Risou no Himo Seikatsu - Volume 8 Chapter 31 part2
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Volume 8 Chapter 31 part2

Important so read:

For starters this series will be released on Thursday every two weeks. Depending on the amount of readers, Im willing to upgrade the release rate to once weekly. Im the kind of translator that likes people reading my translations and commenting them. You want faster releases, spread the word!

Unlike the previous translators way of releasing full chapters but irregularly, I will release the chapters in parts but regularly. The number of parts per chapter will be announced in the release post of the first part of each chapter.

I value the previous TLs work and thus want to keep many of the terms and specific phrasings he used alive to make the overall readability of this series enjoyable for all current and future readers. It has taken me a significant time to search all the terms used so far for this part, effectively slowing down my translation speed. You want to help?

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The story is written in third person view. Occasionally there are thoughts of people thrown in. Those will be marked with italic fonts format.

If you find any mistakes or terminology that was used differently before, feel free to point it out in the comment section. Otherwise enjoy the read!

Your local translator, Shasu

The invocation of magic requires Correct Intonation, the Correct Amount of Mana and lastly a Correct Perception.

Several months of training have been racked up forTeleport.

Zenjirou, just at the point of reliably and successfully chanting withCorrect Intonation while pouring the Correct Amount of Mana appropriate for Teleport into the spell, is finally beginning to tackle the last obstacle, the Correct Perception.

Having given him pa.s.sing marks for Correct Intonation and the Correct Amount of Mana of Teleport, Aura took Zenjirou to a windowless stone room in a secluded section of the royal palace.

Aura, this place is? (Zenjirou)

Watching her husband restlessly survey the room in confusion, the queen, who was clad in a comfortable and soft-looking dress, smiled meaningfully.

It's been three months since her period last came, but it hasn't yet reached the point where her belly is noticeable. The morning sickness that plagued her last pregnancy also hasn't made an appearance.

Even for the same mother every pregnancy is different, and it seems that it will be much easier this time around.

Doctor Mich.e.l.le had declared, "I'm certain that you're pregnant", and only given Aura permission to continue with governmental affairs within the palace on the condition that she always keeps a maid with her.

As expected, you remember this place, huh? Right, Zenjirou, this is the room where you were summoned into this world. (Aura)

Its the room where Aura drew Zenjirou to this world using Different World Summoning.

In other words, this is where Zenjirou had first stepped into this world. It's already been three years since his arrival. Even so Zenjirou vividly remembers the shock of when he was summoned to this world for the first time.

Whoaa, thats really nostalgic somehow. I feel like this place hasnt changed at all. (Zenjirou)

Well, that only makes sense. This place is a Special Room after all. (Aura)

Eh? What do you mean? (Zenjirou)

Watching him tilt his head in confusion, the queen explains to her husband,

This is a room established for us Carpa royalty, or rather, users of s.p.a.ce-Time Magic, to make it as easy as possible to use Teleport.

Until youve grown accustomed to drawing a clear image of activating the Teleport spell in your mind, its very difficult. In the beginning you will learn how to do it in this room. (Aura)

Zenjirou understands what Aura is saying, but it doesn't make any sense to him why things are done like this, and he only has more questions.

Isnt it easier to imagine a more familiar place as the destination when learning Teleport? Like the inner palaces living room in my case? (Zenjirou)

As if she'd been waiting for that question, the queen immediately responds with,

s.p.a.ce that you're familiar with is unexpectedly difficult actually. The spirit can account for slight differences between the image in your mind and reality to some degree, but it has its limits.

A s.p.a.ce that doesnt change in appearance depending on the time of year, or even the time of day, is difficult to find.

Also, and this is knowledge exclusive to s.p.a.ce-time magic users, if you try to travel too far from east to west, night and day will be reversed. That makes imagining extremely difficult. (Aura)

Ah, I see. The time difference, huh? (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou clapped his hands together in understanding upon Auras explanation.

In the end Teleport is no more than a spell allowing one to travel a certain distance instantaneously. It doesn't mean that you can ignore time.

For example, just because its daytime in j.a.pan right now, doesn't mean it's daytime in New York. If you imagine New York in the daytime, the spell will not be invoked.

Unless one includes the time difference in their calculations and imagines New York at night, Teleport wont work.

Its also the same if the seasons are drastically off. A person who has never experienced anything but Hokkaidos winter, wont be able to activate Teleport to Hokkaido in summer, even if they try to do so.

Zenjirou understood the gist of it after receiving that explanation, but as expected, he still has some unanswered questions.

Mmh? Youre saying, if the image in my mind diverges too much from reality, Teleport wont be invoked, right? In that case it means that itll misfire even in situations like the room being majorly rearranged or unexpected people being present? (Zenjirou)

If thats true, its actually impossible to use

Teleport

to move somewhere outside, which means that this spell is a lot more limited in its application than I had expected.

However, the queen shakes her head at Zenjirous question.

No, if its just that much, it will invoke without problems in most cases. As a matter of fact, when I used Teleport to travel to our field encampment during the great war, everyone had already moved out due to some miscommunication. (Aura)

I got really scared back then, the queen laughs.

You know, if its a field encampment before and after being vacated, I feel like the differences are about the same as the difference between the royal palace in the Rainy Season and the Hottest Season, though. (Zenjirou)

Laughing goodnaturedly at Zenjirou's dissatisfaction, the queen agrees.

To be honest, I think so too. But, reality is different. Even if you find it difficult to accept, you have no option but to do so. Well, I think the ways of the great spirit are too mysterious for humans to understand in the first place. (Aura)

Yeah, its magic after all. I guess its only natural for it to be somewhat irrational and random. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou, remembering how he had found many aspects of the Time Reversal spell difficult to accept, decided to just leave it at face value for the time being.

That's why I recommend that you start practicing Teleporthere to begin with. At the very least, you'll always be able to come back to the royal palace in an emergency. (Aura)

Okay. Ah, but wait a moment. Can such a room only be found in the royal palace? Look, there are other royal territories, like Valentia or Potosi, right? Im sure it would be convenient if similar rooms were also in those provincial royal territories. (Zenjirou)

Queen Aura doubtfully tilts her head to the side as she thinks over Zenjirou's suggestion.

Wouldnt it mess up the image if several versions of the same room existed, and render all of them useless? (Aura)

No, they wouldn't have to be completely identical. I think it would be fine if you rearrange the positions of the oil lamps or write Royal Palace and Valentia on the walls in big letters. (Zenjirou)

Hmmit might be worth considering, but the risk of confusion is also significant.

If you get used to imagining what's needed forTeleport, such rooms may help the process to some extent, but then again its not that difficult to move within the Kingdom. As long as its within the country, the difference in time and season isn't that big, after all. (Aura)

This is especially true if you use the capital as your reference.

The Carpa Kingdom is large enough to be considered a major power, so there is some time difference between the western coast and the eastern border. However, the capital is situated in the center, reducing the distance to something where the time difference would be negligible.

Even if the sun rose and set an hour earlier at the eastern border in comparison to the western coast, the time difference from the capital is a mere thirty minutes.

If its daytime in the capital, the easternmost and westernmost points of the country are both still experiencing the daytime. And the same can be said about nighttime.

Apart from the actual sunrise and sunset, there's no significant difference in the images.

What about outside the Kingdom then? If I remember correctly, you previously sent Princess Isabelle of the Jilbell family to the Twin Kingdom with Teleport, didnt you? (Zenjirou)

I have visited the Twin Kingdom several times in the past. It was good luck that the Twin Kingdom was within the area for which I was responsible. (Aura)

The queen reveals a somewhat wistful smile.

Its said that back when there were many members of the royal family the Carpa Kingdom allowed members of the royal family to stay in friendly neighboring countries for some time, since it was possible to travel byTeleport.

Aura is the sole survivor of the royal family of that time. Thus, the foreign countries that can be visited through Teleport right now are limited to those that Aura had visited in the past. It certainly wasn't a lie to say that it was great luck that the Twin Kingdom of Sharrow and Jilbell, a country that could not be allowed to slip through their fingers at any cost, was included among those countries.

But, the fact that the number of visitable countries had been significantly reduced also reminds Aura that all the royal family members besides herself had perished in the great war.

Zenjirou, noticing the lonely expression of his wife, timidly puts his right arm around Auras waist and awkwardly embraces her.

Yeah, thanks to that I can go to the Twin Kingdom as well. (Zenjirou)

Uh huh. (Aura)

Obediently entrusting her body to her husband, the queen nodded with a gentle smile.

But, before I can teleport you to the Twin Kingdom, you have to master Teleport. You understand that, right? (Aura)

Yeah, of course. (Zenjirou)

If Aura uses Teleport on Zenjirou, it would only take an instant for him to go to the Twin Kingdom, but as long as Zenjirou doesnt learn Teleport, the only method for him to return would be the land route.

Back when Zenjirou went to Valentia, Aura picked him up with Teleport as anEmergency Measure. She did the heavy lifting required to send Zenjirou to the capital with Teleport and then returning with Teleport herself, but that had only been possible because both places were still within the country.

In the first place, the reason Zenjirou is heading to the Twin Kingdom is to get ready to summon a healing pract.i.tioner of the Jilbell family for the birth of Auras second child.

If Zenjirou doesnt learn Teleport, theres no point in him visiting the Twin Kingdom.

Zenjirou, having made a full circle back to the beginning of the conversation, renews his determination and scans the dim room.

Alright, if its like this, I have to master Teleport as soon as possible, dont I? All thats left is the image, so I will do my best. (Zenjirou)

Having declared his determination, Zenjirou seriously stares at the interior of the room, not even blinking as he tried to burn its appearance into his mind.

Its great that youre doing your best, but dont stay here too long. I dont think it will pose too big a problem since the ventilation holes are open, but there are several oil lamps burning in this windowless room after all. (Aura)

Hearing Queen Auras warning, Zenjirou obediently a.s.sents.

Ah, right. In that case I'll just grab my digital camera from the living room. If I take a picture of this place, even if I'm not here the image will (Zenjirou)

Halfway through his sentence, he noticed his own stupidity. Hanging his head in disappointment, Zenjirou groans.

Right, the problem is the image. Leaving aside other spells, as long as I can solidify the image of Teleport, I can take pictures of the places where I want to travel to in advance and use the spell while looking at those. Why didnt I realize such an obvious thing? (Zenjirou)

The queen pats his back consolingly, with a wry smile.

That often happens when you throw yourself into something. Or rather, isn't it a good thing that you noticed it early on? (Aura)

Well, I guess youre right. Now that I think of it, since I only recently managed to pour the Correct Amount of Mana into the spell, not to mention using the Correct p.r.o.nunciation, I barely lost any time anyway. (Zenjirou)

Thats how it is. Theres no need to think too hard about everything. Youre actually doing quite well. Its usually impossible to achieve ones goal without wasting some time on a step or two. (Aura)

I know, right? I reflected since I made a stupid oversight, but in the grand scheme of things, its not an uncorrectable mistake. I guess theres no point in me worrying about it so much. (Zenjirou)

Having pulled himself together, Zenjirou stands up straight again and takes a deep breath.

Im going back to the living room to bring the camera then. Once I finish taking the pictures, I will stop for the day. (Zenjirou)

Yeah. (Aura)

Zenjirou leaves the room quickly.

He returned after a short while, took pictures and a short video on the room then, as promised, stopped for the day.

Five days after that.

Zenjirou, after lunch, began the last step of learning Teleport in the inner palaces living room.

Among the three necessary components for invoking a spell he has already cleared the Correct p.r.o.nunciationand the Correct Amount of Mana. All thats left is the last one, the Correct Perception.

Since hes past the stage of tracking his successes and failure with and in theSpell Result Chart on the spreadsheet program by now, he hasnt booted up his PC.

Standing in a corner of the living room, he holds the camera in his hand and recites the spell.

Send my chosen target to the place I envision (Zenjirou)

For the umpteenth time during these five days Zenjirou opened his eyes after finis.h.i.+ng the chant, but he is still standing in the living room.

No good, huh? (Zenjirou)

Despite this, Zenjirou doesn't appear to be impatient or disappointed.

He can't really put it into words, but he feels like realizing that he could imagine the destination with the image on the camera in front of him was a big step forward.

Yeah, as expected. It really is easier to form a clear mental image using a picture rather than a video. If the video is too bad, the image will be blurred too.

Alright, one more time! (Zenjirou)

Fortunately the magic in this world doesnt consume any mana if one fails to invoke it. There are no other penalties either.

The outcome is only that nothing happened.

Thanks to that a person can practice magic as much as they like as long as they can continue to focus and they have the time.

Zenjirou stares at the cameras image again, concentrating with every fiber of his being.

A part of the royal palace. A dim stone room illuminated by constantly burning lamps with absolutely no outside light.

An image of him standing in the middle of that room, facing the wall in front where the fire of an oil lamp burns.

Having vividly imagined that, he silently closed his eyes.

And then, imagining that the stone room in his mind is projected to his surroundings, he next s.h.i.+fts his own position.

Send my chosen target to the place I envision. As compensation, I will (Zenjirou)

Having finished chanting the spell, Zenjirou slowly opened his eyes and found not the familiar living room, but a stone room with several brightly burning fires.

The guards in the room are staring at Zenjirou with such obvious astonishment that it can actually be felt despite the darkness of the room.

The eyes of the onlookers. His image as a member of royalty. There was some small sliver of rational judgement left in a corner of Zenjirou's mind, but there was no way that it could restrain the emotions overwhelming him at this moment.

Wooohooo! I did it! (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou literally jumped for joy in an outburst that startled the two soldiers into stepping back on reflex. Even after returning to the inner palaces living room, Zenjirous excitement hadn't abated at all.

Yeah, yeah, yeah! I did it, I really did it! Im amazing! Im a magician! (Zenjirou)

If you were to say that hes already a magician given that he can use s.p.a.ce Isolation Barrier and Haul, it wouldn't be a lie, but Teleport is a spell in a completely different league.

Practically, Teleport is a dream-like spell that tremendously increases the potential range of Zenjirous activity unlike the previous two.

With Zenjirous shoddy imagination he probably wont be able to teleport anywhere he's visited once without a problem like Aura, but if he has the help of the digital camera like this time, the range of theTeleport spell increases tremendously.

And above all, it means that Zenjirou has completed his preparations to transfer to the Twin Kingdom of Sharrow and Jilbell, which is a big accomplishment.

I made it in time! I made it this time, Aura. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou flopped himself on the black, leather-covered sofa, thrusts his right fist towards the ceiling as he lay sprawled upside-down.

Hes remembering Auras last delivery, the moment of the birth of his beloved, eldest son Carlos Zenkichi.

Doctor Mich.e.l.le said, It was an extremely stable and relatively short delivery, but Zenjirou couldnt believe that at all.

The pained and exhausted voice of his beloved wife that had seemed to last an eternity.

The feeling of helplessness as he listened to that voice in the adjoining room.

If there was really nothing to be done about this, he would have likely resigned himself to this fate.

But, in this world the healing pract.i.tioners of the Jilbell family, who can manipulate techniques far beyond even modern medicine, exist.

The Twin Kingdom of Sharrow and Jilbell, where they live, is a distant land halfway across the continent, but Zenjirou had the potential to unlock an ability that would render that distance inconsequential. s.p.a.ce-Time Magic is the bloodline magic of the Carpa Kingdom. If he could have used Teleport back then, the epitome of s.p.a.ce-Time Magic, he would definitely have brought a healing pract.i.tioner.

In that case he could have prepared a much safer childbirth environment for his beloved wife and child than even the most advanced nations of modern Earth.

It was all just hindsight in the end, but even though the Zenjirou of that time had that option as father and husband, he had spent his time idly, and didnt take his magic education seriously at all.

Thats why Zenjirou felt a s.h.i.+ver running down his spine when he was told, I might be pregnant with your second child, by Aura when he returned from the Guzzle Margraviate.

Once on sh.o.r.e, you pray no more.

Didnt I unconsciously waste my days again, forgetting the fear and feeling of helplessness from back then? Wont I be definitely be punished for it this time?

But, fortunately fate had taken pity on Zenjirou.

With this I can go to the Twin Kingdom! This time itll be fine, Aura. Since I will protect you this time, give birth to your second baby with peace of mind. (Zenjirou)

A bright hope for the future and the will to make that hope reality no matter what it takes appeared in Zenjirou's eyes as he muttered to himself.

That evening.

A bright smile was on Queen Auras face when she returned to the inner palace after finis.h.i.+ng her work.

From her expression, Zenjirou knows that she's heard of hisExploits.

It looks like you succeeded. (Aura)

Blessed with the image of his wife with a smile plastered over her whole face and that comment, Zenjirou fistpumps, his smile not losing one bit to Aura's.

Yeah, thanks to you. Honestly, even I still cant believe it, though. (Zenjirou)

Flanked by her maids, the queen draws closer to the smiling Zenjirou.

In the case of Teleport everyone feels like that at first. After all, its not like you can test it too many times to rea.s.sure yourself. (Aura)

Teleport is a big spell that can barely be used three times a day with Auras level of mana, and two in Zenjirous case.

The queen, finally in front of Zenjirou, gently grabs her husband's right hand with both of hers.

I didnt expect that you would learn Teleport this quickly. Everything is the result of your tireless efforts. Im sure you did your very best for my sake. Thank you. (Aura)

That is, umm (Zenjirou)

At his wife's words, Zenjirou s.h.i.+fts uncomfortably but doesn't pull his hand away.

Normally when they have such mushy conversation he's alone with Aura, but right now there are maids on standby nearby in order to support the pregnant Aura.

The young maids are showing unconcerned expressions as if saying, I dont hear anything, but Zenjirou, who has been acquainted with them for a fairly long time, knows.

Those are the eyes of someone listening with all their might with the intention to later use what they heard as material for a steamy gossip among the maids.

Well, it's impossible to prevent gossip after all.

Thats why he doesnt want to act shamefully in front of the maids, but with his cherished wife being so loving, you can't just respond with a smile.

Hmm, I guess youre correct. Yeah, I did my best. I kept at it for your sake, Aura. (Zenjirou)

In reality there really is no other reason for Zenjirou trying so hard to master Teleport as quickly as possible than Aura's pregnancy.

With this I can go to the Twin Kingdom. Thats why you can have peace of mind and give birth to the child in your belly, Aura. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou becomes very emotional as he says this, wrapping his arms around his beloved wife.

Thank you, Zenjirou. (Aura)

My pleasure. (Zenjirou)

He savors the sensation of his wifes two soft b.r.e.a.s.t.s pressed against his chest through the two layers of cloth shes wearing as she obediently entrusts her body to him.

Normally he would have begun kissing her by now, but acutely aware of the maids looks, its difficult for him to take such bold action.

Besides, even though her abdomen hasnt become conspicuous yet, a new life is dwelling in his wifes belly.

He cant hug here as tightly as always

In the end the queen and her husband dont say anything else. They simply press their bodies against each other as if trying to savor each others warmth as long as possible.

The day after Zenjirou succeeded in casting Teleport for the first time, the princess of the northern continents Uppsala Kingdom requested an urgent audience with him.

Zenjirou had been in a state of euphoria that was rather unbecoming for his age, following his acquisition of the first practical spell and third overall after s.p.a.ce Isolation Barrier and Haul, but upon receiving a request for an urgent audience from foreign royalty, he completely switched back his mindset.

By the time he met with Princess Freya in a room of the royal palace, he had completely regained his composure.

Sorry for keeping you waiting, Your Highness. (Zenjirou)

No, it is I who should be sorry for visiting you on such a short notice. Let me express my grat.i.tude, Your Majesty. (Freya)

As he exchanges greetings with Princess Freya from the opposite sofa, Zenjirou begins to have some suspicions.

(Hm? Doesnt she seem rather calm for someone who requested an urgent audience?)

(Zenjirou)

Its dangerous to judge genuine royalty by their behavior and apparent expressions, but conversely, if it was truly urgent, Princess Freya would deliberately have shown an obviously panicked and impatient expression.

This might not be as serious as I thought it would be.

Zenjirou relaxed a bit, but since this audience was still cla.s.sed as urgent, it would be rude to waste more time on introductions and idle chat.

So, what might be your business with me, Your Highness? (Zenjirou)

Princess Freya smiles happily as Zenjirou cuts right to the point.

Yes, actually Im very sorry for the sudden change of schedule, but Id like to return to Valentia. Would you be able to give me your permission? (Freya)

Nh, did something happen? (Zenjirou)

Surprised, Zenjirou asked back. In response the silver haired princess quietly elaborated.

Yes. As a matter of fact, I received a message from my subordinates who stayed behind in Valentia. It looks like theres a small problem with the Yellow Leaves. (Freya)

Problem, you say? (Zenjirou)

Isnt that a quite serious matter then?

Seeing Zenjirou tilt his head with a quizzical look, Princess Freya adds with a composed smile,

I suppose I could call it a problem, but it's not as if the s.h.i.+p has sunk or that the damage is irreparable. Its somewhat embarra.s.sing, but it seems we took the situation too lightly because its the first time we've experienced the Rainy Season on the southern continent. It has apparently caused a huge delay in our progress. (Freya)

The people of the northern continent, who have never experienced the Rainy Season, have difficulty imagining it, even when they are told that, The probability of rain is around once every two or three days during those three months.

For that reason the s.h.i.+p's repair has fallen behind the initial schedule.

Princess Freya has either borrowed or received a great deal of things, including the dock, the materials, and the craftsmen that her crew was lacking from the Carpa Kingdom in order to repair Yellow Leaves.

If the work falls behind, Princess Freya has to request an extension from Queen Aura. If that proves to be the case, the word of messengers would not be reliable enough to make a proper case.

If she doesnt see the actual state with her own eyes and hear directly from the workers on-site, she wont be able to properly face Queen Aura in negotiations. That was Princess Freyas claim.

I see (Zenjirou)

The arguments she mentioned are reasonable. Its not a disadvantageous proposal for Carpa either.

However, because Princess Freya is a Visitor of the Royal Family after all, she requires the ruler, Auras, permission to leave the capital.

I understand your circ.u.mstances. Im sure you will be granted permission if its something like this. I will inform Her Majesty Aura today, so you can expect to hear back from her soon. (Zenjirou)

Thank you very much, Your Majesty. (Freya)

In a sudden burst of inspiration, Zenjirou asks Freya, who has already bowed with a smile, one last question.

Just to clarify, are you going to Valentia alone? (Zenjirou)

Thinking over Zenjirous question, Princess Freya answers slowly,

Lets seeI guess the ones that have to go by all means are Skathi and I. Of course, considering the dangers of the journey, Id like permission to be accompanied by around half of the soldiers that I brought along as guards, though. (Freya)

I see. (Zenjirou)

As he absorbs Princess Freya's answer, Zenjirou thinks.

From another perspective, bringing guards simply because of the danger of the journey means that the number of people who need to leave is reduced to two if the journey doesnt exist in the first place or if its possible to guarantee their absolute safety.

Understood. I cant give you a definitive answer, but I think the odds of you having a positive answer by tomorrow are high. (Zenjirou)

I thank you for your help, Your Majesty. (Freya)

Princess Freya bowed her head once more and smiled.

That evening.

Zenjirou, who had returned to the inner palace, wrote the characters of this world on dragon skin meant for official doc.u.ments with an unfamiliar dragon bone brush.

Alright, there should be no mistakes. Amanda, can I have you check it over? (Zenjirou)

Yes, I shall take a look at it. (Amanda)

Zenjirou hands the dragon skin, to Supervising Maid Amanda and stretches atop the chair.

Ugh, the characters of this world are difficult after all. The most important thing is that I dont have the confidence in whether I can write smoothly on my own or not. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou's reading and writing ability in the southern continent's western language isn't high by any standard, hence why he's griping like this.

Since I practice whenever I have spare time, I have a reasonable level of skill, but it's probably around the same level as a j.a.panese middle schooler's English.

To put it bluntly, Zenjirous reading and writing ability is below that of even Nilda Guzzle who had laughed and said, I have the most difficulty with letters.

Well, coming from a completely different language system, Zenjirous reading and writing being bad after around three years is only natural, however.

Usually he has someone read doc.u.ments aloud, and then has the civil officials write on his behalf. Zenjirou only signs the finished doc.u.ments, but at this rate he wont improve no matter how much time pa.s.ses.

In order to remedy that situation, he tries to personally write the doc.u.ments that are relatively simple, and those that would not cause too big a problem if there was a mistake.

This time its an official doc.u.ment, but since it's a doc.u.ment Zenjirou is essentially directly handing to Aura, the only ones who will see it are Zenjirou, Aura, and Auras First Secretary, Fabio.

Even if he makes a few mistakes in the writing, it wont be a big issue.

I had a look. Theres no problem. (Amanda)

Great, thanks. (Zenjirou)

As Zenjirou takes back the dragon skin to check it one last time, the entrance door opens.

I'm back. (Aura)

It was the other master of the inner palace Queen Aura.

The queen, accompanied by several inner palace maids, composedly steps into the living room.

Oh! Welcome back, Aura. Im done here as well. (Zenjirou)

Upon his wifes return, Zenjirou stands up from his chair with the dragon skin in hand.

Yeah, fortunately I haven't had any morning sickness like when I had Carlos yet, but Doctor Mich.e.l.le has repeatedly emphasized that I'm not to strain myself.

Hmm? Is it an official doc.u.ment that youre holding in your hand? How unusual for you to bring work into the inner palace. (Aura)

Discovered by the queen's sharp eyes, the prince consort nods lightly and holds it out to her.

Yeah, it would be best to do this quickly. In any case, its the kind of talk fit for the inner palace. I will explain the details later, Id like you to sign this doc.u.ment, Aura. (Zenjirou)

The doc.u.ment Aura received was a request form for the use of Queen Aura's Teleport. As the requestor, Zenjirou had noted down the name of Princess Freya and the female warrior Skathi as targets for Teleport.

Seeing it, the queens expression quickly stiffens.

I guess I will listen to the details first. (Aura)

Sitting on the sofa across from each other, Zenjirou explained the situation to Aura.

I see. I understand the circ.u.mstances. You might say that it was inevitable that they would be overly optimistic in their initial estimation of the work progress if the rainy season doesnt exist on the northern continent.

Under such circ.u.mstances the shorter travel time and the safety of Princess Freya certainly bear enough importance to have me use Teleport. (Aura)

Traveling during the Rainy Season is difficult. Aristocrats in particular travel in large dragon carriages with equally large roofs, but such travel options are limited by the road.

At worst, they will run into a dead end caused by a landslide or a quagmire along the way. Even if they try to return the way they came, the rain may have washed out the road by then. As a result, travelers will become trapped on the road. Such unlucky cases are rare, but they do exist.

Theres nothing that can compete with Teleport in regards to safety or speed

The state of the repairs of the Yellow Leaves is an important matter for the Carpa Kingdom, too.

As long as the repairs aren't complete, Princess Freya and her entourage cant return to Uppsala Kingdom. And, as long as they are stuck, the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the Carpa Kingdom and the Uppsala Kingdom will be delayed as well.

Originally, there would be a need to discuss suitable compensation for the use of Teleport, but if it is also beneficial for the royal family to do so, then there is no need.

Of course this is a.s.suming that the other party accepts traveling byTeleport, though.

Zenjirou is obviously relieved at Auras reply.

Thats great. Princess Freya didn't seem too fl.u.s.tered, but personally I think that its better to hurry, you know?

Im afraid that those on-site might lose their calm and act rashly if the work falls behind schedule too much, since the distance between the s.h.i.+p's top bra.s.s, its trading partners, and the workers is so great. (Zenjirou)

What Zenjirou is fearing is the possibility that the craftsmen on-site will do the unreasonable to meet the initial work schedule at all costs.

Princess Freya and Queen Aura are born and bred royalty. Hence there are moments when they are unable to understand how seriously those under them will take their orders.

Workers on-site may go slightly too far in order to keep their promises with their superiors and trade partners.

The troublesome matter is that s.h.i.+p repair during the rainy season is dangerous but not impossible.

The queen, now privy to Zenjirou's concerns, thinks it over with a serious expression.

I see. Certainly, now that you mention it, I happened to witness similar actions from my subordinates during the great war.

If there are injured, or even worse, casualties because those on-site acted unreasonably on a miscommunication or simply delayed communications, it will also leave a bad aftertaste during negotiations later. (Aura)

Negotiations between states comprise mostly of power struggles and making favorable deals, but the ones holding those negotiations are actual humans with feelings.

If someone close to you is injured or killed under the command of the other party, it will be difficult to get through the negotiations without any negative impact at all.

Understood. I will call Princess Freya and Warrior Skathi first thing tomorrow. Because I must give warning before I use Teleport, I wont be able to send them to Valentia immediately tomorrow, but I can speed things up enough to have them depart the day after. (Aura)

Yeah, I think thatll be fine. Thanks, Aura. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou sighed, letting the tension out of his shoulders due to his wifes quick support.

What, the one who is grateful is me. The diplomatic relations with the Uppsala Kingdom are a national project, and Im the one in charge of this country.

While we're at it, I just got an idea. Id like you to use your knight, Natalio, or Ines as forewarning that youre going to send a number of people over through Teleport. How about it? (Aura)

Though it's an unexpected suggestion, once Zenjirou thinks it over, he understands what Aura is trying to say.

Those two always accompany Zenjirou when he goes somewhere. To be more precise, they are Zenjirous close aides.

With that youre basically saying that I will go over there after them as well? (Zenjirou)

The queen confirms Zenjirous question,

Yeah. I thought it would be a good opportunity. You also grasped Teleport, right?

Rather than trying to test it by going abroad and visiting the Twin Kingdom all of a sudden, I wondered if you could just try to return from Valentia, since you've already been there before. And, if you manage to return safely, you will Teleport to Valentia yourself the next day.

If you can accomplish all that, no one will be able to say anything about you sending Princess Freya and Victoria-dono back with Teleport after Princess Freyas business there is done.

Of course, you have to send Natalio or Ines back first as forewarning. (Aura)

Ah, I see. If I reach the point where I can masterTeleport, I will also be able to do things like that. (Zenjirou)

Zenjirou buries his head in his hands, overwhelmed.

Teleport is truly a spell in a different league to s.p.a.ce Isolation Barrier and Haul, the two spells he had learned before now.

It's not an exaggeration to say that he would literally have the world in his hands if he masters this spell.

Zenjirou doesn't have a huge ego, but even he can't help but be proud of the progress he's made.

The current me possesses an ability that will have a huge influence on national politics.

The queen gently smiles at her husband who is just now realizing his own power.

Thats how it is. The true worth of Teleport shows itself when several users are deployed inside and outside the country. Its only once or twice per day, but it becomes possible to travel anywhere almost instantaneously.

Ideally, Id like to have teleport users at the eastern fortress Mujuque, the western port city Valentia, the southern silver mines of Potosi and the northern ancient capital in the Lala Dukedom. (Aura)

Before the great war, when there were still many members of the royal family, Teleport users had actually been deployed to those four points.

However, Zenjirou frowns at Auras words.

Yeah, that might be the duty of royalty, but honestly, I really dislike that.

Even in the distant future, I dont want to be separated from the capital for an extended period of time. If possible I dont want to make my own children go to such distant places, either. (Zenjirou)

Its impossible for s.p.a.ce-Time Magic users that will be born from now on to be anyones but Zenjirous children.

Knowing that, Zenjirou complains, but in order to comfort him, Aura says,

That's not what I meant, don't worry, it probably won't happen. Deploying royal family members in the four cardinal directions is something that can only happen after plenty of royal family members have already been deployed in the capital.

The reason why the Teleport requests are so overly frequent is because this place is the capital. In particular, as queen, prince consort, crown prince and second heir to the throne, you, me, Carlos, and our next child will never be stationed out in the provinces. (Aura)

Yeah, I got it. (Zenjirou)

The queen cant help but feel a stab of guilt in her heart upon seeing her husband's relieved expression.

Currently the talks concerning Princess Freya becoming Zenjirou's concubine have begun to head in a promising direction.

It has been decided that Princess Freya will be granted the rank of d.u.c.h.ess by the Carpa Kingdom and receive a small territory on the coast, if she becomes Zenjirous concubine.

Naturally this means that any children born between Princess Freya and Zenjirou in the future will succeed the dukedom. Once that happens, those children wont live in the capital but in that dukedom.

For Zenjirou, living apart from his own children is a near inevitability.

The children between Princess Freya and Zenjirou.

For Queen Aura they'll simply be the future generation of royalty that should be carefully handled, but for Zenjirou they will be his children from a different mother.

Well, theres no point thinking too deeply about the future. (Aura)

Smiling, the queen unconsciously strokes her belly, where her second child dwells, with her right hand.

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