A little while ago, having been treated amicably by the Seven Princesses was enough to make Eris scream internally, yet she managed to continue the conversation without causing any issues.
Her mind and stomach were taking heavy damage, but she maintained a calm and cheerful demeanor, a testament to her capabilities as a noble lady.
(……Nevertheless, I can only admire Kaito-sama’s influence. I never imagined that the Seven Princesses would talk to me so amicably. Since I haven’t mentioned the Hamilton Marquisdom this time, I should view this as a personal relationship merits rather than the family’s, but even so, it’s an enormous favor considering the future.)
Occasionally, Kaito stepped in to help guide the conversation, making it easier for Eris to regain some of her composure bit by bit. Of course, compared to usual, she was still in a chaotic state, but she had managed to regain her composure to the point that covering up her nervousness wasn’t an issue anymore.
At that moment, Rosemary leaned close to Camellia and whispered something, and Camellia nodded lightly before speaking.[Tir-san, Ariel-san, and Jutia-san, it’s about time for our reservation, and we shouldn’t disturb Kaito-san and Eris-san, so let’s head to the store.]
[Oh, that’s right, that’s right. It would be rude to hold you up for too long.]
[Right~~ Well then, Kaitokun-san, Eris-san, we’re heading to Nifty café. Let’s chat again later~~]
Since the time for their café reservation was approaching, they decided to wrap up the conversation there. Having successfully navigated what could be called a difficult situation, Eris let out a small sigh of relief.
[Yes, please enjoy yourself, everyone.]
[Thanks~~ Kaitokun-san is going shopping with Eris-san, right? Have fun!]
After watching Tirtania and the others wave goodbye cheerfully as they headed to the store, Eris tilted her head in confusion.(……Arehh? Was it just my imagination? Did something feel a bit off there?)
As that doubt floated in her mind, Kaito approached her with a slightly apologetic expression.
[I’m sorry, Eris-san. It ended up in quite the ruckus.]
[N- No, rather, I consider it a wonderful honor to have gotten to know the Seven Princesses, so please don’t worry about it……]
[I see, hearing you say that makes me relieved. Then, shall we head to the store as well?]
[Indeed. We can’t just stand around here……]
At the words Kaito spoke so naturally, Eris responded reflexively with a smile…… However, immediately after, her mind was flooded with a mass of question marks.
(Arehh? Eh? Wasn’t that strange just now? It sounded as if she was saying I was shopping with Kaito-sama? Kaito-sama? Eh? That isn’t the case, right? We’re supposed to part ways in front of the store…… Eh? Arehh? Are we going inside together? W- Wouldn’t that incite misunderstandings like me having a romantic relationship with Kaito-sama?)
Having unintentionally ended up entering the store with Kaito, Eris’ mind was in complete turmoil. However, she recognized that Kaito held a much higher status than she did, and she couldn’t express any objections to his actions.
Upon entering the store, they were asked to confirm their reservation, and while confused, Eris informed them that she and the maid behind her were the patrons. Of course, Kaito was allowed in without any issue, so the reservation limit didn’t affect him.
The store wasn’t crowded due to a limited number of people allowed in, but there were still a fair number of customers inside, and Eris noticed several nobles she recognized among the buying crowd.
Among them was a Count’s daughter who happened to belong to the same reformist faction as the Hamilton Marquis family and was familiar with Eris…… Upon seeing Eris enter the store with Kaito, she had a stunned expression on her face and did a double take.
(……There’s no way she’ll approach me here, but I’m certain I’ll receive a letter later asking about what happened. However, I have no explanation to give…… I mean, I don’t even understand why things turned out this way myself!?)
Eris’s inner cries went unheard, and as she feared…… the situation naturally unfolded into her walking around the store with Kaito. She could only force a strained smile as intermittent waves of stomachache assailed her.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [If we consider Kaito’s thoughts in this situation, he must have sensed Eris’s confusion and tension when she was facing the Seven Princesses through Sympathy Magic…… Maybe he’s thinking about giving her a present as an apology? If that’s the case…… it looks like the stomachaches will continue.]
? ? ? : [The fact that she managed to talk a bit and regain her composure to some extent is also problematic. Since she’s able to control her emotions, her confusion isn’t as likely to be conveyed to Kaito-san……]
