Chapter 543: The King’s Branch
“Are you two going to wander around a bit more?”
“Don’t say ‘wander’.”
“Lord Jean, I would appreciate it if you could choose your words a bit more carefully.”
It seems that Haulon and the Butler intend to check out the latest offerings in Naruadeid. Haulon wants to ensure he doesn’t come off as a country bumpkin while shaping the nation’s form. The Butler, on the other hand, simply aims to make Ash’s surroundings more comfortable.
“I hear the latest trend is ‘Blue Spirit Island,'” Captain Cat interjects.
Why are they skipping that place and opting for the second-best? My eyes are asking the question.
“It’s too cutting-edge. If we don’t see something ordinary first, our senses will get skewed,” Haulon says, despite having never seen an island himself.
“Even if you look at us and try to imitate, you won’t be able to replicate it. Just think about how much wealth and talent it requires… Even the office I have is dizzying,” Soleil, who knows the truth, remarks.
“…In Kanum, our House is the most advanced,” the Butler adds, with a hint of pride.
Kanum’s House has been gradually remodeled, including the rented houses. However, they don’t want to draw too much attention, so they keep it subtle, very subtle.
I feel like any modifications that go unnoticed by Retze would be fine to show off, but so far, nothing has slipped past him. Dean’s rough nature has saved him a few times.
“Captain, are you interested in visiting the island?”
“I’m curious about the island, but I’d rather visit the Fire Nation.” Captain Cat looks toward Haulon.
“Those with abilities are more than welcome! But unfortunately, it’s quite far from the sea, so it might just be a visit,” Haulon replies.
Did Captain Cat want to scout for crew members if it were a coastal nation?
“Actually, I want to see the ‘King’s Branch.’ If it’s a new nation’s Royal Capital, they should be showcasing the branch, right? Or has that already happened?” Captain Cat adjusts his seating.
Is he a bit restless?
“Are they going to showcase it?”
Karn’s?
“A country founded with the ‘King’s Branch’ will have the king hold it and show it off for a while. Usually, it’s on the day the nation opens, once a year… It’s been a long time since a country acquired a new ‘King’s Branch,’ so it’s not exactly a tradition,” Haulon says, his expression a bit uncertain.
If the king holds the ‘King’s Branch,’ does that mean Karn will be holding it? Or will Shahira be the one to show up? The former seems unlikely, and the latter would reveal that Karn is one with the branch. What will they do?
Ah, so that’s why Haulon looks uncertain.
“Why not have Shahira appear in her spirit form?”
It might raise suspicions about Karn’s tastes, but if Baylis could join her, it would be fine…
“I can’t help but think about what would happen if the resident spirit decided to intervene,” Haulon says, gripping the robe around his stomach.
A resident wanwan. Twenty-four-hour security? With Asas around, and if Es showed up, it would indeed be hard to know what to do. They might even have a lovers’ quarrel in front of the audience, so avoiding that seems like the peaceful option.
“It’s also customary to showcase it during the coronation when a king changes,” the Butler adds.
“There’s no one likely to step down from the throne right now,” Captain Cat says, sounding disappointed.
“Do you want to see the ‘King’s Branch’?”
“Yeah. There was someone I used to know who was captivated by it. He was the type whose ship was his nation, yet he was entranced by the ‘King’s Branch.'”
“Entranced?”
“Even though it wasn’t his homeland, he felt a deep longing. He wanted to return to that nation under the branch and ended up becoming a part of it.” Captain Cat’s tail flicks busily.
“Isn’t that something you’d want to avoid seeing instead?”
“…Seeing him for the first time made me realize how scary it was. Once I acknowledged that fear, I wanted to see it even more,” Captain Cat says, sounding like he would shrug if he were human.
Ah, so Captain Cat can’t forgive himself for feeling fear?
“Perhaps it wasn’t the ‘King’s Branch’ itself that captivated him, but rather a desire for stability or an admiration for the nation’s policies and the king’s character?” Soleil tilts his head.
“Certainly, having the ‘King’s Branch’ guarantees that the nation will head in a good direction for the time being, so it’s natural for people to gather. However, if merely seeing the ‘King’s Branch’ could enchant someone, then more people should be flocking to nations with it. The lack of commotion is strange, isn’t it? I also vote for the king’s character,” Haulon adds, showing his preference for Karn.
“Well, you know, even if it’s not the ‘King’s Branch,’ there are examples of people falling head over heels for the Wheat Branch,” I think of the heavy-hearted person from Naruadeid.
Thanks to that, I met my grandfather, but it was quite intense. We don’t have anyone like that in our branch, right?
“Asmomii, huh…?” Soleil averts his gaze slightly.
Speaking of which, what happened to Arina, the niece? She seemed like she was about to fall asleep, and I feel like our conversation got cut off awkwardly. I had forgotten about her.
“I think it’s just that person’s preference, and most people would be fine seeing it,” I say, pulling the Ex-Staff from my back.
The Butler freezes for a moment, and Faramia tilts her head slightly at the Ex-Staff. Aren’t they being a bit too cautious about the Ex-Staff and the Butler?
“What is it?” Captain Cat asks, looking at the offered Ex-Staff.
“The ‘King’s Branch.'”
“Oh! I’m Ex-Staff, nice to meet you!”
The blossom opens, revealing the spirit part of the Ex-Staff.
“Uh, oh?”
Captain Cat’s eyes widen in surprise, and the fur on his back bristles slightly.