For two whole days, Dia and I have been stuck in the workshop.
　He is passionate about his research.
　There were inevitably limitations in terms of facilities when working in my room, so I also borrowed the power of magic to set up a workshop in the basement.
　The design of the workshop itself is the same as the one I made in the commercial city of Murteau, so I didn't put much effort into it.

''Lug, this is done, right?''
Yeah. I didn't think you'd get this far in two days.

We reviewed the magic formula that we both completed together.
　For the past two days, I've been working on the magic formula to gather mana at an ideal rate.
　On my own, I thought it would take half a month.
　However, thanks to Dia, I was able to get an idea of the laws for collecting mana early on, and thus I have completed something that meets the minimum requirements, albeit inefficient.

'The rest is up to me.

If I can gather the five colors of mana in an ideal distribution, I can create a field of demon killers by adding magic power of a specific wavelength and uniting it with chi. The control of magic power and qi depends on my skills.

'I'm not worried about that one. 'I'm not worried about that. The real problem is that it's impossible to prove its effectiveness. I'm not doubting Lugue's theory, but until we kill the demons, we can't prove the effectiveness of this magic.
That's right.

It's just a hypothesis based on my memory.
　The only way to do this is to try it out on the spot, and if it fails, you'll be stuck.
　When it comes to fighting demons, if this technique doesn't work, you'll have to run away as fast as you can.
　In the academy, you couldn't just run away, but it was usually one of the most important options.
　Those that continue to fight a battle they can't win are foolish.

'So now we have a date, as promised. I'm expecting a rogue escort.

Deere is in a good mood, and she's tangled in my arms.
　The smell and softness of Deere makes me dizzy.
　........I've been wondering about that kind of thing since the tart incident the other day.
　A date. That's about as much time as you'll have in King's Landing.

''Oh, you can count on it. I've done my research on King's Landing.

Even though the academy was located on the outskirts of the royal capital, it's still the royal capital for a change.
　I have thoroughly researched the town where I live. Because gaining the advantage of the land is important to an assassin.
　Dia rubs his eyes.

''Are you tired?''
Sort of.

I've barely slept at all.

Once Deere gets turned on, she forgets about her fatigue and hits it.　It's not a problem for me because I have [Super Recovery], but that's not the case for Dia.

''I'll carry her to her room.
Yeah, I'm on it.

As I gave her a princess hug, Deere put her hands on the back of my neck.
　As it is, I head to Dia's room.
　As usual, her room is full of magical tools and books and not much in the way of girly things.
　I set her down on the bed.

"Dear, I'm here. Let go of me.

I put him down on the bed, but Dia won't let go of my hand around his neck.

'Hmmm, as usual, Rogue hasn't eaten a set meal, has she?

Deer looks up at me with mischievous eyes.
　I spit raw.

'Eventually. It's too early to tell.
'I'll be waiting for you. I'm always ready I'm embarrassed to do this kind of thing, but if I don't tell you, you're going to beat me to it.

She's really cute.
　Anytime.
　I feel like my reasoning is going to fly away when you say that.

◇

The next day, early in the morning, my father and I pulled out the carriage and the horses and installed expensive cloths and fancy harnesses that we don't normally use.
　There are all sorts of manners.
　That is, even the carriage. This kind of work is necessary because Touahade is ridiculed for being a rube just for entering the royal capital in a shabby carriage.

'So this is how it works.'

My father has finished decorating it all sloppily.
　An assassin can get through to everyone. He and I can do almost anything.
　We even made the carriage by hand.

"Yes, if we'd had more time, I would have gotten some more things from Murteau.
'That's fine. We've met the minimum standards. There's no point in going any further.

My father was right, this is barely within the realm of not being insulted.
　On the other hand, if you make it any more flashy, people might say that the baron is just getting carried away.
　Aristocratic society is really troublesome.

'Kian, Roug, we're ready to go too.
I was surprised to see a carriage like that in Toorhade, where practicality is all that matters.

Mom and Dia come in, fluttering their silver hair.
　They both have a large trunk.
　It contains a change of underwear and a dress for the party.
　Since they will be attending as my relatives who will be carried up as heroes, they will need to dress accordingly.

''Speaking of which, what happened to Dia's dress?''

Dea came from Vicone territory with her clothes on.
　Although I have prepared the necessities of life, as expected, I did not buy a dress that could be worn at the party held in the royal capital.

''Hey... uh, your mother's old one.
'The old one fit perfectly. I wanted to dress you, Tart, but I was having trouble with your chest.
The tart would be fine in a servant's uniform.

Each family is allowed to bring one or two servants to the party.
　There are exceptions, but the servants are often dressed in servant's clothes rather than dresses.
　Come to think of it, that tart is not there.

''I'm sorry, I'm late!''

A tart came running in with a large basket.

'No need to panic. There's still plenty of time before we leave.
It was good.
What's that?
'I've made lunch. We were going to be able to do it a little earlier, but Hans brought some freshly laid eggs this morning to thank Mr. Roug for treating the cow. I didn't want to waste these fresh eggs if I didn't eat them today, so I added one more dish.
'Well, thanks. I can take care of his feelings.

The reason why Mr. Hans came all the way in the early morning was probably because he wanted him to eat the freshly laid eggs.
　It would be a waste of his favor if he ate them after he returned from the royal capital.
　Tart is a child who is very considerate in that regard.

''They were very good eggs. You should look forward to lunch. I'm steaming the farde, which Master Lugue loves.
That would be nice. Well, I guess it's time to get in the carriage.
Okay.

The whole family got into the carriage and the horses started to run.

'It's been three years since we've had a family vacation. We haven't had an opportunity like that since Lug-chan went to Murteau.
'Yes. The only time I've ever gone away with my mom and the others was at a party at the Grunal Frontier Count.

.................That was troublesome.
　A frontier earl is a great nobleman who runs this whole area, and has the same level of power as a duke.
　From the baron's Touahade, he's a figure in the clouds.
　His heir is getting married, so the nobles of the area were gathered there.
　It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about it.

''Rougu-chan at that time was pretty all dolled up, wasn't she?
I'm traumatized.

As usual, I was made to wear the clothes my mom made me wear.
　It was pants style, but it was somewhat girlie and the adults got excited about it, saying it was cute, but the kids called me a faggot.
　I don't care much about what people think, but I do have a sense of shame.

'But Lug-chan is a tease these days. I took the trouble to make clothes for you, Rougues.
I'm sorry to tell your mother, but I have a favorite.

Ilg Balor, the young Balor Chamber of Commerce, needs formal clothes to behave as an executive, and he has a number of them.
　That's what I'm going to use this time.
　Of course, I chose something I've never used before so that I wouldn't be suspected of being the same person.
　...I could read that my mother was going to dress me in homemade clothes, so I had Maha send them to me in advance.
　We were having a friendly conversation like that when I felt a slight hint.
　I send my father a sign.
　It's the one I use in Touahade and allows me to communicate to some extent without using my voice.

'Dad, we're being followed. There are two of them.'
We're aware of that. We're aware of their movements over the distance and their objective is surveillance.
'Do you want me to catch it?　It's a good skill, but it's possible.'
"Leave him alone. "Perhaps he is not an enemy as things stand. They're probably not the enemy as it is.

It's a long way from the royal capital, but it's hard work to keep an eye on them.
　That's how much attention Touahade is getting.
　Even without the assassination business, which is an underhanded occupation, he was originally famous in the field of medicine. Since that heir is even appointed to take the place of a brave man, even if it's not really noticeable.
　I don't know to which force they belong.
　I don't intend to set them up, but if they do any harm, I'll get rid of them without further ado.

◇

After traveling by carriage, they reached the royal capital.

On the way, they had passed through the academy on the outskirts of the royal capital, and they were rebuilding at a rapid pace.
　With that, the academy might reopen earlier than planned.

As we passed through the castle gates, we told them that we were Touahade and a group of knights would come and lead us through.
　We're going to enter the royal castle like this, so it seems that such consideration is necessary.
　This is unexpected. We were going to stay in the capital until the decoration ceremony, but they said we could stay in the castle until then.

I've been planning to stay in the capital until the decoration ceremony, but I'm allowed to stay in the castle until then. I can't believe that I'm allowed to use a room in the castle.
It's great. Well, there are plenty of rooms in the castle for guests, but they don't usually let you use them for a baron.
'That's as good as Mr. Lugue. ...but I'm nervous. I can't believe I'm in a castle.

Mom and Dia are excited.
　Dad, on the other hand, had a difficult look on his face.

'I suppose that's how much he expects Roug to do.
''I don't know if you mean it or not, but if you don't show that kind of pretense outwardly, you'll have no excuse for the local nobles.

Dad and I aren't too happy about it, as it means we're going to be reckless with our expectations.
　We leave the street and enter the great white castle.

This is the heart of the country, and it is solidly built.
　High walls, deep digs, countless ballistae and mechanisms for blasting molten iron, and dozens of soldiers on watchtowers at all times.
　But it is so practical and yet so beautiful. A castle that is both ferocious and beautiful.
　Not bad, just the way I like it.
　After passing through the gates, you run through a garden that stretches for several hundred meters.
　Seasonal flowers are in full bloom and the pruning of the trees is artistic.
　Effectively placed fountains and rainbows.

'Wow...it's beautiful. Even Vicone couldn't have created a garden like this.
I wonder how much money it's costing them.

The money to maintain this garden for a month would save hundreds of people from starving to death.
　However, I can't say that this garden is a waste of money, since it's not just an amusement, but a device to show off the prestige of the country.

On the way, we were entrusted with our carriage and led by the servants of the castle into the castle, where we were ushered into the room we were to use.
　We were told to make ourselves at home until we were called.
　There is a kitchen, living room and toilet. There are six private rooms. There was a simple refrigerator with plenty of ice and exotic fruits on display.
　Moreover, it seems that when you ring the bell, servants are available 24 hours a day to take your every order.
　As expected of a castle.
　Tart is stunned.

There are some great paintings and vases.
That's one thing you can buy a person's life with.

There's a situation where the maids get paid with their bodies for roughing it, but if you crack this jar, you'll be sold to a whorehouse and it's doubtful you'll be able to pay them back even if you work yourself to death. It's that kind of jar.

Hee.

The tart leaves the jar and makes his body smaller.
　I don't know how I feel.
　We each decide on a room to use.
　Tart asked me, shakily, if he, as a servant, could stay here too, so I told him I didn't mind.

It's more convenient that way.
　Then, when I had changed into the loungewear provided, the castle servants came to call me.
　It's a visitor for me.
　A call from the brave Epona.
　I tell my family about it and leave the room.
　It seems that her skills, [Knights Serving Me] will give me power. I wonder how much power I can get from her.