Chapter 71: The Prince and Princess's Path
"Um, let's see. Grace is working on improving her axe in addition to her shoes. Ashley is focusing on Aqua Walk and Levitation. Sheila is mastering the basics of the three, and Ilm is working on Air Blast and Levitation, I think."
"They are going to turn those spells into equipment, right?"
Alfred and Viola summarized the main points of their discussion.
Since each of them had different strengths and tactics, the types of magical tools they needed would also vary. Especially for Ashley, considering her proficiency in water magic and her preference for using water magic for mobility rather than jumping with a shield, she was thinking of applying the water skiing technique she learned before.
Sheila was skilled, so she would likely handle all three types of magical tools beautifully. In her case, the broader the range of applications, the better she would adapt and respond.
As for Ilmhillt, she was still somewhat unsure, but since she couldn't use a shield to jump like the others and her weapon was a bow and arrow, they were considering increasing her magical tools related to Air Blast.
"Well, now that we've decided on that, I'll take everyone's measurements."
Once their basic strategies were established, Viola walked over to Grace and the others.
It was impressive to see Marian gazing intently at Grace and Ashley, who were embroidering. Sheila, sitting in a shady and breezy spot while rowing the boat, seemed to be dozing off.
Well, it seemed they were having a relaxed and harmonious time over there.
"By the way, it's good to see Marian enjoying herself today."
Alfred looked at his sister with a gentle expression.
"Yeah, well, many people are good with children."
"It seems so."
Marian, or Princess Marlene, would eventually become a priestess of the Moon Goddess. In BFO, she was said to be the most talented priestess princess of her generation.
Her magical aptitude was suited for priesthood, and by closing one of her originally endowed functions, whether it be sight or hearing, she could deepen her connection with the goddess. The longer the duration of the restriction, the better. Considering her magical aptitude, lineage, appearance, and restrictions, it seemed that she would become a highly promising priestess in the eyes of the temple.
However, Marlene's situation was not something she had wished for herself. Judging from the fragmented information obtained from BFO quests, it seemed to be a result of an attempted assassination.
Whether it was the residual effects of poison from the conspiracy at the banquet or a psychogenic cause, she survived narrowly but lost her mother in the process. Since then, Marlene had been unable to speak.
In the future, she would find her place as a priestess because King Melvin and Prince Albert wanted to keep her away from power struggles and noble society. The head priestess would also care for Marlene, so there were various reasons.
The temple had a place where she was needed, and even if she stood out, she wouldn't become a target of political enemies because she was separated from royal authority.
So, Prince Albert himself was gathering talent while pretending to be a playboy wandering the city. Since martial arts would take time to master, he gave up on it early and chose magical technicians who could compete with knowledge and dexterity. He kept his distance from the court nobles in power struggles.
He appeared to be indulging in wandering around town incognito, strengthening his ties with adventurers and the Adventurers Guild, and ideally becoming an indispensable figure for the kingdom. Well, he was quite clever.
When I went to the royal castle after defeating Lynette, I wondered if Prince Albert had distanced himself from me. If I actively infiltrated the royal castle, Albert would be overly vigilant and attract attention. The current situation was not without risks, but weighing various factors, he probably judged that it was okay.
"Sorry for getting off track. Um, it looks like we'll need some basic equipment for training and testing. I'll try to gather it as soon as possible."
"Thank you very much."
Training with equipment for aerial combat, collecting data, and refining the equipment. That was the plan.
"Sorry for the delay in the development of the magic communication device."
"No, that's fine. I'm looking at the long-term. Well, I plan to take it easy. What bothers me more is that Teo-kun uses honorifics with me."
"Hmm, does it bother you?"
For me, it's no big deal.
"Yeah, I'm just a lowly fourth son of a court noble after all. You don't need to worry about things like employers."
Well... It's quite something to call yourself a lowly court noble even though you're a prince. If King Melvin heard this, he'd probably laugh – at least, that's how I feel. And I've been subtly hinting at my own noble lineage. Maybe it's because I don't ask too many questions.
But well... If that's the case, I'll just go along with it.
"Understood. Is this okay?"
"Yeah. So, please continue to work together in the future."
"Roger. I'll take care of what I can do as soon as possible."
I'll turn the incantation into text, add notes to the parts that need modification, and then Alfred will translate it... and cut any unnecessary parts. We'll work together with Viola to incorporate it into tools and magic stones.
While checking the condition of the pot simmering the potion, I'm writing with a quill on paper when Alfred speaks up.
"By the way, about Lord Chester..."
"Hmm."
"He used to be part of the Greg faction, so his position is delicate, but it seems he won't be held accountable."
"He also participated in hunting demons. Well, I thought he might have been pardoned for that."
"Yeah, but it seems his relationship with Princess Rosemary hasn't improved."
Is that so? Well, I don't want to get too involved with Rosemary, so it doesn't matter. From Chester's perspective, though, I think his duty as a knight is more important than his relationship with Rosemary. It might not align with Rosemary's preferences, but being told that to his face is tough.
Lately, it seems Chester's worldview has been shaken repeatedly.
"...Does Lord Chester's exploration team have preparations for magical tools at the Great Putrescent Lake?"
"Hmm? Preparations for the Great Putrescent Lake? Well, they plan to use air screens to block the foul odors and toxins, purify the air inside regularly with purify, and then cross the muck-covered lake with aquawalk. There, having the freedom to use the terrain as they like makes a big difference. They have to be wary of both the lake bottom and the airspace, so long-range weapons like spears would be effective."
As long as they don't get stuck in the depths, they can fight to their heart's content. Fighting from within the muck is a world apart from fighting on the surface. Not worrying about foul odors and not having to fear poison makes things much easier. If everyone can calmly assess the situation, natural coordination should follow.
"...Hmm, I wonder."
Alfred seems to be pondering with his arms crossed. I think he's the type to accept it and make use of it if someone cares about him, even though he might initially insist on relying on sheer willpower.
So, by providing hints for the conquest like this, if Prince Albert is inclined, he'll move on his own. Chester, who has broken away from factions and is dedicated to chivalry, is like Talcott in the eyes of the prince, a somewhat floating presence.
"If we want to make it in time... it might be another night of work."
I heard Alfred muttering something like that in a low voice. Well, I feel bad for giving him more work, though.