"The Talented Dragon Hides Its Claws" ~ The Eldest Son of the Baron Family, Called Useless, is Actually One of the World's Strongest ~ - Episode 63

“Then, how about we go to Hinomaru together?”

“……What?”

(What on earth is this person saying? Are they mocking me?)

“I’m not mocking you or anything.”

“Don’t read my mind!”

“Alright, alright. Then let’s go.”

“Don’t just go ahead and make decisions without me!”

I explained the situation to Esther, who was squirming and struggling while being held by Lena.

“Oh ho. A trade agreement with Hinomaru… I see. So, why me?”

“I remembered that Esther said she was interested in Hinomaru’s pharmacy the other day, so I thought I might as well take her along. As my companion to pass the time.”

“Your true feelings are finally coming out…”

Since Axel is here, I’m not completely alone, but having at least one more person would definitely make the journey more exciting.

“How long is the period?”

“Including the move, it will take about two or three months.”

“Hmm…”

(The content of the trip itself is by no means bad. On the contrary, it’s quite an attractive invitation.)

However, since the person who invited me is that Ryu, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something behind it.

“If it’s you, Esther, it’s fine to accompany my brother, you know?”

“Why do I have to be the one asking for permission…?”

“By the way, what happened to that Stingray guy?”

“I recently became the commander of the Arden Knights, so I felt sorry for dragging you around for another two or three months, and that’s why I declined this time.”

“I didn’t know there were such circumstances.”

By the way, during the last trip, Silver just forced it upon me, and it wasn’t like Ryu specifically asked for a bodyguard.

Since Esther didn’t seem very enthusiastic, Ryu finally resorted to the last measure.

“By the way, according to Grace’s confectioner, Hinomaru’s wagashi are in a league of their own.”

“Hmm?”

“The country you must visit at least once if you love sweets, ranked number one: Hinomaru.”

“Hmm?”

“Dorayaki, warabi mochi, anmitsu, yokai, and so on…”

“Hmm?”

“Originally, the birthplace of candy is Hinomaru. There must be some really delicious candy there.”

“Mm-mm-mm-mm?”

Ryu dramatically placed his hand on his forehead.

“But if you don’t want to go, there’s no helping it… I guess I’ll just give up and go alone…”

“Hey, hey, wait a minute!”

“Hmm? What’s wrong, Esther? You were so against it.”

“I-I don’t dislike it or anything! I just wasn’t mentally prepared for it yet!”

“Then will you go with me?”

“Hmm…”

“Shall we head home soon, Lena? Thanks for today, Esther.”

“Yes! It’s almost dinner time!”

There was a sense of melancholy unnecessarily lingering around his back.

“I’m going! I’m going too! I said I’m going, so I’m going!”

“I believed that Esther would say that. Here, have a candy.”

“Whoa!!!!!!!”

(Ho ho ho… Just as planned)

(Brother, you’re as cunning as ever~)

After seducing the loli elf, Ryu and the others mounted Axel.

“I wonder what kind of dinner will be waiting for me when I get home.”

“I’m looking forward to it~”

“Bururu”

Today, in celebration of our arrival in the capital and to pray for Lena’s success, the servants are scheduled to prepare a lavish dinner for us. The rented house is probably bustling with activity right about now.

“W-why do I have to… too…?”

Of course, Esther is sandwiched between Ryu and Lena.

“It’s to treat the doctor, who probably eats lazy meals every day, to something nice.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions! I eat regular meals too!”

“So, what’s the most decent food you’ve eaten recently?”

“……Is this a sandwich bought from the kiosk?”

“When did you eat?”

“Uh… was it yesterday?”

“Is it true?”

“Now that you mention it, it was two days ago… no, it might have been three days ago.”

Esther’s eyes darted around.

“Lena, you mustn’t become a person who tells lies like this.”

“Yes! I’ll use you as a negative example!”

“Don’t use me as a teaching material!”

And then I went home.

“Welcome back, Ryuu-sama and Lena-sama. Oh, who might that be?”

The knight shifts his gaze to Estelle, who is being held by Lena.

“This little one is Esther the apothecary. She’s the benefactor who made Mother’s elixir.”

“Goodness…! We’ll prepare a seat for you right away, so please wait a moment!”

“Is it true that Esther was the apothecary who shared that elixir with us?!”

“Ehhen na no ja!”

“Thank you for saving my mother!!!”

“Yes. It’s not painful.”

“……Or rather, haven’t you told Lena yet?”

“I forgot to communicate it normally.”

“Eh…”

Recently, there have been various incidents besides the war, so it had completely slipped Ryu’s mind. No, perhaps it was just that they hadn’t deliberately informed him.

“Then, let’s toast to the end of the long journey and to Lena’s success.”

“Cheers!!!”

“Cheers!!!”

This loli is really into it.

Ryu took a bite of the dish adorned with various ingredients.

“Delicious…”

Looking to the side, I see Lena elegantly bringing food to her mouth and Estelle shoving everything in without hesitation.

“These are all ingredients I’ve never seen before, but they are all exquisite!”

“Mogomogo”

(Nuooooo!!!!!!! Delicious, so delicious!!!!!!!)

Seeing such a sight makes anyone smile.

(That they would be so happy…)

It was worth all the effort I put into making it.

(Ryu-sama’s acquaintances are all such charming people. I’m so envious.)

“By the way, when are we departing for Hinomaru?”

“After Lena’s exam is over, I must go to the imperial castle once to receive my reward. We’ll depart after that.”

“What kind of reward is this?”

“Mainly the achievements on the Western Front. I don’t think many people know about it because a gag order has been imposed, but actually, I participated too.”

“Ho, ho~. Not bad at all.”

(To have achieved such military exploits in that war to earn a reward… still as terrifying as ever, that kid…)

At that moment, I noticed the knight carrying food outside.

“I took Axel’s share just now, you know?”

“It seems like they want a second helping…”

“Then I’ll take it. You just keep enjoying the party.”

“However…”

“The main stars of today are, so to speak, Lena and you guys who worked hard to protect her. So don’t hold back.”
Ryu received the food and headed outside.

Even if he’s gone.

“Esther is amazing, really.”

“Hmm, what is it?”

“My brother likes to act alone, so he rarely invites others to do things with him.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Basically, I don’t even rely on my family. Our family has had a lot of difficulties since long ago, so I think this is your way of being considerate. Yet, even now, I’m still always depending on you.”

“Don’t worry about it. Younger sisters are meant to rely on their older brothers.”

(By the way, I remember asking about Arden’s situation when I gave Ryu the elixir before.)

“When I found out that my brother, who has only met that acquaintance once, was inviting them, I was honestly surprised. My brother, who even resolves wars on his own, inviting someone for a small expedition is so unlike him.”

“In short, does this expedition have something to it?”

“Yes. I don’t know if it’s a small thing or a big thing. It might even be my own overthinking. But either way, you have a nature of not involving people you trust recklessly…”

“Don’t worry too much, I’m not particularly concerned.”

“Since your brother will be back soon, I’ll wrap up our conversation, but if he ever asks for your help, I hope you can cooperate as much as possible. I’m sorry for being so selfish.”

“……I have duly accepted Lena’s request.”

(At this point, being so adored by his real sister, Ryu is a good guy. Well, even if he weren’t, I wouldn’t dismiss my friend’s concerns.)

“Hmm, was I in the middle of saying something?”

“I was being taught about the capital, Weel, by Esther!”

“If Lena gets lost, it would be a big problem.”

“Visually, Esther looks more lost though.”

“Shut up!”

After that, the party became even more lively, and Esther, who had eaten so much that she couldn’t move, ended up staying overnight at the rental house.