Chapter 668: Lunch with His Majesty
We spent that day relaxing and enjoying our reunion. Although I felt slightly guilty, I also told Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka what the Spirit of the Lake had revealed.
Naturally, their faces clouded too.
“Something like that is happening on the neighbouring continent? Thank you for telling us.”
“We’ll pay attention as well. Students from other countries attend the academy, so we may be able to learn something from them.”
“Thank you.”
Good. They did not seem displeased. I had worried they might ask why I had burdened them with such a story.
“Holy Droplets, hmm? I’d like to try them on my sword.”
“So would I!”
“You may, but the effect lasts only one day.”
Naturally, I did not mention the improved Holy Droplets. We had decided to seal them away. Perhaps Brother Cain would learn the truth after graduating and formally joining the House Heine territorial knights.
“Even so, I want to try them…!”
Their eyes sparkled. It seemed I would have to let them. I did not have any on hand, so it would normally wait until they returned to the territory for the summer holiday.
No, I was heading to the castle now. I would probably end up making Holy Droplets there and could bring some back.
“Understood. I’ll arrange it somehow.”
“That’s my dear Julius!”
Sister-in-law Meeka squeezed me in a powerful embrace. She had finally begun addressing me without the affectionate “dear”, but now she had reverted. I was not a little child anymore.
Look. Brother Cain was staring at me with a slightly irritated expression.
The following day, a letter arrived from the castle inviting us to lunch. They apparently wanted to use the meal to discuss matters with us. Perhaps it was the only time available. His Majesty seemed extremely busy.
We boarded House Heine’s carriage in time to reach the castle for lunch. Mira naturally accompanied us. Did returning to the place of Mira’s birth stir any feelings? Mira did not appear especially moved.
The separation had lasted too long. The royal family might cry.
Because we had notified them beforehand, we entered without difficulty.
No further poisoning incidents had occurred. That was only natural, since Panacea could now be made. Everyone knew that introducing poison would be pointless. It served as an excellent deterrent.
We proceeded directly to the royal family’s private quarters. Although Sister-in-law Daniela was the kingdom’s princess, was it really appropriate for me to enter this far? I had visited before, but it still felt as though something was wrong.
We were shown into a salon where lunch would apparently be served. We had time before the others arrived, so I asked Sister-in-law Daniela about my concern.
“Oh, you needn’t worry about that. If you weren’t allowed here, someone would tell you.”
“Perhaps, but isn’t this an area only special people may enter?”
“Hee hee. I suppose that means you’re special too, Julius.”
Sister-in-law Daniela looked delighted, but my feelings were complicated. I had become far too deeply involved with the royal family. Perhaps it could not have been helped, yet I felt there must have been other ways to handle things.
After we waited in that unsettled mood for a short while, His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen arrived. Lunch was served immediately. They must have squeezed the meal into busy schedules. Ordinarily, meeting the King would take much longer.
“Welcome, both of you.”
“Daniela, you look well. What a relief.”
“Kyuu!”
“You’ve come too, Mira.”
Mira asserted their presence from Sister-in-law Daniela’s lap, and Her Majesty’s expression softened. His Majesty smiled wryly and looked slightly uncomfortable.
While exchanging recent news, Sister-in-law Daniela quickly reported what we had heard from the Spirit of the Lake. I had found the topic difficult to raise, so I was glad she spoke first.
“Something like that happened? Understood. We shall remain vigilant. If only I possessed a spirit’s blessing as well, but I cannot ask Daniela to return here.”
His Majesty spoke partly in jest. Was this the moment to mention the communication magic tool? It might create various problems, but I could not hesitate and allow the kingdom to suffer.
“Regarding that, there’s actually a magic tool that permits conversation between people who are far apart. It’s called a communication magic tool.”
All three immediately stared at me, their eyes wide. Only Mira continued eating fruit at a leisurely pace. I was glad I had brought Mira’s bib. Fruit juice would otherwise have covered that magnificent coat. Mira’s face was already sticky with it.
“Julius, would you explain in detail?”
“Of course. A communication magic tool permits only one-to-one conversation, but I believe two people could speak from anywhere within the kingdom.”
“Such a magic tool existed? Why have you never mentioned it?”