The next morning, just as Wald-san had predicted, we arrived at the castle in time with his commute.
""Ah! It's Isaac-san!""
As soon as we arrived at the castle, we found Isaac-san waiting at the entrance.
"It's been a while, everyone. Have you been well?"
""Yup, we're doing great~""
"That's good to hear. Takumi, thank you for taking care of my brother."
"No, no, we're the ones who were taken care of, really!?"
"He told me you were a great help to him."
Now that I think about it, I never asked where Patrick-san lives, but it seems likely that he and Isaac-san are staying at the Risner residence in the royal capital.
However, when we visited the Risner estate before, I don't recall being introduced to Patrick-san and his wife.
"As you guessed, my brother and I live in the residence the Risner family owns in the capital. That said, due to his work, he's often out and about—he's away for about half the year. And sometimes he's away with his wife too. So when you visited, he was probably away and couldn't be introduced. Fufu, you looked like you were wondering about that—was I right?"
"… Thank you for the thorough explanation."
Even though I hadn't voiced my question, Isaac-san gave a complete answer. Next to me, Wald-san muttered a quiet "Creepy…"
Well, I've been told that my thoughts often show on my face, but this time it's clear that Isaac-san is just incredibly perceptive.
"So, since you were waiting here, does that mean you'll be accompanying us to meet His Majesty? And Patrick-san isn't joining us?"
"No, my brother is here too. He went ahead to prepare for the audience."
Apparently, both Risner brothers were accompanying us.
"Still, you really came in a ridiculous state."
"… Sorry."
"I tried to stop them, but they wouldn't go unless they brought them."
After our greetings, Isaac-san's gaze shifted to Allen and Elena.
Each of them had three Pastel Rabbits in total in their arms and on their heads—that's probably why.
I'd told them it wasn't proper to carry pets like that into the castle and to at least put them in a cage, but they adamantly refused. Besides, we didn't even need to bring the real rabbits with us just to ask for permission to keep them in the dorms~
""Are we gonna get in trouble?""
"No, I don't think you'll be scolded, but you're definitely attracting attention."
""Totally!""
Wald-san and I said the same thing at the same time.
We'd already been drawing attention from the carriage stop to here!
"Let's move along before we attract even more attention."
"Agreed."
Prompted by Wald-san, we started moving quickly.
Today's meeting… or should I say audience?—wasn't in the throne room but in a lounge-like space.
Inside were a rather splendid group: Tristan-sama, Grace-sama, Crown Prince Austin, Third Prince Alfried, Duke Lionel, and Chancellor Ford.
Patrick-san and Matthew-san were also there, looking a bit awkward. Oh, and of course, there were guards by the door.
""Good morning~!""
"Good morning. Sorry to call you so early."
""It's fine~!""
Allen and Elena greeted cheerfully as soon as we entered, and Tristan-sama returned the greeting and even apologized for the early summons.
Seems he did feel a bit bad about it—he didn't have that "You're here for my convenience, obviously!" attitude.
"Good morning. It's been a while, but everyone seems well—"
"Takumi, we're not strangers. You don't need all that stiff formality. And drop the honorifics—speak normally!"
I tried giving a formal greeting, but he cut me off before I could finish.
"… You didn't have to interrupt me…"
"If you talk stiffly or beat around the bush, the conversation will never end. No one here minds, so just talk normally!"
I was actually relieved he said I didn't have to be so formal—it's exhausting.
But still, at least let me finish the greeting!
"Well, if you say so, I'll speak normally then. First of all, thank you for the letter of recommendation that let us enter the labyrinth."
"Oh? You're starting with that?"
"Hmm?"
I thought I'd start with a thank-you, but it seemed to catch Tristan-sama off guard.
"I mean… that's not what everyone's staring at…"
Everyone was clearly looking not at Allen and Elena, but the Pastel Rabbits.
"Okay, then let's start there. Could you keep these Pastel Rabbits at the castle?"
"At the castle? Are you giving them to Grace or Julius again?"
"No, actually, the knights who accompanied us wanted to keep them at the dorms. But only people who use that dorm would get to interact with them, so I thought that might cause complaints. So instead, I was wondering if we could set up a place somewhere in the castle grounds where people can freely interact with them."
"Oh my, that's a wonderful idea! Being around Pastel Rabbits is so soothing. It would be lovely to have a space where people can spend time with them during breaks."
Grace-sama was all in favor of the idea.
"But still, we'll need to consider precautions—keeping watch for anyone who might treat them badly or try to steal them."
"Ah, I see. That's a good point. Sorry for suggesting it so casually."
"Is it no good?"
"Can't keep them?"
"No, not at all. It's a great idea—we'll just need to establish proper rules. I'll get the arrangements in place. Until then, could Allen and Elena look after them?"
""Leave it to us! We'll take good care of them!""
It looked like Grace-sama would be taking the lead on the rabbit park initiative.
She didn't give Tristan-sama much of a chance to speak, but as long as the response was positive, I didn't really mind who led the effort.
"Um… thank you very much?"
I gave a small bow to Tristan-sama just in case.
"If it benefits the people who work here, it's worth trying. If problems come up, we can fix them or stop entirely. Grace, I'll leave this to you."
"Of course. And I think I'll have Alfried help me with it too."
"Me?"
"You've shown interest in HR and diplomacy to support your brothers, haven't you? This project is perfect training—it's about improving the work environment."
Crown Prince Austin would handle affairs of state, and Second Prince Felix led the knights.
Third Prince Alfried seemed to be aiming to support his brothers with a focus on diplomacy and personnel matters.
"Alfried, you're already thinking that far ahead? That's amazing~"
"When that comes from a guy who casually earns national-budget-level profits in a few days, it's hard to take seriously."
"I'm just living each day enjoying myself without thinking too much. And I don't know about national budgets, but I do think it's good to earn for retirement while I'm still able!"
Is this what they call a leisurely slow life?
Though… running around all the time doesn't feel very slow-life-y.
"Oh, speaking of national budgets! Isn't it weird that the country's covering our lodging and ship fees? I'd really like to pay those myself!"
"After everything you've sent us, how can you even say that?!"
""The branches?""
"Yes! That!"
"Oh, and here's the rest. Please accept them."
What I'd sent through the teleportation magic tool was the ruby branch, right?
So this time I presented the sapphire, emerald, and diamond branches.
""Souvenirs~""
""""""!?""""""
As I took out the branches, the room collectively gasped.
Only Wald-san remained unshaken—he'd already seen them yesterday.