Chapter 244 – The Crown Prince's Military Officer

Early morning—. The royal castle personnel and the Zilbolt marquis household were scheduled to meet at the royal castle.

The dragon palanquin loaded with luggage had already been left at the royal castle, so all that remained was for everyone to board the carriages and head toward the royal castle.

Cecilia and Mihaela, along with the residents of the Labyrinth Village, had gathered in the entrance hall to see us off.

“I’m off now, Cecilia-sama, Mihaela-sama.”

“Yes. Please take care, Grace-sama.”

“Grace-sama tends to push herself too hard when she’s being diligent. Please be careful.”

“Yes, Mihaela-sama.”

Grace smiled and nodded at their words. Farewells were exchanged all around.

“Don’t do anything reckless and get hurt.”

“Be careful, Irm.”

“Okay. I’m off now, Father, Mother.”

Irmhild exchanged hugs with her parents.

“Well then, Princess. Please take care.”

“Yes. I’m counting on everyone to look after things while I’m away.”

Fortok and the other labyrinth village residents were also holding Claudia’s hands and such.

After allowing sufficient time, I judged the moment right and spoke.

“Well then—I’m off.”

“Yes, my lord. Have a safe trip.”

“May fortune favor your arms.”

“Please leave matters here in our care. And please everyone, take care not to get injured.”

Cecilia and Mihaela saw us off with deep bows.

We boarded the carriage, smiled and waved at everyone, and they waved back.

“Good morning.”

“Morning, Viola.”

We picked up Viola along the way, who was carrying a large bundle, and continued on to the royal castle.

When we arrived at the royal castle, the dragon palanquins were already prepared in the square before the guesthouse. Two dragon palanquins. Since Elmer and the others would also be accompanying us via dragon palanquin, it had turned into a rather large formation.

The royal family including King Melvin, Ophelia, the knight order members, the three from the Zilbolt marquis household, and their retainers.

Penelope was there too. She had come to see us off.

“Good morning.”

“Hmm. It’s a fine morning worthy of a departure.”

King Melvin smiled. The sky was perfectly clear. It seemed we had been blessed with good weather.

“Good day to you, Ashley-sama.”

“Yes, Ophelia-sama.”

Ashley and Ophelia exchanged greetings. Perhaps because they interacted at the academy, the two seemed to be on good terms.

“Good morning, Marlene-sama. How are you feeling today?”

Marlene ran over to where Penelope was. Penelope gently caught Marlene as she smiled cheerfully, nodding as she stroked her hair.

“Sister. Please be careful.”

“You’re the one who should be careful. If you do anything unnecessary on my behalf, you’ll only invite trouble.”

“I’ll be careful.”

At Helfried’s words, Rosemary turned away with a sniff, still hiding her mouth behind her feather fan.

“Though you’ll be returning once… do take sufficient care.”

“Yes.”

I nodded at King Melvin’s words. After allowing ample time for farewells, we boarded the dragon palanquin harnessed to Lindwurm.

Though they were two large dragon palanquins, our palanquin would carry the two from the workshop, Ophelia, Princess Stephania, the Zilbolt marquis household, and Tephra. Quite a large party.

Once Elmer and the others had boarded the other dragon palanquin, I gave instructions to Lindwurm.

“Lindwurm. North. To the Marquisate of Fobrester.”

At my words, Lindwurm let out a cry. Spurred by Lindwurm’s voice, the wyverns all simultaneously beat their wings, and the dragon palanquin gained altitude.

Marlene waved from the window at King Melvin and the others below. King Melvin narrowed his eyes and waved back at Marlene—until eventually their figures grew increasingly distant and smaller.

The sparkling ocean bathed in sunlight was beautiful. The transparent sea viewed from high above in the dragon palanquin spread out below in shades of marine blue and emerald green.

The wyverns led by Lindwurm advanced above the coastal road. Continuing northeast like this would bring us to the Marquisate of Fobrester.

Irmhild began playing her lute. The refreshing, bright melody felt perfectly suited to the season and this scenery.

Alfred and Viola apparently intended to continue working during the journey. They were putting the finishing touches on clothing with dragon scales incorporated to protect vital areas.

It was protective clothing made of Arachne thread, with dragon scales sewn on as protectors covering key points. Though thin… apparently ordinary blades couldn’t even scratch it.

“Al must have it tough too.”

Ophelia peered at their work with a wry smile.

“I feel bad for keeping busy like this lately.”

“It’s quite alright. I don’t dislike seeing Al working, and it’s important work. Once we arrive at the territory and have time, we can talk leisurely.”

“Ahaha. Okay. I promise.”

At Alfred’s response, Ophelia smiled and nodded. Hmm.

Anyway, it would be bad to disturb them, so until Alfred’s work reached a stopping point, I should also handle what needed doing—like giving the marquis what I had for him and hearing what he had to say.

“Marquis. This is the witch’s bust.”

I presented a wooden box to Marquis Zilbolt.

It contained the bust of the witch Alvelinde and its casting mold.

“I have duly received it.”

Marquis Zilbolt accepted the wooden box, opened the lid to peer inside, and frowned slightly.

“My my… it’s the spitting image.”

“…Father… Is that really alright?”

The marquis’s daughter, Romina, asked anxiously upon hearing it was the witch’s bust.

“Though it’s the witch’s form, this is merely plaster. But it would be better if you didn’t look.”

The marquis smiled gently, closed the wooden box, and placed it in the corner of the dragon palanquin. Marquis Zilbolt had the air of a gentle, good father.

The marquis shifted his gaze to me and said.

“Ah, that’s right. Regarding the witch being a demon… there’s one person among the crown prince’s faction who concerns me.”

“Does that mean… you suspect that person of being a demon?”

At my question, Marquis Zilbolt shook his head.

“I don’t know. But his origins are unclear, you could say. He doesn’t seem connected to Silvatoria, and there are simply many mysteries about him. He’s a man whom the crown prince recommended four years ago, and who rapidly distinguished himself in the Magic Knight Order.”

Hmm. Since he’s mentioning this now, he must be someone worth being cautious about. Probably because he’s a military officer on the crown prince’s side, and if we happen to meet face-to-face, we should be careful.

“Would that be someone named Benedict?”

Princess Stephania inquired.

“Your Highness Stephania knew of him?”

“He’s famous in Silvatoria. I’ve never met him myself, but I’ve heard rumors at least.”

“What kind of person is he?”

“I hear he always wears a mask that covers his eyes.”

A mask… How eccentric.

“Conversely, you could say that’s his distinguishing feature.”

“Is that why he became famous?”

When I asked, Marquis Zilbolt gave a wry smile.

“I suppose that’s part of it. They say he himself claims it’s to hide burn scars on his face. Among the talents the crown prince has gathered, he’s the most mysterious, and a military officer with considerable skill in both martial arts and magic.”

“Any talk of him having bad conduct?”

“In that regard, he seems to be a person without problems.”

At Marquis Zilbolt’s words, Rosemary closed the feather fan she had been holding open and said.

“His origins are different. Meaning he has no connections or obligations to the royal palace or within the country, so the crown prince must find him useful.”

“Plus, if he has no bad reputation, that also means he has no grudges with anyone. For a crown prince who himself has a bad reputation, he might be easy to use.”

“There might be that aspect. Apparently he sometimes acts under direct orders from the crown prince himself. I thought there might be a chance we’d encounter him when he appears in the territory to fetch the witch, or when we’re pursuing the crown prince.”

I see… He told me because there’s a high likelihood we’d meet directly.

…Benedict, huh. While we can’t determine if he’s a demon… from what we’ve heard, at the very least he seems to be a direct subordinate of the crown prince?

Considering that the demon who infiltrated Termwills—Linette—was procuring a catalyst to pass through the barrier, timing-wise it wouldn’t be strange if this were a demon… maybe?

But having them run errands all over while making them use catalysts seems inefficient. Probably because those are precious items, demons can’t come in large numbers. Considering when he arrived in Silvatoria… it doesn’t seem related to the Sages’ Academy incident. Plus, there’s the question of how much he knows about the crown prince and serves him. I wonder what kind of person he really is.

“Not knowing his true face is problematic. We can’t assume he’ll keep his mask on when facing us.”

At Ashley’s words, Claudia nodded.

“That’s right. He might normally wear a mask for espionage purposes.”

That certainly seems plausible. Though hiding scars could also be a valid reason.

“I’ll keep it in mind. Might be useful to mention Benedict’s name to shake things up. Well, there’s no point in being tense about it now.”

“Shall we take a break then?”

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll help.”

As the conversation reached a natural stopping point, Grace worked together with Ashley to prepare cold tea. They poured it into wooden cups and passed them around to everyone.

“I also brought some baked sweets. There’s enough for the others too.”

“Understood. Elmer-san, could I have a moment?”

Leaning out the dragon palanquin window to call to the adjacent palanquin, Elmer appeared at the other window.

“What is it?”

“I’m sending over a canteen of tea and some baked sweets. Please share them.”

Using Levitation, I sent a canteen filled with tea and a box packed with baked sweets to the neighboring palanquin.

“This is… thank you. We’ll gratefully accept them.”

Elmer smiled as he received them.

Suddenly, when I turned around, my eyes met Sheila’s. In her hand, a deck of cards was shining brilliantly.

“Cards, play?”

Princess Stephania and the Zilbolt marquis household members tilted their heads in confusion.

Ah. That might be good too. There are some inexperienced players. Alfred and Viola also seemed to be taking a break from their work, so the timing might be just right.