I really hate moments where I wanted to hang out with my friends but I can't since my family has their own plans. I remember the time when I wanted to go to a music fest with my best friend, but I went to the beach with my family instead.

***

The sun rises as I open the curtains of my room. Since I’m half naked, I can slightly feel the cold air that passes through the gaps in my window. Because I saw Cherry and Matt pulling up the blanket, I used my magic to warm the air a bit. But I think the reason why they felt the cold is because they're naked under the sheets.

I won't go though the details about what happened last night, but I can say that Cherry and Matt felt lonely after having Marie sleep with us every night. Last night was the only night we could have some quality time with each other because Marie fell asleep first in the living room. So, what I did was let Jane take her to her room and let her sleep with her instead.

I already had our luggage and the things we need to bring with us ready last night. We we're supposed to be departing yesterday, but because of an unexpected arrival of a merchant, we got delayed. He was selling magic books so I really can't let them pass.

If I remember correctly, I already have more than 400 runes and a thousand combinations of magic spells, both useful and useless ones. Though I say that, I only have 15 Advance Ranked magic spells according to Cherry and Matt. Still, with all those runes and combinations, I still don't have > and > spells. They're very important for me!

Going back to the present, I went to Cherry's side and tapped her cheek lightly. When she woke up, she buries her face a bit on the pillow with her cheeks become rosy.

“Good morning, Key.”

“Good morning. I'm going ahead to take a shower first, wake Matt later when you feel like standing, ‘kay?”

“Okay…”

After that, I kiss her forehead and then left the room.

When I finished taking a shower, I was greeted by Marie who opened the door to my dressing room on her own. Since she hasn't worn anything aside from her white one piece dress, I made her wear something different befitting a noble's daughter. I chose a violet themed dress with a matching headpiece.

“Now you look cute.”

But I fear that the elves would be swarming around her because of this. Nah! Where's the harm? They won't hurt her would they?

“Ah! Sir Key, my apologies for not letting her change her clothes! She suddenly disappeared when I left her for a second.”

Immediately apologizing, Jane bowed to me in a panic while standing in the doorway. Still, has she not yet gotten used to my ways?

“its fine, Jane. I had fun changing her clothes myself. But please keep a good eye on her next time, ok? She might run off somewhere and get herself hurt.”

“Y-yes sir!”

Did she misunderstand? She's breaking some serious sweat. I better ease her up.

“Jane, since I'm going to the Golden Gala before we depart, I want you to accompany me with Marie.”

“Sir?”

“Since we're already here in the Dressing Room, might as well pick a dress here. I'll be waiting for you in the Carriage outside. Please do it with haste.”

I left the dressing room with Marie leaving Jane who's befuddled.

On the way to the carriage, I was greeted by Ghena and Lapis while bringing coffee and oatmeal cookies with them. Of course, I took some of them for Marie.

“Do you not want to bring Miss Cherlaine and Miss Balerishk with you?”

“If they follow me to the golden gala, I’ll tour them around. But they're still basking in the afterglow of last night…”

I stopped midway because Ghena's face starts to turn red while listening to me. When I realized it myself, it really sounded embarrassing. Has this world’s culture starting to consume me from the inside?!

I faked a cough and took a quick sip on the coffee. After that, I gave it to Ghena.

“Anyway, since we're going separate ways, I'd like to say my thanks for taking care of me here. It's probably a hard task taking care of us with only Jane and Lapis' help.”

“You're too kind Key. You're casual personality towards me makes me forget that you’re a noble. The treatment is already enough as thanks.”

Ghena smiled at me and then bowed. It's been a while since I’ve seen her bow towards me so I feel kind of awkward about it. But now that she mentioned it, we really are bridges apart. She's just a maid and I’m a noble. If I fell for her, it would be like making a romantic story for us both. I wonder why I only see her as a friend.

“Also, Ghena. Do you want something from the Golden Gala? Just name it, I'll buy it!”

“Are you sure?”

Oh? I really thought she'll reject my offer. I guess she still sees me as a friend more than a noble.

“If you're serious, I’d like to have something like a hairpin or a scrunchie with a pretty design. My hair's gotten longer these days and I feel like it'll be a waste to cut it.”

“How girly, but if that's what you want, I won't complain.”

I bet she's expecting me to buy either the hairpin or a scrunchie, but in actually, I’ll be buying both. I'm rich after all.

And before I forgot, I put down Marie and went to Lapis. Though she doesn't look like it, she looks puzzled.

“Since you're going with me to the Royal Capital, I won't be bringing with me a slave all the time. Of course, I hate the idea of a slave. So…”

I put my right hand and lifted her bangs exposing her forehead. After that, I kissed her forehead while activating > to her. I had to do this since this is one of the requirements of this magic. Otherwise it wouldn’t work.

Actually, there's also > which is specifically for the > magic. But when I observed the process of doing so, I didn't like it since it would inflict pain to the slave. So instead, I searched for a magic spell that would release Lapis from her contract without inflicting her pain. And within those 2 months of staying here, I managed to find the > which is in the [Force Magic] category. Of course, it wasn't cheap.

For a single magic to cost 7 gold, outrageous!

After I finished the magic cleansing, I open Lapis' shirt a bit and see if the tattoo on her chest has disappeared.

“I thought that you we’re going to attack her.”

“What do you make me of?”

I let Ghena's rude remark off the bat. It's also my fault for not saying anything until now. Also, this was the only time I remembered to do this because of my busy schedule.

For some reason, Lapis is holding her chest while letting out a gloomy air. Is she feeling lonely after I released her?

“Don't think that I’m kicking you out or I don't want you anymore. I just want you to stay with me by your own will and not bound by a contract. You like it that way, right?”

While I pat her head, she nods in agreement while enjoying the sensation of being patted. She really is like a cat.

“Still, why don't you start talking?”

I look at her eyes while saying that. I'm not forcing her, but I waited for her to talk just like I asked. However, the more I stare directly at her big blue eyes, I feel like I’m getting sucked into it. It gave me the creeps so I decided to look away.

“O-or you can stay like that if you like.”

Damn, why does my heart feel like it's getting squeezed by something really cold? It felt really creepy.

“Are you alright, Key?”

“Y-yeah… I'm alright.”

Ghena puts the coffee tray and wipes the sweat off my forehead. Sweat? I was sweating?

“I'm going now. I still have some things to attend to.”

I leave this feeling aside for now. There are matters that are way more important than this. Still, that was weird.

When Marie and I got into the carriage, we waited for Jane who's running towards us while lifting her skirt since it was long. Judging by it's length, I’m guessing it's Matt's. If she gets mad at Jane because of this, I'll intervene of course.

“I'm sorry for taking too much time, sir! Miss Balerishk wouldn't let me out of the dressing room unless I picked a dress suited for me.”

So it was Matt's fault huh… I guess I was worried over nothing.

Still, she made her wear an excellent one huh. It really emphasized Jane's cleavage.

“Uhm, sir. I-I feel slightly uncomfortable with you looking at me.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to look at your che—no! I'm really sorry.”

Damn, it's been a while since I've seen her assets that I inadvertently look at them. They're still as good as the first time I accidentally saw them.

“I see that Matt's generous even to you. Did you say your thanks?”

“Yes, but she said something about being a ‘favorite'. Do you know what it means?”

“No, no I don't.”

What does Matt mean about that? Maybe I should ask her that if I remember it.

“I think we should go now.”

***

When we got in front of the Golden Gala, we switched to going in by foot. Since today is said to be a special day according to Teldarg, the gates of Golden Gala is opened earlier than normal. I don't know what Teldarg is thinking, but I feel like he's up to something again.

If I remember correctly, I think he mentioned something about a surprise before I leave for the Royal Capital. I hope it's not some stupid project again.

“So this is what you called the Golden Gala, I feel so out of place here.”

Oh right! This is Jane's first time coming here. She's looking at everything with sparkling eyes. Though she said she's out of place, she doesn’t look like so. Her clothes make her look like a noble more than a commoner.

“If you can only see yourself right now, you actually fit here.”

“Pardon?”

It seems she was too amazed to hear my compliment. I'm not planning to repeat it since it was embarrassing for me now that I realized it.

I decided to start walking with Marie running in first. There are not much people here so it's not dangerous for her to run off alone.

I look around the stalls to find some interesting things, but they're only the stalls that Marie goes to. Thankfully, every one of the stall owners knows me and also likes Marie. They welcome her the moment she comes and says hi. It's really adorable.

“Good day, Sir Chardelier! What may I help you with?”

“Oh, yeah. Good day too, I'm looking for some accessories.”

I've met too many people already here in Berigious that I forget their names. I think the store owner understands that. He just ignores the fact that I didn't call him by his name.

“If you're looking for accessories for your partner, it's the next one over. They sell some well made jewelries and accessories.”

“Thank you!”

Thanking the stall owner in my stead, Marie then starts running towards the next stall. I'm still amazed on how smart Marie has become.

“She grows up so fast…”

“Now, now, a father shouldn't look gloomy in front of his daughter, should he?”

Jane pats my back while giggling. I think it's the first time she made a joke.

***

After we bought some accessories that Ghena asked for, I has them sent by an errand boy of the stall to my mansion. Also, I bought some earrings for Jane that are made of Rubies which costs 5 gold. I wanted to buy the whole Earring and Necklace set, but Jane insisted with only the earrings. Of course, I bought the whole set in secret. The value increases if they're a set after all.

And while we we're just about to go to the main building which I have to go to, I was picked up by Teldarg who also was about to get me.

Now, I'm riding the Royal Carriage with Teldarg along with Jane and Marie. Since Jane is just a commoner, she's feeling anxious about riding the Royal Carriage. Geez, it's just a carriage.

“Isn’t she the maid at your mansion? Did you make her your mistress?”

“Please don't make me sound like I'm some kind of philanderer. I’m just like this back in earth. I treat everyone close to me like a family. Jane and the rest of the maids in my household are no exemption.”

“Isn't that the same thing?”

After saying so, he bursts into laughter like what I said was funny.

Seriously? No, no, no. He's just culturally different from me, of course he'll misunderstand. There's no need to get triggered by it. And please Jane, stop blushing.

“More importantly, what surprise we're you talking about? You know I can't afford to stay here much longer, right?”

“Oh yeah, about that… Actually, this surprise I'm going to show you is something that we of the Council have been discussing a long time now.”

The fact that you're acting seriously is already surprising.

“Because you have become a friend of Berigious, we will grant you the privileges to access every part of Berigious every time you visit here. This is because you shared sweat, blood, tears, and money with us during your stay here and even contributing a great achievement in our city's name.”

Wow, I’m quite overwhelmed. I didn't actually see this one coming. I got too preoccupied with the thoughts of getting a new project from him. Even so, the fact that I'm getting the privilege to access every part of Berigious is too much. I might even not have a chance to explore every part of it.

“T-thank you—”

“But that's not all.”

For some reason, the Carriage suddenly comes to a halt. And to my surprise, the carriage wall beside me becomes transparent. Next thing after that, my mind comes to a stop along with my jaw drop.

“You will be granted partial ownership of our second Airship, Drukade. The name means a Dragon's Heart.”

Just like he said, the thing that's in front of me is a huge airship that’s nowhere near my image of an Airship. This is the first time I've actually seen it.

The airship starts flying from underneath us—no, from the edge of the Canyon which is beside us. Because of that, I was overwhelmed even more while watching it lifts itself from below.

The hull of the Airship has the shape of an old wooden European ship, but the lower part is like a detached building like the Big Ben without the clock. The nose of the ship doesn't have a tip. Instead, it has a round glass (high chance that it isn't a glass) window. The sides have open glass windows acting like a viewing deck. The sides of the ship have 3 pairs of fin-like sails. The first pair is 3 times larger than the other two which probably acts as the main sail. All of them are rigged to the top center of the ship which acts like a mast. And in the end of the ship is the big tail that steers which obviously steers the whole ship. Though it looks heavy, it doesn't give off that feeling at all.

“T-This is A-amazing!”

“Of course it's amazing! It's Berigious' joy and pride, the very symbol of our craftsmanship which has spanned for more than I could count. Yet even with its old age, it's very new on the inside after getting renovated many times in every generation. Even the magic engine that powers it is modified and improved by Dwarven Engineers and Magicians of every Generation.”

“That's even more amazing!”

After I calmed myself down from getting the child in me get excited, Teldarg also restore the carriage wall to normal.

“So, I gave it a quick thought. If you're handing me over such expensive and valuable ship that I have no way of paying if I broke it, you probably needed something from me again. I know you, King of Berigious. You're not giving it away for free are you?”

“As sharp as ever. The answer is yes and no. Yes, we are using it to gain your trust, but no, because we are not going to have you buy or us taking something from you. All we ask is that, you will become a representative of Berigious in the Fulsheri Alliance.”

“That's quite a heavy responsibility. I don't think I'm ready for those kinds of things yet.”

“Have some confidence! If you can handle being a father figure to your daughter, this role is easy as walking in the park.”

“Except, that park has a lot of people judging your every move and some even are aiming for your life.”

“What's a person to a god? Isn't your enemy more dangerous than the people judging you? Even getting branded as heretic in every temple, you still lived a normal life. It's already something more than a man of your age to handle even with your power. Because of that, I have confidence that you can take this responsibility without a problem.”

I never thought that someone actually sees what I currently am. I may have misjudged Teldarg's character because of his easygoing personality that I forgot that he is already a person of great age and knows how to judge a person’s character.

Next, he opens a box that's beside him. He takes out a smaller box that's made of wood with a carving of the City of Berigious’ symbol, a sword and a hammer with a shield in the middle that has a decoration of fire.

When he opens the small box, he shows me a medal with the same carving from the box. I thought that it would be something like a gold medal or something, but after seeing a bluish reflection from the medal, I can tell it's something more valuable.

“Is this… orichalcum?”

“Yes, this medal is made of Orichalcum, the strongest metal of all. It can also contain magic and act like a city core if given the right magic scripts and arrays. But currently, it acts as a Master Key of the Drukade. This has been passed down from generation to generation. If you accept this, then that means you are the next successor of Drukade.”

Teldarg offered me the medal while Jane intensely waits for me to decide. I didn’t know when, but Marie managed to fall asleep.

And since Teldarg doesn't have all day, I gave him my answer.

“I….”

***

I came back to the mansion with Jane and Marie.

Cherry and Matt have their luggage already loaded to the carriage and are waiting for me to say my goodbye. But right now, they're with me outside talking about what happened in the Golden Gala.

I also have Sanjeet with me. He's a replacement for Sora who isn't here.

“So you got offered a job by King Teldarg?”

“What did you say?”

Cherry looks really excited to hear my answer that she's jumping up and down while holding my hands. Her boobs also float with her excitement. In contrast to that, Matt’s making a worried expression while crossing her arms.

“I was hesitant about it, but I said Yes.”

“So amazing!”

When I confirmed it, Cherry jumps to me and hug me tightly in her chest. Her boobs are eating my face.

“But did you think about the responsibility of being an Envoy? You know that your movements and actions could stir the relationship between nations right?”

“Yes, I know. But I gave it a deep thought. The Temples will think twice now in attacking me. Raising their swords against me means raising their swords against the Fulsheri Alliance. Nobody wants to start a huge war, would they?”

“B-but, in exchange for peace, you'll be busier about politics and more.”

Oh, what’s this? She's making a slightly lonely expression. That's cute.

I let go of Cherry and walks to her. Since she suddenly looked away, I make her look my way while holding her chin.

“In other words, you don't want to be neglected do you? Don't worry, when we meet again in the Royal Capital, I'll make time for the two of you. I promise that.”

“Geez.”

She blushes lightly while staring back at me.

“And by the way, is the bracelet working as intended? Does it feel too loose or too tight?”

When I asked her that, she shows me her right arm which has a silvery white bracer. The bracer has four gems and has symmetrical decorations. Though it looks like an accessory, it's actually a magic tool that prevents Matt's draining ability from unnecessary draining. It also supplies mana to her in a regulated flow and also absorbs Ether in the air to have a continuous supply of mana.

I had this made by Ulrok, the jewel craftsman. It took him a long time to finish the bracelet since the material that is used is Mithril which is extremely hard. After it was finished forging, I inserted the gems into the sockets and let Geral carve out the designs which also acts as a conductor for the magic in the gems to connect with the other gems and activate. Also, the gems are of the same type I used for the Sentinel but smaller.

“No, it fits perfectly. Though it feels lighter from the mana I take from you which is thick, it's still manageable.”

“Funny, the elves said the same thing.”

“Who?”

Oh, shit. I accidentally slip that one out! It's supposed to be confidential information.

“No one, I was just talking to myself.

I brush off Cherry and Matt's suspecting stare while turning my attention to Ghena who's still in shock from the surprise from the things she asked for. She didn't really expect me to buy both things she asked for.

“So, do you like them Ghena? They're one of the best in the store I know.”

“I-I can't accept these expensive things! They're more than I could work for!”

Because of her panic face, I can't help but see her like a child who got overwhelmed by her own toys. I lightly pat her head while giggling.

“Just you being my friend is already more than what I could ask for. Even with all these gifts, it still can't defeat the value of our friendship.”

“Key!”

Seems that my words are too much for her to handle, her eyes suddenly become teary and she then hugs me unexpectedly and buries her face on my chest. Surprisingly, Cherry and Matt only looked at her with warm expressions.

Seriously, I thought that they'd get jealous or something.

“Please don't say things that could mean goodbyes! I don't want to lose such amazing friend!”

“Oh, come on Ghena. It's not like we're not going to see each other again. We're just going separate ways for now.”

I let Ghena cry with her tears soak my shirt. When she was able to at least calm herself down, she hides her gifts with her things.

To be honest, if she wasn't Sora's crush, I would definitely fall for her. She's too adorable!

I then switch my attention to Sanjeet who's also waiting for me. Since he's going to be the captain of my Knight Order once it's official, I hand him over a Mithril Magic Sword.

“Sanjeet, I can trust you in sending my fiancées and Ghena back to Dalseriev unscathed, right?”

“Of course you can! I've been training and made myself stronger than before! I'm confident that I can solo a pack of Wolves.”

“Just don't get yourself in trouble.”

Also, Sanjeet will not be riding a sword anymore. He'll be using my Flying Magic Board. I wasn't able to perfect it, but Sanjeet managed to use it without problems somehow. Because of that, I just gave it to him instead. The board has the same Gems as Matt's bracelet so it doesn't run out of mana if used normally. By normal, I mean not using the speed booster I installed in the Magic Array. Otherwise, it'll take it 3 days to work again.

After everything and everyone is ready to leave, I said my final farewell to Cherry and Matt with a kiss. I also wanted to let them bring Marie with them, but I got worried about their relationship as Marie doesn't really like them.

When I have lost them from my sights, I turn my head back to the mansion. But for some reason, something feels missing.

“Where's Marie?”

It was only later that I realized that Marie snuck into the cart with the rest of Cherry and Matt's luggage. Good thing I was able to catch up with them before they managed to get out of Berigious' gates.