Episode 21: His Preferences (5)

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After getting Aristine to the smithy safely, Tarkan went about his afternoon business.

His forehead creased as he studied the graph showing the trend of injuries.

The number of injuries has suddenly exploded.

Furthermore, it wasnt a gradual increase but a sudden increase after one particular day. Needless to say, that particular day was the day that Aristine visited the training hall.

Ever since Aristine first met Umiru and gave Umiru the scalpel, she had only come to the ward once or twice to check on the situation. And even that stopped after she said she was going to improve the scalpel.

However, the warriors made a fuss, wanting to be lucky enough to meet the Princess Consort when she showed up. Now, they wanted to go to the ward for wounds that they never would have before, and it was making a mess.

Do something about these damnedI mean, these great warriors!

Umiru came huffing just moments ago.

They are so great that even with faking pain, they are the best in the world!

Of course, Tarkan didnt feel any pity for her.

You say youre busy but I guess you have time to wander around like this?

Coming to see Your Highness right now is merely an extension of my work after seeing the situation.

Umiru said while waving the document in her hand.

Who asked you to come? (Tarkan)

Umiru looked at Tarkan, speechless then her mouth fell open.

Dont tell me

It was obvious to think like that.

Is this because of the time I went to see the Princess Consort?!

Tarkan didnt reply.

Wait, how long ago was thatthat was over a month ago!

29 days ago, to be exact.

Oh, seriously!

Umiru ruffled her hair, looking like she was about to lose her mind.

Its not like I just went, its because of the scalpel

Umiru was so dumbfounded that she couldnt finish her sentence.

Of course, it wasnt like she didnt have any selfish reasons. She could have sent a telegram or a subordinate, no, honestly, she could have just waited but she used it as an excuse to see Aristine.

But things like that happen.

So what was with this reaction?

I didnt know His Highness was such a childish bastcome on, is his brain development the same as a childs?!?

She wasnt like Tarkans warrior aides who were always by his side, watching him.

Still, Umiru believed that she had known Tarkan for quite some time.

What type of person was Tarkan?

He was a man who wouldnt blink at any woman, even if it was rare dancer said to steal the souls of everyone, regardless of their sex.

It was to the point where his disinterest in women was amazing.

I even wondered if he was impotent.

Umiru shook her head, disregarding her rude thoughts.

Even an impotent man was more interested in women than Tarkan.

That same person is now doing what?

The person who acted if dating or love would never exist in their life was now acting this way and it gave Umiru goosebumps.

She remembered how he followed her and even interrupted her on the day, she went to see Aristine. She was so sad when she left.

I shouldnt have asked.

Once again, Umiru left sadly.

A small consolation to her was that Tarkan always took care of things, no matter what.

And just as she thought, Tarkan was looking at the graph right now, with a serious look on his face.

He knew the ward was getting quite crowded but after seeing the numbers, he knew it was a bit excessive.

If this goes on, the ward will inevitably lose efficiency.

Fortunately, there were no large-scale battles going on and they were only dealing with the demonic beasts that they found during scouting so there were hardly any serious injuries.

His warriors knew this too, thats why they were making so much fuss.

But if the doctors cant get enough rest and become fatigued, it will be trouble later on.

And most of all.

These bastards are making this much fuss to try and see Aristine.

All of these warriors.

It was a good thing that they had a high regard for their Princess Consort.

However.

Its annoying.

He didnt know but it was extremely annoying.

He was once again reminded of the fact that Aristine came to the training hall to see Mukali, not him.

Tarkan didnt even get a bite of the spring strawberry cake that she brought.

Milord doesnt lik e sweet things.

Because of that one sentence from Mukali.

Those punks ate it all!

He wasnt a fan of sweet things, and he didnt usually crave thing like cake but for some reason, his mood was foul.

Tarkans eyes gleamed sharply as he scanned the documents related to demonic beast appearances.

Is there any long-term mission for Mukali? At this point, the farther from the capital, the better.

Just as he was thinking that, he heard a knock on the door.

Come in.

The door opened and the face behind the door was Mukali, who just had a long-term mission decided for him.

Alongside Mukali, was Jacquelin and a bunch of other warriors.

Not having a clue of this, Mukali smiled innocently and suggested to Tarkan.

Milord, why dont you take a break and have some refreshments?

No need.

Tarkan flatly refused.

He already wasnt fond of refreshments and seeing Mukalis face right now made him irritated.

S, Still, I brought some chocolate fudge, you can just have a taste

Normally, Mukali would have understood and left but he hesitatingly suggested again.

Finally, Tarkan frowned and looked at Mukali, as if he was unhappy with the idea.

Chocolate fudge? Are you asking me to eat something that rottenly sweet?

At this low voice laced with rebuke, the warriors flinched and looked at each other.

Then they began whispering under their breath.

See, I said he wouldnt take it.

But still..

I dont think hes in a good mood, lets go. We just interrupted his work for no reason.

What do we tell the Princess Consort?

Princess Consort?

Tarkans ears twitched.