Chapter 242 – Heading Towards Departure

“Well now, the hot springs seem to be quite popular.”

“Truly, that’s wonderful. I was worried they might be too unconventional to be accepted.”

“That concern turned out to be unnecessary. I feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

When I saw the Dwarves from the Labyrinth Trading Company holed up in the sauna competing over their endurance, I wondered what to do about it. Well, I suppose they enjoy it in their own way.

I placed hourglasses in the sauna. While endurance contests are fine, I made sure to instruct them to strictly adhere to the time limit measured by the hourglass when going outside… so it should be fine.

“Theodore.”

While relaxing with Alfred in the rest area, Sheila approached me, having just come out of the bath with Seraphina still perched between her cat ears. Irmhild, Dorothy, Justia, and Dominique were with her too.

“Hmm, what’s up?”

“Would it be alright if I took Dorothy and the others swimming?”

“Ah, yes. That’s fine. You should all go together. The children from the orphanage are playing there too.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Dorothy bowed her head politely.

“Not at all. Don’t worry about it. I’m happy if you can enjoy yourselves.”

After all, aside from us, Dorothy doesn’t have any acquaintances here. And even though we have a meeting with King Melvin, not everyone needs to stay in the rest area.

“Well then, we’ll be off for a bit.”

“Understood. What about the others?”

“We already discussed it in the bath.”

Hmm. So they’ve already coordinated.

“See you later then.”

“Mhm.”

“Yes.”

“We’re off.”

Seraphina waved along with everyone else from atop Sheila’s head. I waved back too and saw them off.

“Ah, Master, Lord Alfred too.”

“Good afternoon, both of you.”

Cecilia appeared at the entrance to the rest room as if crossing paths with them and bowed. Mihaela was with her.

“How was the bath?”

“It was excellent.”

“The design and decorations were also quite splendid.”

Mihaela smiled gently.

“Well, regarding the decorations, I referenced styles from books I borrowed from the academy, so I’m not very confident about them…”

I spent time staring at books, kneading Earth Magic, consulting with the female members, and progressing in that manner. Even though everyone’s aesthetic sense has improved, I still end up taking the lead on the details.

“The craftsmanship is intricate and truly wonderful.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

“We’re back now.”

“Welcome back.”

“Oh, Al was with you too?”

Then Grace and the others arrived as well. Ophelia was accompanying them. Perhaps because they had just emerged from the hot springs, everyone’s skin had a reddish glow.

“Mmm, the breeze feels wonderful.”

Claudia closed her eyes contentedly as the wind from the terrace ruffled her hair.

“The terrace seats look nice and cool.”

Rosemary remarked while gently fanning herself with a feather fan. I think this might be the first time I’ve seen her actually using it for its intended purpose as a fan.

“Shall we move over there?”

“I’ll bring some drinks. Would you prefer them cold?”

Cecilia headed to the counter and brought carbonated drinks. We settled at the terrace table seats and decided to relax for a while.

“Hmm. Have I kept you waiting?”

While we were all relaxing on the terrace, King Melvin and his group arrived as well.

“Not at all. We were just chatting while waiting.”

“Hmm.”

“No, it’s a wonderful bath. I’m glad we came.”

“It felt like all our fatigue melted away in the water.”

Prince Josiah and Princess Stephania smiled.

Hmm. Both of them have duties as lords too. They’re probably quite busy.

Claudia was meeting Prince Josiah and Princess Stephania for the first time. I decided to introduce Claudia to the two of them first.

“Your Highness Josiah, Your Highness Stephania. This is Claudia.”

When I introduced her, both their eyes widened. This was also something King Melvin needed to discuss with them.

“We have heard about you from our father. It is an honor to meet you.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Shuath.”

The two of them bowed to Claudia as subjects.

“There’s no need to be so formal. Nice to meet you.”

Just as the introductions with Claudia were completed, the members of the Zilbolt marquis household and Tephra also arrived at the rest room.

“All the necessary people are gathered. Then, let’s begin our discussion.”

At King Melvin’s words, we nodded and gathered around the table. Me and Claudia. King Melvin, Prince Josiah, and Princess Stephania. Along with Marquis Zilbolt and Tephra.

I used Wind Magic to cancel sound, taking measures to ensure our terrace conversation wouldn’t leak elsewhere.

“Now, the reason I’ve asked for your time is regarding the matter of the envoy to Silvatoria. The plan is to first go to the Marquisate of Fobrester. Then via the Marquisate of Zilbolt to the royal capital.”

“About that… I understand that Theodore-sama will be providing my escort?”

Princess Stephania inquired.

“Indeed. Theodore has agreed to cooperate.”

“That is, if it’s acceptable to Your Highness Stephania.”

Considering the matter with Roy, even if one understands logically, there might be reservations. Whatever Roy was truly thinking internally, outwardly he had behaved as a close brother.

So if she doesn’t want me to accompany her, then that’s that. Either Stephania’s escort would be someone else, or we would need to appoint someone other than Princess Stephania as the envoy.

“…Thank you. You’re kind.”

Princess Stephania closed her eyes and smiled faintly.

“But, let me say this clearly once more—you need not trouble yourself over it.”

As she said this, Princess Stephania looked somewhat lonely.

“That matter… Stephania and I surely share some blame too. It means we, who should have fulfilled our duties, were inadequate.”

At Prince Josiah’s words, King Melvin also nodded. We couldn’t delve too deeply into it in front of Marquis Zilbolt… but I silently bowed in response to their words.

“Personally, I don’t think I could ask for anyone better than you. So, please take care of me.”

Saying this, Princess Stephania extended her hand.

“Understood.”

When I shook her hand and nodded, Princess Stephania laughed.

“Hmm. So the envoy and escort are decided then.”

“Then we’ll also prepare for the journey according to the departure date.”

First, using the Dragon Palanquin to go to Marquis Fobrester’s territory. Then from there by sea to the Marquisate of Zilbolt.

The ship that Marquis Zilbolt arrived on to Termwills would be sent back directly to Silvatoria. However, neither Marquis Zilbolt nor the witch would be on that ship.

If the Crown Prince had come to welcome the witch, this could serve as a diversion tactic.

“Though my power is limited… I would like to offer my cooperation as well to ensure your activities in the royal capital proceed smoothly.”

Said Marquis Zilbolt. If Crown Prince Zadias was connected with demons, it could even pose an existential crisis for Silvatoria. Judging from the Marquis’s character and from the perspective of shared interests for personal safety, he should be trustworthy.

“Marquis, do you have a base in the royal capital?”

“Yes. I have a separate residence. Please feel free to use it if needed.”

“That would… be very helpful.”

It’s only natural that high-ranking nobles would have separate residences in the royal capital for their activities…

The Marquis has his Intelligence Unit including Elmer and Donovan, among others. Since we’d gain both a base and personnel, it’s reassuring. I think Elmer and the others are quite elite.

“Your Majesty. I would also like to request permission to accompany them as far as the Marquisate of Fobrester.”

Alfred said.

“Oh? Why is that?”

“To support the ambassador, you could say. There’s something I want to make and give to them before departure, but it seems I won’t quite make it in time.”

“Very well. Permission granted.”

Hmm. I suppose the arrangements are about set then.

When I looked from the terrace toward the poolside, I saw the contrasting—and somewhat indescribable—sight of Oswald, Chester, and other Knight Order members swimming against the current as usual… while nearby, rather than riding the current, Sheila was simply floating and being carried along by the water. The fact that Seraphina was still perched on her head made it all the more surreal.

The children from the Labyrinth Village and the orphanage were getting along well… the poolside was truly peaceful and harmonious.

…Seeing Auria and Miriam hitting it off and sliding down the waterslide together… well, I suppose I shouldn’t think too much about it. Miriam knows a lot of people, and they might have already been acquainted anyway.