Aila Tristar.
This rebellious walking bomb casually tossed a bomb and disappeared.
Tristar Territory. Eden.
The stronghold of a family that boasts the most powerful mining business in the Roengreen Empire. My only knowledge of it is by reputation.
It’s situated a bit away from the empire’s capital, in the west.
The Tristar family governs this land filled with wilderness and mountains.
Hmm. So, I need to go there.
Starting from now…
“Wolfram von Roengreen. Are you present?”
“No, please leave if you’re not a customer.”
“A complete set of beverages and snacks. One bag of candy.”
“Please come in. Do you require anything else?”
My junior, my registry mate Eve, suddenly entered the convenience store.
However, she was a customer, even though I initially thought she was Eve.
Eve, but as a customer. Amidst the sweet yet complicated relationships of registry mates and customers, I chose the customer.
“Please return promptly if you’ve finished your shopping.”
“Do you usually treat your customers this way…?”
“You cease to be a customer once you’ve paid.”
“…Well, that’s true, but that’s not why I came here.”
“What is it?”
“Ahem, ahem. Seriously, listen carefully because I’ll only say this once.”
Blushing, Eve scratched her cheek slightly, lowered her head, and continued.
“Thanks to the potion, there have been reports of reduced Magic sickness. Um… Thank you.”
“Fine, you said you’d say it only once.”
“…What?”
“It might make me sick to hear it twice. Tch. What kind of gratitude is that?”
“If I were to eliminate you now, would that erase the one-time statement as well?”
No, mischief is not allowed.
“So, is that all?”
“No, there’s more. Have you decided on your destination for this field trip?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because of your actions.”
“…?”
“People beyond Jephryn will undoubtedly be affected by the potion set you’re selling. The world will be watching your actions.”
Eve continued with her explanation, detailing the subtle differences between the Tristar and Ciel families, the perception created by the goods I presented, and the potential conflicts that might ensue.
“So, if you haven’t chosen your field trip destination, consider going to the royal palace. Why not report to Father about what Wolfram von Roengreen is up to?”
“Hmm. You’re suggesting reporting to Father.”
“Yes.”
While formal settings refer to him as “His Majesty,” it appears they address him as ‘Father’ in a family context. Useful information to know.
Anyway, listening to Eve, it sounds like there’s a lot at stake, and it could become quite exhausting. Following her suggestion and returning to the royal palace might be a wise decision…
“I’ve already made my choice for the field trip.”
“Where? You didn’t do something foolish, did you?”
“…It’s Eden, the territory of the Tristar family.”
“You fool!”
Look at her now. She’s pointing a magic lance at her brother.
Is she about to strike me?
“Ah… I’m considering whether it would be better to eliminate you to establish lasting peace in the Roengreen Empire.”
“Nonsense.”
“I know. Tch… Anyway, Wolfram von Roengreen.”
Eve gestured, extinguishing the lance, and glared at me.
“What’s up?”
“Take care and return safely. It would be a significant issue if you get hurt or go missing.”
“…?”
Is she feeling unwell? Is she concerned about me?
“If you were to perish, I’d be the prime suspect. Accusations of me trying to eliminate you! Do you understand how much that would hinder me?”
“Ah, I see.”
Alright then.
Unnecessary worry.
“…So, make sure to come back safely.”
“Hmm. I will.”
***
The day for the field trip had arrived.
Eden, the destination for Aila Tristar and Wolfram von Roengreen, is situated in the western part of the continent, and naturally, it’s connected by a warp portal.
The cost of the warp portal for the field trip is covered by Jephryn, so one notable aspect is that you can go without any financial burden.
Hence, this field trip serves as a platform for “faction verification,” “profit,” or “suspicion,” and “betrayal.” The students aren’t just embarking on a “field trip” but are acting as “messengers” delivering “parental orders.”
When you need to discreetly convey information to someone within the same faction, it’s more convenient to use a child attending Jephryn rather than relying on a faction or magic crystal.
Therefore, this field trip is fundamentally expected to have a substantial political impact…
“Ahaha, Wolfram. Aila. It’s been a while!”
“Rudika, it’s been some time.”
“Ahaha, thanks for letting Rudika join!”
“…I wasn’t aware that Rudika would be in our group.”
“Oh, did I forget to mention?”
“…No, you didn’t.”
“Well, Rudika is coming along as well.”
“Wolfram! I’m relying on you!”
Aila.
Shouldn’t you have explained this first?
“Does Wolfram have an issue with Rudika?”
“No, it’s not that. But I do have some questions. Why specifically the west?”
Actually, there were discussions about returning to the south this time.”
“Hmm. And?”
“Going home is quite a hassle, you know. The list of potential targets for assassination increases. Aren’t we going on the field trip to add to our workload?”
“Hmm, indeed.”
I naturally nod.
If the field trip is at your own home, it could indeed be very inconvenient.
“Is that so? I’m happy to return home after such a long time.”
“Really? Aila, you’re a good person! Haha!”
“……”
Except for Aila.
“I want to give my mind a break. That’s how Rudika truly feels.”
“I completely understand. Okay, I’ll rely on you too, Rudika.”
“Ahaha, alright!”
Rudika extended a handshake with a brighter mood than usual.
I lightly shook Rudika’s hand, and soon we heard a voice calling us from the other side.
“The next group. The warp portal is ready.”
“Let’s go, Wolfram. You can let go of that hand now, I think?”
“…Hm? Ah, yes.”
“Ahaha, Wolfram has large hands!”
For some reason, Aila appears a bit uncomfortable, and Rudika seems pleased.
Me. Rudika. Aila. And Patrasch.
Three people and one creature, entirely unrelated to politics.
Ah, it’s going to be a genuinely peaceful journey.
As we passed through the warp portal, the scenery before our eyes transformed. It’s a skill I often used when playing video games, but using it like this feels rather peculiar. You step into an elliptical blue light, and you emerge somewhere else.
“This is…”
“The eastern part of Eden. Well… it would take around 20 minutes on foot to reach the mansion.”
“Hmm. I see. 20 minutes…”
It felt somewhat daunting. The west is quite hot, and walking for 20 minutes in these conditions might be a challenge. Well, we have Patrasch with us. If it gets tough, we can ride Patrasch.
“Hmm. No, they said they’d be arriving soon. Ah… there they are.”
Aila smiled and looked into the distance. When Rudika and I followed her gaze, we saw a carriage approaching us.
Soon, the carriage arrived in front of us, and an elderly man dressed as a butler stepped down and respectfully greeted Aila.
“Welcome, Miss.”
“Yes, it’s been a while, Head Butler.”
“Indeed, it has been a while, Prince Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“Hmm.”
“May I inquire about the person beside you?”
“This is Rudika Hatsan Shadow, who will be joining us for the On-site learning.”
“Hatsan Shadow… Ah, the Shadow family of the south….”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Rudika.”
“Yes, pleased to meet you. Now, please board the carriage.”
The three of us got into the carriage, and as we settled into our seats, the carriage began to move slowly. Patrasch followed us at the same pace.
“…”
“…Hmm.”
It seems to be looking at us as if to say, “Why aren’t you taking me?” But we ignore it. It can’t be helped. It’s cramped, and he smells like an unwashed dog… So, you understand, right?
“…”
“Hmm.”
***
Passing through an enormously splendid mansion, we were greeted by numerous servants as the carriage entered the estate.
A genuinely impressive reception by grand individuals in a dazzling mansion. However, thanks to the compulsory nature of Tier 1 Skill [Royal Bloodline], which stipulates that “one must always behave in a manner befitting royal lineage in any situation,” I managed to endure it somehow.
However…
“It’s been a while, Prince Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“Yes, it’s been quite some time.”
“We’ll become family someday, so let’s drop the stiff formalities.”
“Excuse me?”
“Haha, you can call me father-in-law.”
“….That is, um…”
“Dad!”
“Why are you like this! Ahahaha! Isn’t it great? Honey, look at how bashful Aila is. Did you ever imagine this?”
Aila’s father’s cheerful greeting is genuinely, seriously, overwhelming. Seriously, this isn’t a joke.
After a brief unpacking session, we learned that our on-site learning would commence tomorrow, so we decided to have dinner tonight with the master and mistress of the Tristar family, which essentially meant Aila Tristar’s parents.
By the way, Rudika made a swift exit. She flatly declined, opting to explore the area on her own. A cunning move for some peace of mind.
But I couldn’t bring myself to do that. So, by Wolfram’s standards, discussing relationships…
It would be with my future father-in-law and mother-in-law….
I haven’t even started dating Aila, and there’s already a world where future in-laws exist.
This world is definitely glitched.
“Is the food not to your liking?”
“No, it’s perfectly fine. Don’t worry.”
“Yes!”
On top of that, there’s Mini Aila, also known as Aila’s younger sister, Spica Tristar, who’s grinning and gazing at us.
“Hehe, Prince Wolfram, you look uncomfortable. You should try some too.”
“Yes, I’ll give it a shot.”
“Now, Aila, could you fill me in on what’s been happening in Jephryn?”
“Huh?”
“After His Highness Wolfram stepped down as President, I haven’t heard any updates. …I’d appreciate a detailed account.”
“Yes, well, let me fill you in. So… Let’s start with how we managed to make that obnoxious Regina Ciel swallow her pride!”
“Oh my, is that true?”
“Huh. Are you referring to the Ciel family’s eldest daughter?”
“…Ahaha, haha…”
Honestly.
It stings deep down.
***
Following that, Aila’s one-woman drama about Wolfram continued for about thirty minutes and then wrapped up.
“Well, that’s the story! It’s truly rebellious!”
Why is she even in the academy? She could fill an opera house as she is.
“Absolutely, it’s revolutionary!”
“Indeed? Spica, you think so too, right? Truly rebellious, isn’t it?”
“Yes! Absolutely revolutionary!”
“Rebellion!”
“Revolution!”
…
Yes, this is her.
Spica Tristar.
Aila’s sister who enrolled when Kelters was in his second year.
If Aila is the Lady of Rebellion, she is the Girl of Revolution.
The sisters of Rebellion and Revolution laughed together….Is this some kind of interpersonal chaos?
“Um, yes. Magical sweets and reform. Venturing outside… It seems Prince has truly embarked on the path of reform for the Roengreen Empire.”
“….Huh? Uh, yes.”
“Um, I see.”
What do you see, seriously?
Father is into reform, the eldest daughter is all about rebellion, and the second daughter is all about revolution.
It’s truly a remarkable household.
“About that wolf resting outside… It doesn’t seem like an ordinary wolf.”
“Ah, it’s a direct servant of the Fairy Queen. In other words, it’s a fairy.”
“Really? Huh. So, it has the magical power of the Fairy Queen who was said to have disappeared hundreds of years ago…”
“Yes.”
Aila’s father, Count Glass Tristar, fell into deep thought.
Afterward, we had a cheerful dinner. It was genuinely pleasant, and I finally felt somewhat at ease.
Just as dinner was about to conclude, Count Glass Tristar finally brought up the topic.
“So, when do you plan to propose?”
“….Excuse me?”
Aila Tristar.
This rebellious walking bomb casually tossed a bomb and disappeared.
Tristar Territory. Eden.
The stronghold of a family that boasts the most powerful mining business in the Roengreen Empire. My only knowledge of it is by reputation.
It’s situated a bit away from the empire’s capital, in the west.
The Tristar family governs this land filled with wilderness and mountains.
Hmm. So, I need to go there.
Starting from now…
“Wolfram von Roengreen. Are you present?”
“No, please leave if you’re not a customer.”
“A complete set of beverages and snacks. One bag of candy.”
“Please come in. Do you require anything else?”
My junior, my registry mate Eve, suddenly entered the convenience store.
However, she was a customer, even though I initially thought she was Eve.
Eve, but as a customer. Amidst the sweet yet complicated relationships of registry mates and customers, I chose the customer.
“Please return promptly if you’ve finished your shopping.”
“Do you usually treat your customers this way…?”
“You cease to be a customer once you’ve paid.”
“…Well, that’s true, but that’s not why I came here.”
“What is it?”
“Ahem, ahem. Seriously, listen carefully because I’ll only say this once.”
Blushing, Eve scratched her cheek slightly, lowered her head, and continued.
“Thanks to the potion, there have been reports of reduced Magic sickness. Um… Thank you.”
“Fine, you said you’d say it only once.”
“…What?”
“It might make me sick to hear it twice. Tch. What kind of gratitude is that?”
“If I were to eliminate you now, would that erase the one-time statement as well?”
No, mischief is not allowed.
“So, is that all?”
“No, there’s more. Have you decided on your destination for this field trip?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because of your actions.”
“…?”
“People beyond Jephryn will undoubtedly be affected by the potion set you’re selling. The world will be watching your actions.”
Eve continued with her explanation, detailing the subtle differences between the Tristar and Ciel families, the perception created by the goods I presented, and the potential conflicts that might ensue.
“So, if you haven’t chosen your field trip destination, consider going to the royal palace. Why not report to Father about what Wolfram von Roengreen is up to?”
“Hmm. You’re suggesting reporting to Father.”
“Yes.”
While formal settings refer to him as “His Majesty,” it appears they address him as ‘Father’ in a family context. Useful information to know.
Anyway, listening to Eve, it sounds like there’s a lot at stake, and it could become quite exhausting. Following her suggestion and returning to the royal palace might be a wise decision…
“I’ve already made my choice for the field trip.”
“Where? You didn’t do something foolish, did you?”
“…It’s Eden, the territory of the Tristar family.”
“You fool!”
Look at her now. She’s pointing a magic lance at her brother.
Is she about to strike me?
“Ah… I’m considering whether it would be better to eliminate you to establish lasting peace in the Roengreen Empire.”
“Nonsense.”
“I know. Tch… Anyway, Wolfram von Roengreen.”
Eve gestured, extinguishing the lance, and glared at me.
“What’s up?”
“Take care and return safely. It would be a significant issue if you get hurt or go missing.”
“…?”
Is she feeling unwell? Is she concerned about me?
“If you were to perish, I’d be the prime suspect. Accusations of me trying to eliminate you! Do you understand how much that would hinder me?”
“Ah, I see.”
Alright then.
Unnecessary worry.
“…So, make sure to come back safely.”
“Hmm. I will.”
***
The day for the field trip had arrived.
Eden, the destination for Aila Tristar and Wolfram von Roengreen, is situated in the western part of the continent, and naturally, it’s connected by a warp portal.
The cost of the warp portal for the field trip is covered by Jephryn, so one notable aspect is that you can go without any financial burden.
Hence, this field trip serves as a platform for “faction verification,” “profit,” or “suspicion,” and “betrayal.” The students aren’t just embarking on a “field trip” but are acting as “messengers” delivering “parental orders.”
When you need to discreetly convey information to someone within the same faction, it’s more convenient to use a child attending Jephryn rather than relying on a faction or magic crystal.
Therefore, this field trip is fundamentally expected to have a substantial political impact…
“Ahaha, Wolfram. Aila. It’s been a while!”
“Rudika, it’s been some time.”
“Ahaha, thanks for letting Rudika join!”
“…I wasn’t aware that Rudika would be in our group.”
“Oh, did I forget to mention?”
“…No, you didn’t.”
“Well, Rudika is coming along as well.”
“Wolfram! I’m relying on you!”
Aila.
Shouldn’t you have explained this first?
“Does Wolfram have an issue with Rudika?”
“No, it’s not that. But I do have some questions. Why specifically the west?”
Actually, there were discussions about returning to the south this time.”
“Hmm. And?”
“Going home is quite a hassle, you know. The list of potential targets for assassination increases. Aren’t we going on the field trip to add to our workload?”
“Hmm, indeed.”
I naturally nod.
If the field trip is at your own home, it could indeed be very inconvenient.
“Is that so? I’m happy to return home after such a long time.”
“Really? Aila, you’re a good person! Haha!”
“……”
Except for Aila.
“I want to give my mind a break. That’s how Rudika truly feels.”
“I completely understand. Okay, I’ll rely on you too, Rudika.”
“Ahaha, alright!”
Rudika extended a handshake with a brighter mood than usual.
I lightly shook Rudika’s hand, and soon we heard a voice calling us from the other side.
“The next group. The warp portal is ready.”
“Let’s go, Wolfram. You can let go of that hand now, I think?”
“…Hm? Ah, yes.”
“Ahaha, Wolfram has large hands!”
For some reason, Aila appears a bit uncomfortable, and Rudika seems pleased.
Me. Rudika. Aila. And Patrasch.
Three people and one creature, entirely unrelated to politics.
Ah, it’s going to be a genuinely peaceful journey.
As we passed through the warp portal, the scenery before our eyes transformed. It’s a skill I often used when playing video games, but using it like this feels rather peculiar. You step into an elliptical blue light, and you emerge somewhere else.
“This is…”
“The eastern part of Eden. Well… it would take around 20 minutes on foot to reach the mansion.”
“Hmm. I see. 20 minutes…”
It felt somewhat daunting. The west is quite hot, and walking for 20 minutes in these conditions might be a challenge. Well, we have Patrasch with us. If it gets tough, we can ride Patrasch.
“Hmm. No, they said they’d be arriving soon. Ah… there they are.”
Aila smiled and looked into the distance. When Rudika and I followed her gaze, we saw a carriage approaching us.
Soon, the carriage arrived in front of us, and an elderly man dressed as a butler stepped down and respectfully greeted Aila.
“Welcome, Miss.”
“Yes, it’s been a while, Head Butler.”
“Indeed, it has been a while, Prince Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“Hmm.”
“May I inquire about the person beside you?”
“This is Rudika Hatsan Shadow, who will be joining us for the On-site learning.”
“Hatsan Shadow… Ah, the Shadow family of the south….”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Rudika.”
“Yes, pleased to meet you. Now, please board the carriage.”
The three of us got into the carriage, and as we settled into our seats, the carriage began to move slowly. Patrasch followed us at the same pace.
“…”
“…Hmm.”
It seems to be looking at us as if to say, “Why aren’t you taking me?” But we ignore it. It can’t be helped. It’s cramped, and he smells like an unwashed dog… So, you understand, right?
“…”
“Hmm.”
***
Passing through an enormously splendid mansion, we were greeted by numerous servants as the carriage entered the estate.
A genuinely impressive reception by grand individuals in a dazzling mansion. However, thanks to the compulsory nature of Tier 1 Skill [Royal Bloodline], which stipulates that “one must always behave in a manner befitting royal lineage in any situation,” I managed to endure it somehow.
However…
“It’s been a while, Prince Wolfram von Roengreen.”
“Yes, it’s been quite some time.”
“We’ll become family someday, so let’s drop the stiff formalities.”
“Excuse me?”
“Haha, you can call me father-in-law.”
“….That is, um…”
“Dad!”
“Why are you like this! Ahahaha! Isn’t it great? Honey, look at how bashful Aila is. Did you ever imagine this?”
Aila’s father’s cheerful greeting is genuinely, seriously, overwhelming. Seriously, this isn’t a joke.
After a brief unpacking session, we learned that our on-site learning would commence tomorrow, so we decided to have dinner tonight with the master and mistress of the Tristar family, which essentially meant Aila Tristar’s parents.
By the way, Rudika made a swift exit. She flatly declined, opting to explore the area on her own. A cunning move for some peace of mind.
But I couldn’t bring myself to do that. So, by Wolfram’s standards, discussing relationships…
It would be with my future father-in-law and mother-in-law….
I haven’t even started dating Aila, and there’s already a world where future in-laws exist.
This world is definitely glitched.
“Is the food not to your liking?”
“No, it’s perfectly fine. Don’t worry.”
“Yes!”
On top of that, there’s Mini Aila, also known as Aila’s younger sister, Spica Tristar, who’s grinning and gazing at us.
“Hehe, Prince Wolfram, you look uncomfortable. You should try some too.”
“Yes, I’ll give it a shot.”
“Now, Aila, could you fill me in on what’s been happening in Jephryn?”
“Huh?”
“After His Highness Wolfram stepped down as President, I haven’t heard any updates. …I’d appreciate a detailed account.”
“Yes, well, let me fill you in. So… Let’s start with how we managed to make that obnoxious Regina Ciel swallow her pride!”
“Oh my, is that true?”
“Huh. Are you referring to the Ciel family’s eldest daughter?”
“…Ahaha, haha…”
Honestly.
It stings deep down.
***
Following that, Aila’s one-woman drama about Wolfram continued for about thirty minutes and then wrapped up.
“Well, that’s the story! It’s truly rebellious!”
Why is she even in the academy? She could fill an opera house as she is.
“Absolutely, it’s revolutionary!”
“Indeed? Spica, you think so too, right? Truly rebellious, isn’t it?”
“Yes! Absolutely revolutionary!”
“Rebellion!”
“Revolution!”
…
Yes, this is her.
Spica Tristar.
Aila’s sister who enrolled when Kelters was in his second year.
If Aila is the Lady of Rebellion, she is the Girl of Revolution.
The sisters of Rebellion and Revolution laughed together….Is this some kind of interpersonal chaos?
“Um, yes. Magical sweets and reform. Venturing outside… It seems Prince has truly embarked on the path of reform for the Roengreen Empire.”
“….Huh? Uh, yes.”
“Um, I see.”
What do you see, seriously?
Father is into reform, the eldest daughter is all about rebellion, and the second daughter is all about revolution.
It’s truly a remarkable household.
“About that wolf resting outside… It doesn’t seem like an ordinary wolf.”
“Ah, it’s a direct servant of the Fairy Queen. In other words, it’s a fairy.”
“Really? Huh. So, it has the magical power of the Fairy Queen who was said to have disappeared hundreds of years ago…”
“Yes.”
Aila’s father, Count Glass Tristar, fell into deep thought.
Afterward, we had a cheerful dinner. It was genuinely pleasant, and I finally felt somewhat at ease.
Just as dinner was about to conclude, Count Glass Tristar finally brought up the topic.
“So, when do you plan to propose?”
“….Excuse me?”
