Chapter 118: Point Benefit 2

Autumn has fully arrived, and the wind has started to feel chilly these days. The state guests who had stayed for a long time were finally leaving.

First, the elf sisters, Mutilia-san and Eltiria-chan, returned to the Elf Village.

I asked Ritsu to send them off with Oboro. When he comes back, I’ll let Oboro eat something delicious.

Next, Roulette-san, the Saint of Gospel Kingdom, came to say farewell.

We talked a little at the end, and she invited me to visit Gospel Kingdom if I liked. Well, I vaguely dodged it saying ‘if there’s an opportunity’.

In the conversation at that time, I learned there is also a Divine Beast in Gospel Kingdom. Moreover, it seems to be a cat Divine Beast.

When I asked if it resembles Kohaku-san, I was scolded with “I am not a cat!”.

Apparently, that Divine Beast walks on two legs despite being a cat. Like ‘Puss in Boots’.

Kohaku-san made a difficult face hearing that, wonder what that was about?

Next, Luca, Tifa, and Highness Nero were leaving. The time-stopped storage boxes contained a mountain of perishable food bought at my shop.

Besides that, plushies and alcohol seem to be loaded onto the carriage as is. A bear’s face is sticking out of the carriage window, is that okay…

“Farewell then, Sakuraile! Will come again in half a year!”

“See you.”

The two leave with the autumn wind. Somehow became quiet suddenly. Next meeting is spring, huh.

Most products everyone took home as souvenirs were food or drinks. Might be trouble when those run out…

Even our His Majesty the Emperor has a body that isn’t satisfied unless eating at my shop once every three days…

Thanks to that, the castle’s head chef got inspired and is rapidly developing new dishes referencing my shop’s menu.

Currently, I think Symphonia Imperial Kingdom is one or two steps ahead regarding food compared to other countries. Aim for City of Gastronomy.

And today, Risha and Highness Leticia, the Empire party, were also leaving.

In front of the castle gate, Risha is reluctant to part with Elliott.

His Majesty and the Empress also seem to be speaking kindly to Risha. If she marries Elliott and becomes Empress Consort of this country, they will be parents-in-law. Think they will be kind in-laws for Risha.

Imperial Princess Leticia came to me and thanked me for the Elixir.

Honestly speaking, that was thanks to Leon who made the Imbued Potion and Estelle‘s ‘Gift’, and I wasn’t involved in making it at all, so somewhat feel guilty.

“I pray the Empire will be reborn.”

“Absolutely. Swear to the Gods who bestowed this secret medicine.”

If First Imperial Prince’s health becomes perfect, and engagement of Risha protected by Imperial Princess Leticia and Elliott is announced, think situation will tilt towards First Imperial Prince side at once.

By the way, that head lady-in-waiting and guard knights were already sent to the Empire apparently.

According to Highness Leticia, arrangements are made to undergo trial in presence of Imperial Court after they return, but probably won’t be alive until then.

Well, probably so. From Second Imperial Prince’s view, wouldn’t want humans who not only failed his operation but also hold various disadvantageous information to exist. Undoubtedly will pull strings from behind.

Was emphasized to keep it secret from Risha. Because that kind girl, though oppressed for long, would be heartbroken.

Have some thoughts, but this is the Empire’s problem, and think I wouldn’t protect a guy who tried to kill my family, for example Father or Mother either.

“Take care, Risha. Do your best.”

“Yes! Will write lots of letters with the letter set I got!”

Finally shook hands with Risha and saw off the leaving Empire’s carriage.

“They left.”

“What? Already Fiancée Loss?”

“What is ross?”

Teased Elliott looking reluctant, but meaning didn’t get through.

“Good grief, finally can return to normal life. Fumu, thinking so made me hungry… Sakuraile, can you bring out ‘Horakuen’?”

“Ehh? Ate just the day before yesterday…”

Uncle, don’t you love ramen too much? Think it’s not good for our His Majesty to get fat and metabolic syndrome though.

Well, I’m hungry too so fine.

Summon ‘Horakuen’ in castle courtyard, and ‘La Vie en Rose’ by request of women. These two stores are especially summoned often. For elderly, ‘Kuma Sushi’ is more pleased though.

Ah, come to think of it.

I take out the Point Card received from Goddesses from pochette. With current summon, just became eligible to receive second benefit.

Haven’t told about Point Card to anyone except Father and Mother yet.

Don’t know what I’ll get, and presents from God are practically another ‘Gift’. Judgment is not to make it too public.

After all, it’s Benefit Gacha… Hope weird things don’t come out.

Surely not rabbit ears next time? Bunny suit? No good, thoughts inevitably go towards cosplay direction.

Well, let’s receive it after going home.

◇ ◇ ◇

“Umm, benefit please.”

“Is that way of asking okay…?”

To me deciding to receive benefit immediately after returning home, Father throws an uneasy tsukkomi.

Probably meaning too frank for asking God. But can’t do formal Shinto prayer style either.

A ball of light popped out from Point Card, and with a Pon sound, a heavy object fell on the table with a Goto. What is this?

“Candy ball…?”

Inside a rather large jar were several small round candy-like things. Pale pink… cherry blossom colored candy balls rattle inside—kara kara.

Jar was closed with cork-like stopper, but politely had a label on the side.

“‘Confession Candy’…?”

What is Confession Candy? Ah, explanation written on the side. What what…?

“If you make someone eat this, that person will confess their love regarding what they think of you…?”

No, love. Wait a minute, isn’t this truth serum…!?

No, if only knowing what they think of you, maybe not confession (of crime)? If thinking nothing, means no confession?

Won something confusing. Won’t this break human relationships…? A bit scary. Thinking loved but wasn’t… might happen too.

What is this. Isn’t this a candy made by God of Love for fun?

While I was knitting brows, Mother snatched the jar from my hand—hyoi. And took out one onto her own hand—koron. Eh?

“Here, dear. Aah-n.”

“Eh!? Ashley!?”

Father freezes—piki. Eh? Mother? Doing it? Really doing it!?

Think it’s okay, but heart pounding a little.

“Umm, Ashley? Let’s calm down once?”

“Yes, Aah-n.”

“No, I mean?”

“Aah-n.”

No good. Mother is serious. Eyes not blinking at all are a bit scary.

Father, seemingly defeated by Mother pressing candy ball forcefully—gui gui, opened mouth a little as if resigned, and candy ball was pushed in forcibly.

“Wa, melted immediately…”

Called candy, but seems to vanish instantly in mouth.

So, effect is…? Father doesn’t look changed particularly but…?

“A-Are you okay? Father?”

“Yeah, nothing particularly changed…”

Huh? Doesn’t mean he thinks nothing of Mother or something like that, right!? Hate family collapse though!?

Mother also wore an uneasy expression.

“Dear, umm…”

“Ah, Ashley. Just hearing your voice makes me feel very happy. Just your eyes looking at me makes me feel very warm.”

At sudden whisper of love leaked from Father, Mother turns bright red. Father also covered mouth with expression ‘What did I!?’.

“Eh, Father, speaking regardless of own will?”

“No, trying to speak normally, I end up speaking of Ashley’s wonderfulness. To have such a wonderful woman as my wife, how much gratitude should I offer to God. Just you being by my side makes me feel I can do anything. No matter what happens, I will protect you and love you with my life forever!”

Again!? Father covered mouth again. Or rather, what are those cheesy lines…! Making me embarrassed here!

Mother is already bright red, and even waiting Ritsu, Arisa-san, and maids have red faces.

Might be tough for Father though.

“Umm, means end up saying inadvertently… right?”

Father covering mouth nods furiously at my words—koku koku.

“Content spoken is true feelings, right?”

For a moment Father tried to feign ignorance, but eventually nodded—kokun.

Mother hugged Father vigorously—gyu.

“Dear… I’m happy!”

“Sakuraile… How long is this state? Can speak love for Ashley as much as needed, but want to convey this feeling only to her. Want to carve into only her heart that I love her more than anyone in the world!”

No really, Father speaking with bright red face looking about to cry made me recoil a bit… Scary drug, this…

Once started speaking, seems like feeling compelled to speak love words no matter what.

“Umm, effect seems to be ten minutes.”

Check jar explanation. Tough ten minutes. For the one made to drink, and for surrounding people.

Ten minutes later, Father whose effect expired was leaning on sofa exhausted. Mother holding Father’s arm was beaming next to him though.

“Sakuraile… Do not use that candy recklessly. Understood…?”

“Roger.”

Might be interesting, but seal in pochette for a while. This is, in a sense, a very dangerous item.

Said so, but secretly begged for another one by Mother before sleeping.

Seems wants to experience again just two of them before sleeping.

…………Well, getting along is beautiful.