Chapter 669: Staying at the Royal Castle

Of course he would ask that. A magic tool that allowed distant people to speak would undeniably be convenient, but that also meant it could be abused in countless ways.

Besides, I would be in serious trouble if anyone asked how I knew such a magic circle. It was best to offer my excuse before they could question me.

“I purchased a pair of rings at a jewellery shop in the territorial capital and discovered that they happened to possess that ability. Since then, I’ve been analysing the magic circle engraved upon them.”

“I see. And you have completed your analysis?”

“Yes, precisely.”

Naturally, I was the one who had drawn the circles on the rings, making this an entirely staged solution to a problem of my own creation. No one would ever realise unless I told the truth.

His Majesty stopped eating. Perhaps this was not a suitable discussion for lunch. He must have wanted to enjoy at least one meal.

Still, we had already shared the somewhat grim news from the Spirit of the Lake, so perhaps it was fine? I wanted to believe it was. My own hands had stopped too. Continuing to eat while His Majesty did not felt inappropriate.

“Julius, could you make a communication magic tool for us to test? However, tell no one else about it. Naturally, we shall provide a dedicated room.”

“Understood. I’ll make it immediately.”

“Oh dear. We still have the new lotion to discuss. Whatever shall we do?”

That was right. We had many other matters to discuss. Lunch alone clearly would not suffice. His Majesty and Her Majesty must have realised that, but I suddenly had a bad feeling.

“Then I’ll stay at the royal castle tonight. Julius and Mira will remain with me.”

“Kyuu!”

Mira gave a crisp salute. So it had come to this. We might end up staying at the castle for several days. Brother Cain and Sister-in-law Meeka would be disappointed.

Then again, they would return to the academy dormitory if that happened, so perhaps it would not cause any problems.

“Understood. Thank you for having us.”

Princess Chloe was apparently visiting a neighbouring kingdom. She seemed to be fulfilling her royal duties properly, and I was glad to hear the engagement discussions were proceeding smoothly.

After lunch, Her Majesty captured us. It was now her turn.

The conversation focused on the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion and gramophone, both of which had greatly pleased her.

“It seems you have taught the Royal Magic Pharmacists how to make the Anti-Ageing Skin Lotion.”

“Yes. Sending magic potions made in the Heine Margraviate to the royal capital would take too long. We thought it would be better to have them produced at the castle.”

“That was immensely helpful. The noblewomen have been rather… enthusiastic.”

Her Majesty smiled wryly. Placing pressure on the Queen was no easy feat. Just how desperately did they want it?

I was glad we had quickly sent the recipe to the Royal Magic Pharmacists. This should save us from having to produce endless quantities ourselves.

“And the gramophone—that is a truly magnificent magic tool! The envy in everyone’s eyes is extraordinary.”

Her Majesty smiled delightedly. She clearly adored the gramophone. Seeing her so pleased made me happy too. I would have to tell Rosalia.

“Do you intend to sell gramophones exclusively through the Heine Trading Company?”

Her Majesty looked towards Sister-in-law Daniela rather than me. She clearly understood who managed the Heine Trading Company.

Sister-in-law Daniela was steadily growing into the next Marchioness Heine. It made me strangely proud.

“Yes. We intend to make the gramophone one of the Heine Trading Company’s principal products, although the use of recorded music raises certain issues.”

“Indeed. Every performance recorded upon it was splendid. As expected of an orchestra from the Raven Kingdom. The piano performance was especially exceptional. Is the pianist famous? I would love to meet that person.”

Her eyes sparkled, but the pianist had been me. What should I do? Should I tell her or keep quiet? I was probably smiling awkwardly.

Yes, silence would be wiser. I sensed trouble.

“Mother, I thought the same, but you’ve already met the pianist.”

“What?”

Sister-in-law Daniela, please! I had just decided to conceal it, and you immediately revealed everything.

Unaware of my despair, Her Majesty turned towards me. Her eyes and mouth formed perfect circles, as though asking whether it could possibly be true. I struggled to maintain my smile.

“Julius performed that piano piece?”

“Indeed. He even held a concert for us.”

The two began talking excitedly. So this was how it ended. I never should have played the piano in the first place. This had happened because I had become carried away.

Mira patted my shoulder, apparently offering encouragement. I supposed events would simply run their course now.

The two excited women eventually decided I would hold a concert at the royal castle. How had this happened? My only resistance was persuading them to limit the number of guests as much as possible.

Really, why did these things always happen to me?