It had been a while since I had received a shout of encouragement from Diet before leaving the building, "Annikky, good luck!


　Noah, Kazi, and I headed for the castle where Ceylan was waiting for us, swinging in the carriage that had been sent to pick us up.
　We asked the guard who came to pick us up what was wrong with him, calling us at this hour before dinner, but he just said that he hadn't been informed of the details and didn't seem to know much about the situation.


　Apparently, he was simply told to pick her up.


　I felt the glare of the strong westerly sun coming through the window of the ...... carriage just before sunset, and when I closed the blackout curtains, the imprint on the end of the curtain stuck to the imprint at the end of the rail, and the nightlight on the ceiling came on.
　The interior of the carriage brightened, but the anxiety of being suddenly summoned by a very high ranking person still cast a shadow over my mind.


　A strange sense of tension washed over him.
　This call is not likely to be a reprimand, since I was able to get away with it at the council meeting, but it is also true that I cannot be too careful since I do not know Ceylan well.
　As a result, I was able to get around well, but I should take into account the fact that I will be blamed for my carelessness and scolded for my rudeness that I am not aware of. It's unlikely that you're going to call him up and ask him to ......, but keep in mind that it's not a good situation, and think about it.


　......The sun was already setting when we arrived at the castle in Narvalondo.
　The castle was heavily guarded, perhaps because Seiran was staying there, and the corridor leading to Seiran's room was guarded by many guards.
　The corridor leading to Ceylan's room was guarded by a large number of guards. Before the meeting, their luggage was searched, and anything that could be used as a weapon was kept temporarily.
　Noah and Kazui wait in a separate room.
　Noah and Kazui waited in a separate room, and then went to Ceylan's room with the guards who had come to summon them.
　The corridor was quite bright despite the night, as if the fluorescent lights of the man's world were on.
　Perhaps they are increasing the light intensity for security purposes.
　The guards stationed in the aisles were all armed without exception.
　They seemed to be in a constant state of tension.


　Eventually, they arrived in front of Ceylan's room.
　When the guards reported their arrival, a short "Come in" came from inside.
　I thanked the guard for his polite response to my questions and went inside.
　I entered the room alone as a matter of course. From this point on, the guards did not accompany me, and strangely enough, there were no guards in the room either.


　Ceylan was the only one in the luxurious room with its expensive furnishings.
　He was now dressed in white, and his appearance was different from that of the military council.
　His hands and arms were hidden by long, wide cuffs.
　His sword, reminiscent of the Chinese swords of the men's world, was nearby.
　He spread out a knee-covering made of expensive gold brocade and relaxed.
　But the black veil is still in place, and her face is unknown.
　She was sitting on the canopied bed, as unresponsive as a doll.


　As soon as he entered the room, he bowed and kneeled in front of Ceylan.
　And then.


"Arx Raytheft, I have been informed that Your Highness has summoned me.


　Immediately after he spoke, the tension that had been present originally increased even more.
　The reason for this was the air of authority that Ceylan had suddenly assumed.
　It was the same cold dignity that he wore at the audience and at the military conference. It was so chilling that I felt as if I had been thrown out into the middle of a freeze.
　The blizzard is directly ahead.
　It's as if a winter mountain monster is right in front of me.
　Your body stiffens from the deceptive cold, and shivers creep into your limbs.


　Then, Ceylan finally spoke up.


"Arx.

"......!

"Are you afraid of me?

"There is no one in this country, or even on this continent, who does not fear you, Your Highness.


　I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not, but it's a good thing.


Then I'll loosen it a bit - that should stop the shaking.

"Well... Thank you for your concern.

"Mm.


　When the pressure is lifted, the coldness in your body disappears as if it were all an illusion.
　To be able to switch between these things at will is like a character in a comic book or novel, but in fact there are many people in this world who can do it.
　What I'm curious about is how they control these things.
　Maybe I should ask Crabbe about that next time ......." As I was thinking this, Ceylan opened his mouth.


Take it easy. You can take a seat in that chair. I'll move over there.


　Ceylan then pointed to a corner of the room.
　There was a mirror-polished marble table and a very comfortable single-seat sofa.


"Yes?

"Good. It's just you and me here. There's no one to blame for the rudeness of this place, and there are no rude people hiding in plain sight.

But what does it mean that there is no one to guard you?

It's because I wanted to talk to you alone. If so, there is no need for anyone else to be present.　Or do you think you can harm me?

"No, sir, not at all.


　It's not that I don't intend to, but the main reason why I can't do it is because of the difference in our abilities.
　It's not that I'm not willing to do that, but the main reason I can't do it is because of the power difference.


　After Ceylan's words, I went to the place I was instructed.
　On the table, there was a tea set.
　There was a container for the dried tea leaves, a container for the hot water, a metal pot to dispose of the hot water, a teapot, a teacup, a glass jug, and so on.
　The design was also reminiscent of the Chinese style, and seemed to have been warmed beforehand, giving it a warm feeling.


　Ceylan, who was sitting in front of me, suddenly lifted up the teacup and made a careless shaking gesture.
　Isn't this a mannerly movement? I could hear the casualness of the movement and the faint sound of laughter.
　In other words, is he asking me to make him a cup of tea?


This is .......

It's Feng. It's a top-notch product from Bai Liang Bang.




　I don't know what it is.
　I try to guess what kind of tea it is by relying on the faint aroma of the steam.
　What fills my nostrils is the scent of a man's world of Chinese tea.


"...... Oolong tea?

"......!　You are a man of knowledge. Do you understand Eastern teas?

No, sir. It's just .......

Hmm, I see.


　The fact that he had guessed the type of tea made Ceylan feel better. The smile on his face had a distinctly happy tone.
　I'm surprised we even have oolong tea. No, it's not surprising that we have tea. .............


　Anyway, it's tea now.
　I looked at Ceylan, but he didn't answer me, so I guess he wants to see how I make tea.
　Now, I wonder if the man knew how to make oolong tea.
　While thinking about this, I looked carefully at the table.
　The tea utensils are already warmed, and the contents of the pot are kept freshly boiled by the engraving.
　You will probably have to use everything on the table because nothing is useless.


(...... I think I remember reading that some Chinese teas need to be washed or something.


　While somehow scooping up such information from my relived memory.
　Heat the teapot with boiling water and throw away the water.
　Put the tea leaves and boiling water into the teapot, pour the hot water into a glass jug, and throw it away.
　Fill the teapot with hot water again and wait a few tens of seconds for the tea to brew.
　Transfer the tea to the glass jug.
　After such a process, I finally poured the tea into the teacup, although the way of making tea was quite different from the way Noah taught me.


Here you go.


　As he neatly held out the teacup, Ceylan lifted the edge of his veil lightly and sipped.


The aroma is strong, but ...... not so bad.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, sir.

You should learn to brew your own tea.


　I reply to Ceylan and bow my head.
　It's also a very strange ritual, and Ceylan finally spoke up, as if to get to the point.


"Arx. What you just said in the military council was excellent. It is to your credit that the policy of the defeating army has been decided in this manner.

"I am deeply moved by your praise. I'm very flattered.

Yes. This is the second time you've helped me. ...... Or is it more than that?　Hmm.


　I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that.


I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you've heard of it. I need to work out the details before I can adopt it, but I think it was generally a useful plan. It was worth a try, regardless of whether it would catch fish or not.

Is that so?

Yeah. I think it was not a bad idea. If you had the position and experience, I would have adopted it without hesitation. But with the lords present, I can't just adopt your unproven plan and disrespect them. Do you understand that?


　It's true that creating an opportunity for a change in policy and adopting a measure would be too much for you.
　If that happens, the lords may take you for a sovereign favored by Ceylan.
　This time, he chose the one that would not cause dissatisfaction.


"It is enough for me that you say so, Your Highness.

"Hmm. I did not expect you to come up with a plan that was worth adopting. The fact that I was forced to say that it was a useless plan at that moment only means that I underestimated you.


　Ceylan said, and exhaled a tea-scented breath slightly upward.
　What happened this time, in other words, is that Ceylan has destroyed one of his options.
　Not only was he unable to adopt a plan, but the other lords were also unable to adopt a similar plan. From Ceylan's point of view, it may seem like a fluke that led to failure.


　He hangs his head in response to an apology that does not contain the word "apology.
　For someone as high up in this world as the Dauphin to say this much is quite a feat. It would be a sign of the utmost gratitude.


And Count Bowe may be annoyed, but I'm going to let him keep it. It's got its uses.

What?

I'm going to leave it where it is, because it's got its own uses." "Ha." "...... said a lot of foolish things in the military council, but there are some people who are just as unthinking as the Count and come up with similar ideas. With people like that, it's easier to explain things without undermining too much.

"I'm sorry for Count Bowe.

It's nothing to be ashamed of. I feel sorry for Count Bowe. Thanks to him, I was able to organize the discussion.


　Ceylan said.


"I digress. First of all, I would like to commend you once again for your efforts so far. Your wisdom in getting me out of a tight spot. And for the plan you just made. Especially the magic meter you made is wonderful. I've never been more excited than I was the day it came to me.



"I am pleased to have been of service to the kingdom and to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in some small way.

"Your presence is a rare thing in the kingdom.

I am still a small man. I'm not rare at all.

You need not be arrogant.　You've accomplished so much at your age. I am proud to have such a subject as you.


　Ceylan rattled off words of praise one after another like that.
　It's nice to receive praise like this from a superior. .......


"What's wrong?　You should be proud of yourself. You can say that you are an outstanding person who has no equal in the world.　You've done so much.


　That tickles.
　It's too ticklish.
　This is too much of a compliment.
　It's like he's trying to make you feel good.


　Complimenting others to make them feel good, to gain their favor, or to make it easier to get them to do what you want is a common way of getting around. The warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi was often portrayed in this way in fiction, and I feel something similar to this.
　If we knew what kind of expression he had on his face, we could make a judgment, but since Ceylan was wearing a veil, we could not see his face.


　That's why


"Have fun at .......


　It was all I could do to reply.
　Ceylan got up from his chair and approached me.


"Arx. I like you very much. There are not many people as talented as you. I would like to see such a person play an active role.

"Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad to be a member of the royal family.

You think so?

Do you?

I'd like to see you excel in the future. I hope you will continue to rise in the world as you wish.


　Ceylan stood beside him and put his hand on his shoulder.
　And then, without pause.



　--If you do as I say.


　Without pausing, he adds, "If you do what I say.
　And whispering quietly.


"Arx. Be my dog. Be my faithful dog.

"............?


　I can't hide my surprise at the sweet words blown into my ear.
　I didn't expect him to buy me to the extent that he said this.
　But still... But still, "dog" is quite a word to use. That is to say, you are asking me to turn off my self-esteem and become just a person running for food.


　Surely, if you jump on this, your career will be at your mercy. Ceylan is a man who will eventually be at the top of the kingdom. If you can be recruited by such a person, then part of your goal will definitely be achieved.


　But a question crosses my mind.
　Is it really a good thing to get ahead in such a disrespectful way?


What do you think? Doesn't sound so bad, does it?　In any case, my orders are absolute for you. Just do as I say and everything will be as you wish. You can enjoy the spring of your life.　You will have no doubts.

...... I'm afraid I'm not worthy of this.

I don't think you're unworthy. Your talents are my own. The world will soon know it.

It's .......

Then nod. You will be my dog.


　Ceylan will force you to choose.
　Both he and Ceylan live in a noble society. I suppose this kind of bargaining is quite common.
　However, I can't help feeling that something is different.


　The Ceylan of today seems far removed from the impression I have had of him in the past.
　It seems to me that Ceylan has always tried to be stern, both in greetings and in military discussions.
　He always tries to maintain balance and fairness.
　How could such a person think of playing others with sweet words to get them on board and win them over?
　Only if your initial impression is correct.
　Rather than favoring others and dipping them in sweet nectar, you would try to make them work with strictness.


　If I'm right, there must be something contrived here.
　With a hint of sweet breath lingering in the air, he said


"Your Highness, I'm afraid I must ask your permission to speak.

"What?

What are you thinking about, Your Highness? I know this is rude of me, but I would like to know what you really think.




　When he asks, Ceylan's voice drops a notch.


"...... What makes you so sure?

"I can't deny that your behavior is unnatural, Your Highness. I'm sure you're not the only one.

............


　If I'm wrong, I'm going to be very angry.
　But for the life of me, I could not believe that this was "Ceylan's intention.
　More tension than when he had entered the room bound his body, and a bead of sweat ran down his neck.
　Ceylan still does not answer the question.
　My head is whirling.
　My thoughts slow down.
　Round and round and round.


"ku ku ...... ku ku ......


　Just like that, just waiting for the words.
　Suddenly, Ceylan let out a laugh.
　Gradually, the laugh became a high-pitched sound, as if he was feeling better.


　And then.


"No, no, you're right. I was testing you.


　I am greatly relieved to hear those words.
　He holds his breath, but the tension is gone, and his body relaxes.
　In short, Ceylan has measured what kind of person he is with the question he just asked.
　But he is a bad person.
　When he looked at Ceylan, Ceylan also exhaled.


　It was as if Ceylan was also nervous.
　Perhaps Ceylan was just as relieved as he was.


　Ceylan turned away and walked back to his chair.


As he turned away and walked back to his chair, he said, "I don't want to test anyone, but I have to. The true feelings of others are invisible.


　Then he said.


But I'm relieved. You are, after all, the man I thought you were.

"I'm glad I could meet your expectations.


　But what do you mean, "as I expected"?
　After all, the way you said it, it means you were buying it from me.
　I have very little contact with Ceylan, so that part is quite strange to me.


But it's strange. But it's strange that you didn't even show any sign of being impressed. The more I praised you, the more I thought there was something behind it.

I hope you'll forgive me for trying to find out what's in your highness' heart.

No, that's the way it has to be. It is a fool's errand to be greedy and to trust a stranger unconditionally.


　Says Ceylan, and then suddenly asks.


"Arx. Do you know what I am?


　Such a meaningful question.