After visiting Princess Aleytia as per her own request and Kaguya, Shin ended up having to see her more and more.
The first time, Shin went alone. Secretly of course. He sneakily entered the castle and went into Aleytia's room. Since Kaguya had informed her in advanced, she welcomed him with open arms. Of course the king didn't know of his visit.
All they did was talk about stuff. Aleytia was interested in adventurers, so Shin told her mostly about his adventure when getting Kagura from the cave. Since he just became an adventurer recently, he didn't have much story to tell. Aleytia was very fascinated. She never experienced one before, only heard of them. Where she heard of them was from her mother, the queen. Not many knows, but the queen was a former adventurer.
When it was time to go, Aleytia beg Shin to come again. Shin who find it fun to interact with the princess, said he wouldn't mind coming again another time. At the same time, Shin find the princess really cute.
In which it was 2 days later. However, this time, they were invited. The one who sent the invitation was the queen personally. The queen was away in another country and had just returned the day before. When she heard from Aleytia how there was an adventurer who manage to wield the Legendary Cursed Sword, the queen was fascinated. Aleytia told her who he was, and the queen immediately sent an invitation to meet him. Damian who was informed of that wanted to object to it, but since it was the queen's order, he couldn't rebuke. He knew the queen was a former adventurer, so he couldn't say mean things about them unlike with the king. Instead, he told the king. However, even the king couldn't go against the queen. Especially when Kaguya is backing the queen.
With the invitation letter in hand, the group entered the castle once more. The group consists of Shin, Layla and Misomi. Shana and Iris decided that Layla should have the opportunity to be with Shin by herself. They then were asked to help find the guy called Eric, who is said to be the son of the owner of Fortuneprise. Shin plans to recruit him to help with his merchant company in the future. Shana and Iris were told of his looks, and since Iris was present when Shin interrogated Harold, she had a grasp on how to persuade him to follow them.
On the other hand, Misomi was dragged along like last time by Shin. Shin thought that it would be great for Misomi to interact with the princess who is of the same age. He hoped that they could be friends. Although it would be tough, considering how shy and timid Misomi is. Especially when it comes to royalty.
When they reached the castle, they were greeted by Aleytia. She personally brought them to her room, where the queen and Kaguya were waiting.
"Greetings, your majesty. It's a pleasure to be invited to meet with the queen. I'm very honoured." <Shin>
Shin made a respectable greeting to the queen. Layla and Misomi also did the same.
"There's no need for such formalities. I've heard that you didn't bow to the king, and for that I'm quite impressed. So I hope you can act normal around me." <Queen of La-Viena>
"Oh?" <Shin>
Shin was surprised that the queen prefer to act normal.
"Alright. As you've known, my name is Shin. This here is Layla, my wife. And the one over here is Misomi." <Shin>
"Hello." <Layla & Misomi>
Layla normally said hello. As for Misomi, she was quite shy and spoke a bit soft, and was hiding a little bit behind Shin.
"Greetings. My name is Fiora, the queen of La-Viena. The reason I invited you here today was because I'm very curious as to who my daughter has been speaking highly about. As well as about you getting the Legendary Cursed Sword." <Fiora La-Viena>
The moment the queen talked about the Legendary Cursed Sword, Kagura immediately transformed to her human form.
"There's nothing much to say, other than the fact that Master is deserving to wield me." <Kagura>
The queen who saw her appeared was very surprised. Her appearance looks exactly like Kaguya, except for their different colour. The queen and Kaguya had known each other for awhile, and they are quite close.
"Though I don't have the same view as my sister, at least yet, I also belong to him." <Kaguya>
"You are?" <Fiora La-Viena>
The queen was quite surprised that Kaguya decided to do that. She had known Kaguya for awhile, and she knows that she doesn't like to be ordered around. Even from the king.
"Yes, Fiora. I've, in a way, cut my ties with Theodore." <Kaguya>
"Was he upset?" <Fiora La-Viena>
"Of course. Who is he to think that I was his? After telling him off, he gave in." <Kaguya>
He's the king, though...
The queen thought as such, but didn't say it.
"I can somewhat understand what he's feeling right now. No wonder he looked depressed when I saw him yesterday. Anyways, Shin, have a seat. Tell me more about your adventures." <Fiora La-Viena>
Shin, Layla, Misomi and Kagura, all took a seat on the sofa. Their talk go on for quite sometime. While talking about the same thing as when he told Aleytia to the queen, the queen in return talked about her being an adventurer before becoming the queen. She also went on and told her days as an adventurer. Shin who just knew that the queen was an adventurer, was quite shocked. He didn't expect the queen to be one, considering how the king kinda hated adventurers. As far as calling them barbarians, when his own wife was one. But he kept his thoughts to himself, so as to not pry on their privacy.
Ending their conversation with a joke, the group got up to leave.
"Do feel free to come and visit Aleytia anytime you want, I will inform everyone to not stop you. Aleytia has been quite lonely all this time. If possible, could Misomi be her friend? Since you two are the same age, you will get along. That is if you want. Don't take it as an order from the queen, alright? " <Fiora La-Viena>
"Ah, I w-would love to! Aleytia-Sama is very nice, I don't mind being friends with her..." <Misomi>
Misomi was as timid as ever with her reply.
"Did you hear that, Aleytia? Try to get along with her." <Fiora La-Viena>
"Yes, Mother!" <Aleytia>
Aleytia then ran towards Misomi and took both her hands and held it within hers. She then showed a delightful smile and said,
"Misomi-San, I look forward to our friendship!" <Aleytia>
"Y-Yes! Same for me, Aleytia-Sama!" <Misomi>
Misomi answered.
"Aleytia, if you want, you can go out and visit Misomi. Misomi lives with Shin, right? Then bring Kaguya along with you whenever you go out, since she knows the place and she can protect you. Is that alright, Kaguya?" <Fiora La-Viena>
"Surely. I kind of hate seeing her inside the castle all the time. But, will Theodore allow it? He's been against it since long ago." <Kaguya>
"Don't worry about him. I will talk to him personally later. I've been lenient to him for too long already. It's time to kick some sense into him. I mean who does he think he is? Depriving her daughter from her own freedom? Especially about his view on adventurers. If he thinks they're barbarians, then what am I? Am I also one? If he say yes, then I'll gladly be barbaric and teach him a lesson! I'll make sure he doesn't look down on adventurers ever again! "<Fiora La-Viena>
The queen was getting pissed about her own husband.
"Uuu... Mother is always scary when it comes to matters with father..." <Aleytia>
Aleytia was used to seeing her parents fight all the time. In front of the citizens, they show a dignified appearance, but when they're alone, they like to argue.
"Okay then Shin, since I have permission from Mother now, I will come visit you when I'm free!" <Aleytia>
"No problem. If I'm not around, I will inform Kaguya to tell you. But since Misomi will be at home most of the time, you can come anytime." <Shin>
"Okay!" <Aleytia>
The group said their goodbyes to the queen, Aleytia and Kaguya, as they left the room and the castle.
Coincidentally, they saw Damian while on their way out of the castle. He was making a dissatisfied and angry face when he saw Shin. But the group didn't bother and continued leaving
"Shin-Sama, who's that guy? He dare to make those eyes at Shin-Sama..." <Layla>
"Don't care about other men. You might make me jealous~" <Shin>
"Mou~ I won't!" <Layla>
...
"Yes! Finally, it's done!" <Albert Acsperi>
It's been over a week since Albert started experimenting on the Obnova flower given by Shin. Throughout those time, he had been working nonstop. It wasn't due to the orders of Shin to have it completed that he worked hard, but mostly because he was too excited to be able to experiment on it. Instead of sleepiness consuming him the more he work, instead his eagerness to complete the experiment was what drive him.
"As expected! With just one Obnova flower, I can already produce so many potions. And a different variety at that. I'll pack all this up into my storage ring and visit Shin tomorrow!" <Albert Acsperi>
The next day, Albert woke up early to once again check that everything is ready. He then set out to Shin's house. Only after about 2 hours that he finally reached his destination. Due to never been in the Nobles estate before, he wasn't familiar with the surroundings. Even with a map and directions, he had trouble. Only after a couple times of getting lost that he finally reached the mansion.
Albert was greeted by a man with red hair. He brought him into the mansion and the meeting room.
"Boss told me that you would be coming around this day. So I was told to welcome you. My name is Eric, nice to meet you." <Eric>
Eric present his hand to Albert for a handshake. Albert received it.
"Nice to meet you too. My name is Albert. Your boss is Shin... Correct?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Yes. I've been hired by him to be his assistant in regards to his future bussiness plan." <Eric>
"Ah! It's about selling the potions I've made from the Obnova flower, right?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Yes. With that, I've been told to get to know you more, since we will be working together. While waiting for Boss to come, why don't we talk about each other?" <Eric>
"Sure." <Albert Acsperi>
They began talking about how they each knew Shin.
Albert started by telling Eric how Shin came to him for a quest which no one accepted for over a month. And then he returned the next day with the quest completed. But he wasn't interested in the reward which made Albert surprised. However, due to a bit of talk, he accepted the reward. But then Shin surprised him when he showed him the Obnova flower. After telling Shin his desires to experiment on the Obnova flower, he was hired by him. Which he humbly accepted. That was how Albert came to know Shin.
"So you're that infamous alchemist who always a failure at his experiment? Who knew you're actually a genius." <Eric>
Eric was quite surprised about Albert real intentions. Although Eric had roughly heard the contents from Shin, hearing it from the person itself was something else.
"Haha, a genius is a bit too much. But I'm thankful for Shin to give me the opportunity to relive my dream. What about you? How did you met Shin?" <Albert Acsperi>
"Let's see, I was told by one of boss's wife that he had met me once when he walked through the market. But at that time I was just desperate to sell stuff and earn money, so I didn't really try to remember his face. But then a few days later, 2 of boss's wives came looking for me, and then they told me that boss wanted to hire me. At first I was suspicious but then they gave me money. Since I was desperate I easily accepted. I mean 2 beauties was in front of me, I couldn't really reject, Hahah... " <Eric>
Eric then went on to talk about what Shin told him when he was brought to this mansion.
When Eric first arrived, Shin wasn't at home yet. Since Eric was dirty, he was told to take a shower and then was given a new set of clothes to change into. Only after a few hours later that Shin returned to greet him. They had a deep discussion as Shin told him everything he knows about him.
From how Eric was actually the son of the owner of Fortuneprise who was banished, to how he was cursed with bad luck. He who heard that was surprised that Shin had taken him despite knowing all that. Eric went depressed when he recalled how his father had banished him.
But after hearing Shin said that he can lift the curse, Eric was hopeful. If he was really able to help him lift the curse, he would be very grateful. And just as he promised, the curse was lifted. One of Shin's wives, Shana, had lifted the curse. Eric was overjoyed that it was done, and thanked Shin and Shana profusely. Eric then said he would do anything for them as thanks. Which what brought upon their new relationship as his new boss.
Shin told him his plans of making a merchant company, and that he wants Eric to help supervise the business for him. Eric was still confident in his ability in accounting, but he was unsure if he can handle it. But when Shin told him that he plans to make his company to be the top and overthrow Fortuneprise, Eric became motivated. He had thought of having his revenge on his father, and since he can do that if he serve Shin, he quickly agreed.
From then on, Eric had stayed inside the mansion. He was also given money in advance of his future work. To not waste his time and do nothing, he had went to the library numerous time to re-study accounting and familiarise with it once more.
"That was how I came to know boss. And just like you, I'm very grateful to him." <Eric>
"Wow, you're actually the son of that greedy guy? Must have been tough..." <Albert Acsperi>
"What can I say? He likes money more than his own son. But whatever. Now I have a new duty to do." <Eric>
"Yes. Lets both do our best and work hard to earn our new living." <Albert Acsperi>
"Yeah." <Eric>
They shook each others hand as sign of their new friendship.
"I'm glad you two got along with each other already." <Shin>
Without warning, Shin entered the room.
"Of course, boss!" <Eric>
"Albert, how was your experiment?" <Shin>
Shin went to sit on the opposite sofa.
"As I've promised, I've made a lot of different high-quality potions. There are about 50 of them just from one Obnova flower." <Albert Acsperi>
Albert took out and spread all the potions bottles on the table.
"Impressive! Just what I wanted! Then Eric, this is where your job will start. Come up with the suitable price for each of the potions to be sold. I've already told you what your duty is, right?" <Shin>
"Yes, boss! I will discuss with Albert on the ingredients used and the methods, so that I can understand the suitable price. Then following your plan, I will come up with the price by the time you start up your merchant company." <Eric>
"Great! Then, here Albert take this storage ring. Inside is about 100 Obnova flowers for you to began mass producing the potions." <Shin>
"H-Hundred of them!?" <Albert Acsperi>
Albert was shocked to hear that Shin has about hundred of Obnova flower with him. Knowing how he could barely get one in the past.
"Don't worry about the amount. I still have a lot of them." <Shin>
Albert was even more of a shock to hear Shin said he had even more with him.
"And I would like you to stay in the mansion as well. The basement will be the place where you can do your experiment. Can you move in?" <Shin>
"Yes, of course! It would be safer to do the experiments here anyways." <Albert Acsperi>
"Good. Regarding any future ideas and proposal, don't hesitate to tell me." <Shin>
""Understood."" <Eric & Albert Acsperi>
"Now if you will excuse me, I've sensed another guest coming." <Shin>
"Shinnnnnnnn!!! Let's go practice!" <???>
"Yes, Yes! I'm coming!" <Shin>
Shin got up from the sofa and replied to the person with a shout, before leaving the room.
"Wow. Shin's amazing. To have another girl coming to see him. Even when he has 2 wives already." <Albert Acsperi>
Albert wasn't that interested in women, but knowing that someone having more than one wife is very surprising.
"Indeed. Boss is amazing. He actually has 3 wives right now. At least as far I'm informed. And what makes it even better is that the one that was shouting earlier, was the princess. Princess Aleytia. She has been coming here recently, every few days." <Eric>
"Wha-!? Really!? Shin is more amazing than I thought. To be able to be close with the princess... Is the king okay with it? I mean the king is really doting of the princess..." <Albert Acsperi>
"I don't really know. But considering that nothing has happened, it should be fine. If something does happen, boss can handle it." <Eric>
"True." <Albert Acsperi>
"The Princess mostly come here to practice swordsmanship with boss. And at times talk with Misomi. Anyways, let's start with our discussion." <Eric>
They both began their discussion, as Albert slowly told Eric everything he knows about the potions he made.