Chapter 96

This is the final chapter of the Naris Kingdom arc. With one more side story, the Naris Kingdom arc will be concluded.

The true nature of the adorable Prince Kanon.

It's a hundred times better than that. Please rest assured.

"Thank you for all your help."

Prince Kanon said this politely, looking happy to be returning home after a long time. He must really want to see his parents and show them his healed leg. He's been working hard on his rehabilitation, so now he can jump and run freely. He even made a promise with his father to ride a horse using the messenger magic. It must be exciting for him.

But I feel sad. My cute healing buddy is leaving. I packed a lot of good food as souvenirs for Prince Kanon's attendant who has storage magic. Things like Grandpa Sand's special recovery medicine, medicinal baths, and warm blankets and clothes for the cold. I feel like a mother sending her son off to college for the first time, thinking, "I need to give him this and that."

"Thank you, Lady Shina, for all the souvenirs."

His sparkling healing smile. So cute. Ah. Even though we are friendly nations, we won't be able to meet that often. It might be years before we see each other again. By then, this child's chubby cheeks might be slim, and his voice might be deeper. Oh, the bittersweet feeling of growth.

"Prince Kanon, I'll write you letters."

"I will too! I'll write lots of replies!"

Holding Prince Kanon's hands, I was reluctant to part, but then I was greeted by the people of the Naris Kingdom one after another. There were the tearful guards, the familiar maids and attendants. Of course, the head magician, Adam, was there too.

"Thank you for all your help."

You've gained weight, Adam. You're at least twice as heavy as before. You used to be slim, but now you've gone beyond chubby. I told you that you were eating too much because the Zalos was delicious.

"Haha, I'm sure I'll surprise everyone when I return home. I, who was known for my light appetite, have become this shape."

Adam laughed, his belly jiggling. The idea that he had a light appetite was a complete lie. The head chef, Narito, complained about him spending too much time in the kitchen. I even saw him stuffing onigiri into his luggage. How much does he love Zalos?

Actually, Adam's weight gain might have a bigger impact than Prince Kanon's healed leg. When the Naris royal couple's excitement fades, it will all be Adam's fault.

"Shina-chan..."

Prince Rolph, who was also returning home, was there too. He came to pick up Prince Kanon. Despite the short stay, it felt like he had been here for a long time. Today, he has a reserved charm and seems a bit down.

"Can I come to see you again?"

"Eh? For what?"

I immediately asked, puzzled by Prince Rolph's words. What could he possibly need? I've already heard all his apologies and excuses, and Prince Kanon has taken care of the aftermath. There's no need to meet.

Besides, it's rumored that Prince Rolph will face a harsh punishment from the king upon his return. Prince Kanon innocently reported that the king was very angry. Prince Kanon firmly stated, "I won't support my uncle! He needs to apologize properly," so he's in for a good scolding.

In all seriousness, Prince Rolph is said to be leaving the royal family. He was originally supposed to become a vassal, but it seems this has been expedited. Moreover, the title he will receive is said to be much lower. He doesn't seem to mind, though.

"I still haven't made amends to you."

"That's not necessary. Prince Kanon took care of the aftermath, right? It's not needed."

I think he should engrave the fact that he was scolded by a second-grader in his life. Oh, how embarrassing. Or maybe it shows that Prince Kanon is cool. He's cute and cool, like my Kirin.

"I know I'm not in a position to say this, but I want to see you again."

"Eh? No."

Why do I have to meet a narcissistic, overly charming person again? There's no need or obligation. The king has officially and firmly rejected the talk of engagement candidates with the Naris Kingdom. And then, hehe, the engagement talks with Jin are progressing.

When I looked up at Jin, who was standing beside me, he had a cold, prince-like expression.

"What does my fiancé need from you, Rolph of Naris? My fiancé has no reason to meet you. It's a bother."

Stop saying "my, my" so much. It's embarrassing. We're engaged, but still. Hehe.

"Even if there's no reason, I want to be in a position to meet you."

"Eh? No."

I immediately declined again. This is like a nosy neighbor who barges into your house and talks about the same things over and over. My mother in my past life, Yoneko, was also talkative and often chatted with neighbors. But I'm not as social as Yoneko. I think the conversation would quickly run out.

"Shina-chan..."

Prince Rolph started to say something, but Jin stepped in front of me, blocking my view.

"...If you need me, I'll come immediately. I'm willing to risk my life for you. Remember that."

I can't believe these words are coming from the same person who tried to use my life as a bargaining chip. It sounds like something from a shoujo manga, but it didn't make me swoon. It's just Prince Rolph.

"I don't think that will happen, but I'll keep it in mind."

He seemed relieved when I said that. I wonder why.

Thus, the Naris Kingdom delegation left for home, leaving a slightly uneasy feeling behind. Jin patted my head as I teared up, missing Prince Kanon.

◇◇◇

"That's not possible, no matter what."

I hang my head in defeat after being rejected by 8-year-old Kanon.

After insisting on riding a horse instead of a carriage, I let Kanon ride with me for a while, and now he's lecturing me.

"Even though I don't understand love yet, I think that was wrong."

Kanon, the intelligent future king and my future master, is merciless. His cute, girlish face belies a sharp tongue. He only shows his cute side to Shina, but as a royal, he has a serious side too.

"After causing so much trouble, who would think he has good intentions? Shina is naive about love, but it's obvious. It's not just teasing a crush; it's jeopardizing the relationship between nations."

Probably everyone there, except Shina, understood the implications of my words. The maids were sending cold glares, and Jin was visibly upset. Still, I couldn't help but say it.

"If Uncle continues to treat his relationship with Shina lightly, I absolutely cannot agree. She is my benefactor and a savior for the Naris Kingdom. The benefits of the monster-repelling incense and Zalos are clear. I won't allow her to be a plaything for Uncle."

"Kanon! It's different! It's not like before!"

It's not a fling. It's the first time I've thought about a future with someone.

"Uncle, that's disrespectful to the women you've been with. You haven't forgotten the maid leader's advice, have you?"

"Ugh..."

Kanon and I were present when the maid leader of Marita Kingdom gave a long lecture about my past relationships. Her gaze towards me grew colder and colder. Even if I was seen as a handsome but irresponsible womanizer, I couldn't complain. I thought it was unnecessary to have an 8-year-old present, but when I learned Kanon had requested to be there, I was chilled to the bone.

"Her warning that 'when you realize the irreplaceable value of a past fling, it will be too late' was accurate. The person I truly care about is already in a relationship and doesn't even consider me."

I understand. I understand, but I don't want to give up. Plus,

"She will bring great benefits to the Naris Kingdom."

"Thinking that way means you'll never be able to compete with Prince Jin."

Kanon immediately shot me down, and I fell silent again.

"Instead of making excuses with such cold logic, it would be better to speak from the heart. There might still be a chance."

Kanon's sharp words made me hang my head.

"I like her."

"Ah, I think it's impossible."

"Kanon! You told me to be honest!"

"That's a different issue. The impression you've left on Shina is already the worst. How can you recover from that? I can't think of a way."

That's true. I don't know how to recover either.

"That's why I told her I'm willing to risk my life for her."

"Too heavy."

"Can't you be a bit nicer, Kanon?"

"Because of Uncle's actions, the Naris Kingdom has suffered significant losses. I don't have the luxury to be nice."

I fell silent under his glare.

"Prince Said is truly remarkable. I couldn't stand up to him in this negotiation. He squeezed every bit of benefit from us, even reclaiming the advantages the ministers had gained in previous food aid negotiations. But maintaining a good relationship with Marita Kingdom, where Shina is, is beneficial. I have to accept it. It's all because Uncle acted on his own without consulting me. If he had discussed it with me, this wouldn't have happened. Shina emphasized the importance of communication, and I've never felt it more strongly than now."

I wanted to disappear, feeling sorry for Kanon's frustration.

"Rolph of Naris."

"Huh?"

I straightened up, sensing a change in Kanon's tone.

"From now on, you are forbidden from conducting any unauthorized intelligence activities. Report everything to me or Father. You are not suited for intelligence work. You jump to conclusions, act on your own, and don't take care of yourself. Stop thinking you can sacrifice yourself to protect the country."

"..."

"Answer!"

"Yes, sir!"

I responded loudly, like a new recruit, intimidated by his stern voice. Kanon's eyes softened, and he smiled.

The small back on the horse.

It was as big and reliable as the backs of my brother and his friends, which I used to chase after, admiring.

Ah, Kanon. I realized he was carrying the weight of the Naris Kingdom on his young shoulders, walking strongly.

I felt the inadequacy of my own large, aimless body, unfaithful to women, and always taking the long way. Just feeling ashamed of my shortcomings wouldn't change anything. I was caught in a mix of anxiety and frustration, wondering what I could do.

If I could serve this young king and become a trusted vassal, even a little.

Then maybe I could be proud of myself, and things would be a bit better. I held onto this faint hope.

☆☆ On October 11, 2022, the book "The Exiled Saint's Winning Life" will be released. ☆☆

Jin's muscular build and Kirin's coolness are perfect.

Please take a look.