Chapter 64
Chapter 64
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: Beach Day with the Little Prince
-----------------------------------------------------------------
64
4
"Her stamina is good because she's still young...."
I sprawled out spread-eagled on the mat under the parasol.
It had already been over 30 minutes since I'd been playing with Erica and Choco at Merad Beach.
The midday sun was pleasantly warm, the seawater refreshingly cool, and the occasional sea breeze dried the sweat.
It felt like energy was surging even when there wasn't any... but no matter what, it was impossible to keep up with a 5-year-old's stamina with this aching body.
Scary, this is real strong, enduring energy....
"Coconut juice sounds good...."
All you had to do was poke a hole in the green coconut that looked like its surface was rusted.
Thanks to the stalls set up all over the beach piled high with green coconuts for sale, the price was cheap.
I bought one first and poked a hole in it with Deathwise.
-To think this great body of mine is being used to poke holes in coconuts...!
If it's useful, that's what matters.
Ignoring Deathwise's complaints, I stuck a straw in the hole.
I took a big swig... and a strangely intriguing liquid filled my mouth.
It was cold, for starters.
Sweet, but with a subtle sourness too.
Close to the taste of an ion drink with a splash of lemon.
Still, the aftertaste was refreshingly tangy, which I liked.
"It'd be popular."
Strange, but tasty.
I could feel my stamina recharging.
Savoring the green coconut juice, I gazed at Erica and Choco, who were still splashing around in the water at the beach.
They were playfully splashing water at each other.
It was hard to believe they'd only met a few days ago—they looked so close.
"Not like I can say much."
-Sounds like someone else we know, who's only been with that little kid for a few days too.
Choco had been with me since Esterro Academy, but Erica and I had only lived together for a few days at most.
Still, since Erica treated me like an older brother... I started thinking of her like a little sister too.
Not that I'd ever had a blood-related little sister.
Half the green coconut juice was left.
I opened the picnic basket I'd prepared in advance.
Thanks to magic, the inside of the picnic basket was cool.
What I pulled out was a thick sandwich.
Packed with thick ham, lettuce, tomato, and boiled egg.
I took a big bite, and my mouth was filled to the brim.
The ranch sauce struck a perfect balance amid the fresh ingredients.
The Agrit Count Family's head chef was on par with Esterro Academy's chefs.
While I was enjoying the sandwich and green coconut juice.
A boy approached Erica.
They talked about something... and then Choco joined in, and they started playing together naturally.
"...Hoo?"
-Why are you narrowing your eyes like that?
"A guy approaching my little sister—think I'd just smile at that?"
-Technically, she's not even blood-related....
Shut up.
I stuffed the rest of the sandwich into my stomach.
I downed the remaining green coconut juice in one go, and strength returned to my body.
"Alright, stamina's back."
-This guy's got serious overprotective tendencies....
I said shut up.
I'll dunk you in the seawater.
With Deathwise at my waist, I headed toward the kids.
Whoever he was... no, precisely because I didn't know who he was, I needed to check him out.
You couldn't let your guard down with kids in this world either.
The closer I got, the more details came into view.
Short-cropped blond hair, and his outfit wasn't a swimsuit but simple casual wear.
Judging by the quality of his clothes, he wasn't common folk—likely nobility at least.
By the time seawater lapped at my feet.
As I reached the water's edge, I could make out who the boy playing with Erica was.
Ludwig von Kusbeuk.
The third prince of the Tekat Kingdom, whom I'd met at the academy festival before.
...Why the hell is this guy here again?
My thoughts stalled in bewilderment for a moment.
At that instant, Ludwig tilted his head toward me and let out an exclamation.
"Ah! Aren't you that potato guy from before?"
"...I'm not a potato."
Well, technically I was the one who talked about potatoes.
But the one who actually gave him the potato was Ethan.
I swallowed those words down my throat.
"Then you're the potato's friend?"
"Something... like that. More importantly, what brings you here? Doesn't look like official business."
"I'm on vacation. I hate the hassle, so right now I'm just a normal kid."
"Um, you two know each other?"
Erica asked, clueless.
Before I could answer, Ludwig nodded.
"We hung out at Esterro Academy before. We're acquaintances."
"I see!"
"Wait a bit while we talk."
Ludwig flashed a bright smile and turned to me.
The green eyes meeting mine held a depth entirely different from when he spoke to Erica.
It was a seasoned response that belied his young age.
"You're the eldest son of Count Agrit, right? So that girl must be your little sister."
His page must have told him who I was.
She'd recognized both me and Leon completely.
"Yes, my little sister. She's still young—if she's been rude, I apologize in advance."
"No need. Kids grow by making mistakes. Holding a child under 10 accountable would be the height of ugliness."
Hey, you're a kid too?
He was barely 12 himself.
Though his oddly archaic, mature demeanor made him seem like an old soul.
"If anything, I was the rude one before. I was quite improper, young master Agrit. Didn't even give a proper greeting."
"No big deal. It wasn't that kind of situation anyway."
"It was my fault for not watching where I was going... I regret not savoring the chicken skewers, but the potato was truly delicious."
Ludwig smacked his lips.
In moments like this, he looked every bit the innocent 12-year-old.
"They sell chicken skewers here too."
"Oh! That's welcome news!"
Ludwig exclaimed, but quickly glanced sideways at someone.
Following his gaze, there was a statue in the corner of the beach.
Looking closer, it wasn't a statue but a page in full armor.
Even with the cool breeze, full armor on a midsummer beach?
Our eyes met with the page mid-way, so I nodded in greeting.
The page nodded back.
"As you can see, I'm under supervision."
"You need protection, Your Highness."
"Having every move watched kills the fun. ...Ah, I've got a great idea."
Ludwig's green eyes sparkled beneath his wet, glistening blond hair.
As a chill ran down my spine at that unchildlike glint, Ludwig declared innocently.
"Since we've run into each other, let's play together!"
5
"Mmm~! This is a real delicacy!"
Before I knew it, the sky had grown dusky.
The sea breeze had turned chillier, but the charcoal fire kept us warm.
The starry sky filling the night made for a delightful sight.
Oblivious to the scenery, Ludwig exclaimed in delight as he bit into the meat.
Erica wiggled her legs, busy savoring the meat in front of her.
Choco, meanwhile, was crunching away at a piece with a bone, rinsing it repeatedly with mineral water.
"You seem to know your way around grilling meat."
"Ahaha... something like that."
Of course. How many shifts had I worked at a barbecue joint?
I'd taken any job that came my way, so barbecuing was second nature even with my eyes closed.
Plus, since kids were eating, I'd splurged on top-quality ingredients.
Prime Shia Hork pork belly and neck—fed on herbs.
A luxury item only nobility could afford.
For outdoor barbecue, pork belly and neck were the classics.
Pork has plenty of fat, so to avoid greasiness, I'd picked the leanest neck possible.
Seeing them eat so well filled me with pride.
I sliced the fully cooked meat thick and served it onto their plates.
Ludwig, savoring the meat right away... no matter how I looked at him, he didn't match the Ludwig von Kusbeuk I knew.
Maybe because he was still young.
He showed none of the traits of the prince known for benevolence.
...Whatever, none of my business.
I had no reason to get involved with royalty, and if I did, I'd avoid it.
Mingling with highborns never ends well.
As long as I could live peacefully, that was enough.
"...So, aren't you eating?"
I asked casually.
The page standing stone-faced behind Ludwig shook her head.
"I've already had my nutrients. No need to worry."
"Standing there so still makes it hard not to...."
"Hm, fair point. Page, don't just stand and watch—have some."
Ludwig skewered a thick piece of pork belly with his fork and offered it to the page.
But the page smiled kindly and declined.
"I appreciate the thought, but really, it's fine."
Should I hold back...?
Knightly discipline, I guess.
Impressive self-control.
Couldn't force someone who said no.
I didn't press and laid fresh meat on the grill instead.
Sizzle!
Fat dripped from the meat onto the coals.
Each time, flames flared up, cooking the meat just right.
Ah, Maillard reaction!
Crispy outside, juicy inside—bringing out that umami without overcooking the center.
I'd heard it enough at the grill joint to make my ears blister.
I quickly grilled a slab of pork belly.
As I sliced it up... I felt peculiar stares.
Looking up, Ludwig, Erica, and even Choco all had their eyes locked on the meat.
The page too, pretending stoic, but her gaze was fixed on it.
She seemed unaware.
"...Hot weather like this, maybe recharge with some extra nutrients?"
I said as I divided the meat onto plates.
Only then did the page notice her own gaze and quickly looked away.
But I'd already created an opening.
"It's true—heat drains stamina fast. Have some?"
"But...."
"You always eat that tasteless preserved rations. Makes me worry just watching—can't relax."
"...Then I'll have just one bite."
Even a page with ironclad knightly honor couldn't resist Ludwig.
She finally accepted the plate.
As she cautiously chewed a piece of pork belly, her eyes widened.
We'd sweated plenty in the heat on the way from the sea, even if it didn't feel like it.
To replenish salt, I'd seasoned it a bit strong and added pepper for a simple marinade.
With premium meat perfectly grilled, it was delicious on its own.
"How is it?"
"...It's edible, milord."
"Is that so... Doesn't suit your taste, I suppose...."
Ludwig sounded disappointed at her deadpan expression.
Yet, amid it all, the page swiftly devoured the meat on her plate.
This guard knight's got layers too.
Or rather, maybe she couldn't show her feelings in her position.
Anyway, everyone lives so complicated.
"Ahaha! Looks like you like it plenty. Eat up, Page!"
"......"
The page fell silent.
But her ears were flushed red.
"Oppa, me too! Me too!"
Erica, having finished her share, thrust out her plate.
Choco, having finally gnawed through the bone, stretched out a paw.
"Yeah, yeah—I'll cool it down, so hold on a sec."
Looks like I won't get to eat in peace....
But feeling full just watching the kids eat must be this sensation.