Chapter 187 (2/2)

“You may raise your head, Baron Tanaka.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

I raised my head but kept my knees on the floor.

The glorious royal pussy was right before me. The only thing protecting it was a few thin pieces of fabric.

She really does have a killer body.

“We’re already familiar with each other and even attended the Academic Conference together. Such formalities are no longer necessary. Would you please take a seat here?”

“I greatly appreciate your consideration.”

The next thing I heard was Sophia-chan’s voice.

“I-I-I-I’ve brought tea….”

“Please, enter.”

The door opened and Sophia-chan entered carrying a tea tray. She was shaking so violently that the cups on the tray looked as if they could fall at any moment. She was doing her best to hold a straight face, but I could tell she could burst into tears at any moment.

The Princess is certainly the most important person she’s ever made tea for before. First it was Ester-chan, then the noble mage, and now the Royal Princess. If things continue like this, she’ll someday be making tea for the King.

I feel sorry that she’s only being paid as a school maid. I’ll need to find some time to speak with the noble mage about a pay increase.

“Thank you very much, Sophia-san.”

“O-Of course!”

“Is she your maid?”

She was carefully observing Sophia-chan’s face.

“Something like that.”

“She’s a very cute girl. I wouldn’t mind having her for myself.”

“Ah–!?”

As soon as she said this, Sophia-chan’s face fell into despair.

I’m sure she’s struggling with a complex mix of emotions right now, but, above all else, I know she wants to refuse. She’s great at her job, but I could never imagine she has a desire to rise to a position like that.

She has a good work ethic from working at her family’s restaurant from a young age. But I don’t believe she has the right temperament to be constantly surrounded and attending to unfamiliar nobles. I think she’ll get used to other nobles with time, but it’s important that this comes over time and not as a sudden change.

“I’m sorry, but she’s special to me.”

“Ara ara, would you refuse a request from your princess?”

“It’s more about the fact that she’s voluntarily serving me rather than her being someone I employ.”

Lies are sometimes necessary. It’s the only way I see to protect Sophia-chan.

I’d be lonely if we no longer lived together.

“Is that so? That’s too bad.”

“I’m terribly sorry that I’m unable to satisfy your request, but if there are any other maids that catch your eye, I would be willing to listen to your request.”

“Ufufu, of course. It takes a lot to find someone that suits my tastes.”

“I see.”

With the talks shifting away from her, Sophia-chan made a hasty retreat with the tray clutched tightly against her chest.

After confirming she had left, I turned my attention back to the main topic.

“Now then….”

Why exactly is the Princess here?

The daughter of a noble family would never come to visit some remote territory of an unknown baron on a whim. Especially when you consider the fact that she’s the daughter of the King and how much he must love her. When I thought back to when she was cured of her disease, the King embraced her and looked afraid of letting her go; as if he believed that he would lose her again the moment he did. I don’t see how he would allow her to freely leave to someplace so far from home.

This also made me think of the Princess as a secluded girl that has very little real-life experience.

“Your Highness, what aid could a simple baron like me offer you?”

“Yes, of course. I actually heard some rumours about you.”

“Rumours?”

“Members of the nobility that participated in the Academic Conference spread word of a wonderful city that existed along our borders.”

“Ah, I see.”

It seems that the nobles brought by the noble mage have been talking favourably about our city in Kalis. These rumours would have spread to the castle and eventually reached the ears of the Princess.

If this goes well, we could end up with the endorsement of the royal family. This would bring in more members of the nobility which would increase our revenue dramatically.

The entrance fee for the noble district is significantly more than that of the commoner’s district. The income we get from the south district is large, but it can vary drastically on a day-by-day basis. If we could bring in a new stream of noble customers to town, we’d be able to generate a steady income that would dwarf all of the combined revenue we’re currently bringing in.

Personally, I believe it would be better if we were able to focus on and bring in a consistent stream of nobles.

“I’ve heard that there are baths here that can heal the body.”

“Yes, it’s our most popular attraction.”

“My body still remains weak from my past sickness. I persuaded my father into allowing me to visit your city in the hopes that these baths can help heal me.”

“So that’s the reason.”

I feel like she’s either lying or not telling me the whole truth.

Considering how much the King cares for his daughter, I don’t see him allowing her to go on such a grand adventure.

“My father is so unreasonable, you know. When I first brought up the idea to him, he told me the castle had plenty of hot baths and it wasn’t necessary for me to leave the capital. But I believe it’s important to go out and experience the many nearby locales firsthand.”

“His Majesty is just concerned about your health.”

“You think so?”

“Us nobles value the health of our king and princess above our own.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, and it would be a waste for you to have come all the way out here without experiencing our baths. If that is what you wish, then all of our baths are open for you to use as you please, Your Highness.”

“Ara ara, ufufu. I really like your attitude. It’s like a breath of fresh air.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“I was taken straight here after arriving by carriage. I didn’t get to see much of your city. Would you mind being my guide and showing me around on the way to the baths?”

“Whatever pleases you, Your Highness.”

“After you.”

I turned my eyes to Sebastian.

He remained as statuesque as always, but I took his silence as a confirmation that I could continue. I assume if a problem ever arises, he’ll finally break his silence and step in.

“Let’s head out. The bath I have in mind isn’t far.”

“Of course. After you, my escort.”

I guided the Princess out of the mayor’s house and headed off to the most luxurious bath available in the north district.

I’m sure the Princess has other attendants with her besides Sebastian. With this thought in mind, I asked the mohawk man who we passed in the streets to take care of them.

The mohawk man informed me that there were already two rows of carriages outside the city walls waiting to get in. The Princess also spoke up and asked the mohawk man to send her personal attendant to the baths ahead of us.

I was happy to hear about the long queues. Each carriage that entered was like a sack of money walking through my city’s gates.