Chapter 236 – Helfrid's Proposal

First, let’s finish the sewer and main street improvements.

As usual, I’ll use the excavated soil as materials for Golems while improving the sewers, then transform the Golems into cobblestones. The excess materials will be stacked in the storage area as construction materials. After roughly completing these improvements, I’ll create a therapeutic spa facility slightly away from the main street.

All the necessary materials are ready. Since the therapeutic spa is a facility for recuperation, it doesn’t need the kind of novel Magic Tools found in public baths. All that’s needed are bathtubs, foot baths, and facilities for rest and medical treatment, then piping in the hot spring water.

A wooden facility where many people can relax comfortably. I’ll make windows for good sunlight, create an inner garden visible from those windows, then surround the area with a wall to complete it. The interior decoration and furniture will be prepared separately.

“How’s this?”

“Mm-hmm. I think it’s fine.”

With Seraphina on my shoulder, we check the building’s structural integrity together. The outer walls, sewers, therapeutic spa – nothing seems particularly problematic.

Let’s return to the ritual site and inform everyone that I’ll be heading to the Royal Castle.

“The therapeutic spa is finished, so I’ll be going to the Royal Castle for a bit.”

“That’s impressively fast. I need to work harder too,” Alfred murmurs.

When we discussed the escort to Silvatoria, he seemed determined to complete everything before Marquis Zilbolt and I depart. A full set of Dragon Scale Armor plus hot spring-related Magic Tools – it seems quite challenging.

“Steph and I are helping too. We’ll definitely have it ready in time,” Talcott says.

“Well… just don’t overwork yourselves.”

“That’s right. When we get tired, we’ll continue working while enjoying the hot springs,” Alfred says with a laugh.

Heading to the Royal Castle, I wait as usual in the King’s Tower salon until King Melvin appears.

“I’ve come to report that the improvements around the hot spring town’s outer walls, sewers, and main streets, plus the construction of the therapeutic spa, are complete.”

“As always, your work is remarkably swift.”

King Melvin’s eyes widen slightly as he nods.

“But understood. Regarding the therapeutic spa, I’ll have the interior, furniture, and equipment prepared as scheduled. I’ll also arrange for pharmacists who can work at the facility.”

“Yes.”

While the therapeutic spa’s interior is one thing, the shops and houses to be built in the hot spring town from now on will be entrusted to Termwills residents from the construction stage. If the new district leads to job creation, well, I have no complaints either.

“If we put the hot spring town properties up for sale, applications would likely flood in. Howard was practically dancing with excitement about the hot springs and special demand.”

“Ah, the Prime Minister did come to check on the progress.”

“Indeed. That man is an unparalleled bath enthusiast. With hot springs involved, he’d be even more excited.”

King Melvin gives a wry smile. I see. Even though he’d been keeping his distance out of consideration for my position until now, he couldn’t resist the temptation of the hot springs. If he sees the finished jacuzzi, he might request one for his residence.

Well, that aside.

“Besides the hot spring progress, there’s something else I’d like to discuss. I spoke with Claudia—”

I explain to King Melvin what Claudia and I discussed.

“So for that reason, I’d like to visit Mt. Tephra once. Of course, only after speaking with Marquis Zilbolt and obtaining permission.”

“You’re also heading to Silvatoria?”

“That’s right. I think it will be in the form of escorting Claudia and Tephra.”

“Hmm…”

King Melvin places his hand on his chin, ponders for a moment, then nods.

“Very well. I’ll inquire about Marquis Zilbolt’s intentions myself.”

“Speaking of escorts, I heard about the messenger to Silvatoria.”

“Stephania? Certainly, she would be an ideal messenger in many respects, but there are aspects that make it difficult to agree. Given the nature of the matter.”

Since it involves Demons, there are risks in sending Princess Stephania.

“And you’re asking me about this here… does that mean you’re volunteering to escort Stephania?”

“I’ll be crossing over to Silvatoria and escorting Tephra as well. I can’t exactly separate from Claudia either. So I thought, in case of emergencies, we could keep Teleportation Magic as insurance.”

Emergencies. For example, if the Crown Prince has completely secured Silvatoria’s military power and launches a counterattack when cornered, or if Demons have infiltrated even the Royal Castle.

“Also… if we can secure their cooperation, I thought we might obtain information about Miasma Orbs.”

“I see…”

King Melvin closes his eyes, appearing to think much longer than before.

“I’ve become quite dependent on you, haven’t I?”

“It aligns with what I want to do myself.”

At my words, King Melvin shows a smile that could be either wry or self-deprecating before raising his head.

“There’s one promise I’d like you to make.”

“What would that be?”

“Even if you discover something, please don’t head to Beriondora alone. It would be too dangerous without understanding the situation.”

“Understood. I promise.”

Well… I am an escort. Not just regarding Beriondora, I’ll try to avoid reckless actions.

“Master. Sir Chester has arrived.”

After finishing my report to the Royal Castle and everyone had returned home to relax in the recreation room, Cecilia came to call me.

“Mm. Understood. I’ll head there immediately.”

It’s relatively rare for Chester to come to the house alone. I wonder what it’s about?

Heading to the reception room, I find Chester waiting, dressed not in his usual knight attire but in noble-style clothing.

“Good evening.”

“Pardon the late visit.”

Chester bows. As we sit facing each other, Claire the Arachne gracefully pours tea into teacups.

“Thank you.”

When I express my thanks, Claire smiles and withdraws to the corner of the room. Not just Claire, but recently everyone seems to be becoming more accustomed to their servant roles. This is probably thanks to Cecilia and Mihaela’s guidance.

Now, let’s hear what Chester has to say.

“What brings you here? It doesn’t seem like just a social visit.”

“That’s right. I’ve received a consultation from His Highness Helfried. I came to inquire about Sir Theodore’s intentions.”

A consultation from Prince Helfried.

“His Highness Helfried would like to speak with Sir Theodore about Rosemary-sama. Accordingly, he asked me to act as an intermediary. I apologize for the sudden request, but given His Highness Helfried’s short stay, I’d appreciate your understanding.”

“A conversation with me?”

Third Prince Helfried. He met my sister Rosemary once at the North Tower and was rather bluntly rejected. He probably hasn’t met with her since then…

“Um, His Highness Helfried was concerned that he might be disliked because he said something rude to Sir Theodore once before.”

“No. I received his apology.”

It wasn’t that big of a deal anyway. But if that’s the case, he probably doesn’t have any complaints against me either. Then it might be that he’s worried about my sister.

Certainly, having Chester, who visited the North Tower with him, act as an intermediary would be appropriate.

“His Highness said that if a meeting is possible, he will accommodate Sir Theodore’s schedule completely.”

“Understood. Should she be present as well?”

“He didn’t specify either way about that… but he did say it would be fine if Rosemary-sama learned about it. The matter concerns Rosemary-sama, I believe. He seemed quite worried.”

Hmm. Well, that makes sense. If Prince Helfried has something to discuss with me, it would be about Rosemary.

And Helfried’s stay in Termwills is short too… Hmm.

“Understood. …Well then. If sooner is better, then tomorrow afternoon at the ritual site. After that, it would have to be in the evening at the Royal Castle or my home.”

I promised Alfred I’d test the Magic Tools tomorrow. Alfred is somewhat busy too, so that’s not something I can cancel.

Besides, if he’s to understand Rosemary’s current situation, even though she needs the disguise Ring, it would be best for him to see that she can go out relatively freely.

“Understood. I’ll convey that to His Highness Helfried.”

“You can contact me through the Communication Device for your response.”

“Yes. Then I’ll ensure to contact you before it gets too late.”

Saying this, Chester bows deeply once more.

Well… I should probably tell Rosemary. Given Rosemary’s personality, if she hears about this, she’ll likely offer to be present, and it wouldn’t be right for her to be kept in the dark about her own matters.