第３７９堀：竜騎士と騎士 (Part2)
"We haven't even discussed what we should do yet. Well, the fact that Yuki hasn't said anything probably means we're free to do as we please, but Popuri is here because she wants to handle things peacefully, after all. It would be better to run it by Popuri rather than Yuki. Whether we decide to give them a sound thrashing or intentionally throw the match."
"Understood. I shall seek a decision once His Majesty and Lady Popuri return."
"That would be for the best."
A tournament before the throne, huh... I’m afraid Yuki and the others might come up with something unnecessary. I’ll need to make sure to keep Popuri in check regarding that as well. The idea of completely conquering the tournament would be beyond a laughing matter.
"By the way, Lady Arne, do you have any idea when the Principal might return?"
"No, I am afraid I do not know how long it will take. I have been instructed to guide you to your meals whenever you desire them."
Come to think of it, we held the ceremony and the martial arts demonstrations in the morning, and it’s already well past noon. We all seemed quite tense, it seems. It wasn't until Amanda spoke up that I realized I was hungry myself.
Just as I thought that, a loud growl echoed through the room. Every gaze turned toward the source of the sound. It was Amanda.
"...I'm hungry. Could you show us the way?"
"My deepest apologies!! I shall have a carriage prepared immediately, so please wait just a moment."
I see. Amanda asked about the Principal’s schedule because she was hungry and wanted to know how much longer she had to wait for a meal. But despite her best efforts, her stomach betrayed her. She turned bright red—the poor thing. Well, Amanda was the one who moved the most today, so it’s only natural she’d be famished. Still, I don't think even I could endure having my stomach growl in a place like this. Fortunately, the surrounding soldiers, Arne, and the Captain of the Royal Guard all began scrambling to prepare, showing they realized their own lack of consideration, which is a relief. We were a bit thoughtless ourselves... I’ll have to reflect on that.
We watched them rush to prepare, were ushered into a carriage, and only realized something once we were already swaying along inside.
"Say, why are we riding in a carriage just to have lunch?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right. Lady Arne, where is this carriage heading?"
"Yes. We are heading to a famous restaurant in the castle town. Since you all came straight to the Royal Castle, I believe you haven't had the chance to see the town at a leisurely pace. His Majesty requested that we use this opportunity for you to experience the vibrancy of Ex."
"Is that so? Then, will we have time to look at the shops? I was hoping to buy some souvenirs."
"Yes. I have been instructed to ensure there is time for that as well."
Hmm. If I were to be cynical, this is a way to keep us, who are out of their sight, away from the castle. Since Popuri didn't come along as I expected, this is probably the best move for them. Well, Kirika has already snuck into the castle, so this is a waste of effort—or rather, a good decoy. There are likely several monitors hidden within this crowd as well. A clever move. Hiding a tree in a forest, as they say.
From the moment we left the conspicuous royal carriage, we’ve been subjected to countless prying eyes. It’s impossible to tell which ones are the watchers. If I’m not careful, an assassination attempt could happen right here. It would be dangerous to take any action.
"We have arrived. Right this way."
Well, I suppose I’ll just quietly fill my stomach. I hope the food is good. It smells delicious, at least; it’s certainly whetting my appetite.
"This restaurant is popular even in the capital of Ex. The taste is excellent, the prices are reasonable, and it is favored by everyone from nobles to commoners."
"Oh, I didn't know a place like that existed."
...The choice of this restaurant was likely tailored to Amanda. After all, she’s not exactly the type to worry about dining etiquette.
"There really are all sorts of people here. Oh, are those people with their children?"
Following Amanda’s gaze, I see families dining together. With this atmosphere, Amanda shouldn't have to worry about her manners. Now then, I wonder how the others are doing? I’m curious, but I can’t exactly contact them openly. For now, I’ll just enjoy this "general cuisine."
Next up is the main event: Noble and Popuri. But putting that aside, I’m feeling quite unwell—my head is spinning, my nose is running, my throat hurts, and my joints are aching, so I’m sure a fever is coming on. I’m going to take some medicine and sleep. Also, regarding the Q&A corner, I haven't received enough questions, so it's a bit tricky. I'll post what I have now, and think about the rest later. So, I'm not sure if I'll be able to post in two days, on May 23rd. This cold is more persistent than I thought. I thought sleeping it off would work, but apparently not.