The Twin Maids

“Welcome to the Kingdom of Benedia. I, Crown Prince Carlo Regalita Benedia, welcome you.”

“Eeeehhh!?”

Seeing Jonah’s shock, Carlo flashed a triumphant, mischievous grin.

That said, Jonah had already faintly suspected Carlo was someone of high status during the wolf-beast attack the other day, so he wasn’t actually that surprised inside.

Still, since Carlo looked like he was having fun, Jonah decided to play along. Despite being only eleven, he was in some ways more mature than Carlo.

The carriage continued through the town streets and crossed the bridge leading to the small island where the white castle stood.

“You’re my guest, Jonah. Feel free to stay in the palace for a while. Once you’re settled, I’ll find you a nice place to live.”

“Ah, ahaha…”

Jonah was grateful for the kindness, but since he planned to resume his journey to the next legend as soon as he confirmed the Guardian Deity of the Central Sea, he gave an apologetic wry smile.

Still, from this castle that overlooked the entire Central Sea, he might actually be able to spot the guardian deity—Jonah’s heart raced with excitement.

“Welcome home, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Yeah.”

Upon entering the castle, a black-clad steward bowed deeply in greeting.

Behind him, two identical maids also bowed deeply.

“His Majesty the King is awaiting you. And also…”

The steward stepped close to Carlo and whispered something in his ear.

Jonah stared quietly at the exchange.

“Understood… Oh, and Jonah is my important guest, so treat him with the utmost courtesy.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Carlo left with the steward, leaving Jonah…

“Young Master Jonah, I, Aurora, shall attend to you.”

“No, I, Priscilla, shall take care of Young Master Jonah…”

“…Didn’t you have errands for Lord Federico, Priscilla?”

“And didn’t you already finish cleaning the rooms, dear sister?”

For some reason, the two maids suddenly began arguing over who would serve Jonah.

Jonah had no idea what to do and could only panic.

Still, from their identical faces and the way they spoke, it was clear they were sisters.

‘They really look exactly alike…’

Right now Aurora had a half-up style and Priscilla a ponytail, so he could tell them apart, but if they let their hair down he’d never be able to, Jonah thought idly while staring at them.

“This way, please, Young Master Jonah.”

It seemed they had decided to both take care of him.

Led by Aurora in front and Priscilla following behind, Jonah was shown to his room.

“Wooooow…!”

“Kyaa!”

Jonah let out a cry of wonder at the Central Sea visible from the room’s window.

The view from the forest road had been magnificent, but this was like a single painting perfectly framed by the window.

Watching him, Aurora and Priscilla clutched their chests and let out small, strange squeaks.

“Ahem… Young Master Jonah, you must be weary from your long journey. Please refresh yourself in the bath.”

“Ah, thank you. But, um… you really don’t need to float flower petals or anything, okay?”

“Ku…!”

As Aurora cleared her throat and made the suggestion, Jonah thanked her while firmly adding the lesson he’d learned at the Hagenberg mansion—no flower petals.

A frustrated groan came from Priscilla, who stood nearby.

“Young Master Jonah, dinner with His Highness Carlo is ready.”

After his bath and changing into the clothes prepared for him, Federico—the head steward who had greeted them upon arrival—visited Jonah’s room and bowed with a hand over his heart.

Aurora and Priscilla were also in the room, their skin glowing and wearing satisfied expressions. Whatever happened in the bath would, regrettably, remain a secret among the three.

Incidentally, it was these two who had told Jonah about Federico during the bath.

“Ah… thank you.”

“This way, please.”

Escorted by Federico, Jonah headed toward the dining hall where Carlo waited.

“His Highness has been eagerly awaiting you. I have served him since he was a child, yet it has been a long time since I last saw him look so happy.”

“I see.”

From what Jonah had seen since meeting him, Carlo always seemed cheerful, but if the longtime head steward felt this way, it must be true.

Jonah himself enjoyed being with Carlo, so learning the feeling was mutual made him happy.

“Hey! I’ve been waiting!”

Carlo, already seated, waved casually and called out to Jonah.

The table was lined with an array of seafood dishes.

“Th-this is amazing…!”

“Right?”

Carlo looked somewhat proud as Jonah’s eyes sparkled.

Federico smiled gently at the scene, while for some reason Aurora and Priscilla murmured in perfect unison, “Thank you for the meal.”

“Come on! Eat as much as you want!”

“Yes! Itadakimasu!”

Jonah stuffed his cheeks with unfamiliar seafood dishes served to him, his face melting in bliss at the incredible taste.

Even if he never got to see the Guardian Deity of the Central Sea, just meeting Carlo and eating this food made the whole trip worthwhile, Jonah thought.

“U-um, by the way, Carlo—”

“Hey, hey, we’re friends, aren’t we? You don’t have to call me ‘Your Highness’ all stiff like that.”

“Ah… r-right. Then, Mr. Carlo, where were you returning from?”

Jonah asked the question that had been on his mind.

They had met in the forest on the border between Duchy Aubern and Benedia, but it was clearly unusual for a crown prince to travel alone disguised as a commoner.

Still, Jonah knew Carlo wouldn’t answer if asked directly.

So he figured that if he could learn where Carlo had been, he might be able to guess the reason.

Purely out of curiosity, of course.

It stemmed from hearing Federico whisper the word “procurement” to Carlo when they arrived at the palace.

Then—

“Hm? Oh… I had a little business in the Estraia Empire.”