The crown prince couldn't recognize who we were, yet he still wouldn't let us enter our own house.
I was genuinely angry now, and my tone showed it.
"Do you know what they look like?"
Sure, I could've just told him directly—but I doubted he'd believe me.
"Of course I know. One is a black-haired man, and the other is a white-haired woman. So what? You still haven't answered my question."
I looked up at the sky. It wasn't even dark enough to confuse colors yet. Then I turned to Lina's hair—anyone could see the color, even at dusk.
And yet the crown prince confidently gave his answer, without the slightest hint that he had already met the very people he was describing.
I seriously suspected something was wrong with his eyes.
"Is it too dark for you, or is there something wrong with your eyesight? First, I must congratulate you for not abusing your authority—otherwise you would regret it. Now go call your father and mother come here."
I no longer had any intention of being polite. It was faster to just have the king come and discipline him. The crown prince clenched his fists in anger.
"You know I am the crown prince, yet you dare speak so disrespectfully of the king and queen!"
Of course I knew. That was exactly why I said it. Can he hurry up and call them already? Standing here arguing is a complete waste of time.
I turned my gaze to the sword saint, who had been silently watching us the whole time.
"Duke Somart, are you done laughing?"
He had been watching like an amused spectator, shoulders shaking from barely-suppressed laughter. After I called him out, he coughed twice and straightened up.
"My apologies. I'll go fetch Their Majesties right away."
A moment later, the king's family stepped out of the house.
"What's going on here?"
"Father, Mother, he was terribly disrespectful to you!"
The prince pointed at me like a child tattling to his teacher. I ignored him and stepped past him to address the king directly.
"Your Majesty, please have the crown prince explain everything from beginning to end. We'll go inside first. When you follow, remember to close the door—and check whether the brightness of the light pillar is suitable."
As we went inside, we could still hear their conversation at the door.
"Very well. Steve, what did you do?"
"F-Father, why did you let them enter? Isn't this the home of the heroes who hunted down Samidoride?"
"Because they are the heroes."
"W-What...? I…"
I didn't turn around, but I could tell his brain had completely jammed, and regret was finally catching up to him.
Inside, Lina sighed lightly.
"Karen, we could've just told him our names."
She wasn't complaining—just commenting. I sighed back.
"You don't think he was useless? He's supposed to be the future king, yet he didn't even think when I spoon-fed him hints. And the way he kept staring at you with those sleazy eyes—disgusting."
"Yeah. I don't like him."
"Me too."
Both Lina and Lani said it with equal disgust. This crown prince was hopeless. What would become of this country's future?
"Lani, high five!"
"High five!"
Lina raised her hand and Lani smacked it cheerfully.
"Lani, don't say things like that in front of him. And Lina—if he touches you for more than one second, you can just hit him."
Lani was smart, but mentally still just a baby. As for Lina, the king had already given her permission. Still, Lina looked displeased.
"One whole second? Can't I just hit him the moment he touches me?"
"Sorry. It might be accidental if it's less than a second. But after a full second, it's definitely intentional."
"Fine."
"And don't hit his face. He's still the crown prince."
"…That's a pity."
Lina's disappointment was obvious. Honestly, I felt the same. If he weren't the crown prince, I would've beaten him senseless on the spot already.
When I reached the BBQ pavilion, I figured it was better to switch topics—after all, we promised to let the king and his family experience a proper barbecue.
"Alright. Even though you just got back and must be tired, I'm going to trouble you to help prep the ingredients."
"I'm not tired at all. You're the one who's tired, Karen. You have to entertain them and keep the conversation going."
It was just a casual line from me, but Lina suddenly lit up with competitive spirit. Fine—then I couldn't lose either.
"No matter what, I've got it easier than you. You deal with tons of adventurers every single day."
"That's still better than dealing with royals."
Damn. I lost.
I couldn't even think of a comeback. Talking with adventurers doesn't require polite wording—and you can joke around.
At that moment, I sensed the king's group returning, so I gently nudged Lina toward the sofa.
"...They're coming. Let's sit."
"Okay."
Once we sat down, I leaned back, crossed my arms, and casually lifted one leg over the other—displaying the authority of the head of the household. Then the king approached with the crown prince to apologize.
"Karen, Lina, I've heard the entire story. Please forgive my foolish son."
I originally wanted the crown prince to apologize personally, but… fine. I'd give the king face.
When dealing with someone whose mental maturity is clearly lacking, I should be the more reasonable one.
I looked at the prince's humiliated expression and asked flatly,
"Your Highness, do you understand who we are now?"
"...Yes."
He grit his teeth, replying with obvious resentment—no hint of real remorse. Whatever. It's not like he'll dare touch us again.
"Please, take a seat. It's almost dinner. We'll prepare the ingredients for the barbecue, so please wait a moment."
I went to prepare the fire and utensils, while Lina handled the ingredients and sauces. Soon, I started grilling. Once the meat was done, I served it to them.
"Oh—this is delicious. I can finally understand why it has to be grilled out here. There's an atmosphere you can't get at a dining table."
"Just watching Mr. Karen eat so boldly makes it clear. I'm glad we came today."
"Tasty."
The king, queen, and princess were delighted—they clearly understood the charm of barbecuing now.
The crown prince, however, ate quietly on his own, unable to join any topics—not that I cared.
"As long as you're enjoying yourselves, that's all that matters to us."
A while later, the king suddenly had the urge to drink.
"Karen, do you have any alcohol? I'd like some to go with the meat."
Alcohol is common with barbecue, sure—but not in my house.
"I don't keep alcohol at home."
"You just reached adulthood, so you probably haven't drunk yet. Anthony, have someone bring good wine from the castle."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The moment I heard the king ordering wine, I quickly raised my tongs to stop him.
"Stop. Your Majesty, if you want to drink, please go home and drink. Alcohol is absolutely forbidden in my house."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Lina nodding firmly in agreement. But the king asked, puzzled,
"Why? Alcohol is a wonderful thing."
The queen and the sword saint nodded too.
Didn't matter who approved—my house, my rules.
"Because we don't like alcohol. If you want drinks, I can serve something else."
"Lemon tea? I'm already tired of that."
Lemon tea would work, but at a time like this, the choice was obvious.
"Non-alcoholic champagne."
"Champagne? From the dungeon?"
The king showed interest—whether in the drink or in its dungeon origin, I had no idea.
Not important. What was important was that even children could drink it.
"Yes, and kids can drink it too. Please wait here a moment. Lina, the meat on that side is almost done, help me care it."
"Okay."
I headed up to the rooftop, where I stored the champagne in the small fridge there.