Chapter 120

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Enjoy~

ED: LonelyMatter

Chapter 120 For the Next Spring

By the way, Ain-sama. Its a little late for dinner, but would you like to eat something?

Once again, the mysterious method of identification was used, but on finding the right moment, Martha joined the conversation.

I think Ill have something light. Ill eat in my room Uh.

He looked at Krone and Chris.

He had caused them a lot of worry that there was no way he could say, Im going to eat. See you later

Ill bring snacks and other refreshments for everyone, so dont worry!

For a moment, Ain wondered what to do, but Marthas words saved the day.

A small voice informed Ain that she would provide refreshments for everyone in his room.

In the same small voice, he thanked her, turned to them and opened his mouth.

If you dont mind sitting in my room, lets talk for a while. Its late at night, so I dont think well be able to spend too much time together

Then they smiled and nodded, and had Ain escort them to his room.

This was something Ain had been thinking about on his way to the castle, but he couldnt help but find these clothes too tight and unbearable.

But the fact was, he didnt have any clothes that fit, so he wondered what he could do.

(Should I have borrowed some from grandfather?)

Sylvird had a larger build than Ain. However, he might at least have more comfortable clothes than what he had on now.

(What should I do)

He unb.u.t.toned and loosened his clothes, but the pressure on his shoulders and thighs made it difficult.

Hey, Martha-san.

Yes. Can I help you?

On his way to his room, Ain called out to Martha, who was walking behind him.

My clothes are tight, but as expected, you cant prepare them right away, can you?

No, thats not true. The clothes for the visitors cannot be sent to Ain-sama, so I think I have to go to the castle town and buy them

Huh? But I dont think the store is open yet.

Since it was already late, such stores must be closed for business.

Only bars and such shops would be operating now.

Ill manage to get them to open, and Ill go and buy it.

Understandable.

But Ain was reluctant to use his authority for such a thing, so of course his reply was.

Thats bad too, so I wont do that. I think Ill just put on my bathrobe and rest today.

Of course, I have one ready for you is that okay?

I dont mind; it feels good on my skin. So I would appreciate it if you could prepare one or two outfits for me to wear in the morning.

Very well. I will try to have something ready for you first thing in the morning.

A bathrobe was too casual, but it should be the right way to break the current situation.

and they reached Ains room while talking.

Well then, Ain-sama. I will bring you a new bathrobe, so please excuse me for a moment.

Yes. Ill wait for you in my room.

Martha then left, but Ain opened the door to his room and let Krone and Chris in.

Come in.

Yes, thank you, Ain.

E-excuse me! Im just an escort, but Im sorry you had to do that

Chris apologized for letting Ain open the door.

Its okay, Chris, come on in.

Chris was pushed lightly on her back and entered the room. She was a little nervous but complied with the request.

Ain-sama. Thank you for waiting.

Youre so quick, Martha-san.

Martha had only been away from them for a few tens of seconds.

And yet, there was a large bathrobe in her hand. It had been carefully washed and dried in the sun and was folded thick and fluffy.

You looked uncomfortable, so I hurried a little.

Still, youre very quick. No, but thank you, youve been a great help.

Martha, who had finished her work and returned within a few dozen seconds and was not out of breath, might actually be strong, he thought to himself.

Not at all. Please wait in your room while I bring you your meals.

Martha left Ains side once more.

Sometimes it makes me wonder if Martha-dono is faster than me.

Faster than Chris yes. I dont think so, but maybe if its just inside the castle

As expected, Martha took her time with the food, and after waiting about half an hour for some reason, Martha returned. After enjoying the many dishes spread out on the table, the three of them enjoyed conversation over after-dinner tea.

Hey, Ain?

Hmm? Whats wrong?

Krone asked, looking at Ain as they relaxed on the sofa.

Are you going to cut your hair?

Im going to cut it, but Well, because its in the way.

A-Ain-sama? Are you sure youre going to cut it?

The two of them were sitting opposite each other on the sofa where Ain was sitting, and Chris, who heard the answer, said regretfully.

It kind of feels like a waste.

Yes, it is, isnt it, Chris-san? Its so beautiful Can I touch it a little?

Then, without waiting for Ains answer, Krone stood up and sat down next to Ain.

I havent said its okay yet.

Thats right. But its okay, isnt it? It wont wear out.

If that was the case, why did she ask?

But Ain was willing to allow that much.

So when Krone sat down next to him, he did not criticize her for that.

Well its okay.

Fufu. Excuse me then.

Then Krone reached out and touched Ains long hair.

At first, she seemed to enjoy the feel of it, but gradually, Krones expression changed.

Eh, no way wait a minute, is it really?

Seeing her surprised expression, he couldnt help but wonder what on earth she was thinking.

Krone-san? Whats wrong?

Like Ain, Chris wondered what was going on. She opened her mouth in front of Ain and asked what was going on.

Just give me a minute, okay?

As soon as she answered that to Chris, Krone quickly grabbed her own hair.

Well-groomed, silky, silver-blue hair. She touched it from top to bottom, as she had done with Ain, as if to check its texture.

This is a lie?

Krone? What lie did you just say?

Ain was finally overwhelmed. He called out to the stunned Krone as if to catch up with her.

Im sorry, Ain. Just wait a little bit, okay? Chris-san, please come to the other side and touch Ains hair.

Y-yes. Im not sure, but I understand

Without answering Ain, Krone called Chris to the opposite side of her.

Like this, from the top to the endstouch it slowly.

As if to show her how to do it, Krone touched Ains hair in front of Chris.

I understand. Then, Ain-sama, may I too?

Yes. I dont mind you touching my hair, but

What was it with this hair, Ain wondered.

He didnt understand why Krone went to the trouble of calling Chris to touch it.

..

Chris, who was sitting near Ains right shoulder, gently reached for Ains hair.

Ains waist-length hair, though tied with a string he received from Martha, was still long enough to reach the sofa.

Um, Id be embarra.s.sed if you kept touching me without telling me.

Chris, too, held out her hand at first, but halfway through, her expression changed, just like Krones.

Her expression became tense, and a cold atmosphere hung over the place that made it difficult to speak.

Krone-san?

Yes.

Its not a lie is it?

The two talked with Ain in between.

Unfortunately. It seems to be true.

As they talked, the two nodded in agreement.

What are you two convinced of, lying or telling the truth for some time now?

I understand. Then Ain, give me your hand over here?

Krone held out her left hand and appealed with her eyes to hurry.

Come on, come on. Its faster if you actually feel it.

When Ain offered his hand, Krone quickly took it.

Their hands, which have a nice skin tone, feel comfortable just touching each other.

Okay, here it is. You can touch all the way down just to make sure everything is okay, okay?

Ains hand was brought to the back of Krones head, and she told him to touch her hair.

Yes. I think its nice and silky, as usual, but

It still felt good.

Krone had prepared it carefully. Ain could see that clearly, and the feeling was such that he wanted to touch it forever.

I do my best, too. Then touch your own hair next.

Then Ain took his hand from Krones heador so Ain thought. Krone stopped this hand and could not let go, so he started to touch his own hair with the other hand.

Im touching it. Huh? What do you want me to do?

Thats all. Dont you think about it?

Seeing her dissatisfaction, Ain turned his attention to the feel of his hand.

U-uh

He didnt know.

To be clear, he still didnt understand what Krone was trying to say.

He touched every strand of hair but still couldnt understand what she was thinking.

Geez! I thought, you know, I lost it to Ains hair thats what I thought!

She said shyly, her cheeks blus.h.i.+ng a little.

You lost?

Um, Ain-sama. We are women, you know? So we are sensitive to such things

Then, even Chris looked embarra.s.sed and said the words as if to cover her face.

Like the feel, the s.h.i.+ne! Today Ain made me feel defeated!

Thats not true.

Yes, it is! Touch it again?

Again, there was nothing he could do but move it since his hand was still on it.

But follow the instructions and honestly move his hand from top to bottom.

Yes. I think Krones hair is silkier.

If it was not flattery, it was not a lie.

Ain really thought so, so he replied with a face that still looked strange.

Well, Ain-sama? How about mine?

Chris asked and came closer as if to offer her head.

I mean, do you want me to touch it to make sure? Ain thought in his head.

He had never had the opportunity to caress Chris like this before, so it was a bit new for him.

Then excuse me.

Every strand of Chriss hair was like golden threads, s.h.i.+mmering.

When he reached for it, it felt soft and smooth, just as it did when he touched Krones hair. There was no tangling, not even for a second, and it was smooth all the way to the end.

I checked, and Chriss hair feels a lot better than mine, too.

T-Thank you very much! But I dont think thats the case! In fact, Ain-samas hair is more beautiful than mine, and thats why I feel so defeated?

Like with Krone, this was also just an impression.

So, Ain. Its frustrating that were losing, but I think it would be a shame to cut it off because its such beautiful hair.

T-Thats right, thats right! Since its so beautiful, why not let it grow?

N-no. Its not easy to keep it this long forever.

When it was long enough to reach the waist, just taking care of it was a challenge.

Many women, like Olivia, Krone and Chris, took good care of their hair. However, since Ain had never done this before, he did not want to go through that ha.s.sle.

If its as long as the shoulder blades

That could be a problem too

He put his hand on his own back and checked the length to see how it would be at his shoulder blades

It was still too long. He didnt want it to be that long.

All right, Ain, lets do it this way. Either make it as long as your shoulder blades or make it as long as your shoulders

Well, if its those two, then its about shoulder length

Hearing this answer, Krone smiled broadly.

I have your word on that, right? Then dont make them shorter than your shoulders.

No, no, no. I mean, if its one or the other

Ain-sama? Um Youre looking forward to the shoulder-length one, too, arent you?

He had the feeling that the outer moat was starting to fill in, but it wasnt as if Ain couldnt make a compromise at least with the shoulder.

It was still a small price to pay for the trouble he usually put the two of them through.

Ain, Krone, and Chris. The three of them enjoyed a long conversation and stayed up late, which they usually didnt do.

Ain woke up suddenly. He couldnt remember when he fell asleep last night or even what he was talking about at the end of the night.

His mind was not fully functioning due to his sleepiness, and he had to awaken his sleepy head.

I must have fallen asleep on the couch. Well, what time is it?

He tried to wake up and look at the clock.

He was so tired that he couldnt help but feel stiff.

H-huh? Why are they both

His body did not move. With that thought in his mind, he looked around and saw the reason why he was not moving.

On Ains lap was Chris. And on his shoulder was Krone, cuddled up against him, letting out a soft exhale.

Suuu suuu

A-Ain-shamaaa N-no If youre going to absorb me, please do it gently

What on earth was Chris dreaming about on Ains lap? Her stubbornness to let him absorb her was now a commendable thing.

Ive told you many times that I wont absorb

He replied to Chris dreams, desperately trying to remember how it happened and what happened last night.

They had a conversation about hair, and then everyone must have gone back to their seats, but after that, he had no recollection of what happened after the small talk.

Not good.

Ain woke up from his sleep and couldnt think straight. He thought so after he drank some water and woke up

H-how am I going to get up?

With the two of them sleeping close to Ain, Ain begins to wonder how he can get out of this situation.

The bell to call the servant was on the desk, of course, out of reach.

Ma-Martha-san?

Ain said in a loud whisper. He didnt think Martha would come with such a voice, but he had to.

I feel bad waking them up W-what should I do?

Ains brain worked to figure out what to do, trying to keep his body as still as possible. After a few dozen seconds of thinking, the very thing he had not expected happened.

Good morning. Are you calling me, Ain-sama?

Martha-san is super amazing

Just a loud whisper. He even doubted if Martha really was a person as she heard it and came over.

Martha entered the room as usual. She came in a hurry, but this situation was unexpected even for her.

How can I help you?

Martha looked up and saw Ains surroundings. It was Ain being cuddled by two women, and she had never expected him to be in this situation.

Im sorry, Ain-sama. Can I say one thing?

W-what is it?

Both of them spoke softly, careful not to wake Krone and Chris, who were sleeping. Martha, with a twitching smile on her face, began to ask Ain in another strained voice.

W-well I think the future first queen should be decided at the beginning Even if you dont want to change anything, your retainers will still feel uncomfortable. So please be prepared

No, youre wrong. You are making a terrible mistake

No, I mean we, as retainers, are very happy to welcome it. When it comes to the queen, its only natural that there should be a few. No! Its not that I have any complaints against His Majesty and the others, but as a retainer, I feel more comfortable with that

Ains words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Martha continued to speak in a misunderstood manner, twisting her words as if she were speaking too fast.

But I am a retainer. I am very relieved as a retainer and as someone who has watched over Ain-sama for many years. If its the two of them, Im sure everyone will welcome and support them with open arms

Im sorry, Martha-san, but youre not listening to me.

Then please take your time. If theres anything you need, just let me know, and Ill do my best to get it for you

Martha said this and quickly left Ains room. She left with a big misunderstanding and mumbled something as she went out.

Ehh I called her, and she left

Ain started to think about what to do and started to move his body a little more.

To escape, he s.h.i.+fted his body and put a pillow between Chris head and a pillow. After that, he slowly rolled Krones body over and laid her down on the sofa.

He was careful to cover both of them with a blanket, one after the other, so that neither of them would catch a cold.

But it was nice of her to leave me a change of clothes.

Martha left, but she had prepared the change of clothes Ain had asked her to bring last night.

It was a simple s.h.i.+rt and pants, but judging by the texture and thickness of the fabric, it didnt look like a cheap pair.

I wonder if anyones there.

He left a note on the table saying, Im going to the training ground to train.

Ain had fallen asleep on the sofa last night, probably due to fatigue, but after a while, he felt an irresistible urge to train.

It must be Marco-sans influence

There was no other knight like him. His way of life made him respect and even admire him as a man.

He dedicated his life to the Demon Kings territory, and even when everyone else was gone, he continued to protect it single-handedly.

He was a knight among knights, and that was Marco.

Ain was able to win after a fierce battle, but he knew that he could not be weak after defeating Marco. He thought about it.

! Fuh!

As he entered the training area, he heard the sound of swords cutting through the air, and Ain realized that someone was training.

Is someone there?

It was just past five in the morning.

Therefore, he did not think that anyone would be there, but apparently, there were knights who had already started their training.

Ain went to the place where the training armor was kept, and looked for the one that suited him.

Then he picked up a sword that looked easy to use and immediately went to the knight in training.

Dill?

The knight there was Dill.

Drenched in sweat, he was practicing his sword in silence.

A-Ain-sama? Why at this hour?

Dill, noticing Ains voice, stopped his movement and approached Ain.

Uh, yes. I kind of woke up.

Keep what happened in the room under wraps and only mention that he woke up.

I see, so thats the reason. So Ain-sama was here for training as well?

Yes, thats right. I thought no one was here yet because of the early hour.

Hahaha Im sure thats true; its a time when no one would normally be here.

After 6 a.m., people started coming in and out of the building. So it was still about an hour early.

By the way, Ain-sama. Were you planning on practicing alone?

Well, I thought no one would be there, so I thought

In that case.

Dill, who was a bit tired, straightened himself and looked at Ain.

May I be your partner Ain-sama?

Thinking back, he did not have the opportunity to cross swords with Dill lately.

He thought it was only with other Royal Knights, Lloyd or Chris.

Come to think of it, its been a while since I had the chance to face Dill.

Thats true. So, if its okay with you, Ain-sama

Of course, Ains answer was positive.

I would be grateful if you would. Id like to ask you to join me for the first time in a long time.

T-thank you very much!

He bowed his head vigorously and thanked Ain.

Wait a moment. Im going to do some warm-up exercises.

Yes, I understand. Ill wipe off my sweat a little.

How long had he since he started using the sword?

There were many traces of sweat on Dills forehead, neck, and arms. At this hour, he was already sweating that much. There was no way that he had been wielding a sword for just a few minutes.

How long had Dill been using the sword? Ain was curious, but in order not to keep Dill waiting, he did some quick warm-up exercises.

Ain-sama. I have a favor to ask of you, may I?

Dill spoke softly to Ain, who was stretching his body.

Its okay, but What is it?

There is one thing I would like you to do for me when we fight

What on earth did he want Ain to do for him when they cross swords?

Ain waited for Dills next words.

I want you to show me your power like you did when you fought with Marco-dono.

That means like yesterday, right?

In time, that was almost a whole day ago.

Around this time yesterday, Ain had a one-on-one fight with Marco.

Thats right. Please, I would like you to tell me the distance between me and Ain-sama now.

It was obvious, but Ain had no intention of being smug. As far as Ain was concerned, it would be better if he could wield the sword as he did yesterday.

All right. I will show Dill everything I can do right now.

Thank you very much! It is impolite for me to offer these things in my position as a guard

Dont mind it, and Dill is not just a guard Okay, the warm-up is over!

He did his warm-up so that he could finish as quickly as possible. Still, he did it carefully so as not to hurt himself.

Ain told Dil when the warm-up was over.

Then I will come to the other side, so please wait here, Ain-sama.

Then Dill went to the opposite side of Ain.

But since there were only two of them here, there was no one who could act as a referee. So, they have no choice but to continue this standoff according to each others timing.

Ain-sama. I would be facing you! May I make the first move?

Yes, anytime. Im always ready.

When he grabbed the sword, he naturally felt tense.

Its not the same as yesterdays single combat with Marco, but it still felt like a special kind of tension.

Then fuh!

Dill took the lead and began to move towards Ain.

Of course, Dill also moved quickly. Although his sword was not mainly based on power like Lloyds, it was still full of power.

Clang!

The sound of two swords clas.h.i.+ng could be heard.

Here we go!

Dill did not use a sword that was too much of a brute force sword. He played with his opponent in a fluid way.

Therefore, unlike Marco, he confronted Ain in a unique way.

I wont let you have that flow!

Ain swung his sword to break the flow so that Dill would not have an easy flow to fight.

?!

Dills arm lost strength for a moment as he was struck down from above.

The current was cut off by force. It was not like that; it was a single technique shown by Ains eyes and sword muscles.

N-not yet!

With a strong effort on his lower body, Dill tried to regain the flow once again.

The body was moved with great effort, but the thought was never fulfilled.

No. I wont allow it.

He had to get back into position somehow. When Dill thought about it, Ain did not allow it.

He followed with an attack that was heavy blow after blow. Then Dill, whose stance had collapsed, gradually had his body movements controlled to the point where it was difficult for him to even stand up.

What the h.e.l.l is this? I cant move my body freely!

If he tried to move his body forward, he would be guided to collapse his center of gravity.

If he even tried to raise his sword, his strength would be used, and the attack would overlap.

(Even my own stance is controlled!)

With a strong will, he countered every swing of Ains sword.

At times, it was as if he was b.u.mping into his body, and at other times, it was as if Ain was anomalously trying to play with him.

Hah!

Dills body collapsed completely. The moment he was no longer able to defend himself strongly Ain lifted his sword in one big swing.

T-This is Kuh, ahh!

Holding his sword to the side, he tried to withstand Ains blow.

However, his lower body was not strong enough, and his upper body alone could not withstand the powerful blow.

With a loud thud, Dill was knocked onto his b.u.t.tocks by the force of the blow.

Hah hah hah h-here I come.

All he could do was attack first.

After that, he was still at Ains disposal, and even the course of the battle seemed to be dominated by him.

For each swing brought him closer to a decision, and Ain pushed Dill closer and closer to the edge.

Ain stopped his sword right in front of Dill and quickly lowered it.

(This is the distance between me and Ain-sama now, huh?)

Dill thought while looking down at the ground.

This went on for a while, and Ain was anxious to see if something was wrong, so he called Dill anxiously.

Di-Dill? Are you okay? I mean, are you hurt or something?

He realized that he had been so silent and regretted that he had worried Ain.

It was pathetic that he was fighting him, and yet he was in such a terrible condition.

Im sorry! Thanks to Ain-sama, I have learned many things

He stood up vigorously and replied with a gesture to Ain.

Really? Youre not pus.h.i.+ng yourself too hard are you?

Not at all! I just know what I have to do and thanks to Ain-sama, I think Ill be able to do my best.

Uh-huh? Uh, thats

Dill said to Ain with a beaming face.

I cant lose against Marco-dono. Thats what I felt.

He was relieved. These words suited Dill so well that he said them with a beaming face.

After that, they crossed swords several times, and Ain also sweated a lot.

As for Ain, standing with Dill was a valuable time for him to remember yesterdays experience.

Then, when it was almost time for people to arrive at the training ground, Ain left the training ground.

He took a shower in the adjacent bathhouse and washed off the sweat from his training.

Dill, on the other hand, wanted to continue his training, so Ain told him to take it easy and left the place.

I still think my eyesight is getting better.

During the fight with Marco, he felt a surge of strength as soon as the demonization began.

Not only were his arms stronger, but it was as if he had become more refined as a living being.

He could see his every move, and even his thumb when he entered the room was more powerful. And there is a difference in the way he thinks He wondered if this was the result of Cains guidance.

Hey, you two. Id like you to teach me a few things

Actually, it was on the water train on the way back to the royal capital. He had reminded them several times on the train.

However, he never heard a word, and in fact, he never met them in the dream world.

Either they dont want to meet, or they cant meet now

He wanted to talk to them not only about what was going on in the Demon Kings territory but also about his own body.

But this feeling that things are not going the way he wants them to is an appropriately chilling feeling.

Relying on a dead partner. The idea itself could be a mistake.

Ain sighed one last time and went to his room.

He wonders how they were. Had they woken up yet? Or were they still asleep? What if they were asleep?

Well, yeah. Its not like I have anything to feel guilty about.

He did not apologize to anyone; he just mumbled.

Oh, Ain-sama! I never thought I would meet you in such a place at such a time.

Oh? Warren-san, youre early.

Ains walk is outside the castle, albeit still within the castle gates.

He pa.s.sed Warren at a place where there were several specialized facilities, which was rare.

Good morning. Speaking of early, Ain-sama is also early My goodness, Im a little bewildered when you become so dignified.

After returning to the castle, he did not have time to have a leisurely conversation with Warren.

Therefore, Warren was still confused when he met a different Ain than usual.

Ill cut my hair later, but cant change my appearance. So youll just have to get used to it

Even as he told Warren that, Ain suddenly wondered.

By the way, Warren-san. What brings you here?

Warren came early to work. He may have had a lot of work, but he traveled to the castle earlier than the knights every day, even if the work was not as much.

Lately, Ive been doing a little coordinating work for next years project. Ive been making the rounds of several departments about it.

Next year? What is it?

Its about Magna. I am sure you will be going to Magna as well, but there are only a limited number of places that can be surveyed at Magna. So youll be going there mainly as a representative for this purpose.

In other words, Ain doesnt have much to do. Warren said.

Ah well, sure, but Ill do as much as I can. So when do you think I can go?

It was not even summer yet, and they were already talking about next year.

He thought about it, but there was a lot of work involved in coordinating the Royal Familys schedule.

Contacting the escorts and other relevant parties, etc. There were a lot of things that had to be done to make sure there were no unforeseen circ.u.mstances.

The plan is for it to be in the spring. Its still a long way off, but I hope youll be ready for it

Around the time I graduate from the Academy?

Yes, thats right.

Next year, the investigation of Magna.

Speaking of Magna, many memories remained for Ain.

The place where he first arrived with Princess Olivia, the place where he defeated the sea dragon, his first official duties, and finally his reunion with Krone.

He would go to that Magna to investigate the Red Fox.

When he thought about it, he felt as if his memories had been tainted, and he didnt feel very good about it.

Alright. Ill be glad to hear from you as soon as you decide something.

Yes, of course.

Warren said with a small smile.

Now, I wonder what kind of investigation will be done in Magna

He did not feel good about the red fox. But he was looking forward to the trip to Magna itself.

What kind of things awaited him on this upcoming trip? Ains antic.i.p.ation drowned out his displeasure with the red fox.

Then, Ain-sama. Ill leave you now.

Yes. Thank you for telling me.

After seeing Warren off to work, Ain started to think about what to do.

What should I do today I have to tell Grandfather something, but maybe I should put together a report.

The doc.u.ments concerned the territory of the former Demon King. Of course, the contents would only be shown to Sylvird, but it was not a bad idea to be prepared.

Thinking about it, Ain went to his room.

Then lets do my best again today.

The view of the royal capital as the sun began to rise was beautiful and sunny today.