Chapter 603: Reporting to the Prince
After properly announcing his engagement at the family dinner, Tauro still had no time to relax. The very next day, Prince Fleue—despite his busy schedule—made time to meet him, so Tauro and Aeris boarded a carriage and headed for the royal castle.
Even though it had been a year, Tauro was one of the few people permitted to use the royal crest, so their passage to the palace was smooth. Some of the royal guards even greeted him warmly:
“Lord Tauro, it’s been a while!”
Because of Aeris, Tauro had also become acquainted with the captain of the Royal Guard. He sometimes stopped by the knights’ headquarters and had become fairly well known there.
Greeting familiar faces along the way, Tauro entered the palace.
Instead of a maid, a member of the Royal Guard personally guided them to Prince Fleue’s chamber—a sign of the high regard in which Tauro was held by the knights.
When they entered the room, the prince was already waiting for them.
“It’s been so long, Tauro. You stopped sending your regular letters for a whole year—I was worried something terrible had happened to you in that ‘Dragon’s Den’ place.”
Saying this, Prince Fleue embraced Tauro, then smiled warmly at Aeris beside him.
“Your Highness, I’m sorry for not staying in touch. As I wrote in my last letter, I was training in the ‘Dragon’s Den.’ That training took a full year, and I didn’t have the time to write. After that, I went to a northern border town… and, well, I forgot to send any letters.”
Tauro apologized sincerely to his royal friend and made an excuse.
“The northern border town? That’s quite far… Ah, my apologies, Aeris. Let’s not stand—please, both of you, have a seat.”
The prince gestured for them to sit.
Once seated, Tauro and Aeris recounted their activities in the north, including the Empire’s movements.
After listening for a while, Prince Fleue said:
“…So you were involved in that incident as well. I’d received reports, but I didn’t realize it went that far… And to think you even attacked the source—the research facility. I can’t say this publicly, but on behalf of the royal family, thank you. If our army had attacked that facility and it came to light, it would’ve caused a diplomatic crisis. Still… Tauro, you’re now Honorary Viscount Giro Sugar. Please don’t be too reckless.” The prince cautioned him.
“Yes, I’ll be careful… Oh, that reminds me—about that honorary viscount status…”
Tauro began—
“Ah, is this about the territory? Garfish consulted me about safely managing your growing assets. By coincidence, there was a suitable estate that the royal family had confiscated. I jokingly suggested it—without even knowing how wealthy you’d become—and Garfish enthusiastically pushed to buy it. So I approved the transaction in my name. After all, you didn’t own any land. The royal family had considered granting you some anyway, so His Majesty and the prime minister approved it easily. Normally, such a transaction would be unheard of.” Prince Fleue chuckled as he told the whole story.
“I was surprised too… I came back to find a territory included among my assets. Garfish acted on his own, but… is there any way to cancel it?” As an adventurer, Tauro had never intended to manage a territory.
“Even if it was arbitrary, you entrusted him with managing your assets, didn’t you? And it’s not like he lost money—he increased it. His Majesty and the prime minister were actually impressed by your initiative in acquiring land yourself. I doubt they’d accept reversing it now.”
The prince replied with a wry smile.
“…I figured as much.”
Tauro accepted it.
“Though it was once a count’s domain, most of the land is mountainous, so I think you should be able to govern it without too much trouble, right?”
Prince Fleue knew that Tauro prioritized his life as an adventurer, which was why he had recommended it.
“Yes, Garfish told me where the territory is. It’s near the unexplored region in the south, so it sounds like an interesting place. Thank you for that. But… there’s something else.”
“Hmm?”
“…According to Garfish, orichalcum was discovered in part of the territory.”
Tauro leaned in and spoke quietly to the prince.
“Orichalcum…!? Is that true…? That’s… incredible. Well, that must be your good fortune at work. I’m proud to have helped arrange that deal for a friend. No… in that case, governing it casually may no longer be an option. What would you like to do, Tauro? If you prefer, we can keep it secret and have the royal family discreetly purchase the orichalcum produced there.”
Prince Fleue made the suggestion because he didn’t want the unexpected discovery to disrupt his friend’s life.
“That would be a great help. If it’s the royal family, I can trust them.”
“Good. Acquiring orichalcum is a major asset for the crown as well. I’ll handle negotiations with Garfish, so rest easy. I’ll also inform His Majesty and the prime minister.”
Then, as if remembering something—
“Oh, right! Tauro, Lady Aeris—congratulations on your engagement. As your friend, I couldn’t be prouder!”
It seemed the prince had already heard the news.
“Thank you, Your Highness. It’s an honor to receive your blessing.”
Aeris stood, bowed gracefully, and sat again.
“I expected you’d get engaged once Tauro came of age—but this was sooner than I thought. Still, you’re a perfect match. So—how did it happen?”
At that, Tauro and Aeris exchanged glances, their cheeks turning slightly red as they recalled their feelings at the time—and began to tell their story.