Chapter 145 - Volume 8 (2/2)

“S-Sorry, sister……”

It seems their sibling relationship is more complex than at first look. I found it rather refreshing, since my own relationships with my relatives were so simple.

Was Bianca aiming for the throne herself? Was that really her intentions?

As I gave Kyoji a fleeting glance, it seems that he also turned to look at me that instant and gave me a “sweet smile” as though his mouth was full of pebbles.

To put it simply, it was one of those saccharine-sweet smiles that looked like sugar had been sprinkled on top of condensed milk on top of fried batter.

“A smile like grilled meat for five.”

“…… I don’t get what you mean.”

It’s about the calories.

The silver cutlery and white porcelain tableware were laid out, but I only knew for certain that the King of Sail would not come when the appetizers arrived.

Did they think that sending two royals was enough? Or maybe he was afraid because I had released my [Intimidating Presence] every time we’d met……

No, but I didn’t release my intimidation so freely, right? Wasn’t that true? He didn’t think it was because I was planning to call on him in the middle of the night, you know?

…… I cursed his hair roots to die.

The appetizers were crisp sliced and colored vegetables and jellied fish. Next up was a salad of seaweed and boiled tubers, and the third was a consommé-like soup. The bread was a mix of black and white breads, and the pasta was good too.

Following that was a fish with a crisp texture that I’d never had, served with a citrus sauce.

After that, I thought it would end with a sorbet of some sweet fruit, but it seems that it was time for the main course, a lamb dish.

After that came a fruit platter filled with treats that I’d never seen before in this region, and a sweet cake, and then finally the tea, accompanied by a few baked sweets.

…… I can’t tell their taste, so this is like light torture. It’s really heavy for a midday meal.

Even if it had been seasoned with souls, my stomach had already been filled with the appetizers, salads, and fish.

“uh, uhm… was it not to your tastes?”

“No, I’ve never had a large appetite.”

Since I only ate about two mouthfuls of everything else, Fio was giving me a worried look.

Well, of everyone, only Kyoji ate everything.

Noa and Tina were allowed in to serve me my meal, but as expected, it was impossible for them to squeeze out a soul in front of me.

“For our country, we’d like to have the Hero Kyoji deal with the invasion of the forces of darkness, separate from the Sail Army. ……Kyoji-sama, is that amenable?”

“Yes, I will do my best to repay the kindness that Your Highness Bianca has given me.”

“Oh you, Kyoji-sama.”

Bianca’s cheeks flushed red with Kyoji’s sweet smile and words.

I couldn’t help but stop drinking my tea hearing this farce start up abruptly.

What kindness was there in this current conversation? How about a stomach medicine that was half-buried in headache medicine? Did you call me here to have this 1-minute talk?

“……Uhm, I’d like to request Yurushia to join Kyoji-sama’s battle lines. You would be moving as the [Saint] working with the Hero of Sail.”

Bianca hurriedly spat out the truth when I had begun to ooze out my presence silently with a smile.

Would that be making me a member of Kyoji’s [Hero Party]?

Even though it would be more efficient if we moved separately, it seems like Sail wants to show off to the other countries with a perfect Hero party with both a [Hero] and a [Saint].

“Is that so…… well, I don’t mind. “

“R-really?”

When I said so, Bianca looked relieved, as if she had been on the receiving end of some stern order, while Kyoji’s eyes went slightly wider. Because I would have to be subordinate to Kyoji, he must have thought that I would refuse.

However, since I thought this was a good time to contact Kyoji again, it’s not an issue. I thought that it would be easier to touch base with Kyoji than the [Hero of Flame] or Kan-chan, who I’ve not yet officially met.

…… That being said, stop oozing killing intent, Noa and Tina. The room’s temperature has gone way down and now Fio-kun is scared.

Kyoji stood up, and, without a single change in his expression, bowed lightly to me.

“Then, Princess Yurushia, I hope we will get along well. Although you will be my subordinate, as your position is the same as mine, please, feel free to tell me any of your concerns.”

“Hai, Kyoji-sama. Thank you for your help.”

Was there anything being said?

Well, now I’ll be able to go to the battleground in the North.

And after that……

“Princess Yurushia, please be safe. I would love to have tea with you again when you return.”

“Thank you for your concern, Fio-sama. I look forward to it.”

I plan to raise him against the harassment those two are giving him.

“Princess……  I will accompany you as your escort.”

“Well, thank you.”

The knight who had guided me to my seat was also looking at me with a complex expression……

“Princess, I will happily accompany you, so please, give me that ‘Secret Treatment’……”

The old knight who was waiting behind Bianca bowed, showing me his shiny head…… it seems that another shining one was going to be lost from Sail.

Author’s Notes:

The number of middle-aged men who believe is increasing.

Next time, heading to the northern battlefield.