Chapter 98 - Chapter 97: Differences in Status, Differences in Thinking
After school.
Everyone in the Leventein Group who had promised to go out and play with Cleiria gathered and headed for the main gate.
I had told everyone about the "hospitality etiquette" beforehand.
That said, I hadn't done any hosting myself either, so I just reconfirmed things like "try to keep smiling as much as possible" as mental preparation for treating Cleiria well.
There's no gain in visibly slumping your shoulders or anything.
It's just so they can enjoy strolling around the Capital City comfortably.
Or rather, you shouldn't expect more than that from children.
It's not work. We're just spending time together as friends.
When we arrived at the main gate, a line of Leventein family knights was waiting there.
The number was over twenty.
As Cleiria approached, they all saluted at once to welcome her.
Surrounding academy students who didn't know the situation were wide-eyed, asking, "What happened?" "What's going on?"
"Thank you for your hard work, Cleiria-sama. Everything is ready."
The Knight Captain standing before the knights released his salute and stepped forward to report to Cleiria.
Wasn't this the Knight Captain I spoke with variously during the Virone incident?
The mishap of Cleiria's escape was settled with a strict warning, wasn't it?
"Hard work, Mustajif. You handled the sudden change well. Thank you."
"Yes!"
Mustajif straightened his posture and responded to Cleiria's words of appreciation.
Mustajif, who seemed to be watching that scene vaguely, beckoned me over with a small flick of his hand.
Cleiria didn't notice that and was speaking to the knights lined up.
(Hmm?)
When I went over to Mustajif's side wondering what it was, he squatted down and whispered secretly into my ear.
"...Mika-kun, this kind of thing is troublesome. Cleiria-sama seems pleased, but we have our own circumstances..."
Mustajif pleaded with a troubled expression.
Apparently, due to the sudden need for city protection, they had summoned off-duty knights for emergency response.
Well, none of my business.
Or rather, it's not my fault.
"I checked with the knights assigned to the escort, though?"
"We cannot stop Cleiria-sama. For that kind of thing, you have to stop her..."
That's exactly none of my business.
Why am I becoming the person in charge of stopping her?
"Isn't there anyone in the Marquis family that side who can stop Cleiria?"
When I asked, Mustajif made a grim face.
It seems there isn't.
"Can't they bring an overseer from Sarbengeal?"
Mustajif shook his head weakly.
"Until now, Virone has undertaken such a role..."
It's not just a master-servant relationship; few people can reach Cleiria's inner self.
Servants can manage schedules and arrange life, but they cannot advise against things.
Even the housekeeper (housekeeper) currently entrusted with managing the separate villa doesn't seem to have a strong connection with Cleiria personally.
"So, from now on, Mika-kun will be..."
"That's impossible. What are you saying."
"Please do something about it. You can advise Cleiria-sama."
Mustajif was begging Mika.
Or rather, Mustajif's attitude was strange.
Why does he trust me so much?
(We just met during the Virone incident, yet his attitude is quite different from back then...)
I don't get it.
When Mika stared at Mustajif, Mustajif also put on a serious face.
"It seems you have gained the trust of His Excellency as well. Also, there was the matter of the plea for mercy for Virone. ...So, I decided to trust you as well."
He says such things.
Did you talk to the Marquis (old man) when you returned to Sarbengeal because of Virone?
Or did the Marquis (old man) change his mind because of Mika's plea for mercy, and Mustajif's thoughts changed too?
(Either way, it's still troublesome.)
Mika slumped his shoulders.
I want to minimize involvement with noble families, but the points of contact are increasing little by little.
However, the "connections (connections)" with Mustajif might be useful in the future.
At least, in cases like this, I'll be able to confirm the Marquis family's opinion.
Whether or not I actually become the one to stop her, being able to know the Marquis family's opinion is a big asset.
Considering future academy life, it would be better to have such "connections".
"...Haa... Please tell the on-site escort knights properly. If the liaison role doesn't function, eventually something like today will happen again, right?"
"Oh, you'll do it! I understand, I'll tell the knights well."
"...Also, don't expect too much. Do you really know I'm asking something unreasonable?"
"Y-yes. I understand."
Really?
When Mika and Mustajif secretly formed an agreement, Cleiria, who had been speaking to the knights, returned.
"What are you doing, Mika?"
"Nothing special. Just a light meeting for today."
"That is correct, Cleiria-sama. Well then, Mika-kun. From now on, please take care."
"Yes, yes..."
Mika shrugged his shoulders, and Mustajif gave instructions to the knights.
In the blink of an eye, the Leventein Group, including Mika, was surrounded by eight knights, and Mustajif stood by Cleiria's side.
And the other knights dispersed to surround us from a distance.
The overly strict protection made me pull back a little.
(Going out to play like this, what kind of big star are you?)
It was like a star going shopping while being protected by bodyguards, as seen on a wide show.
Everyone in the Leventein Group also had surprised expressions.
"For now, there's no point in staying here forever. It's an obstruction, so let's go eat something."
When Mika said that, everyone seemed to be pulled back to reality and remembered they were hungry.
Since it's Saturday, the academy cafeteria is closed.
So, normally we would have lunch in the dormitory, but Cleiria can't do that.
First, we want to fill our stomachs by buying food somewhere or anything.
"In that case, Mika. I have reserved a good shop for me..."
"Rejected."
"Why!?"
Cleiria was shocked by Mika's ruthless immediate decision.
I told everyone about hospitality etiquette, but this is impossible.
Mika let out a huge sigh.
"...I'll listen to you. What shop?"
Mika asked Cleiria for the shop details while half-closing his eyes.
"Of course, it's a wonderful shop that ranks among the top five in the Capital City! Normally, reservations are booked solid for three months ahead, but I forced them to prepare it for me. It's suitable for a commemoration of going out together for the first time with everyone..."
"There's no way we can go to a shop like that."
Don't underestimate commoners.
If you eat at a shop like that, you won't know the taste.
Moreover, they forced them to prepare it even though it was booked solid for three months ahead!?
That's using the Marquis family's name, right?
Mika pondered without trying to hide his irritation.
(Forcing our way in and then canceling would cause even more trouble to the shop... But, I can't make Cleiria remember that we're happy about something prepared like that.)
Mika looked up at Mustajif.
Mustajif also seemed to understand what Mika was thinking, with a heavy expression.
"Is the reservation for eight people?"
It's Cleiria and the Leventein Group, right?
"Yes, that's right."
"Send eight replacement people immediately. Absolutely do not cancel. Arrange so as not to cause any more trouble to that shop. And apologize well for causing trouble."
"Understood."
At Mika's instruction, Mustajif immediately gave an order to one knight.
Normally, a Cleiria escort knight, especially the Captain, shouldn't move at Mika's instruction.
But Mustajif understood that too. Causing great trouble to the shop.
He knew and still executed it.
Because it was Cleiria's order.
Apologizing to the shop should normally be done by the person themselves (Cleiria), but those in the Marquis family who didn't stop her are also guilty.
Anyway, someone must bow their head for this mishap.
"Um... Mika..."
Cleiria looked at Mika with anxious eyes.
Scolding her harshly here would be easy.
Saying "Why did you do something so foolish" based on emotion would be simple.
But, I think it's cruel to direct that at Cleiria.
Because she doesn't know.
(She grew up thinking it's natural for those around her to fulfill whatever she wishes. It would be pitiful to blame her for not knowing things she wasn't taught.)
She probably never thought about the influence of the power she holds... or rather, the power she borrows from the Marquis.
That's because it was power she already had when she was born.
But, if she wants to be friends with Mika and others who are commoners, there is much she needs to know from now on.
Mika smiled at Cleiria.
"Is it okay with the shop I chose today? We'll have to walk a little."
"Yes..."
Cleiria surely realized she did something wrong.
But, it seems she hasn't noticed specifically what the failure was.
"Cleiria."
"...Yes."
Cleiria had a depressed expression.
Surely, if explained, she would understand properly.
But, since we're going out to play, we can't explain endlessly here.
"When we return, ask Mustajif-san. He'll understand properly."
"...Yes."
Cleiria looked like she was about to cry.
Mika took Cleiria's hand.
"Um... Mika..."
"Come on, let's go. I'm hungry."
Cleiria looked surprised, but Mika walked on without caring.
(It would be pitiful if it became awkward like this. I have to show her with my attitude that I'm not angry, or she'll get anxious.)
So walking, the Leventein Group and escort knights moved out as a group of nearly twenty people.
(That's too large a group. It's not the number of people for a casual outing. Moving with this number.)
If we go out to play in the future, the escort knights will have to consider some response.
Thinking such things, Mika walked towards the Second Outer Wall.
Mika and others were walking on the Southeast Main Street of the Capital City.
"Woah..."
Rimliche was frequently looking around at the shops lined up on the street.
Everyone in the Leventein Group was similar, and while the streetscape was familiar to Mika, it seemed like everyone was entering the Capital City for the first time.
Cleiria also commutes to the academy through the Southeast Main Street, but since she usually keeps the carriage windows closed, she hasn't looked at the streetscape much.
There are quite a few pedestrians, but it's not as congested as Sarbengeal, so moving with a large group isn't much trouble.
"Please turn left into the next road."
Mika gave directions to the escort knight walking ahead.
As they advanced, giving further directions at the corner, the escort knight ahead stopped.
"...Really, are we going this way?"
This is near the entertainment district, slightly off the main road.
The road Mika indicated isn't narrow, but it's a somewhat dim road.
It's not a place with bad security, but well, it's not a place a noble lady would normally visit.
"Yes, there's a delicious shop ahead."
Mika was aiming for the shop he was taken to by Salomrassa before.
It's a quite delicious shop, the price is cheap, and he had come to eat there alone even after that.
Since it's a tavern, it feels a bit desolate during the day, but it must be prosperous at night.
"...Mika-kun, I'm sorry, but such a place is a bit..."
Mustajif also showed difficulty.
Even if said that, Mika doesn't know many shops either.
Among them, this is the only one he can recommend as a delicious shop, so it's unavoidable.
"I see. Then wait there. Let's go, Cleiria. Everyone."
Saying that, Mika tried to pull Cleiria's hand and go ahead.
"Wait, wait, wait, please wait a moment."
Mustajif hurriedly stopped Mika.
"What is it? I'm hungry too."
"No, no, you should know without me saying it? Consider our position."
Mustajif had a troubled face.
Well, I thought he would react like that.
But, there's no obligation for us to consider that.
"Who's going to attack us in a place like this? Planned attacks are impossible, and if it's a sudden one, I can handle it alone, right?"
Today we went out suddenly, and it's a place we would absolutely never come to normally.
Planned attacks are unlikely.
There's a possibility of thugs getting involved, but that's enough for just Mika.
I understand being alert to dangerous places as an escort knight, but that's the escort's circumstance, not Mika's.
"It's not that kind of problem. We can't let Cleiria-sama go to a place like this."
Mustajif countered Mika with a firm attitude.
Mika was firm.
Mika looked at Cleiria.
"Then we're going to the shop ahead. What will Cleiria do?"
"Of course, I'm going."
"Cleiria-sama!"
Mustajif might have thought he was relieved after making a secret agreement with Mika, but it won't work.
Originally, the problem lies with the escort knights' attitude of not even trying to advise Cleiria.
If it deviates from Mika's common sense and good sense, he will advise, but he has no intention of stopping things that are normal to Mika.
Mika is not an escort knight, so if told to consider the escort knight's position, it's "Who cares."
If you don't like it, figure it out yourselves. It's work, right?
The shop where we forced a reservation today, if someone in the Marquis family (you lot) had stopped it, we wouldn't have caused such trouble.
I want you to reflect from the bottom of your hearts.
"It's the shop with the tavern sign over there. They mainly serve food during the day. If you want to check safety, please do. I'll wait a little if necessary."
When Mika said that with a smile, Mustajif frowned and thought.
And he sent several escort knights.
"I'll pay today, so everyone don't worry and eat your fill."
When Mika said that, everyone in the Leventein Group seemed relieved.
Everyone receives a salary of five silver coins a month from the academy, but this isn't an amount they can spend wastefully.
And most importantly, since they decided to go out to play suddenly, it's natural to have little money on hand.
Some might not even have one copper coin.
It's reluctant to pay for Cleiria, but if it's Mika, I can order without hesitation.
We know each other well enough for that.
"Is it okay? Saying things like that? I'll eat until Mika goes bankrupt!"
"Oh, try it if you can! Even if I eat a hundred skewers of meat, will I go bankrupt! Or rather, I'll stuff you until you cry and apologize!"
Cecilia, who had been a bit quiet while surrounded by escort knights, was back to her usual mood.
Everyone regained a little of their mood with that exchange between the two.
"Is it okay, Mika-kun?"
"Rimliche doesn't need to hesitate either. Shall I stuff you too, Rimliche?"
When Mika said that, a reply came back with a smile, "It's better to help stuff."
At that time, Cleiria hesitantly called out to Mika.
"Mika, I should pay for this. Please let me pay."
"No."
"Such..."
Cleiria says she will pay, but Mika rejects it.
(Being in a position to receive allowance from parents and treating others, don't underestimate me.)
The current Cleiria is too different from Mika in values and way of thinking.
Will she gradually approach Mika from now on, or will they become incompatible and separate?
This is unavoidable.
Whether we can become real friends isn't something that can be known easily.
Even if we separate, if we don't break up in a fight, it's just an old friend.
People who were close and played well in the past are common.
I don't know what will happen from now on, but I'd like Cleiria to understand Mika's thoughts if possible.
Of course, Mika also wants to understand Cleiria's thoughts.
There is a wall between noble and commoner, but it's surely possible to become good friends.
"...Confirmation obtained. It's fine."
Mustajif reluctantly gave an OK.
When Mika and others entered the shop, the place was already secured by the escort knights, and they were guided to the table at the very back of the shop.
When they sat down, the escort knights lined up to block that spot.
When Mika ordered a platter of skewered meat for ten-plus people, after a while, five large plates were served.
Interrupting the escort knight saying "Poison taster...", Mika took one skewer from every plate and started gobbling.
Everyone in the Leventein Group, watching that, reached out and ate as they liked.
"Um..."
They don't do poison tasting in the academy cafeteria, but in other places, is it that you can't eat until the poison taster role gives OK?
Cleiria was confused.
But, she hesitantly reached out and took a skewer of meat.
She took it, but it seems she hasn't done such an eating style of biting into skewered meat like this.
She was at a loss.
Mika swallowed the meat he was chewing and called out to Cleiria.
"I think you can get a knife if you tell the shop people."
Mika and others' usual meals are basically spoons.
Otherwise, they eat skillfully using one chopstick.
But, it seems cutlery does have knives, at least for the sake of it.
It doesn't seem to have spread to the general public yet, but it's convenient, so I hope it spreads.
"...No, it's okay."
Cleiria stared at the skewered meat, and it seems she made up her mind and bit into it as is.
The escort knights, watching that, were surprised.
And some hostile gazes were directed at Mika.
(What kind of thing are you making Cleiria-sama remember, this kid?)
For Mika, if this makes him not have to pass the buck to him anymore, it's a win.
I want the escort knights to serve Cleiria with more determination.
Thus, the fun lunch party ended, and everyone walked back on the main street.
The group of children protected by knights attracted some attention from the surroundings, but everyone's eyes were sparkling as they strolled around the Capital City for the first time.
(Sometimes, this kind of break is nice too.)
While spending a fun time, Cleiria's mood, which was a bit depressed, recovered.
And until the Capital City's streetscape was dyed by the sunset, everyone looked around various shops lively.