—Thus, the audience with His Highness the King.

“For saving my son, Nigel, I express my gratitude to you.”

So said Nigel’s Father, or to be exact, the King.

“Thank you for your kind words.”

I bowed and replied.

However.

“There’s no need to be so formal, you’re Nigel’s benefactor, after all. Behave as you usually do.”

Said the King, sounding very thoughtful.

Well, even if he said that, there’s no way I could oblige!

After all, he was the King of that kingdom. After learning Nigel was the prince, I was already reluctant to discard my formality in the way I  referred to him.

But, as I thought, resistance was futile.

“—However, Nigel.”

“Yes?”

Nigel, who stood beside me, responded.

“What a wonderful lady! Her conduct is gracious—as expected of the lady you’ve taken interest of.”

“Thank you.”

When I was still a saint, etiquette had been drilled into me. My education had been stern.

Even now, I was secretly quivering—was my curtsey alright? I was terrified of offending the king.

“I will immediately prepare a reward. What is it that you want? Tell me what you’d like.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

I actually intended to refuse, “—no! There’s no need for that!” But that would be considered offensive, wouldn’t it? Therefore, I accepted it obediently.

Even though it seemed like I could ask for anything, if my demand was too immense, I would instead receive backlash.

That was why.

“If it isn’t too much, can you prepare a residence for me to live in the city?”

“A residence?”

“Yes, as a healer, I’ve been traveling for a while. But, I’ve made up my mind to settle down. This is my first time visiting Lynchgiham, and it’s a very good place—so I’d like to settle here if possible…”

“I see. If that’s what you desire, I’ll help as much as I can. Not just residency, but neither do you need to worry over your living expenses. But is that really enough?”

“Yes.”

“Not only beautiful, you’re also humble—I’m liking you more and more.”

Hooray!

As for a ‘place of residence’, which was my immediately obstacle, I thought we could solve it eventually.

More importantly, it seemed that I hadn’t compromised His Highness the King’s mood…!

Therefore, wouldn’t it yield a good result?!

“…”

But when I stared beside me, Nigel looked lonely.

But why?

“I will say it once more—you were truly a great help. I thank you on behalf of my kingdom. I’d like to investigate the Behemoth thoroughly, which is probably still prowling around. However, that shouldn’t be of your concern anymore.”

In my previous kingdom, I heard Lynchgiham only possessed a minor military power.

It seemed that its low taxes were used to improve the living standard of its citizens.

Their decision was described by Claude as a mere, ‘folly’.

But, as of the present, I didn’t think so.

Each kingdom had its own way of ruling.

But was it possible for Lynchgiham to subdue the Behemoth?

It may be good to erect a magical barrier on the whole city later…

…but, if I preformed such a large-scale magical operation, I’d get found out right away.

Alright, let’s think about that after this audience is over.

“Eliane, forgive me for saying this, but I have one request.”

“Yes?”

The King continued speaking to me in a humble manner.

“Actually, I have a pet in the castle. Recently, it has been sick. I hear you’re a good healer, so if you don’t mind…”

“Your Highness!”

Nigel broke conduct and raised his voice as if to interrupt the King’s story.

Because this was a formal event, he’d referred to the King as ‘His Majesty’ instead of ‘Father’.

“Eliane is a guest, isn’t it rude to request that of her?”

“Well… no matter which healer sees him, Ralph doesn’t recover, that’s why…”

Oh, his pet’s name was ‘Ralph’—how cute.

There was anger in Nigel’s words.

Despite the fact that Nigel’s Father was the king of the kingdom, I truly thought he was a sincere person who cared about my cause.

However.

“Lord Nigel.”

As I thought, I just couldn’t discard the formalities.

“I find no problem with it.”

“B-but!”

“I was allowed to take a bath and also to wear such a lovely dress. On the other hand, I love animals. If an animal suffers from an illness, it’s not like I can ignore it.”

“I see, you’re a very kind person, I understand. Alright then, I’m sorry, but please lend us your aid.”

Nigel sighed as if he had given up.

“Your Highness, I can’t guarantee you that I can cure it, but is it okay if I see your pet immediately?”

“Of course, thank you.”

Even so, I wondered what kind of pet it was…

A dog? Cat? Birds and fishes were also possible.

As it turned out, I was too naïve.

His Highness’ pet was beyond my imagination…

---

***T/N: It has been a path of good luck for our heroine for some time, now. Perhaps heaven is smiling at her after all the misfortune she has suffered in her former kingdom

<Previous chapter

Next chapter>