Chapter 71 - Volume 3 (1/2)

Volume 3 Chapter 3 Part 2

I wanted to make that premonition into reality.

Unlike the vast majority of nobility, His Highness Klanven was able to handle some of the daily routines on his own, like for example dressing up and bathing, but when it comes to everything else he needed help like any other noble.

No, no, no. Seeing that I already decided to accept the duty as Klanven’s caretaker, I wanted to do my job properly without voicing any complaints all the time. However, it would certainly save the both of us a whole lot of time if he was more of a self-reliant person. He must have known that, for he was smiling apologetically this whole time.

Now that I have officially taken the role as His Majesty’s caretaker, it would be totally unbecoming of me to complain about every single hardship that was thrown at me, and I needed to focus as to carry out my duties accordingly.

Although the man was also at Klanven’s side disguised as Edilka Vince, he still had his duties as the Court Magician to take care off. And no matter how much other wizards were working, there were still things that only that man could do. Therefore, he couldn’t be present at His Highness’ side at all times. And even though he knew that it couldn’t be helped in any way, this situation was clearly annoying him.

Whenever he had to leave his post briefly for his other duties, that man was visibly irritated. Moreover, I was concerned that if he was to be so irritated all the time, it could have a negative impact upon his health and duties at the court.

And just like that another day was coming to an end. The royal duties of His Highness were finally over, and he was now resting inside of his private chambers. It was then when that man came into the chamber and lowered his head.

「Your Highness, I am terribly sorry to ask you this, but I would like to receive permission to leave my post for a while.」

「Ahh, some urgent matter than needs attending to? Sure, I don’t mind.」

When the man asked Klanven for permission he gave the man his approval without giving the matter much thought, which in turn threw me into this complicated state of mind. There must have been some serious reasons or circumstances behind that man if he was asking for permission to leave his post.

However, while taking a sip of his milk tea, Klanven smiled at the man in a gentle manner as he said.

「You can go. I have Filmina here with me, so I’m going to be fine. No need to worry.」

「…… Again, I am so terribly sorry for this.」

For a short moment the expression on that man’s face was something of a “What do you mean you are going to be fine?”, but in the next moment it vanished without a trace, a completely expressionless look coming in its place. He may have looked calm, but it was clear to see that the man was frustrated beyond belief.

But, Klanven seemed to be perfectly fine with this situation, a smile never fading from his lips, contrary to my somewhat melancholic feeling.

「For someone from the Black Lotus Court he still seems rather nervous.」

When Klanven said that, my hands which were pouring him tea into his cup came to a sudden stop. According to his words just now, it may be so that he wasn’t so sure that everything would be fine. But no matter how you decided to put it, the results would still be more or less the same. Then, Klanven stared into his cup with a half-closed eyes.

「That’s a rather bad habit to have, Your Majesty.」

「When you are in such a position as mine, there aren’t that many things that you might consider to be entertainment. So when I find something that brings me joy, I tend to devote my whole energy to it. Or maybe now that you are here, will you entertain me for a while?」

Your Highness, I know that you may be bored, but as an important man of this country and the great Priest that served the Goddess in the Great Temple, someone respected by both nobility and the people, I would like you to not say things like that to a married woman, not even as a joke. I try my best not to say those things out loud as I avoid Klanven’s gaze.

「Your Majesty, please promise me that you will refrain from saying such things.」

「Unfortunately, I cannot do that.」

「……」

He may have had a charming smile and mannerism befitting of a Priest, but the truth is, Klanven had quite the character on the inside. He may have looked old, but mentally he was still in his prime. That is why he enjoyed teasing people so much. Knowing that you were always on the palm of his hand, it was very difficult to not play along and to put him back in his place.

But sadly, this wasn’t the only cause of stress that was coming with this job.