「I apologize that our princess has caused you trouble again. This is your new carriage.」
When it was time for us to leave Lanct, Kato-san acted as our escort and brought the new carriage in front of our hotel.
I would have refused if it had been the kind of carriage that nobles often rode in.
However, it was a four horse, wooden carriage with a chic design.
「Kato-san, what is that wonderful design?」
「It's called marquetry, hero-sama. The woodworkers of the City of Lanct specialize in this kind of design.」
This marquetry is a design where embedded pieces of wood create a geometric pattern.
This is the first time I've seen it but it's somehow nostalgic.
It's not overly glamorous yet it looks luxurious.
It had a deep taste similar to Japanese folk art.
I'll take it….
This is not an expensive carriage because it was crafted from pieces of wood and it's also a form of apology.
「This carriage is made of wood so it's not expensive and it is also our way of apologizing so please, receive it.」
「I understand. I'll take it.」
There's no point in being stubborn or arguing with him.
There is a timber division in the City of Ox. I'd love to take this craft home and show it to the craftsmen. I'm sure this will inspire them.
I thought I'd overwhelm them with my military might but instead, I've been crushed by the power of money and culture.
So this is the way of Lanct Duchy. I'll keep it in mind.
In addition, the four horse marquetry carriage has the latest carriage suspension technology of the empire where the seats are suspended by chains. Riding it is incomparable to my previous covered wagon.
「So, this is the level of technology of the empire. They even have suspension technology.」
This expedition to Lanct Duchy had given us a lot to gain.
I found a lot of things and even learned more from this expedition.
Silesie Kingdom is inferior and looks like the countryside in comparison.
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—Scene Change—
-0-
After a long journey, I returned to the Ox's castle along with many people and wagons.
We were greeted by Princess Silhouette and Princess Caroline.
That's normal but for some reason, Lyle-sense's father, Prime Minister Nicola, showed up with them.
TN: Yeah, that's really his name. Let's give the name Nicholas to the archbishop.
He was rubbing his long brown beard as he greeted me. I wonder why the prime minister is here.
「Father, no….Prime Minister Nicola, aren't you supposed to be working in the capital?」
「Long time no see, my unworthy son. No matter how much I work at the capital, the national government is dominated by a bunch of reformists who are working under some insolent state lord. I've been playing the role of villain.」
「Isn't playing the role of an abominable villain a fine job for the prime minister? Thanks to you, the officials have become easy to decipher. Even though there's no king in the castle, there is an old fashioned and ostentatious figure.」
「You impudent halfwit bitch!」
As usual, the relationship of this parent and child is still as bad as ever.
Princess Silhouette had to step in since I myself don't even know what to do.
「The prime minister was called by this princess.」
Prime Minister Nicola fixed his collar and stopped his parent-child quarrel and turned to me.
「My apologies for showing you something unsightly, Hero Takeru-sama. Though I'm the prime minister, I'm still a servant of the royal family and my original role is to teach the princess the secrets of the land. I'm currently teaching the princess manners befitting a queen of the kingdom.」
「So, the princess has finally made her mind and decided to be the queen.」
I gave the princesses perfumes as souvenirs. They were luxury products packed in a snowflake plaster containers and the store claimed that they were made by the best perfumer in Lanct.
That city even has perfumery.
「Oh, what a lovely fragrance!」
「I hope you like it, princess.」
When she opened the lid, the fragrant aroma of crocus, roses, and lilies drifted to the air. It can be said that these are suitable gifts for beautiful princesses.
I think it is a more thoughtful gift than jewelry. I felt proud that I could give such a gift to a woman.
「Takeru-sama doesn't hate this princess, doesn't he?」
「Yes, of course, I like you.」
If I hesitate even for a moment, the princess' negativity will be triggered.
What man wouldn't like this princess with a perfect look. On top of her strawberry blonde hair, she's a half elf, and small chests, I don't think a man who wouldn't like her doesn't exist.