The Crown Branch of the Sumit Kingdom has significantly increased in scale compared to its early days.
Initially, the movement of goods and people had been quite restricted, but once its usefulness was recognized, those restrictions were gradually lifted.
As a result, it is now treated almost the same as the Teleport Gates that connect to various towns across the Central Continent.
Of course, since the destinations are abroad for both parties, strict rules regarding inspections and customs duties were established.
Over the long period since the Teleport Gates were established, it has gradually become standardized, settling into its current form.
However, even now, minor rules are changing, and it is certain that they will continue to change according to the situation.
It was the first time in many ways, so the general expectation was that trial and error would continue.
Even with all the effort involved, the mutual benefits are clear, so there has been no talk of closing the branch; instead, there is even talk of increasing the number of gates.
This shows how great the benefits from Amamiya Tower have become for the Sumit Kingdom as well.
It was to such a Crown Branch that a noble visitor arrived.
The visitor, accompanied by a large escort, was Prince Kristof of this kingdom.
Normally, visits are arranged in advance, but this day he arrived suddenly, causing confusion among the branch staff.
Kristof, who would normally avoid such a situation to prevent confusion, had something he urgently needed to do this time.
For that purpose, he used his position to forcefully request that a certain adventurer be summoned.
That adventurer, of course, was Kousuke, now known as Kou.
A branch official visited Kou at the inn where he was staying, and Kou, rushing over with Kouhi, was unexpectedly bowed to by Prince Kristof, who confirmed that no one else was in the room.
“I apologize for summoning you so suddenly!”
Kousuke, who was about to voice a slight complaint at the sight, was disarmed.
“Huh?! Oh, um. Well, it’s fine, but did something happen?”
He was in a position to push back more strongly, but being treated with deference by a prince of a kingdom always made him feel awkward.
His feelings on such matters remained unchanged.
Prince Kristof, looking somewhat relieved by Kousuke’s reply, invited him to sit down.
“First, I want to inform you that everyone here is my retainer, and they know of Master Kou.”
Prince Kristof said, indicating the several guards standing nearby.
There had been more people surrounding him upon arrival, but there wasn’t enough space for all of them.
Prince Kristof himself had dismissed the rest for that reason.
By the way, these remaining guards had also confirmed Kousuke’s identity during a previous commotion.
Kousuke had already informed them about his activities as “Kou” during their previous discussion, so he hadn’t been worried about that. However, it made him wonder why he had been summoned in such a manner.
“Is that so. Then, what is your request?”
“Actually. I would like to make a special request to the renowned adventurer, ‘Master Kou’.”
“Yes?”
Kousuke blurted out a surprised sound at Prince Kristof’s words. It wasn’t the kind of request a prince would personally come to make.
Perhaps sensing the disbelief on his face, Prince Kristof continued with an indescribable expression.
“I know this is not normally something I would ask of you personally, but there are circumstances…”
“What circumstances?”
“Actually, our Royal Family has a household rule: to be able to make medicine with our own hands.”
It is needless to say what kind of medicine that is. It refers to medicine made with Furie Grass.
Kousuke knew that medicine made with Furie Grass was important to the Sumit Kingdom, but he was surprised to learn that even royalty made it themselves.
“So, is this a request to retrieve Furie Grass?”
Although everyone present knew Kousuke’s true identity, his current role was that of the adventurer Kou. Kousuke spoke carefully, trying not to be too informal.
“No. The Furie Grass itself is delivered directly to the Royal Family, but the problem lies with the other medicinal herbs.”
“Ah, I see.”
One medicine is not necessarily made with only one type of herb. Kousuke nodded, assuming that other herbs would be needed.
However, Kousuke continued to tilt his head, wondering if it was appropriate to ask an adventurer to procure materials for such an important medicine.
“But isn’t it difficult for me to collect them alone?”
Besides, he was accompanying Peach this time, so he couldn’t go too far. Kousuke thought that the prince, having understood Kousuke’s situation from their prior discussion, would know this. He looked at the prince, who seemed to have indeed grasped the situation.
“You are probably misunderstanding, but the materials for the medicine I need are not specialties of this country.”
“Eh?”
“The things I need now are all found nearby.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Normally, someone else would collect them, but various circumstances have made it difficult to ask that person.”
Hearing Prince Kristof’s explanation, Kousuke understood the situation. In other words, they had previously relied on a Succubus to collect them, but due to recent events, that request had become difficult. Kousuke hadn’t expected Succubi to be tasked with such work, but considering the nature of the task, it could be seen as suitable for training low-level individuals. It served as practical training for them, but that had become impossible due to the recent commotion.
Having understood the situation somewhat from Prince Kristof’s words, Kousuke readily agreed. He had decided to accompany Peach and intended to take on various requests from the Crown during that time. From what he heard, with the collection happening nearby, it didn’t seem like a major problem. The only potential issue might be receiving a direct request from royalty, but since “Kou’s” name was already somewhat known within the Crown organization, it should be fine. Adventurers, even if they know a special request has been accepted, do not know who the client is. It is the duty of the Crown and Guild to keep the client’s identity confidential. Especially when the client is royalty, it is natural not to disclose their identity.
“If that’s the case, I accept. How will the exchange be handled?”
“It will be handled as usual at the Crown’s counter.”
There was no need for the prince himself to be present for the material exchange. If that were the case, he could have sent his subordinates to collect them from the start, but there must be a reason he couldn’t. Royalty, even royalty, is bound by things that might seem trivial from the outside.
“I see. When will it begin?”
“It will be a few days from now, after the proper procedures are completed.”
Prince Kristof himself had never issued a direct special request, so he was unsure of the exact schedule. Furthermore, since this was not considered an emergency, it was expected to take more time. It was decided that staff would be called in to confirm these details.
This is a special request from royalty. It seems the inability to freely use the Succubi is having a slight impact. It also serves as a way for Kousuke to pass the time.
