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While Aaron said this, Maki and Chiharu nearly stopped in their tracks. Though you could go to the main hall from the front entrance, the side entrance connected to the hallway that went towards the living quarters. This hallway was very big, and light flooded in from the windows over the wall tapestries.

They were likely telling some kind of story. They didn’t know if it was embroidery or woven like that, but there were depictions of people and the changes of the seasons.

They stared at the walls in awe until Aaron chuckled.

“It seems like those who live long end up having too much time on their hands. That’s why they can make things like this.”

He said with a little bitterness.

“While the Midland castle has similar works that the elves sent, these are so much more impressive.”

Edwy said as he gazed at them.

“Now, we must go up to the second floor. The room isn’t far from there.”

Aaron called them. And so they put their hands on the beautifully decorated hand railing as they climbed up the stairs. As soon as they were on the second floor, Aaron inserted a key into the lock of one of the doors and opened it without hesitation. Once they were all inside, he locked the door again. Maki watched him suspiciously.

“It’s just a precaution.”

He said.

“Now, there is a bedroom and a bathing room in the back. So you can go and clean yourselves.”

“Thank you.”

If they were being honest, they were quite sweaty, and so they were grateful. And so Maki opened the door to the bedroom.

Then she closed it. She looked worriedly at Chiharu, who hadn’t moved.

“Maki, what are you doing? You need to hurry up and prepare.”

“Yes, I know. But…”

“What? We won’t look.”

“That’s a very insensitive thing to say. And that’s not what I mean. Here.”

Maki grabbed Aaron’s arm and took him towards the door. And then she opened it.

“What is it? Was Aeris hiding something strange again…”

And then Aaron closed the door.

“What is it?”

Edwy asked as he saw how troubled Aaron was.

“It’s the first princess.”

“First princess?”

They had called that other woman the fifth princess.

“Maki-chan. I think we might be in the way if we stay here…”

“Chiharu, it’s probably not that.”

“Yes, if you think about it, Aeris is quite handsome. So it’s not surprising that he has a lover or two.”

“No, you don’t have to think about it to realize that he’s handsome. Also, yes, it would be strange to have two. No, that’s not what I mean…”

Chiharu looked a little depressed, and Maki frantically tried to cheer her up.

“He finally got to return to his home after such a long time. I don’t think we should bother this reunion for him.”

“Hey. I’m sure you’re completely wrong. Right, Aaron? Say something!”

Maki was at a loss, and so she turned to Aaron.

“Chiharu. Don’t worry. I’m quite sure that Aeris doesn’t have a lover.”

“Then who is that inside of the bed?”

“In the bed?”

Upon hearing this, Edwy opened the door to the bedroom. Then he closed it. He was stunned.

“I saw a bare shoulder…”

In spite of the situation, Maki couldn’t help but be amused by how pure Edwy was.

“Just say you saw a naked woman in the bed. Geez.”

“Surely Aeris wouldn’t do something so indecent…”

“It’s not indecent.”

Aaron finally said.

“The princesses of the castle are trying very hard to earn Aeris’s attention. But I didn’t think any of them would be waiting in his bed.”

“She’s not his lover?”

Maki asked for Chiharu. Aaron shrugged.

“It’s not a lie that he only cares about his research.”

“What a relief. Otherwise, I would never have forgiven him.”

Maki said as she cracked her knuckles.

“Why are you the one that’s angry?”

“I won’t forgive anyone who does that to Chiharu.”

Just then, they heard the sounds of a key entering the door. It was Aeris. He entered the room and hurriedly locked it. But before he did, they saw the crowd of women behind him.

“I finally arrived. That’s why I hate being here.”

Aeris looked like he was out of breath. But then he noticed that the others were quiet.

“What is it? Don’t you need to take a bath, Mak and Chiharu?”

“Uhh.”

Maki wasn’t sure how to respond. Then Aeris opened the door to the bedroom.

“Damn it. Let’s go and meet the king so we can leave.”

He said as he closed the door and rubbed his forehead. He strongly regretted coming to the castle.

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