Chapter 49 (2/2)
”It looks like it's a familiar beast guarding the water. I'd say it's between Panda and Rosuke.”
”I see... I'm counting on you, Shark Boy.”
”Glup glup!”
I stored Sharkboy in the seal that was engraved on my arm next to Rosuke. The moment I did so, the tub emptied.
”If you want, you can relax for a while in my home. We have some spare rooms that you can use as you like.”
”I appreciate it very much, Lord Scotchell.”
”You can call me Scotchell. I'm going to go see my granddaughter, so I'll see you guys later.”
He smiled and then went upstairs.
The next day, Scotchell knocks on the door to a room.
There was a young woman looking out the window from her bed.
This is Scotchel's granddaughter, Anna.
She had shoulder-length blonde hair cut short, her eyes were blue, her body was white and slim, and she had an atmosphere about her that makes you want to protect her.
She is a girl with a charming appearance and nice smile.
”Grandpa, who are they?”
”The adventurers who gave me the antidote. I told you yesterday.”
”Ah, you must be the Manyu Brigade. Thank you for doing this for me. I know it was a very expensive item, but how can I repay you?”
”Don't worry, I've already received the appropriate reward.”
Scotchell stops her when she tries to get out of bed.
”Feeling better already?”
”I'm not worried about the poisoning, but I haven't recovered all my strength yet.”
According to Scotchell, a week ago she was scratched by a gargoyle that entered while she was doing laundry. Fortunately, she was able to make it home and was unharmed, but the resulting poison began to spread and slowly weakened her.
The doctors had told her that she had two weeks to live, so if we had spent one more week in the elven village, she might not have been in this world.
It is more than luck. It is a miracle.
Pak, pak.
Intense footsteps echoed in the house.
Bam!
A blond-haired young man opened the door to the room with force.
”Anna! Is it true that you were poisoned by a gargoyle!?”
”Hyunkel-Sama!”
”Anna! Anna!”
The young man pushes me away and kneels at the side of the bed.
Then, he gently covered Anna's right hand with both hands.
”Why didn't you tell me? I would have done anything for you.”
”Hyunkel is the heir to the throne of this country. To use the power of the royal family for the daughter of an inferior aristocrat like me...”
”Don't say that! I'd do anything to protect you!”
”Hyunkel-Sama...”
”Anna!”
The two people embraced.
I don't understand anything, my brain itches from trying to understand this.
A situation like this gives me heartburn. So much romanticism makes me feel weird.
It's true, I've had moments like these with Lisa before, but now I'm 25 years old, so this seems exaggerated to me.
”It's lovely. I admire two people who love each other.”
”I love the idea of a prince. It's every girl's dream.”
”Kyui?”
Perfect, now I have two daydreaming girls.
I guess these things happen to me because I am inexperienced in love.
....Wait a minute, what's this about a prince?
As if sensing my hesitation, Scotchell speaks to me in a low voice.
”My granddaughter is in love with the First Prince. So many important things were happening that I forgot to tell you about it until now.”
”Then Anna will be the next queen!”
”It's too early to decide. She is the granddaughter of the baron, and he is the first prince, they are very different people. It is still acceptable for her to be a concubine, but when it comes to taking the title of queen, there are many people who oppose the idea.”
In the past, there have been several cases where royalty have married individuals of a lower status.
But basically, they would marry someone close to them in status.
It is very complicated to accept that idea considering that the baron hardly fits into the nobility.
”My mother loves you. You will definitely be the queen.”
”Hyunkel-Sama...”
Here we go again with the cheesy stuff...
I'm going to leave this room.
Anna's gaze turned to me as I took a step.
”These are the ones who helped me.”
”Truly!?”
The prince stood up and hugged me.
”Aaaah! Thank you so much for helping Anna!!!”
”Y-Yes... You're welcome.”
”What is your name?”
”Toru.”
Hyunkel grabs my arm and drags me forcibly out of the house.
”Come with me.”
A beautiful carriage was parked in front of the house.
The gentleman opens the door and climbs in without hesitation.
After a moment we also got into the carriage.
”Where are we going?”
”You'll find out when we get there.”
That's all he says before smiling in satisfaction.
We're not going to the palace, are we?
I don't want any trouble.
I hope I am wrong.
But certainly... The carriage was headed for the palace.