#1304 Junior’s Adventure – The Second Prince 

“Ahhh, that was exhausting...” 

I’m Junior. 
I really feel like I’ve just wrapped up a major job. 

Well, it was a major job. 
Going out onto the main stage and covering up what happened in the kitchen, that is. 

Big Bro Ritheseus played along with my story and helped tie up the loose ends. 
Thanks to that, none of the kitchen staff should get punished. 

“If you can come up with an excuse like that on the spot, then you’re already pretty amazing~” 

Thanks, Veil. 
You were expecting me to get through it on my own, so you just stood by and watched, huh? 

“Well, if things really got bad, I would’ve thrown you a lifeline. If a dragon suddenly swoops in like it’s going to attack, most people forget everything, you know.” 

… 
I’m really glad I handled it myself. 

I’ve learned that dragons ultimately just brute-force their problems. 

“It’s great that everything ended well and all…” 

That’s Perina, the apprentice cook. 

“But why are you still in the kitchen, Your Highness?!” 

Hm? 
Because this is where I feel most at home. 

Maybe it’s because I’m still a commoner deep down. When I’m in a hall full of important nobles, it’s like my energy gets scraped away bit by bit. 
Backstage like this is way easier on my soul. 

It’s okay, it’s okay. 
I made my impression by introducing the pancakes. From now on, the pancakes will promote the Farm Kingdom all on their own! 

And you guys can’t slack off either! Starting tomorrow, pancake orders will probably come crashing in like a storm! 

We’ve still got plenty of pancake mix! 
Learn the farm-certified cooking method while I’m here! 

“I can’t believe it… We thought we were scouting the strongest new talent, and he turns out to be a prince… The world makes no sense…!” 
“To think a prince can cook like a professional… I had no idea…!” 

The head chef and Perina both stare blankly at me. 

Oh no, no. If you run a farm, cooking is a core subject! 
Eating the food we grow with great care is what’s important! 

But this whole situation made me learn something too. 
Sure, our farm-born ingredients and dishes are spreading to all the surrounding nations. But sometimes, misunderstandings happen, and things don’t catch on properly. 

Pancakes are one of them. 

Even though pancake mix is already widespread, people think it’s defective flour and don’t use it. What a waste. 
Maybe part of this journey should be about spreading the proper way to cook things. That way, everyone in the world gets to enjoy delicious food. 

“Ohhh, eating tasty food is the best! This is gonna be a fun trip~” 

Veil says that with such joy. 
Wait, you’re planning to come with me?! 

“Um… more importantly, Junior? Could you please go back to the hall and talk with everyone a bit longer…?” 

Big Bro Ritheseus comes all the way into the kitchen to call me. 

Ehhh... But like… 
I feel like I’ve already fulfilled my obligations... 

Besides, if too many important people recognize me, it’ll get in the way of my travels later on. 
I’m only traveling to train myself, after all. 

“As expected of Junior, he’s never swayed by power!” 
“He’s Lord Saint’s son all right...” 

So… what now? 

Word about me has spread pretty far in the Human Kingdom. Maybe we should move on before things get too noisy. 
Although, I do want to study the adventurer business a bit more. 

There’s time, but I need to think carefully before making moves. 

Right as I’m thinking that... 

“...Pardon me, I heard Lord Junior is here.” 

Hm? 
Someone’s looking for me? How unusual. 

“What?! You are…?!” 

Big Bro Ritheseus’ eyes go wide. 
So he knows this person. 

“P-Prince Goetia of the Demon Kingdom?!” 
“WHATTTTTTTTT?!” 

The people around us scream in unison. 

Demon Prince...? 
Goetia...? 

“Ohhh, that brat sure grew up, huh?” 

You know him, Veil?! 
Please explain!! 

“Don't you remember? You met him ages ago!” 

I did? 

“He’s the Demon King’s kid. He came to the farm to study for a while. He was a good student, even the pseudo-corpse praised him, remember? Then he stopped coming out of nowhere. What were you doing all that time?” 

Huh… I was really young, so my memories are fuzzy. 

The so-called Demon Prince standing before me is already a fully grown nobleman. 
Tall and slender, yet solidly built, radiating the aura of a powerhouse. 
His eyes shine sharp and majestic—truly noble-blooded. 
His face is beautiful, noble and refined. 
Even without saying he’s a prince, people would assume it. 

A perfect, extraordinary prince from head to toe. 
Even I can’t help straightening my posture. 

“It’s been a while, Lady Veil. After studying at the farm, I trained properly to inherit my father’s position. As practical learning, I was entrusted with a territory and focused on governing it.” 
“I see, I see.” 
“I was inexperienced and struggled greatly, becoming too busy to even make courtesy visits. I regret that. But now that things are finally running smoothly, I have a bit of freedom again. How is Lord Saint doing? Please tell him I’ll visit soon.” 
“Hmm, you’ve shed your skin and grown a layer. Don’t get cocky now~” 

He’s got the presence of a ruler without a hint of arrogance. 
The ideal successor to a throne. 

Then, Prince Goetia turns toward me. 
I freeze. 

“It’s been a long time, Junior. You’ve grown so much that calling you the Saint’s successor doesn’t sound like an exaggeration anymore.” 
“Y-Yessir?!” 

Wow, his teeth literally sparkled when he smiled. 
That actually happens?! 

I mean, I got called a prince a lot today, but this is what a real prince looks like. 
He’s on a different level from us humble-born folks across two generations. 

“I heard rumors of your exploits here in the Human Kingdom. That's why I used teleportation magic to come find you. I was wondering how I’d track you down, and then I learned a welcome party for you was happening right here in the capital. Perfect timing! It must be thanks to my good karma.” 

…Sure. 
But why do you need me so badly? 
Am I wanted for something? 

“President Ritheseus, sorry to appear so suddenly. But I have a favor to ask of Junior so urgent I could not waste a single moment.” 
“N-No, you are perfectly polite otherwise, so it’s fine...!” 

Even the battle-hardened Big Bro Ritheseus is overwhelmed by the aura of this Demon Prince. 

But… what does he want from me? 

“Uh… I do believe in helping others when I can, but I’m still young and inexperienced. I don’t have much power or authority, so I can’t do anything too unreasonable…” 
“Hahaha, no need to be so humble! Even when you were just a small child, you shone with overwhelming talent. I’ll never forget my shock when you crushed that merprince who was way older than you.” 

That happened? 
Because I sure don’t remember. 

“So, Lord Junior, I have a request. Will you accompany me up Mt. Eternity?” 
“Mt. Eternity?” 

I didn’t expect to hear that name. 

Mt. Eternity is the highest peak in the world. 
It’s a sacred mountain revered by both humans and demons and stands right along the border of both territories. 

Does he need me as a hiking buddy? 

“No, climbing isn’t the goal. I want your help convincing someone to return. Someone who has shut himself away on that mountain.” 
“Convincing someone?” 
“Yes. It’s Belphgamillia, once my father’s right-hand man and commander of the Demon King’s Army. He retired and secluded himself on Mt. Eternity. I want you to help me bring him home.”