CH 30

The day of the harvest festival, coming-of-age, and celebration of the completion of the land reclamation had finally arrived. The city was filled with people shouting and laughing with joy, with food and drink in their hands at the food stalls that flanked the cobblestone streets.

Among the food stalls, I spent most of my allowance on the local distilled liquor, potato fries and butter made from potatoes, which I offered for free. The potato dishes were a hit with children and adults alike, and the alcohol was already turning adults’ cheeks red and childlike, even though the festival had only just begun.

“Master Chris. It looks like you’ve succeeded so far.”

Yulis looked around and put her hands over my ears to make sure I could hear her over the noise.

“I owe it to you, Yulis.”

I put my hand over Yulis’ ear and replied.

In fact, Yulis took the initiative in preparing for the festival in addition to her normal duties, announcing the festival to the people, calling for food stalls, and even exchanging money. She always had a serious look in her eyes as she ran the festival, and I was even more in awe of the fact that Yulis, who was so talented, could be like this when she really put her mind to it.

“Yes, it is no doubt due to my efforts.”

“If it weren’t for your arrogance.”

“What did you say?”

Yulis asked, tugging on my ear without coming close to me. Ouch, ouch! I bet she can hear me! Well, but I guess this arrogant personality is what makes her Yulis.

I knew that I might be getting trained to think this way, but I decided not to worry about it. As we were having a casual conversation with our mouths to each other’s ears, I saw Macbeth approaching with his hands up, tangled in the crowd.

“Hey! Macbeth here!”

I waved at Macbeth. He appeared in front of me, somehow dodging the people.

“Master Chris! Yakult-san has arrived.”

It seems that Yakult arrived at the lord’s house. Macbeth calls him Yakult, so I guess Yakult is Yakult.

Yulis and I took the back way to avoid the crowds and quickly returned to the lord’s house.

☆☆☆☆

I knocked on one of the guest rooms in the lord’s mansion, opened the door and entered to find a burnt wheat-skinned man sitting deep in a chair with his legs crossed. Yeah. It’s definitely Yakult.

When he noticed me, he stood up before I could open my mouth.

“Hey! Chris!”

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Mister Wald.”

“You don’t have to be so formal! We’re just friends, you and I!”

I’ve been told I don’t need to be formal…….I still don’t know what kind of person Yakult is. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to confide in him again.

“I’m sorry, Mister Wald. I can only remember you before I drank the Caramilk.”

When I said this bitterly, Yakult opened his eyes and nodded as if he was somewhat satisfied.

Okay, let me introduce myself again! My name is Yakult Wald! I am the prince of Eritrea.”

“Prince?”

I was so startled that I flinched a little. Even Yulis, who was standing behind me, looked surprised.

“Oh! I told you I was a prince last time.”

“No, no, why was a prince drunk alone in the capital?”

“I told you that too.”

Then Yakult started to tell us the story of what we did in the tavern in the capital. He told me that he had completed the development of the pot-in-pot and returned to the royal family to spread it.

“So, you’re saying that you’re back in the royal family after making achievements with the pot-in-pot I taught you……”

“Well, that’s it! So I can’t thank you enough, Chris!”

“No, I was just talking, you made it happen.”

“Still, let me return the favor!”

Then Yulis whispered in my ear.

“It would be rude not to accept anything, so please make a reasonable request for something you want.”

Hmmm, something I want……