They Say an Age Gap Like This Doesn’t Even Need Matching - Chapter 31

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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We gathered in Elhart’s bedroom and began our discussion.
Though somewhat cramped, it was the safest place for security.
This was thanks to Kei’s modifications to the isolation measures that House of Cradian had installed for Elhart.
Not only were conversations within completely shielded from outside ears, but it had also become impossible for anyone to sneak in without using the door.
“My objective is to completely identify and eliminate the House of Cradian operatives and traitors hidden within the kingdom.”
Elhart explained his plan first.
“I cannot begin anew without excising the rot.”
That’s why he’d come to Cradian as a hostage, pretending to have failed in his political struggle.
“I’ve already completed the list.”
Yet there was a reason he hadn’t returned.
“That’s… to uncover the secrets of House of Cradian. If I don’t destabilize them, we’ll have to start another war.”
The current imperial house harbored many suspicious elements.
Before it was named an Empire, the Kingdom of Cradian had maintained decent relations with Bardia and other kingdoms.
But under the current Emperor, they suddenly launched wars and stained the continent with blood.
“What’s most suspicious is the Crown Prince. He appeared out of nowhere one day. Yet no one found that strange.”
Of course, the Emperor had declared the Crown Prince his illegitimate son, and the Empress had consented to the formal adoption procedures.
However, the Crown Prince’s appearance resembled neither the Emperor nor any of the women rumored to be the Emperor’s lovers.
It was impossible not to doubt whether he was truly the Emperor’s child.
Even if he were, there should have been those who questioned his legitimacy.
Yet everything passed far too quietly.
The imperial nobility could not defy the Crown Prince, who could be called the true wielder of power in Cradian.
There weren’t even the factions that exist in any political arena.
Elhart found this strange and resolved to investigate personally.
He judged that uncovering this bizarre secret could sow chaos within the Empire.
If that happened, Cradian wouldn’t be able to mobilize its armies immediately, and Bardia would gain time.
“I’d prefer to avoid war if possible. Bardia has already expended considerable national strength defending against Cradian’s invasion.”
Elhart spoke with a dark expression.
“Ideally, we’d reach a peace agreement without bloodshed. But if that’s impossible, we at least need to secure time to prepare.”
I could only imagine how intently he’d struggled and searched for a path forward.
Simply gazing into his eyes, which held sorrow and lamentation, made it clear.
‘I’m relieved we share the same thoughts.’
War is a monster that feeds on the blood of the innocent and blameless.
Minimizing its scale was the path for everyone’s sake.
But to that extent….
“It won’t be easy.”
Carterus nodded.
“Turning the Imperial Palace into a sea of fire would be far simpler.”
“So the newly appointed Pope says.”
“That’s merely a comparison, you fool.”
I watched Carterus bicker with Kei for a moment before speaking to Elhart.
“Consider the Expedition Team as Bardia’s full military strength.”
He shook his head at my words.
“That’s… far too shameless a request. The Expedition Team deserves not new missions, but proper compensation and rest.”
“So you recognized my identity but pretended not to?”
“There’s that reason… and others as well.”
He spoke while fixing me with an unwavering gaze.
Suddenly, I felt a pang of guilt.
Because I understood what he meant.
Unlike him, who had laid bare his heart so honestly, I was not yet ready to answer.
“That… well, in any case… the Expedition Team cannot disband yet. How could I rest easy seeing Bardia in such a state?”
In the end, I chose to change the subject.
“…I have nothing to say. I’m ashamed.”
Watching him bite his lip with anguish, my chest ached once more.
He too had spent most of his life on battlefields without respite—why should he apologize?
There were others who deserved to beg forgiveness.
“Your Highness has nothing to apologize for.”
“When you think about it, it’s also our fault for trusting those who remained and departing on the expedition. We should have kept tighter control before we left.”
Carterus clicked his tongue, clearly shaken by the Church’s corruption.
“The descendants of the Expedition Team still live in Bardia. I won’t hold a victory celebration until their peaceful lives are secured.”
What victory celebration could there be when the nation itself was crumbling?
“Quite right. Accepting compensation from a crumbling nation would only bring discomfort.”
“A crumbling nation? Isn’t that too harsh a way to put it?”
I rebuked Kei while gauging Elhart’s reaction.
“Didn’t you think the same, Commander?”
That was… true. Bardia was certainly on the brink of collapse.
“Still, even so. How can you speak so bluntly? You’ll wound the Prince’s feelings!”
Elhart, who had been watching our quarrel, wiped his face with his hand before speaking.
“…I understand the Expedition Team’s position well. It would be more foolish to stubbornly insist on preserving pride.”
“Well reasoned.”
I spoke with satisfaction.
Had Elhart refused our aid, we would have needed to act separately—fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
“Our goals are the same. Cooperation is only natural.”
Everyone nodded in agreement at the satisfactory conclusion.
“Speaking of which, that Crown Prince fellow…”
Just then, Carterus furrowed his brow and spoke.
“He seemed to exist outside divine providence.”
What…?
“What do you mean by that?”
“A creature of the Goddess should naturally respond to holy power, yet he did not. It’s as if…”
Carterus snapped his fingers while deep in thought, searching for an apt comparison.
“Yes, like a golem.”
“A golem…?”
It was a word I hadn’t heard in ages.
The Expedition Team had a Mage, but he’d never been interested in golem construction.
‘He always said burning everything to ash or frying it was far more entertaining.’
Wait.
“Then what’s the connection to demons?”
“There’s no way to know since holy power doesn’t work on it. If it were a demon, it would naturally react, but it seems that’s not the case.”
“It possesses mana manipulation yet holy power doesn’t affect it either. This is truly a troublesome opponent.”
As I lamented, my thoughts suddenly turned to the man before me.
The man whose physical magic resistance was insanely high—so high he could simply tear apart the restraint cuffs designed to absorb mana with his bare hands.
“Elhart is a mage’s natural enemy.”
Rick chimed in at my murmur.
“Indeed. The Crown Prince simply swats away most magic with his bare hands.”
“Hmm….”
Carterus’s eyes gleamed with interest as he surveyed Elhart’s physique.
“He does appear quite robust, but to that extent.”
Why was he smiling so contentedly…?
Sensing my gaze, Carterus cleared his throat and spoke.
“Come to think of it, we’ll need a natural way to cooperate without revealing the Expedition Team’s identity going forward, won’t we?”
“Quite so. The captain can’t remain as a maid in Bardia indefinitely, can she?”
Kei chimed in.
“Why not? The maid role is entertaining.”
“Entertainment isn’t everything. You don’t even know how to properly serve.”
At Kei’s words, I spoke in exasperation.
“Who’s good at something from the start? I can improve with effort.”
“Why waste effort on something so pointless?”
Hm?
Well… he had a point there.
Elhart, who’d been listening to our exchange with blinking eyes, spoke.
“I have a good method.”
“If you’re thinking of proposing, don’t.”
“….”
Elhart faltered.
“…I was just throwing it out there, but it seems it was genuine.”
As I murmured softly, the tips of his ears flushed crimson.
“It is the best method, isn’t it?”
“Elhart, I’m a person from three hundred years ago. It’s better we don’t get entangled.”
“I don’t care.”
He spoke with unwavering resolve.
“The age difference itself… rather…”
Elhart paused mid-sentence and drew a deep breath.
Then he spoke in one rushed exhale.
“It seems my ideal type has always been older women.”
“…?”
“Perhaps around three hundred years old.”
Silence blanketed the room.
Kei turned his head away, Rick stared at the ceiling, and Bella covered her mouth with her hand.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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