This is what you call a XX case...!
"Ah! You arrived at just the right moment! What’s the deal with these guys?! You said you’d bring potential high-spending customers, but they completely surpassed all my expectations in the wrong direction!"
The prince of the Samonar Kingdom, who had been masquerading as a shop assistant, was lodging a complaint with Leon-sama.
This prince certainly has a sharp tongue!
… Huh? Do these two know each other?
Normally, Leon-sama is deified to an extent, as he rarely shows himself before the citizens.
Well, that’s in his Sacred Beast form. In his human form, he keeps his identity hidden while wandering around the town.
“They’re premium customers, aren’t they? It’s rare to have clients who buy up so much stock.”
“Yeah, that’s true… but last time you were the one treating them, right?! Nobody would think some kid could actually do anything with *that*!”
… Isn’t he saying something rather rude?
“I thought they wouldn’t be able to handle it, or their parents would confiscate it and come begging for help. But instead, their servant just casually came to buy more! How am I supposed to negotiate with that?!”
Oh, so they were actually expecting something like that?
“If anything, I should have dealt with *that* directly with you. You pay well, have guts, and you’re not as rowdy as most adventurers. Are you secretly some noble or something?”
"… At the very least, I’m not a noble."
Leon-sama raised an eyebrow, smiling in amusement.
Yeah, that’s right! He’s the Sacred Beast who protects the Doristan Kingdom! Definitely not a noble!
… Wait, do these two actually not know each other?
"Your Highness, Your Highness! Causing a commotion here isn’t good! You’re supposed to avoid attracting attention!"
A man, disguised as a servant but likely a bodyguard, placed his hands on the prince's shoulders to pull him back after sheathing his sword.
Kurogane, upon seeing this, let go of his grip, which gave me some relief.
However, the prince’s wrist was red from where he was held!
Oh no, could this become an international incident?!
“Shut up! It’s not like anyone noticed the fuss we’re making… or did they?”
The prince looked around frantically, and I also noticed for the first time that people were walking by without paying us any attention.
In fact, they seemed to be avoiding the shop naturally as if they didn’t even notice it was there…?
“I cast a perception-blocking spell before you guys even started arguing. No one’s aware of us, so relax.”
Leon-sama said nonchalantly… but when did he do that?!
I didn’t notice at all!
“A perception-blocking spell…?! To use such high-level magic… who exactly are you?!”
The prince, still wary, once again readied himself with his guard, this time aimed at Leon-sama.
Well, it’s understandable; with magic like that, you could easily assassinate or kidnap people without being noticed in a crowded place.
Even I felt a chill imagining that possibility!
“Aah, I thought I’d do a little probing, but I went and meddled too much and messed up…”
Leon-sama scratched his head in exasperation, then flashed a grin at me.
“We can’t talk here, so how about heading to your place, Ojou?”
"Huh? My house?!"
What? Not the palace?!
"You jest! Why should you or these people have to be invited to our home?"
"Yeah, exactly! There’s no need to do that!"
Kurogane and Mashiro both stood protectively in front of me, refuting Leon-sama.
"Wait… why am I even here?! I’m way out of my element!"
Shin looked between us, Leon-sama, the prince, and his entourage, flustered.
Oh no, sorry for dragging you into this, Shin.
I pray that your stomach makes it through this!
"Huh? Why her house? And who exactly is this kid anyway?"
The prince looked at me with suspicion.
"She’s a young lady of the Ellisfeed Ducal house."
Leon-sama declared this with a suspicious grin.
Wait! Why are you revealing my identity while hiding your own?!
“…What? The Ellisfeed Ducal house…? No way?!"
"Wait, aren’t they one of the most prominent families in the Doristan Kingdom? Your Highness, I told you that acting like a merchant on the down-low was risky!"
"Shut up! Who’d expect to hook such a big fish?!"
The prince and his guard began bickering.
Honestly, I never would have thought a prince would be pretending to be a merchant in another country, trying to sell aphrodisiacs!
Wait, was he trying to set up a black market distribution route?
If that’s the case, Prince, you’re out of luck!
Sorry, but your targets just happen to be the Sacred Beast guardian of Doristan and a Duke’s daughter with ties to the royal family!
You’re defeated before you even started! Mwahaha!
… But on the other hand, doesn’t this mean I might get scolded by Otousama…?
I didn’t mention this trip to Otousama because I only intended to buy some spices.
Even if Miria back at the mansion reports it, there’s no way she could foresee this development.
… I’m cornered too.
Still, I can’t just say goodbye and leave, can I…
“It’s a humble place to welcome guests from the Samonar Kingdom, but would you care to have tea at my home?”
Not that I’m thrilled about it!
“…I’ll accept the invitation. Lead the way.”
The prince responded reluctantly.
You didn’t have to agree, you know!
“Well, we can’t just stroll back to the mansion with everyone. Your Highness, and… yes, you there as the guard, follow me. The rest… let’s see. You there, I’ll buy up all the spices here, so pack them up.”
“Huh? Me?! Oh, uh… yes, right away…”
Shin stammered as he tried to respond to Leon-sama’s orders, looking understandably concerned for his own wellbeing.
“Kurogane, you go along as this guy’s guard.”
“I refuse. I take no orders from you.”
“If something happens to him, wouldn’t that sadden Ojou? You’re more level-headed than the white one, so I think you’d be the better choice.”
Leon-sama was right; I wouldn’t feel at ease leaving Shin here unprotected in case anything happened.
“Kurogane, please?”
“… Very well. It’s true that I’m more suited to your wishes than this one. However, should anything happen to you while I’m absent, I won’t forgive it.”
Under my pleading gaze, Kurogane gave in, albeit reluctantly.
"Leave it to me. Nothing will happen to Ojou with me here."
"With me here, there’s no problem!"
Leon-sama winked, and Mashiro embraced me protectively, answering Kurogane with a passionate breath.
"Hey, Mashiro, could you go back to the mansion first and inform them about this?"
"Huh? No way! I will protect Cristea!"
Mashiro clung to me, pressing hard against me. Ugh, the pressure!
"Well, if no one is informed, and Ojou can’t host her guests properly, she might end up embarrassed. Isn’t that right, Ojou?"
Leon-sama, grinning mischievously, turned to me.
He’s right; without any preparation, inviting a foreign prince into our home is unthinkable.
Even a little time to prepare would be better than nothing.
"… Well, yes, that might be the case. Mashiro… could you?"
“Ugh…! Cristea, I’ll be back soon, so wait for me!”
With that, Mashiro vanished instantly, using teleportation magic.
"What… teleportation magic?!"
The prince and his guards were shocked.
Oh dear… teleportation magic isn’t common. Though perception-blocking magic is up, the prince and his entourage saw everything.
"…Anyway, I’ll guide you to the mansion now. I apologize, but due to the crowd, we’ll have to walk to the carriage."
I said this as I began to lead the way to the carriage stop.
… Maybe I should have come in a better carriage?
At least the wheels seem up-to-date; that’s some consolation.
And with those thoughts, we set off.
What do you think about this chapter?
