Chapter 35 – Adding Flowers to The Town That Nestles With The Forest
The King and Queen of the kingdom have a custom of enjoying tea together in the afternoon, amid their daily duties.
Their peaceful respite is calm and modest. They sip tea that isn’t particularly high-end and sample sweets identical to those sold in the markets, while leisurely admiring the flowers and plants in the courtyard. The only exception is the exquisite tea set, a royal luxury—mainly for economic reasons.
Today’s tea set is from the up-and-coming pottery workshop ‘Kakukaru Taru Leonardo’. Their commitment to charity means that a royal endorsement will surely bring them more joy.
The tea sweets, glazed with honey, are the dark and sticky ‘Noah’s Night Clouds’ or sesame tofu, which became really popular in the royal capital these days.
「This is as delicious as ever.」
「Yes, indeed.」
King Shaps leisurely enjoys the sweets while Queen Fauntia responds with a downcast smile. The pleasure they derive from the sweets, along with the happiness that fills their hearts, is not unrelated to the name of their youngest child, Noapp.
‘Noah’s Night Clouds’ which was launched around the time of summer’s arrival, has now, after two and a half months, gained a reputation beyond the capital, reaching nearby cities. Even though it was prepared by the royal family, its taste has proven its worth.
Even so,
「After all, Heavenly Bell-dono’s son is significantly involved.」
「Viole is well-liked by the people.」
Few know Viole Ella Mucare Hatano’s face or character, but her name echoes throughout the continent.
In Sorx Kingdom, particularly due to the royal bestowal of the ‘Deer Slayer’ title, she is highly popular among the common people. The existence of someone who could ‘bring power to their knees’, even without an oppressive regime, is comforting to the masses.
However, rulers are adept at harnessing even such rebellious sentiments.
By subtly spreading the word that the son of the ‘Heavenly Bell Witch’ was involved in the development, the royal family hastened the product’s popularity.
Of course, the King and Queen’s thoughts aren’t solely calculative.
「I wonder how Viole-dono is doing.」
「Since there have been no reports after the recovery of her new daughter, no news is good news.」
Recalling the sight of their friend arriving on the back of a dragon two months ago, Fauntia smiles wryly. The appearance of a dragon in the capital was a rare event since the founding of the country, causing quite a commotion and a flurry of activity for the castle.
「A daughter… To think she has a Blood Demon Flower daughter…」
At this point, it’s beyond their control. As a queen, Fauntia has stopped worrying, finding only relief and joy as a friend in the fact that the young lady has recovered from her illness.
「Father, Mother!」
As the tea grows lukewarm with sentiment, a cheerful voice rings out in the courtyard. Their youngest son, Prince Noapp, approaches with an unrestrained smile.
「What is it, Noapp? So noisy.」
The youngest prince—Noa—developer of ‘Noah’s Night Clouds’, the one they’re currently enjoying, and a friend of Sui Hatano.
Beside him stands a girl with wolf ears and tail, her eyes are as radiant as Noapp’s.
「Letter from Sui! Apparently, an adventurer I was indebted to in Sidera is getting married, and they’re asking if we should celebrate!」
「Good day, father in law and mother in law. We were thinking of returning there soon.」
「Oh, congratulate them for me.」
「Your Majesty, such words of congratulation should not be spoken lightly.」
Regardless of his inner feelings, the King’s words carry weight and meaning, especially in the courtyard where anyone might be listening.
「…Well, it is natural for a parent to wish to celebrate the marriage of someone who has helped their child.」
Fauntia steps in with a subtle supporting comment, as is her role.
Turning back to her son and future daughter-in-law, she maintains her demeanor as the Queen towards the prince and his fiancée.
「Noapp, Parker. I understand your plans. Will this affect any of your work in the capital?」
「Not at all! Both production and distribution have been handed over. There are no issues even if we’re not there.」
「The name ‘Noah’s Night Clouds’ is a bit embarrassing, though.」
「Don’t say that, Parker! I’m proud of it.」
「You’re always so thick-skinned. Consider how often I hear your name in cafes and restaurants. It’s not easy for me.」
「Well, if Sui comes up with a new dish, should I name it after you?」
「How did we get to that!」
Noa receives a playful smack on the head, and Parker’s face turns bright red. Their close relationship is fine, but certainly not fitting royal behavior.
However, the fact that they can now act so openly in the palace warms Fauntia’s heart. Once, they were scrutinized for every little thing and had their every move criticized. Now, they live freely, backed by their undeniable achievements.
So, Fauntia exchanges smiles with her husband and turns to their beloved youngest and his fiancée.
「Very well, go ahead.」
「Thank you, mother!」
「However!」
As a mother, not as the Queen, she expresses her concern clearly.
「Make sure to keep in touch regularly. Come home occasionally to show your faces. Greet everyone in the family before you go. Understand?」
Fauntia rises from her chair.
Her husband, as always, moves a moment earlier, as if he anticipates her actions.
With his usual gentle expression, yet with a slight frown, Shaps says,
「Noapp, Parker. You’ll be setting up base in Sidera, right?」
「That’s the plan.」
「The ‘Void Forest’ is the most dangerous place in our country. Be very careful. No matter how strong you become, never let your guard down. Rely on your friends and those around you if you find yourself in trouble.」
「Yes! Of course.」
「Good. And on top of that, thoroughly… let yourself be led around by Heavenly Bell-dono’s son. Be exasperated, hold your head in your hands, and lament. We, your father and mother, did the same. It will surely become something precious.」
Shaps embraces his son and daughter-in-law in turn.
Fauntia does the same.
She watches their retreating figures with tearful eyes, gently wiping away the tears with a handkerchief.
※※※
And so—
After sending off their youngest and his companion, finishing their tea, and returning to the study, the two are greeted by Prime Minister Eidel Tynai.
With an extremely bitter expression, he opens a document and addresses the royal couple.
「I must report that Sui Hatano has developed a new confection. It apparently keeps for more than a month and provides enough energy for half a day with just a single piece. Currently, it’s exclusively sold at a café in Sidera. If it becomes widely available in the future, it could be a revolutionary portable food for adventurers and merchants.」
「You’re kidding.」
「Wh-what?」
The King holds his head with his hand and the Queen staggers back.
「I’d like to verify the actual product, but since production has just begun, it’s uncertain whether it can be obtained immediately. What do you wish to do, Your Majesties?」
「…Well, yes.」
「Why is it that Noapp gets a free pass, and now I’m the one dealing with this…」
Muttering, Shaps is reluctantly steadied by Fauntia, who then instructs the waiting maid.
「Immediately call Noapp back! We have an urgent matter!」
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That night, the Queen is said to have sent a message to her friend asking, ‘What on earth is your son doing?’
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