Inside The Carriage

“Prince Arthur, safe travels!!”

“Ah… ahh…”

Seeing off Arthur and his personal maid Kei with strangely high spirits was Morgan and her group, and now the two sat in the carriage.

‘Morgan looked absurdly happy—she’s not planning to confine me overseas or something… right?’

Next to Arthur, who wore a worried expression, sat Kei, looking slightly uneasy.

“Is it really okay for someone like me to ride in the carriage with you?”

“It’s fine. I want you to be here with me. Is that not okay?”

“Ufufu, you’re such a spoiled one, Arthur-sama. Then I’ll gladly take you up on your offer.”

And with that exchange, she ended up joining him in the carriage. The fact that Kei looked so happy to be depended on—well, that part stays a secret.

Then, once they were in the carriage…

“Arthur-sama, this is amazing! It’s so soft! Usually my butt always hurts when riding carriages!!”

“Is that so? I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Kei.”

“Ugh… I got a bit too excited. My apologies.”

Arthur smiled at Kei, who was delighted by the fluffy cushions. Embarrassed and a little flustered, she blushed.

Kei always wanted to act like a big sister in front of Arthur.

“Ahem… Arthur-sama, how much do you know about the Holy City Jerusalem we’re heading to?”

Kei cleared her throat and shifted the conversation to something more serious.

“Well, honestly… not much. I’ve heard it’s not part of any specific country, but rather governed autonomously by the church…”

“Ufufu, I thought so, so I did a little research myself.”

“Ohh, that’s Kei for you. You really know everything!!”

“Ufufu, I don’t know everything. Just the things I’ve looked into.”

Hearing Arthur’s voice filled with admiration, Kei smiled warmly and began explaining.

“Jerusalem is a country governed by the Pope, and it maintains alliances with surrounding nations, often acting as a mediator when conflicts arise. What makes that possible is the presence of the Saintess, who possesses powerful healing abilities, and the large number of priests. These priests are sent to many countries, healing people regardless of nation or status, which also acts as a deterrent. If the church is made an enemy, those capable of healing may leave. Also, since the city is very safe, many pilgrims visit, and the market is always bustling. By the way, the birds in Jerusalem are famously delicious.”

“I see… so their healing power really is something. That was a great explanation—thanks.”

“Ufufu, I’m your personal maid, Arthur-sama. Please continue to rely on me.”

Arthur expressed his gratitude, and Kei smiled proudly. Incidentally, as someone born a commoner who barely got by day to day, she originally knew just as little about Jerusalem as the clueless Arthur.

But after spending time with him, she realized he was even more naïve than she’d thought, and that it might cause him real trouble one day. So, when it was decided she would accompany him to Jerusalem, she begged Marianne to teach her everything she could.

Marianne’s explanations were a bit difficult, but Kei gave it her all. All for one reason… so she could become Arthur’s reliable big sister!!

Thanks to Kei, Arthur relaxed a little and turned his thoughts to what lay ahead.

“The Saintess and the Church, huh…”

In his past life, they were people he had little interaction with. He’d only met the Saintess once a year for opinion exchanges due to this banquet, and although her words were polite, it was clear she had no real interest in him. And as for the church—while the revolution was happening in Britannia, they didn’t offer any help at all.

According to Kei’s explanation, they’re supposed to mediate in those kinds of situations… but there was no way to know why they didn’t act in the previous future.

More than that, there was one thing weighing on Arthur’s mind.

“Hey… just now you said the Saintess has powerful healing abilities. Kei, who do you think is better—me or her?”

“Eh…?”

Surprised by Arthur’s slightly sulky tone, Kei blinked. Arthur had absolute confidence in his own healing ability. So when Kei spoke of the Saintess’s skill, and even seemed a little proud of it, he couldn’t help but feel a bit… bothered.

Of course, Kei had simply repeated what Marianne had told her, and her pride came from Arthur relying on her. But Arthur, still inexperienced with emotions, couldn’t help feeling jealous.

Kei, hearing that, was struck by the innocent jealousy of the boy before her and had to resist the urge to hug him—she smiled gently instead.

“Ufufu, I don’t really know about the Saintess’s healing powers. But I know how amazing you are, Arthur-sama. You healed my burn, and Bedie-kun’s deep wound too. So if someone asked me who’s greater, I’d say Arthur-sama without a doubt.”

“Hmph, I see…”

Though he answered like he wasn’t interested, Arthur grinned widely in delight. Kei, watching his childish reaction with affection, made a small suggestion.

“Arthur-sama, I’ve heard there are many food stalls in Jerusalem. Since we still have time, would you like to explore them together once we arrive?”

“Really? That sounds fun! I’m curious to see how it’s different from Britannia!!”

Arthur replied happily to Kei’s words.