W-what are you talking about, Ain? What are you thinking?”
“I said that. Many things, that is… Your Majesty.”
Ain and Sylvird. Everyone but them was out of the loop, and everyone was watching their conversation.
“I was nearly attacked by a monster. Lloyd defended me with a single stroke of his sword. …In other words, he saved the Crown Prince’s life.”
“…Ain, isn’t that a bit exaggerated? Lloyd would certainly have protected you, but even Ain could have handled that opponent. The other knights and even Dill are there as well. It seems strange to give such a reward only to Lloyd.”
“Although it’s a matter of consequence. What if I don’t notice the attack? Besides, it is possible that it will happen. The fact remains that Lloyd saved my life in any way he could. That doesn’t change the fact.”
“Then let’s say he gets the credit. Come to think of it, Ain, when you were taken away by the living armor, no one noticed, did they? Then what is the responsibility for that, explain it to me.”
Sylvird was now ready to fight for his own “trust, reward, and punishment,” an idea that was important to him. To protect it, he decided to fight Ain.
They exchanged their opinions, and now it was time to wait for Ain’s answer.
“It is true that I was taken away. But there are mitigating circ.u.mstances, and besides, it is difficult to determine who is to blame.”
“Continue.”
“Yes. First of all, the reason for the mitigating circ.u.mstances is that I used the illusory hand that caused me to be taken away. Therefore, the knights were not originally responsible.”
This was reported to Sylvird. Therefore, he also confirmed that there was no discrepancy in content by looking at Warren’s face.
“The next question is where the responsibility lies. Is it Dill? Or Lloyd? …Or all the other Royal Guards?”
“It must be Lloyd, after all, he was in command.”
“I see, that’s your mistake, Your Majesty.”
“M-mistake… you say?”
What would Ain say? The three of them looked at each other with excitement, as if they were watching a well-received play.
The raw sound of swallowing with bated breath echoed through the room.
“I was the commander of the investigation team. Therefore, if anyone should speak of responsibility, it should be me. So if you want to hold the superiors accountable, it will ultimately come down to me.”
Although some parts of the statement seemed forceful, there was no mistaking what Ain was saying.
It was true that this was an investigation that Ain had conducted as commander, and this had been widely publicized to the people of Ishtalika.
If the responsibility were to be sought by the superior, it would ultimately come back to Ain, who was also the one who was taken away.
“So let us settle this as well. I will be punished for this. So let me offset one of the rewards I should receive with this one.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The information that the Red Foxes have crossed the sea. Let me offset the reward for getting it against the punishment… balanced, isn’t it, Warren?”
Warren was abruptly asked to speak and was a few beats late in answering. This was the first time in a long time that he had made such a mistake, and he felt ashamed in his heart for his carelessness.
“Y-yes… I think you are right, Ain-sama. I think it’s not only balanced, it’s more like a change…”
“That’s fine. I’ll just a.s.sume that the change was spent on the party. …Well, that’s the end of what will probably be a punishment. May I return to Lloyd’s reward?”
“…I don’t mind.”
Ain smiled at Sylvird’s reply for a moment. Then, he became serious again and continued the conversation.
“Then the reward for saving my life. You agree to give it to Lloyd, don’t you?”
“That’s fine. But restoring Lloyd to the position of Marshal, that’s not balanced.”
“He risked the Crown Prince’s life once. And this time, he saved his life. Is that not enough?”
“It’s not enough. Don’t talk in your sleep. The situation is totally different.”
Hearing this, Ain showed his first thought. Was there nothing else he could do? This made the surrounding people think so, but Ain quickly opened his mouth again.
“If so, I will use the red fox’s magic stone. I’m sure I’ve received a reward for that as well, so let’s use that reward on Lloyd.”
“Wha… A-Ain! What are you thinking all this time…?”
“This will make up for it, won’t it? Grandfather?”
This was not what he came here to talk about.
Seeing that Ain was urging him with strong eyes to answer quickly, Sylvird did not pursue the matter any further.
“…Warren.”
“Y-yes. What is it, Your Majesty…?”
“Before you go to bed, approve the papers for Lloyd’s knighthood. Prepare them.”
“As you wish.”
Finally, he admitted it. No… Ain made him admit it. In the face of Sylvird, he used his own power to make him grant this wish.
“But Ain. It’s not possible to give him back to the Marshal, is it? After all, Chris is the…”
“Yes. So I will remove Chris from the position of Marshal and reinstate her as the exclusive escort for me and my mother and as the commander of the Royal Guard.”
…This was what Ain wanted and what Ain had in mind to fulfill Chris’ wishes.
“You mean… to remove the marshal from her position?”
“Yes. So I’m going to bring Lloyd back as Marshal and put Chris in charge of the Royal Guard. I’m going to put them in that seat only.”
As a Knight of the Royal Guard, Chris’ job was to protect the royal family. In this case, Chris wanted to protect Ain. This desire could be fulfilled.
“It’s not that easy to dismiss a Marshal! I was surprised when you said you wanted to reinstate Lloyd as Marshal, but what more foolishness can you suggest?”
It was not only Sylvird who was surprised, but also Chris, who had come with Ain. She was the most surprised.
“I’ve heard about Viscount Sage and the fact that he revealed a lot of secret talks to prove it… I have heard that many irregularities have been discovered. And I will be rewarded for this, even if indirectly, won’t I?”
“Yes, I will reward you! But Ain! You take things so lightly…”
“Ain-sama? I think you’re being a bit pushy.”
Warren also opened his mouth and spoke to warn Ain. However, Ain’s expression did not change and he continued to speak his words.
“The story is not over yet, Your Majesty. And Warren, I’ll hear you out at the very end. It is time for the King and the Crown Prince to speak.”
The last words were meant to be subdued in tone, but the implication was ‘shut up.’
Warren heard Ain’s words and looked stunned.
“Your Majesty? But isn’t that obvious?”
“What are you trying to say?”
“…If Lloyd is to return as a knight, it is the marshal who will be able to maximize his power. Besides, Chris does not have the personality and skills to be a Marshal. If anything, she is more suited to be a bodyguard.”
“Everyone is suited for something! That’s not why I made such an appointment…”
“This is not an emotional argument. Even if it’s a bit forced, I want you to do what’s best for Ishtalika. That’s all I care about.”
To put it bluntly, he wanted to make Chris’ wishes come true. It was this kind of gentle wish that had caused the current turmoil.
Of course, if he said such a thing, the whole conversation would be thrown out of the window. So in order to avoid such a situation, he desperately tried to come up with another reason.
“It would be useless to treat Lloyd, the treasure of Ishtalika, as a mere knight. It is truly a waste of a treasure.”
There were some forced parts and convenient storytelling for Ain. True, there were a lot of them.
But still. The words spoken by Ain were still full of power and strength.
“…Dear? Why don’t we just leave it at that?”
In this silent room, it was Laralua who finally opened her mouth.
“Leave it like that, you say?”
“There are some forced parts. But it makes sense. Ain-kun, no… Crown Prince. The answer will be given tomorrow morning. Is that acceptable?”
“I understand. I will wait for the answer in the morning. …Chris.”
“Huh…? Y-yes!”
Chris, who had been taken completely by surprise, was brought back to reality when Ain called out to her. Her eyes and consciousness were caught up in the powerful debate unfolding before her.
“We’re leaving. Let’s go.”
And so Ain left Sylvird’s bedroom, taking Chris with him.
Then the tension that had been in the bedroom suddenly disappeared and the air became more relaxed.
“Well. Hey Warren, is it because of your training?”
“Goodness… Ain-sama is probably growing naturally according to his own ‘vessel’. That’s the way I see it.”
“Yes, that is true. It certainly looks that way… Here you go, dear, have some water.”
“…Umu.”
Although Sylvird was still in a state of intense emotion, he took a sip of the water Laralua handed him. Seeing that he drank it all in one gulp, Laralua prepared another gla.s.s of water.
“Warren. Could you summarize Ain’s wishes?”
“I understand, first, that Lloyd-dono should be reinstated as the Marshal, and second, that Chris-dono should be made his personal bodyguard. In short, I think that’s it.”
“Oh, yes… I think there is no mistake.”
Sylvird drank the water Laralua refilled again and finally began to relax. The image of Ain from earlier came back to him even as he closed his eyes.
“Though perhaps this is for the sake of Chris-dono.”
“Hmm? What are you talking about?”
“Chris-dono seems to want to stay at Ain-sama’s side. And when Ain-sama found out about it, he tried very hard to make this wish come true.”
“Ara, ara. That makes me smile.”
Warren was able to imagine most of the details, but when Sylvird heard this, he lost strength from his body like a flower losing its shape.
“W-wait, Warren… Then I, or rather I and the Crown Prince… Are you saying that we argued like that for such a reason?”
“I can’t say for sure, only that it might be possible. But it is undeniable that it makes sense, don’t you think, Your Majesty?”
“…Umu. It was hard, but I would say that 80% of it was my loss.”
“Even if it is for unscrupulous reasons, or even if it is for selfish reasons… If it makes sense, there are things you have to admit.”
Hearing these words, he must be convinced. Sylvird is filled with such emotions.
“Hah… It seems that the future Ishtalika will be the reign of a reliable hero.”
It was true that part of him was emotionally unconvinced. However, it was also true that a part of him thought that it was rather fortunate that Ain’s request was granted.
As a reward for “talking himself out of it,” he was willing to accept this level of coercion. That was what he decided in his heart.
“Enough, I agree. …Starting tomorrow, I’m reinstating Lloyd as the Marshal. I don’t want to hear about any trouble in the field, let Lloyd handle everything.”
It was a cute little revenge for Sylvird, but it was a cute little revenge no matter how you look at it. Laralua smiled, too, and let out a chuckle.
“I understand. Then, about Chris-dono…”
“It is as he wished. She will be the commander of the Royal Guard and Ain’s and Olivia’s personal bodyguard. I’ve already made my decision and I won’t change it, no matter what you say! I will not give him another reward!”
“Fufu… Yes, yes, Your Majesty. You have done a great job.”
A woman patting the head of a disgruntled husband, somehow trying to cheer him up.
Seeing her like this, you realize that Olivia has inherited a side of Laralua.
“Warren, send a messenger to the Glacier Mansion. Tell him to come to the castle tomorrow as the Marshal and also to serve as my bodyguard. …It will be similar to when he was the Marshal before.”
“Yes, I understand. I will send a messenger immediately.”
In this short period of time, the Marshal was replaced several times. It was an unusual appointment, but Ain wanted Chris to be his bodyguard. So Sylvird thought of announcing it this way.
“Dear me… This is such an unusual situation. Is this something that should be allowed?”
“Why don’t you just give up? This is what Ain-kun wanted, or did you want to settle it with some other reward?”
“…I don’t even want to think about it.”
Wouldn’t that cause unrest among the people? These thoughts came to his mind, but he wanted to protect Ain. If these things were made public, would they somehow be convinced? Since this was true, he would rather reveal it truthfully.
“There was enough material to make the past unquestionable, and it made sense. The Crown Prince has grown up splendidly, hasn’t he?”
＊＊＊
“Ain-sama… Ain-sama!”
The rush of adrenaline still made Ain’s heart race.
With the momentum, he argued the point. If he were to grade himself on what he had just said, he would stick to those words.
That was why he still felt insecure, and the voice of Chris walking beside him. He had forgotten to answer that voice at all.
“Ah… I’m sorry, Chris-san. What’s wrong?”
“S-something is clearly wrong! What was I supposed to tell His Majesty…?”
Chris hadn’t received a single report about the earlier argument.
On the contrary, what was she supposed to do with Sylvird? She hadn’t even heard about it.
“I went there to take custody of Chris-san. Something like that?”
“It’s not that simple… All that precious reward Ain-sama got…”
“Ah, that’s fine. I didn’t have any special use for it, and I’m glad I kept it if I can use it like this.”
In fact, there was an aspect of saving the reward for something like this. It was true that there was nothing that Ain wanted, but it was probably a good thing that he did not want anything.
“B-but you did all this for me…”
“Well, it hasn’t been decided yet and we won’t know until tomorrow morning.”
But since Laralua said it like that, it was almost certain that it would be decided. Ain was secretly convinced of victory.
“So if it’s decided, I’m counting on you, okay?”
In any case, Chris would continue to make excuses. So Ain didn’t wait for that and took control of the conversation.
“Counting on me, is it…?”
“Yes, I’m counting on you. The next investigation will be in Magna, so you’ll be my bodyguard, together with Dill, okay?”
“Of course! I will protect Ain-sama with my life!”
“Ha-haha. I’m glad to hear you say that, but please take care of your life as well, Chris-san, okay?”
She felt a little better. Hearing Chris’ words that made him think so, Ain finally breathed a sigh of relief.
His body, which was heated up earlier, began to calm down, and he had the illusion that what he could see was becoming clearer.
“Oh no, but I was so nervous. Grandfather was so scary and I was so surprised when he spoke to me.”
“Uh… were you nervous? His Majesty looked so dignified, but I thought he was more nervous than you…”
“Really? Well… but I spoke with a lot of energy and I was quite nervous inside. I had thought a lot about it and made a plan so that he would listen to me, but I was still uncomfortable at the actual event.”
Chris was surprised that he was not showing his inner feelings at all when he saw Ain laughing all the time.
“Even though you were such a little boy…”
She thought back to the first time she met Ain.
Such a boy had a much stronger mentality than her and defeated the King in an argument.
It made her wonder if this fact was really true.
“I used to be small, but… you see?”
Ain stopped after saying that. He stood next to Chris and moved his body a little closer to hers.
“We’re about the same height now.”
Ain was twelve years old now. Was it because of his diet, or was it because of his genes from Logas? Whatever the reason, he continued to grow in height and stature.
Even compared to Chris, who was taller than most women, they were now about the same height. In less than a year, Ain would be taller than her.
“A-Ain…sama…?”
Chris’ face blushed when he saw Ain suddenly approaching her.
Ain also realized what he had done and quickly moved away.
“S-sorry… Maybe the excitement from earlier is still lingering.”
Ain’s words, blaming it on the argument earlier, put the situation to rest. Chris, on the other hand, still has Ain’s face burned into her memory.
“No, no, it’s okay…”
It wasn’t that Chris didn’t like what had just happened, it was just that she couldn’t think of anything more thoughtful to say. Chris tried to put these thoughts into words, but her mind was unable to think straight at a time like this, and she was very tired of it.
“I’m sorry, Ain-sama. Um… I may be rude, but may I ask you one more thing?”
“I-it’s okay! What is it?”
This was an unusual att.i.tude for Chris, but it was appreciated at the moment. If it meant getting away from this atmosphere, Chris’ request was a small price to pay.
“U-um! If I become Ain-sama’s bodyguard, I would like to ask you to address me… like before.”
“Like before? What do you mean by that?”
When Ain was told it was like before, he thought back to the time of the argument with Sylvird.
He searched his memory and tried to remember how he had addressed Chris.
“Please Chris… if I become Ain-sama’s bodyguard, please call me just Chris!”
They were words that took a lot of courage for her.
Therefore, she said these words with a red face and some tears in her eyes.
From Ain’s point of view, Chris was a beautiful woman on the verge of tears. The destructive power of her tears was so great that they looked like jewels.
“I-I understand! I understand, so don’t cry, Chris-san!”
Of course, if he had refused, she would have cried. However, the happiness of being accepted made her so excited that she almost cried with joy.
“Wow! Wow! Come on, don’t cry! Hey!”
“I-I’m sorry, Ain-sama! These are just tears of joy, so it’s okay!”
She smiled and said these words. Chris clasped her hands tightly and showed a loose gut pose.
It was very cute and enhanced Chris’ soft smile.
After that, she made a giggling sound and wiped her own eyes.
Her eyes were a little red, but with a big smile on her face, she told Ain.
“Well then, Ain-sama! Good night! See you tomorrow!”
Had there ever been a day when he thought Chris was as cute as she was today? Of course not.
Chris said good night and left Ain’s side with a small run.
“…I guess it was worth all that arguing, huh?”
The result was still unknown, but Chris was so happy. That alone was worth more than a gold nugget to Ain.
＊＊＊
Waking up the next morning was not so bad.
Ain, exhausted from the debate with Sylvird, had no recollection of what had happened after he had arrived in his room.
He must have managed to get here because he was lying on his bed.
He would have liked to sleep for a little longer, but it was eight o’clock in the morning.
It was time to wake up.
“Let’s get dressed…”
He slipped out of the soft blanket and put his hand on the change of clothes on the sofa.
Since he hadn’t changed into his sleeping clothes, his formal wear was all wrinkled. He decided to apologize to Martha later.
“But it’s my day off… and I’m sure I won’t be scolded if I sleep a little more.”
But what about a less self-indulgent life?
For Ain, who was used to getting up in the morning, this was a situation that made him feel guilty.
“Never mind. Let’s go play with the twins.”
The twins must have been lonely, so it’s okay to play with them for a while, at least today.
After that, let’s get ready for dinner.
…Knock, knock.
“Yes?”
A knock sounded softly in Ain’s room as he started to get ready.
Ain answered immediately as he had already finished getting dressed. Then the door opened and a woman entered the room.
“Oh, um… good morning.”
Thinking back to last night, the conversation was not as good as usual.
But she didn’t care and opened her mouth with a happy face.
“…From this day on, I have been appointed as Ain-sama’s personal bodyguard. My name is Christina Wernstein. Please take care of me!”
She must have heard about this before Ain. In other words, that’s what it meant.
Chris’ appearance with her hair down despite her knight’s uniform. It was filled with a special, even divine beauty.
“U-uh, I’m sure I don’t have any special plans for today… but what should I do…?”
She probably didn’t think about what to say after that.
She probably wanted to tell Ain as soon as possible how happy she was to be his personal bodyguard.
She seemed to be breathing a little hard.
“…Fu, kuku…”
Please forgive me for laughing, Ain said.
Her gestures, full of beauty, were inexplicably funny.
“A-Ain-sama. You don’t need to laugh so much!”
She was dissatisfied with Ain’s att.i.tude and revealed her inner feelings by puffing out her cheeks. It’s so cute the way she says, “Geez.”
“No, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. …Well, I have something on my schedule…Actually, I was thinking of showing my face to the twins right now.”
“Then…!”
I’ll accompany you! She’ll probably say something like that.
It was easy to understand and easy to imagine. But even though Ain knew this, he interrupted Chris and said.
“Of course, I’ll let you follow me, but first let’s have breakfast…”
Yes, let’s keep yesterday’s promise.
“So first we’ll go to the dining room… Let’s go, Chris.”
“Yes! Ain-sama!”
Chris was probably the best. Even if you compared her to the beautiful elves of the past, no one could compare to Chris. Her smile was so unique that it made people believe it. She turned her smile to Ain.
And he wanted to take back one thing he said before.
Chris’s smile was not just a piece of gold. It was such a wonderful treasure that even a G.o.ddess would shrink into a haze.