Chapter 289 – At the Theodore Residence

“I apologize for making such an unreasonable request right after your return from your journey.”

“Not at all. I thought it would be nice to celebrate your return. I believe having some liveliness is a good thing.”

I welcomed Princess Adriana and her party, guiding everyone through the entrance hall. Naturally, since they were all important figures, they were accompanied by knight escorts. Mildred and Mercedes. The escorts assigned by Verdgar had likely chosen people I was acquainted with.

“I’m glad to see you safe, Ambassador.”

“Thank you.”

I exchanged greetings with Mildred and the others. And then—another important figure emerged from the carriage. King Melvin and King Eberhart.

“My apologies for today, Theodore-dono.”

“…Indeed. Consider this an incognito visit, so let’s dispense with formalities today. Since this is rather sudden, please refrain from excessive courtesy. I believe your home alone is worthy of hospitality.”

It seemed King Eberhart was also interested in my house after hearing about it. That led to both King Melvin and King Eberhart deciding to come as well.

“Thank you. Well then—please come this way.”

I nodded and guided them further inside.

“I had expected as much… but you reshaped the building materials using magic and enhanced them to construct this, didn’t you?”

Old Sigmund groaned as he examined the walls and ceiling.

“As expected, I can’t find any seams… It’s like a joke of a building.”

“Indeed… Seeing this, one can understand how you managed to defeat the demons.”

Old Sigmund and Valentina nodded as if they had reached an understanding.

Miriam had previously shared her thoughts on the finished magic construction… but these two were analyzing it from a more magician-like perspective.

“The interior is lovely too. Did you do this as well?”

Princess Adriana asked.

“For the interior, I referred to architecture-related books and everyone’s opinions.”

“I see… It’s a wonderful home.”

“You honor me.”

When I guided them to the game room, exclamations of admiration escaped from someone.

“Hmm. There are so many unusual things that my eyes don’t know where to look.”

“I knew about the items in the royal castle and hot springs… but there were too many eyes around to touch them.”

…In this manner, the two princesses had shining eyes.

“I believe everyone has different preferences, so please feel free to try whatever interests you first.”

When I said this, everyone began examining whatever caught their fancy.

Elliot, Old Sigmund, Valentina, along with King Melvin and King Eberhart chose billiards. Tephra, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana seemed to have decided to start by looking at darts.

As for Alfred and the workshop group… they were remarkably composed, likely because they handled these items themselves. They decided to leisurely enjoy card games. Grace and the others were similar, sitting at tables to play cards.

Mildred and Mercedes were strictly on escort duty this time… but perhaps because they didn’t need to be too tense, their expressions appeared quite calm.

“I saw the soldiers at the royal castle happily playing darts… but I couldn’t possibly join them. Just like with the hot springs, there were too many people watching, you see.”

“I see… That makes sense.”

So Princess Stephania had been restraining herself.

“I’d like to visit the hot springs too… It’s a place blessed by Tephra-sama, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. Theodore prepared a ritual site to welcome me. That place has the effect of granting power to spirits and fairies.”

Tephra said happily while throwing darts. Hearing her words, King Melvin spoke up.

“…Hmm. Come to think of it, since nothing bad happened I didn’t contact you about it… but something slightly unusual occurred regarding the ritual site.”

“Did something happen?”

“You saw the fairies when we went flower viewing before, correct? It seems they’ve drifted over and settled at the ritual site. A flower garden has formed around the gazebo there.”

I noticed Seraphina showing a happy expression at King Melvin’s words.

…Well now. Just like that mountain slope, the ritual site must be a comfortable place for fairies, I suppose. Fairies are a type of spirit. It must indeed be comfortable for them.

“I don’t dislike seeing spirits and fairies getting along with humans. I’d like to welcome those beings as well.”

“If the fairies’ actions are harmless, then it’s fine.”

…Though the area around the ritual site is becoming increasingly otherworldly.

“I haven’t heard of any problems occurring so far. The shrine maidens are usually at the ritual site, and they seem to be managing well.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Regarding the hot spring facility, it seemed they’d been closing early in the evening during my absence to focus on inspections and maintenance, concerned that there might be issues they couldn’t handle.

“—In that case, would it be possible to reserve it for private use at night?”

“That it would. The night of the full moon is approaching as well. How about attending the theater, then relaxing at the hot springs while we discuss matters?”

The night of the full moon. That would mean Irmhild’s performance. Irmhild placed a hand on her chest as if to say “leave it to me” and smiled.

With the location and timing for discussions decided, everyone began enjoying the games in the game room.

“Hmm. You made this with magic too, didn’t you?”

“…Could it be that you also thought of it and were the first to create it?”

“Yeah. Both Theodore.”

Sheila, who had been explaining how to play billiards to Valentina, nodded.

Elliot, with a slightly strained smile, took his stance with the cue and struck the cue ball, the sound of billiard balls colliding echoing through the game room.

“This is quite… what should I say, a crisp sound.”

“That’s right. It’s a nice sound. Hmm… The feel when striking and the sound when the balls drop are both pleasant too.”

Valentina nodded at Elliot’s words.

“Hmm. I heard you’re selling these. I’d like to have one in Silvatoria as well. My long convalescence has made my body sluggish. Such convenient pastimes would be quite useful.”

Just then, Claire and Cyrille brought shaved ice and carbonated drinks. Old Sigmund’s eyes widened at seeing them using the Humanization Spell.

“…My, my. I had prepared myself to some extent… but I’m still astonished.”

“You honor us.”

Claire and the others smiled and bowed to Old Sigmund, who was giving a wry smile.

“Drinks and ice sweets are unusual items too. Could it be that these as well…?”

“Yeah.”

When Sheila nodded, Old Sigmund’s mouth twitched.

“What in the world led to this situation? Well, if I were to be surprised every time you come up with something new and create it, it would be too much for me to handle… but having servants like Arachne, Centaurs, and Sirens isn’t something that can simply be called unusual.”

“If I were to explain the circumstances, it would take too long and we might go off track. Would it be acceptable to discuss this another day?”

When I glanced over, Claudia was giving a wry smile. King Melvin showed a similar reaction.

“Indeed. Verdgar has adopted a policy of accepting friendly monsters as much as possible. The background leading to that is as Theodore says. Starting on that topic now would likely lead us nowhere.”

Since we’re forming a united front against the demons, there are aspects we must disclose to King Eberhart and the others, especially Old Sigmund… but well, today is also a celebration of our return, so I’d prefer to avoid topics that would lead to work discussions.

“…Hmm. Indeed. For today, I won’t inquire deeply into the circumstances and simply enjoy myself.”

Old Sigmund said this and took a sip of the carbonated drink… his eyes widening for a moment before he finished it and grinned.

“Interesting. I like this.”

“You can make this with magic tools too, and we sell them.”

“Um. Al—fred, right? I’ll buy all of it.”

“Please get some for me too.”

Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana made quite generous statements to Alfred.

If this means more customers for Silvatoria, it should be welcomed. Delivery should be possible using Teleportation Magic though…

“Thank you for your purchase.”

Alfred answered with a wry smile at Princess Stephania’s words.

“This will be your guest room.”

The banquet was in full swing. While everyone was playing games, night had deepened considerably, so Old Sigmund and Valentina decided to stay overnight.

The royal family members would be returning to the royal castle, but they expressed interest in seeing the guest rooms, which is why I’m showing them around.

“You can cool or heat the room with magic tools. Nothing left to be desired, eh?”

“Silvatoria, as a Magic Kingdom, must learn from this as well.”

“My, my. Absolutely.”

Old Sigmund and King Eberhart nodded in agreement.

“You can climb up there. What an interesting structure.”

“This is lovely. Can you place bedding up there too?”

And as I expected—Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana seemed to really like the loft. I’m glad they’re enjoying themselves to the fullest.