Trisen Castle
“Aftereffects of brainwashing, huh. I thought you’d have returned to normal after defeating the Demon King.”
“The others did, but Shutra-chan remained a child like this, seemingly due to the thoroughness of her brainwashing. Her memories are also vague. However, it was fortunate that King Zel’s memories were lost. At least she doesn’t have to bear the sorrow of losing family. Melfina and I tried magical treatments, but it seems to be a psychological issue, as they were ineffective… Still, I hope time will resolve it…”
Colette’s words faltered as she glanced at Shutra. Shutra, clutching a plush toy and chatting with Rion with a smile, looked like a child to anyone.
“The cause of this war is the Demon King. While Trisen’s policy of despising other races has many aspects that need correction, the Alliance ultimately believes that the country’s restoration should be done by her own hands. With King Zel gone, Shutra-chan was the most qualified person to fulfill that duty. She had strong trust from the people, was intelligent, and possessed a strong will. However, with Shutra-chan in this state, we will have to appoint a temporary regent until she recovers.”
“A temporary regent? If we think logically, it would be Azgrad, shouldn’t it? He’s the first prince, so he would inherit the Trisen name just like the Princess, right?”
Even if he is an incorrigible battle maniac.
“That’s the troublesome part. I’m not suited for it at all. Hey Kelvin, you alive? Are you here for a meal too?”
Speak of the devil. Azgrad appeared, uncharacteristically dressed in noble attire. Perhaps because he always wore combat gear in Pars, he looked incredibly unnatural.
“There were five princes in Trisen, including Prince Azgrad, but the Second to Fifth Princes are all missing. We are still searching but haven’t found them yet…”
“They probably fled the castle or are dead somewhere. It pains me to say this as your older brother, but they were all useless, with no right to inherit the Trisen name.”
Ah, indeed. If you think of them as four pigs, it’s a pretty grim picture.
“But can he really take on national affairs suddenly? It’s quite a stretch to make the public understand that the king was the Demon King, isn’t it?”
“General Dan of the Ironclad Knights will assist the prince. Delamis and two other countries will cooperate, so we will manage. We will rectify things like the excessive slave system where necessary. This is our jurisdiction, so please, Lord Kelvin, do what you need to do.”
Indeed, it seems like this highly capable shrine maiden can handle it if left to her. As long as Melfina doesn’t interfere strangely, she won’t go rogue… Right? Even if something were to happen, I believe the Beast King or Tsubaki-sama would stop her, but I want to believe Colette’s words. I have no interest whatsoever in national affairs.
“In short, it’s a merely decorative role until Shutra recovers, a truly boring job of just sitting arrogantly on the throne. However, Shutra took care of me. It was thanks to her arrangements that I could do whatever I wanted in the army. I have to repay that favor.”
“I see. I hope the Princess recovers quickly.”
“Yeah. Until then, Kelvin, I’m leaving Shutra in your care!”
“…Huh?”
Azgrad clapped me on the back with a laugh. Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that.
“Haven’t you heard from Melfina yet? Shutra-chan is scheduled to convalesce at Lord Kelvin’s mansion.”
“Sorry, but I don’t understand what you’re saying… Why would that happen?”
“Things will likely be chaotic in Trisen for a while. With our army’s strength halved thanks to you all, and being in the process of rebuilding, we can’t rule out the possibility of someone targeting Shutra to cause trouble. So, the opinion that came up in our previous discussion was to move her to a safe location. And it was successfully adopted.”
“Could it be that the safe place is…?”
“Lord Kelvin’s mansion.”
“It’s probably the most secure place in the world. It seems Shutra couldn’t investigate your mansion even during the war.”
Hey, hey, what are you deciding without the owner’s consent! My place is a demon’s lair where ferocious dogs, dragons, and a hungry goddess roam! It’s not a place to keep a fragile princess!
“Ah, that was my idea. Shutra-chan also became good friends with Alex… Is it not okay?”
“Princess Shutra, I am Kelvin, an adventurer, who will be taking care of you for some time from now on. I look forward to working with you.”
I knelt on one knee and greeted Princess Shutra. It’s the least we can do, as we also bear responsibility for the depletion of our soldiers.
“Ah, y-yes. Likewise, I look forward to it…”
She returned my greeting, but hid behind Rion. However, she was taller than Rion, so she couldn’t hide completely. Hm, I’m not smiling my usual smile now.
“Kukuku, it’s nostalgic. Shutra was shy back then.”
“Yes, it’s inappropriate, but it reminds me of my childhood.”
“Hey! Brother Azgrad and Colette-chan, don’t make fun of me!”
Princess Shutra suddenly became talkative. It seems her shyness was real. It will take time until she opens up. Rion is an exception.
“Melfina, can you prepare a disguised hair ornament?”
“…? Ah, I see. I can make one in a few hours.”
“Then, please do.”
It’s too conspicuous with the current appearance gap. If I disguise her appearance to match her age, it should be less jarring. Now, next, I caught Efil’s reaction on the map. Her movement is slow, and she seems to have several people following her.
“Excuse me. I’ve brought lunch.”
Efil, in her usual maid outfit, appeared with several women who appeared to be maids from this castle. They all started serving food piled high on serving carts. Among them, Efil was the first to approach me.
“Master, I’m glad you’re safe. I apologize for not being able to attend to you.”
Efil’s words were calm, but her elf ears twitched like a dog’s tail.
“No, it’s fine. I’m glad you’re safe too, Efil. Your ears have gotten a bit longer.”
“Yes. They’ve evolved to the normal length for elves… um…”
Efil’s face turned red. It seems that unconsciously touching Efil’s ears caused the surrounding maids to squeal in the background. What did Efil tell them? Well, let’s just check her status with Appraisal Eye for now.
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Efil 16 years old Female High Elf Armed Maid
Level: 119
Title: Bomb Princess
HP: 1108/1108
MP: 3463/3463
Strength: 503
Durability: 500
Agility: 3306 (+640)
Magic Power: 2159 (+160)
Luck: 1807 (+1437)
Skills: Blue Flame (Unique Skill)
Escape from Misfortune (Unique Skill)
Archery (S-Rank)
Red Magic (S-Rank)
Clairvoyance (A-Rank)
Stealth (A-Rank)
Service Arts (S-Rank)
Cuisine (S-Rank)
Sewing (S-Rank)
Cleaning (A-Rank)
Sharpness (S-Rank)
Strong Magic (B-Rank)
Growth Rate Doubling
Skill Point Doubling
Support Effects: Blessing of the Fire Dragon King
Concealment (S-Rank)
========================================
High Elf, a superior being to Elves. This must be why Efil’s ears have grown longer. Like Rion and Gerard, she has also gained unique skills. Her regular skills appear unchanged, so she hasn’t invested points in them.
The slightly early meal that followed was enjoyed by everyone. Well, if Melfina alone could handle it, that would be another matter.
