Chapter 481: The Secret Hideout
Alex-niisan folded his arms and began to think. Huh? Could it be a “no”? No way, right? Feeling anxious, I glanced around nervously—and made eye contact with Sister-in-law Daniela.
“This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing. What kind of magic potion is it?”
“Um, it’s a magic potion that greatly increases magic resistance when applied. The Bone Dragon uses both physical and magical attacks, right? If we could at least defend against the magical ones, I thought it would make things much safer.”
The Bone Dragon’s breath attack is, of course, a form of magic. The poison added to its attack is also magical. If we could completely shut those down, then it would become a straightforward clash of “physical attack versus physical attack.” It might seem that way, but our physical attacks are enhanced with magical power from the holy sword. The chances of victory are very high.
“Julius, you brought the materials, right?”
“Yes. I brought only the hardest one to obtain.”
“Then the only question left is where to make it. Ideally, I’d borrow the mixing room again, but that would reveal that you’re the one who made it, wouldn’t it? What to do…”
It seems that’s what Alex-niisan was pondering. In that case, I could use my “Laboratory” skill… or so I thought, but that’s still a secret I haven’t told anyone. I can’t use it carelessly. Now then, what to do.
The mixing room will likely be used every night from now on for making magic potions. Sneaking in after the alchemists have gone to sleep probably won’t be an option. If only there were a secret room somewhere…
“In that case, there is a secret hideout on the outskirts of the royal capital. What if we gathered the necessary equipment and materials there?”
“A secret hideout? Don’t tell me…”
Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama blushed and lowered their heads.
Hey, is that even allowed? I looked at Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela in disbelief, only to see that they, too, were blushing and looking down.
…Could it be that Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela also have a hideout in the outskirts? This is the first I’ve heard of it.
But I am a gentleman. I won’t pry any further. Then I guess I’ve got no choice but to ride this big wave.
“Ahem. In that case, I’ll give you a list of the necessary items, so could you have them delivered to that secret hideout? Also, could you bring some armor worthy of being made into a legendary set?”
“I’ll arrange it right away.”
“Legendary armor?”
At that, Sister-in-law Daniela perked up. She didn’t seem to expect something of that level would be made. But if I explain, it’ll take a long time. I’ll save that story for later.
“I’ll explain everything during bath time. I just noticed—it’s gotten pretty late…”
“Ah, you’re right. It’s almost dinnertime. Daniela and I were just about to come call you.”
“Sorry, I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“Make sure to pay attention to the time next time, okay?”
Alex-niisan patted my head. Then Sister-in-law Daniela patted it, too. I guess they were really worried about me. I’ll reflect on this. Maybe I should make myself an alarm clock.
After that, the dinner banquet began right away. News of the holy sword’s restoration must have reached His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen as well. They didn’t say anything, but they looked at me like they were staring at a hero. It’s a bit much, honestly.
Apparently, there are two sons who are candidates for the next king, but they weren’t present. Probably, they haven’t heard about the holy sword yet. Or maybe it’s being kept secret from them on purpose.
That sounds like it has some drama behind it, but since we’re from another country, we stayed silent. We want the Raven Kingdom to solve its own internal issues. It may sound harsh, but it’s none of our business. Though I do worry a little about Sophia-sama and Erwin-sama.
Dinner ended with small talk that avoided any sensitive topics. All the dishes that came out were wonderful. It was a parade of seafood we rarely get to eat in the Spencer Kingdom. That’s the benefit of being a coastal nation, I suppose.
Alex-niisan and Sister-in-law Daniela seemed used to it and ate normally. Naturally, I was fine too—as a Japanese person, I could handle seafood with no problem. Sister-in-law Daniela looked a little surprised though. Maybe she found it odd that I was so used to it?
After dinner, we relaxed in the guest room until a servant informed us that the bath was ready. This guest room has its own private bath. It’s smaller than the public bath, but it looked like a perfect place to unwind.
“If it’s just the three of us, we don’t need swimsuits, right?”
“We do! We absolutely do! Right, Alex-niisan?”
“Y-Yeah, that’s right. Even if it’s just the three of us, Julius is already a proper young man.”
Alex-niisan gave a wry smile. He probably didn’t expect we’d all get in completely naked. Sister-in-law Daniela pouted slightly, but we managed to convince her to wear swimsuits before getting into the bath.
The bath was big enough for three people to use comfortably. As expected of a royal castle’s guest room bath—it was spacious. And Sister-in-law Daniela’s chest was also large. Is it just me, or has it gotten even bigger?
“What a shame.”
“I’ll wash your back, Sister-in-law.”
“Oh my, thank you. Then, I’ll wash your back next, Julius.”
“That’s, um… are you sure about that?”
I turned to Alex-niisan for help, but he just smiled and shook his head.
“If Daniela says so, just accept it gratefully.”
“Understood. I will accept it gratefully.”
Looks like there are things even Alex-niisan can’t win against. Well, it can’t be helped. I washed Sister-in-law Daniela’s silky-smooth back. I said I’d do it, but… is this really okay? Well, there are no servants in here with us, after all.
“So then, Julius, may we hear the details now? Of course, I won’t tell anyone except Father.”
“Me neither. Let’s start with how you repaired the holy sword.”
Ugh… there’s no escape. I guess I’ll have to resign myself and tell them everything. And once again, they’ll think, “Julius did something outrageous.” Sniffle.