Chapter 35 - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Request from the Princess - Part 4

"If that's the case, I have one question that I'm curious about."

The princess, who had listened to the story and seemed convinced, said while looking at me.

"Jin-san, you've been trying to hide as much as possible about yourself, so why are there so many records like this?"

"Well, there are various circumstances behind that."

Anticipating that I would be asked that, I talked about Asuka in response to the princess's question.

"I see, so the Guild Master liked you and gave you various requests, which led to accumulating achievements up to the Bronze rank."

"I had planned to take it slow and accept requests for about a year while observing the situation. I never thought that the Guild Master would like us, so my plans were disrupted."

"I feel like I can somewhat understand why the Guild Master took a liking to you. Somehow, I sense an interesting atmosphere from you guys. That Master is similar to me in terms of personality, so they probably noticed that and liked it."

Come to think of it, in the game's setting, Asuka and the princess already had a close relationship, and they became best friends when they went on the quest to defeat the Demon King together. I remembered that detail and lightly probed into the current level of their friendship.

"Princess, do you know about Asuka?"

"Of course, I know. But it seems she's busy with work, so we haven't had a chance to talk face-to-face. I had someone look into her personality, and I think we're similar."

The princess said so and added, "I'm considering meeting her someday." In my mind, I decided to leave the capital before that happened.

Afterward, we got absorbed in the conversation and before we knew it, it was lunchtime. The servant informed us.

The princess asked if we should eat here or in the dining hall, and I immediately replied, "Let's eat here."

"Jin-kun, why did you decide to eat here?"

"...Is it okay for Chloe to move around and meet the king?"

"No, I don't want to... Eating here is the right choice."

Chloe, who had developed a slight trauma from meeting the king, said so while trembling.

"Hehe, I requested that meeting with my father at that time, but he doesn't usually go out at that hour, so there's no chance of meeting him."

"...Well, you've been tricked once, though."

"I can't trust you."

As I said those words with a stern look, the princess smiled.

***

A few minutes later, the attendant prepared the meal for us, and we decided to have lunch.

"..."

"The food today is delicious as well. The cook assigned by Fiaris is really skilled."

"Thank you, Father."

Hey! Why is the king here?

I shouted inwardly and glanced at Chloe, who was frozen beside me.

"Ah, ahh..."

No good, she doesn't seem to understand the situation, wearing a face on the verge of tears.

After confirming Chloe's expression, I shifted my gaze to the royal family sitting in front of me, enjoying their meal with delight.

"Princess, do you dislike us?"

"Oh, well, this time I didn't do anything, you know? Father just tagged along to our meal without permission."

"Yeah, that's right. I just came here on my own. I happened to be taking a break when I caught a whiff of something delicious."

Upon hearing the excuses of the royal family, I let out a deep sigh.

"Just to make it clear, Princess, I understand that you're our client and have to deal with us. But, Your Majesty, as the ruler of a country, please show a little more restraint in your actions."

"It's alright. You are the ones approved by Fiaris, and I know better than anyone else about my daughter's judgment of people."

"Oh, Father, you're too much. Even if you praise me that much, it won't change anything."

"...Ah~ I want to go back."

In response to the foolish words from the king, disregarding my advice, I muttered my complaints under my breath.

Afterward, I brought Chloe back to reality, and we resumed our meal. When the meal was finished, the king left the place.