CH 173

Business at the castle and Grandfather.

“I’m sorry, but my mate doesn’t like it when other women approach me. We don’t need waiters.”

Dirk politely declined. He won’t make the same mistake twice, huh. Yep, it somehow makes me happy.

“Dirk.”

“Rosarin! Wow, you look cute! It suits you well.”

Both Dirk and I were wearing ao dai costumes prepared by the Wolfaneans. My hair was done in buns too.

“You look wonderful too, Dirk. The waitresses…”

Dirk’s expression cramped up. Nono, I’m not scolding you.

“I’m happy you declined them for my sake. I don’t find it amusing whatsoever when other women cling to you.”

“Yeah.”

Dirk looked obviously relieved and happy. I sat down next to him. It looks like the person who is scheduled to meet with us is still not here.

“Marquis Charte has arrived.”

An old black panther beastman has arrived. Seeing us, he looked surprised. We stood up from our seats and went to greet the elder.

“How do you do, I’m Dirk Barton.”

“Hello, I am Rosarin Rosenberg. May I call you Ojiisama?”

The elder averted his gaze. He didn’t seem to dislike it. His ears and tail showed… nervousness?

“... I don’t mind.”

“Thank you very much!”

Fufufu. I will definitely get along with him! I have conquered the tsundere that is Milfi! I’m somehow who can do great things when I put my mind on it!

This time, the objective is to get along with Ojiisama. This person is Dirk’s grandfather from his mother’s side. Dirk’s mother ran away from home and married his father. His mother sadly passed away from disease while she was still disconnected from her parents’ family.

I talked to Dirk in advance and asked Jess to cooperate. When we took a seat with Ojiisama, he nervously spoke to Dirk.

“That… you are a… knight?”

“Yes. I was a knight. I have retired from the Knights Order and I’m currently studying to succeed the Marquis household. If you don’t mind, I’d be happy if you could teach me as my senior.”

“Oh! I, I see, I see. You can ask me anything!”

Ojiisama looked happy. Dirk seriously asked about diplomacy and the difficult work around it. The discussion was getting quite enthusiastic. Jess and Judas-sama were smiling. His Majesty… was absorbed in eating.

“You were of great help, thank you very much.”

It appears their job-related conversation was finally over. Ojiisama looked tense. What happened?

“Y, you too… c, c, can call me Ojiisama. Y, you are my real grandson, after all!”

He bit his tongue! Ojiisama, you don’t have to be this nervous, Dirk is very kindhearted, you know?

“Yes. Thank you very much, Ojiisama.”

Dirk smiled gently. I’m happy for you, Ojiisama. You look super happy.

“V, visit us sometimes to play! We, we will welcome you wholeheartedly! You are also Wolfanea’s hero! You also have a duty to uphold! Y, you don’t have to hesitate to visit! You can even come today!”

Oh, Ojiisama’s steward quickly went out. Did he go to contact the residence? It’s not like we have to stay in the castle or anything… what do you want to do? I asked Dirk with my gaze. Dirk nodded. So we are going? Roger that.

“Is the rose garden still there? Mother spoke about how much she loved it, so I always wanted to see it at least once.”

“Of course! But… there are no flowers now.”

It seems that all flowers withered because of the incident with Yggdrasil. Originally, it’s supposed to be a wonderful garden with many colorful flowers.

“Is that so… but, I still want to see it. Could we intrude then?”

“Umu, I don’t mind! Robert! Robert!? My steward is not here! I will go look for him! We have to contact the mansion first!”

Ojiisama went looking for mister steward with quick movements. How lively~

“Now then, let’s finish your business first, Jess. Give me a hand. I will examine your magical power.”

While Ojiisama was looking for the steward, I had to finish my business. Jess obediently presented his hand. The flow of his magical power was stable, flowing without stagnation.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Your growth won’t be stopping anymore. Your magical power is very stable.”

“Is there a possibility for it to stop again?”

“I improved the flow of your magical power the last time, but it might turn back to its previous form depending on the person. Yours is flowing as it should be now and there is no stagnation, so everything should be fine. I don’t think anything will go wrong, but just contact me if things go wrong by any chance.”

“Got it. Sorry, Lord… I’m the only one on the receiving end…”

Jess hung his head down. Nono, this is a give and take. One-sided relationships don’t last.

“You called me your Lord. Then you know it’s not like that. You have arranged this opportunity for us this time, and you did your best in the revival of the Wolfanea in the first place, so there are actually many things I have received from you.”

“... It’s my duty as royalty to protect Wolfanea, but… I see. I will work even harder.”

“Just don’t overdo it.”

Jess and I laughed at each other. Then, I glanced at Judas-sama. The bracelet on his wrist darkened slightly.

“Judas-sama, that bracelet is a disposable magic tool. It will eventually become useless. That is the judgment of the Christia’s Sage, so I have no doubts about it.”

“... I see.”

Judas-sama seemed aware as he smiled powerlessly.

“Elder brother…”

Jess’s expression turned sorrowful. If there’s no bracelet, will he have to go back to the sanctuary… is probably what he thought.

“... That being the case, let’s make a transaction!”

“”Huh?””

“I was able to replicate Judas-sama’s bracelet!”

“Ku… hahahahaha! A transaction, huh. What do you desire, Rosarin?”

“I’d like to spread the blessings of the Saintess to Christia. Rice is excellent preserved food and it’s delicious, yummy, and tasty.”

“... You seem to love rice, Rosarin.”

“Yes! It’s my favorite! So, how about it? Your Majesty.”

“Fumu, I don’t mind. That onigiri thing was certainly delicious. It's a good thing that there are more and more good things to eat, even in other countries. It's not easy to grow, that’s why it was only available to the royal family.”

“I see. How about I offer an indefinite supply of the bracelets in return?”

“Good.”

“Are you not losing out, Rosarin?”

“I will make a profit on the rice, and even if I don't make any, I wouldn’t mind as long as the rice becomes widely available for eating in shops.”

Why does everyone look dumbfounded? Bread is nice, but I was starving for rice! It’s something different from Christia’s Jasmine rice too!

We officially signed a contract and I handed over the bracelets I had.

“I will make more if you run out, so just let me know.”

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mind it. I also have my reasons.”

While we had such a conversation, Ojiisama returned.

“Dirk, Miss Rosarin! I have arranged a carriage! Come to my residence! Your Majesty, Your Highnesses… we will excuse ourselves here.”

“Fufu… it’s unusual for you to be this cheerful. Make sure to take care of our Saintess and Hero well. We originally intended to let them stay in the castle, but this is the Hero’s wish. I can only grant it.”

“Yes! Dirk, Miss Rosarin! It’s an order from His Majesty. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

“Yes. Thank you for listening to my selfishness, Ojiisama.”

“I’m looking forward to visiting your house, Ojiisama.”

Somehow, Ojiisama is really cute! His ears and tail move the same way as Dirk’s when in a good mood.

“Umu! You better have high expectations!”

This is how we left the castle with a very cute grandfather.