Chapter 75 – The Path of the Prince and Princess

“Hmm. Grace wants axe improvements besides boots. Ashley wants Aqua Walk and Levitation. Sheila wants the three basic types, and Irmhild wants Air Blast and Levitation, I suppose.”

“So we’ll turn those spells into equipment forms.”

I’m summarizing the key points we discussed with Alfred and Viola.

Since each has different specialties and combat styles, the types of magic tools they need will naturally differ. Especially Ashley. Rather than using Shields as footholds for jumping, I’m thinking she should utilize the water surface gliding technique she learned earlier, since she’s skilled in Water Magic.

Sheila is dexterous, so she’ll probably handle three types of magic tools beautifully. The wider the range of applications, the more she’ll likely utilize and adapt them.

As for Irmhild—it’s a bit of trial and error, but for her, the option of using Shields for jumping isn’t available. Considering that her weapon is a bow, I’m thinking of increasing the number of Air Blast magic tools.

“Okay then. With that decided, I’ll go take everyone’s measurements.”

With the basic directions settled for each, Viola heads over to where Grace and the others are.

The sight of Marian staring intently at Grace and Ashley’s hands as they embroider is quite striking. To the gentle melody of a lute, Sheila is dozing off in a shady, breezy spot.

Well, they seem to be having a peaceful, leisurely time over there.

“Still, it’s good. Marian seems to be enjoying herself today too.”

Alfred watches his younger sister with a gentle expression.

“Hmm. Well, many of them are good at handling children, after all.”

“Yeah, seems so.”

—Marian, aka Princess Marlene… is a girl who will later become a shrine maiden at the Moon Temple.

In BFO, she was said to be the shrine maiden princess with the highest abilities in her generation.

This is because her magical aptitude is suited for being a shrine maiden, and by sealing off one of her inherent functions—whether visual or auditory—she can deepen her connection with the goddess.

The longer the period under such constraints, the better. When considering magical aptitude, lineage, appearance, constraints, etc., from the temple’s perspective, she must be quite a promising shrine maiden.

However, Marlene’s condition wasn’t by her own choice. Judging from fragmented information obtained through BFO quests, it seems to be the result of an attempted assassination.

Whether it’s aftereffects from poison administered at a banquet or psychosomatic in nature—regardless, she narrowly escaped death but lost her mother in the process, and Marlene hasn’t been able to speak since then.

Her future placement as a shrine maiden seems to stem from various reasons—like King Melvin and Prince Albert’s intention to keep her, who can’t speak, away from power struggles and noble society, or because the Head Shrine Maiden dotes on Marlene… Well, there seem to be various reasons.

At the temple, there’s a place where she’s needed, and even if she stands out, since it’s separate from royal authority, she won’t be targeted by political enemies.

And Prince Albert himself pretends to be a playboy prince roaming the town while actually gathering personnel.

He apparently gave up early on martial arts since they take time to bear fruit, choosing instead magic engineers who can compete with knowledge and dexterity. He avoids getting actively involved with court nobles and keeps his distance from power struggles.

By secretly going out into town under the guise of debauchery, he strengthens ties with adventurers and the Adventurer Guild, ideally becoming an indispensable talent for the kingdom before anyone notices. Quite shrewd, I’d say.

If I had sought a place within the royal castle when I went there after defeating Linette, Prince Albert might have distanced himself from me.

If I actively tried to embed myself in the royal castle, Prince Albert approaching me would draw excessive suspicion and attention. The current situation isn’t without risk, but he probably weighed various factors and judged it acceptable.

“I’ve digressed. Hmm. We’ll need simple equipment that doubles for training and testing. I’ll try to prepare it as soon as possible.”

“Please do.”

We’ll train wearing equipment for aerial combat. Then we’ll collect data from that, make adjustments repeatedly, and refine the equipment.

“I’m sorry that this will delay the development of the magic communicator, though.”

“No, I’m taking a long-term view on that. I’m thinking we shouldn’t rush it. More than that, I’m a bit bothered that Theo-kun uses honorifics with me.”

“Hmm. Does it bother you?”

For me, it’s just normal operation.

“Yeah. After all, I’m just the humble fourth son of a court noble. You don’t need to worry about me being your employer or anything.”

Well… Calling a prince a humble court noble is quite something. If King Melvin heard this—I think he’d probably laugh.

And he subtly hinted that his background is that of a court noble’s child. Probably because I haven’t asked anything about it.

But well… if that’s the case, I’ll act normally.

“Understood. Is this better?”

“Ah. Well then, I look forward to working with you.”

“Roger. Then I’ll finish the parts I can handle quickly.”

I write down the incantations and add notes to sections that need modification.

After that, Alfred will translate them, remove unnecessary parts, and then work with Viola to incorporate them into tools and magic stones.

While I move my quill across paper, occasionally checking the potion simmering in the pot, Alfred speaks up.

“Speaking of which, about Sir Chester.”

“Hmm.”

“Given that he was formerly part of Greg’s faction, his position is delicate, but it seems he won’t be held responsible.”

“He participated in the demon subjugation too. Well, I thought he’d probably be excused in that regard.”

“Yeah. But, it seems his relationship with Her Highness Rosemary hasn’t been restored.”

Is that so. Well, while his relationship with Chester contributed to the collapse of Greg’s faction, even with Greg’s downfall, there’s no reason for Chester’s actions to revert.

“Apparently, she was quite displeased that Sir Chester was heading to the Great Corruption Lake.”

“Because it’s dangerous?”

“No. Because it’s dirty, she said. She reportedly told him to his face that she doesn’t need a knight who chooses filth over her.”

“…Hmm”

I don’t really want to get involved with Rosemary, so it doesn’t matter to me. From Chester’s perspective, I think he prioritized his original knightly duties over his relationship with Rosemary.

But that must not align with Rosemary’s preferences. Being told that to his face must be quite harsh.

Lately, Chester seems to be having his worldview shaken repeatedly.

“…I wonder if Sir Chester’s exploration team is preparing any magic tools as countermeasures?”

“Hmm? You mean for the Great Corruption Lake?”

“Yeah. Block the stench and poisonous air with Air Screen while periodically purifying the air inside with Purify. Then use Aqua Walk to traverse the muddy lake directly. I think the difficulty would be completely different just by having usable footholds. Since you have to worry about what’s below the lake surface and above, longer weapons like spears would be effective too.”

If they don’t get stuck in deep spots, they can fight fully. The difference between fighting Sludge Men emerging from the mud while being stuck in it versus having solid footing is like night and day.

Not having to worry about the stench. Not having to worry about being poisoned. That would give them mental leeway too. If everyone can calmly assess the battle situation, coordination should come naturally.

“…Hmm. I wonder.”

Alfred crosses his arms, seemingly pondering something.

If left to Chester, he might suggest relying on grit, but if his superiors show concern, I think he’s the type to be genuinely grateful, accept it humbly, and make good use of it.

So, if I provide this many hints for the strategy, Prince Albert will probably take action if he’s interested.

From the prince’s perspective, Chester—who’s cut off from factions and devoted to chivalry—is in a floating position, just like Talcott.

“If we need to make it in time… another all-nighter, huh?”

I heard Alfred mutter quietly. Well, I feel a bit bad for increasing his workload.