“Oof.”
Margaret sat down on the chair prepared for the Queen on the dais. Kent felt a sense of familiarity from the phrase she unconsciously uttered at that moment.
“Well then, this time we’ll consider this a completely unofficial audience. Therefore, it will not be recorded. And you, the Royal Guards accompanying us, will turn your backs. What is about to happen will be shared only among the four of us: myself, the King, and Kent and Hanako.”
Margaret said this, emphasizing that the audience was to be conducted as unofficial and highly confidential. In response to her words, the Royal Guards who were meant to provide escort abandoned their original duty, turned to the opposite side, and indicated their intention not to interfere in whatever was to come.
“Kent, Hanako. I caused you a great deal of trouble because I got drunk. First, I want to express my gratitude for escorting me back to the castle. And, I, as the Queen, apologize for the discourtesy shown to my benefactors, which resulted in your being confined to the dungeon as per regulations. I am truly sorry.”
With that, Margaret stood up from her chair, moved in front of Kent and Hanako, and prostrated herself, bowing deeply in apology.
“Your Majesty, you don’t have to go that far.”
“No, this is something I must do to take responsibility. Now, you will join me.”
“Wh-what? I have to do it too?”
“Of course. You won’t be able to complain if the King’s mood sours and he ruins the country. In any case, apologize with me.”
“Ah, I understand. Margaret, you’re quite demanding.”
Kent said in surprise, but Margaret felt their apology was insufficient and urged the King to apologize with them. The King reluctantly descended from the dais and approached Kent.
“Margaret seems to have caused you considerable trouble. I wholeheartedly apologize.”
Before Kent’s eyes, the Queen and the King were now in a prostrating posture. Witnessing this exchange, Kent somehow grasped the power dynamics of this country.
“Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen, please raise your faces. If it was handled according to regulations, then it cannot be helped. There is no need for Your Majesties to apologize.”
“Kent, you are so kind. Hanako, will you accept our apology?”
“If Kent accepts, then I have nothing more to say.”
“Oh, that’s good.”
Hanako, who was the biggest concern, agreed to the apology in line with Kent’s sentiment, and Margaret showed a look of relief. Hearing this, Margaret and the King ceased their prostration and stood up.
“Kent. I should have conveyed my gratitude sooner, but I apologize for the delay. Thank you for saving Gordon from that illness the other day. While Margaret and Gordon himself have likely expressed their thanks, I, as his father, was unable to do so. I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you.”
The King once again conveyed his gratitude for curing Gordon’s illness.
“This commoner cured the Prince’s illness?”
“Is that true?”
“Who is this commoner?”
The Royal Guards, who had been facing away and feigning ignorance, had heard everything the King had said, and exclamations of surprise arose at the suddenly revealed truth.
“You heard nothing. I’ll say it again, do you understand?”
“Y-yes, yes!”
When Margaret sternly reminded the Royal Guards, the clamorous chatter stopped.
“As the matter of my son’s illness has not been made public, I cannot openly express my gratitude to Kent. However, on this occasion, to honor your achievement, I will grant you this special permit.”
“What is this?”
“Well, it’s not much, but it’s an entry permit. With this in your possession, you and your companions will be granted entry without any procedures. This will allow you to visit the castle anytime you wish.”
“Is that so?”
“What? This is a great honor. Do you perhaps have any complaints?”
“N-no, it’s nothing of the sort. I gladly accept.”
Frankly speaking, being able to enter the castle freely didn’t offer many benefits to Kent. Realizing his true feelings had accidentally shown on his face, he quickly corrected his expression.
“Next, Hanako. I have heard that you have served this country as its god for many years. If possible, I would like to ask if you would be willing to serve this country again as its god?”
The King then made his request to Hanako.
“I refuse. My current position is not that of the country’s god, but as a Contract Fairy devoted to Kent as my Master.”
However, Hanako informed the King that she could not be the country’s god in her current capacity.
“I see. That is unfortunate.”
Perhaps accustomed to such answers, the King did not show surprise at Hanako’s reply.
“Margaret, is this alright?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Once the exchange was complete, the King turned to Margaret and sought her confirmation. Margaret nodded in satisfaction.
“Well then, I must excuse myself as I have other appointments. Oh, I almost forgot one more thing. Gordon is a bit poor at socializing. I would be grateful if you could continue to be friends with him and lend him your support.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Kent replied without much thought, taking the King’s words as a casual remark. After hearing Kent’s reply, the King withdrew from the audience chamber. The Royal Guards followed suit.
“I’m sorry for surprising you with this sudden turn of events. I’ve caused you a lot of trouble, but I’m glad you came to the castle, Kent. This way, I could directly convey the King’s gratitude for healing Gordon’s illness.”
Only Margaret remained with Kent and Hanako in the vast audience chamber. Margaret explained to Kent the reason she had called them to this place.
“Also, I apologize for calling you by your given name in front of the others, Lady Hanako.”
“There’s no need to use an honorific. I am no longer a god, but in the position of Kent’s Contract Fairy.”
“Right. We’ll leave it at that then.”
Margaret apologized to Hanako regarding the way she addressed her.
“Kent, Lady Hanako. I’m sorry for keeping you here so late. I’ll arrange a carriage for your return. Is it alright to take you to your home?”
“Th-that’s fine. I’ll walk home.”
“Is that so? Very well. In that case, I will have Clara see you out of the castle. I’ll visit Marie’s Bakery again when I have the time.”
Margaret offered to arrange a carriage for their return, but Kent, thinking it would be too conspicuous, declined.
“Clara, you heard what I said, didn’t you? Please take care of it.”
“Understood.”
“Well then, I must be going.”
Margaret handed over the arrangements to Clara, her personal maid, and left the audience chamber.
“ThenKent-sama, Hanako-sama, I will guide you to the castle exit.”
“Please take care of us.”
Kent and Hanako were guided by Clara and safely reached the castle exit.
“Then please have a safe journey home.”
“Thank you for guiding us, Clara-san.”
Kent thanked Clara for guiding him to the exit and then decided to head home with Hanako.
“Well then, shall we go home?”
“Yes. Can I hold your hand?”
“Alright.”
Kent and Hanako began walking towards Tiol, holding hands.
“It’s already dark outside.”
“I guess our outing with Kent is already over.”
With various things happening, they realized it had become dark outside. As there were no streetlights on the road connecting the castle and the town, they proceeded by the dim light of the moon. Though Kent’s expression was hidden by the darkness, Hanako looked disappointed and said to Kent as she reflected on the day’s events.
“We’re almost home.”
Kent and Hanako occasionally chatted as they made their way to their respective homes. Soon, the surroundings became familiar, and they could sense their home drawing near.
“Oh? If it isn’t Kent-san. Are you perhaps on a date?”
A sudden female voice made Kent and Hanako stop.
“Ah, I thought it was someone else. It’s Cindy-san. It’s unusual to see you outside the sanctuary.”
“I don’t spend all my time holed up in the sanctuary, you know. I go out sometimes. I was just on my way back from the commercial district.”
The speaker was Cindy, a priestess at the sanctuary. She was wearing casual clothes instead of her usual priestess attire. Though somewhat plain, her outfit was neatly put together and exuded a clean aura.
“By the way, I haven’t seen this person before? Wait, thi-this person! I sense a magical power greater than Al-sama’s. She’s definitely a god. Oh, it’s an honor to meet you. Oh, no. My joy is overwhelming, I can’t contain myself.”
The moment Cindy looked at Hanako, who was beside Kent, she began to tremble and her demeanor became erratic.
“I-I’m gonna come. I’m gonna come!”
*Drip.*
Water started to seep from Cindy’s lower body, forming a puddle on the ground that trailed down her legs.
“Ah, you too.”
Hanako’s magic seemed to be quite strong for those who could sense it. Like Margaret, Cindy had also experienced an involuntary release out of sheer joy at meeting her.
“God-sama. I wanted to meet you so badly.”
“Whoa, if you rush at me like that…”
Cindy, with her lower half still wet, lunged to embrace Hanako. Kent involuntarily cried out at the impending disaster.
“Get out of the way, I’m going back to my room.”
As Hanako spoke, Cindy suddenly vanished.
“Sh-she disappeared.”
“Because she was in the way, I forcibly sent her back to that priest’s room.”
“Y-you can do that too?”
Seeing Hanako’s ability so clearly, Kent exclaimed in surprise.
“Well, I’m going inside then.”
“You’ve already returned to your normal form, haven’t you?”
Hanako had somehow returned to her usual appearance.
“I’m home.”
“Mm, I’m home.”
Despite a day full of unexpected events, Kent and Hanako opened the entrance door and safely returned home.
