Chapter 100

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ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 100 Daily Life after a Long Absence

The sound of a train moving along the rails. There was a difference between the sound of a train for commoners and a train for n.o.bles.

Of course, there was the same difference between a train for the n.o.bles and the train for the royal family.

But you would never experience a royal train if you lived an ordinary life. Thats why you usually didnt have the chance to notice the difference, except for Ain, of course. Because he had experienced all the water trains, he was able to notice the difference.

Every time I ride it, I feel like Im getting more comfortable.

It was a small miracle he felt each time.

It was not often that he got to ride the royal train, but he was still amazed at the difference every time he got on one.

Ain? Its only natural that the train is more comfortable since they upgrade it every six months.

Huh?

The new technology created in Ist. Once the new technology pa.s.ses the standard safety requirements, it will be used on the royal train first. It will be of much better quality than the civilian ones.

I didnt know that I didnt expect that Id learn something new on the way home.

The month-long investigation in the Baltic was over. The investigation period was over, and the team was finally returning to the royal capital.

There was a fair amount of fruitful results. It was also decided that the next investigation would be in Magna. The investigation into the demon kings territory, not to mention the clues about the red foxes, seemed to have made some progress.

The mysterious event that opened the gates of the demon kings castle and the encounter with Marco. In addition, there was Mouton, a skilled blacksmith, and his cheerful apprentice, Ememe.

It was only a short period of time, about a month, but the intensity of what he experienced was out of proportion.

By the way, where are Mouton-san and Ememe-san?

They should be in the Royal Capital by now. Grandfather and Alfred wanted to show them around in person.

Thats very encouraging.

Then its a relief, Ain said. If that was the case, then he could rest easy.

I mean, is the house ready?

Yes. We received the furnace in a week, and the construction was still going on during that time. It will be ready in two weeks.

Its a nice workshop and house. Krone was pleased.

Well, Id better go and greet them when we arrive in the capital.

When Ain smiled and said this, Krone, who had turned serious, asked him as if he wanted to see how he felt.

Hey Ain. Im sure youd rather go to Mouton-san than to the castle, right?

Oh, did you find out?

It couldnt be helped; after all, a mythical material like living armor was to be combined with a sea dragon.

It would become a sword, and it w

ill belong to him. How could he not be excited?

Goodness youre a boy like that.

Chuckling, Krone thought about the other day.

Ain had been so receptive, so full of the charm of a man who could be trusted with everything about himself.

She remembered her chest pounding as she lay on his lap.

No, no, no. Any man would be thrilled! Oh, and when I go to Mouton-sans, make sure you follow me, okay?

Fufufu Yes, Ill go with you, of course.

Ains heartwarming appearance made her happy.

After asking Graff for a favor, she came to Ishtalika with Euros help. Now she realizes that it was the right decision.

Come to think of it, theres still about three hours until we reach the capital?

They had just had a late lunch, and it was after 2:00 pm. By the way, the scheduled arrival time in the capital was 5:00 pm.

Thats right, isnt it? Well be there in about three hours.

Hmm, thats great. Then lets read the report again, shall we? That should be perfect.

Of course, Ain knew what they had discovered during that investigation.

Perhaps because of this situation, he thought hed like to review it again while he was at it.

Where do you want to start?

Lets start from the beginning, so Ill take it in order from the first days investigation of the old demon kings territory.

Yes, I understand. Wait, Ill get it out now.

The bag was handmade and made of heavy leather. Krone opened it, an immediately recognizable luxury item, and took out a bundle of doc.u.ments.

After checking the dates and contents, she handed them to Ain.

Your Highness? May I offer you a drink?

Krone showed courtesy, changing her wording as if she were a servant.

Although a servant would not show courtesy, the gesture itself was cute, so it would not be a problem.

Thank you. Then I want something cold because its warm on the train.

Appreciating Krones attention to detail, Ain looked over the doc.u.ments he had received.

Thinking back, there was Chris in Ist and Krone in Baltic. And in Baltic he was able to accomplish a lot thanks to Krones help.

Maybe I should do something to thank them next time. This thought was in the back of his mind.

The temperature in the royal capital had dropped, becoming cooler than the day they left.

Winter was soon approaching. When Ain thought about it, he felt like he was growing up, but when he thought about the fact that he was in an extremely cold place until this morning, he felt that winter in the royal capital was actually quite lame.

The old Ain might have felt a little uncomfortable, but as someone who was used to the cold of the Baltic, he wanted to take off his jacket.

Welcome back, Ain-sama.

The largest station in the royal capital, White Rose. Martha, a first-cla.s.s servant, greeted Ain upon his arrival. Behind her, several servants and butlers were waiting for his arrival on the platform where the royal train stopped.

Following Ain, Krone also stepped off the train.

Im back, Martha-san. You can go see Lloyd-san and the others first, okay?

That man will not die even if you leave him out in the cold in Baltic. So I know hes still alive.

I see.

It was not bad to think that this was a kind of love. He must trust her somehow.

Lloyd-san, too, but Dill took care of me a lot, too.

What a waste of words. With these kind words, my husband will float away to heaven.

Please be nice to him when you get home, okay? Right?

Shes smiling for some reason, so she must be happy about his return.

Besides, hes not dead, so please dont kill him by yourself, Ain thought in his mind.

There is no need to talk to the crowd of people. Itll be a bit of a mess anyway.

Seeing Martha with a bitter smile on her face, Ain also had a similar expression on his face.

Today, too, many people crowded the station to catch a glimpse of the crown prince.

It would be better if I just waved at them.

I think youre right. Im sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope youll understand.

Im fine. I dont want anyone to get hurt.

He could see some small children, and he hoped they would be careful to not be crushed by the adults. Some might think its unsociable, but after waving to them, Ain walked down a private corridor to the carriage.

Its getting a bit chilly, isnt it?

Its fall already. If you need, I can bring you another jacket

On the contrary, its quite hot. Im so used to the cold weather of Baltic.

Seeing Ain smile at her, Martha realized that he had become a more robust man.

Looking closer, she couldnt help but notice that his face had changed as well. When she thought back to the time when Olivia brought him here, she felt that he had become a very dignified man.

Thats great to hear. Not only Olivia-sama and the others but also Chris-sama she seemed restless, so

It seemed like she was being considerate, but Martha had gone to such lengths. It was easy for Ain to imagine the situation.

Despite the personnel problems, Ain felt bad for making her stay behind.

Ill talk to her later.

Ain, who had been smiling bitterly ever since he arrived in the royal capital, putd on that expression again.

Martha-sama? For future reference, what did Chris-sama do?

Krone asked the question, although she thought it would be better not to ask. She was also a little unsure of what to say but decided to ask Martha.

Uh, yes. How should I put it Walking through the corridors of the castle for no reason, or just wandering around dazed during the training of the royal guards

Are you sure she wasnt hurt?

No. She was so distracted that she forgot to be gentle with her opponent and wounded him.

What a punk. Ain, who had blurted it out in his own words, gave Krone a dumbfounded look. Martha, on the other hand, could not help but wear an indescribable expression on her face.

Ain? I feel sorry for Chris-sama when you talk like that. She was worried about Ain, you know?

Ugh Y-youre right.

As a woman herself, Krone also knew how Chris feels. She had other things to think about, but she tried not to think about them right now.

Actually, Olivia-sama had to tell her to cool off at times.

My mother?

I see; this was serious. It was a surprise to Ain that even Olivia had come to complain about the situation.

Ill be sure to follow up with her later. Thank you for letting me know, Martha-san.

Thats all I can say. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Ain, not seeming to mind at all, and Krone, standing quietly by his side.

They seemed to be standing there as if it was natural for them to be there, and the distance between them seemed to be a few centimeters closer than before they went to Baltic.

Even their facial expressions seemed to have become more attractive.

(Krone-sama is still the main candidate, right? But I dont think Chris-sama will lose either)

Normally, she didnt think about such things. However, the most important topic of conversation in the castle was always about Ains surroundings.

As expected, Martha couldnt deny that she was worried about it, and she just couldnt stop thinking about it.

Chris is in fierce pursuit of the real winner, Krone-sama. The shadow winner is Olivia-sama. (Not sure what that last one means, though.)

The people in the castle thought of interesting things; she smiled for a moment and then concentrated on guiding Ain.

This way, please. There are some stairs, so please watch your step.

She called to Ain so that he would not trip on the steps.

Hmm, Im fine. Come on, Krone, give me your hand.

Oh Y-yeah. Thanks

Ains hand reached out to her as if it were a matter of course, and there was no doubt that it was a natural gesture of concern. However, it was so natural that even Krone, who was offered the hand, had a look of not-so-satisfied expression on her face.

(I-I see.)

Chris would have to chase harder.

With that thought in her head, Martha silently prayed to G.o.d for Chris to have good luck.