第５８１堀：学生な理由 (Part2)

第５８１堀：学生な理由 (Part2)

"I finally understand the true meaning behind why Yuki-sama values Kagura so highly."

"Indeed. It's convenient, isn't it, Kagura? If I recall, you're at the top of your class at the academy, right?"

"Y-yes. I am the valedictorian, but..."

"Kagura is well-regarded by the academy head and the faculty, and Duke Kamishiro is one of the academy's founders."

That is true. The very concept of the school system was devised by my first ancestor.

"Furthermore, there is the matter of your recent achievements. If we make requests to the academy through you, they will surely be approved with ease. There is no greater honor than this, after all. It’s not every day that an active student successfully mediates talks between nations."

"...Eh? Does that mean..."

I have a bad feeling about this. No, I already know. But I don't want to hear it.

"Kagura, I'm so glad you're my friend."

Nooo!? Please, don’t look at me with that smile—the one that’s smiling, but not really smiling at all!

"Well, I’ll provide support. But the connections between the academy, Weed, and the If Continent all rest on your shoulders, Kagura. I’ll provide the budget. Carrie, make sure to assist her properly. It’s far too much work for one person."

"Yes, I understand. Let’s do our best, the two of us. First, please write a letter to your uncle confirming our acceptance of this proposal. And one for the academy as well."

"Understood. I’ll get to work immediately."

Even as I wallowed in despair, time marched on without regard for my feelings.

"Kagura, please speak to Duke Kamishiro about this matter and secure his cooperation."

"Tell Sou that the letters will arrive later."

"Y-yes!!"

In the end, swept up by the momentum of the moment, I began the preparations to welcome Yuki and his group to the academy.

Before I knew it, night had fallen. Fortunately, Weed is illuminated by electricity, and the shops were still open.

"At the very least... I need some comfort..."

My body was craving it. After the repeated, back-breaking labor far beyond my station, I needed cake...

And so, having delivered the reports and the personal letters to Weed, I wandered, dazed, toward a café known for its delicious cakes. Dinner? Who needs dinner when you can have cake? That was my mindset. Besides, I’d been working non-stop since my audience in the morning and hadn't eaten a thing.

"...Fufu. I miss the days when I first came to Weed."

Back when Yuki told me to enjoy myself while I could, and I was able to do so honestly. I miss that time; I envy it.

"...hey! Hey!! Can you hear me!? Kagura!!"

"Hya!?"

A loud voice suddenly pierced my ears, and I jumped in surprise. Looking in the direction of the sound, I saw Amanda and Eoid standing there.

"Amanda, you startled Kagura. Sorry about that."

"Can you blame me? She was walking around dazed with this weird, vacant smile on her face. She didn't even notice us calling out to her."

"Ah, sorry. Don't worry about it, Eoid."

It seems they had been worried about me, as I had apparently become a suspicious-looking person.

"So, what are you doing walking around in a place like this?"

"I was just tired from work, so I thought I’d get some cake. Yuki said that sweets are good for fatigue."

"Ah, I see. Being a diplomat is tough, isn't it?"

"Stop it. I’m just a normal student."

"Ahaha. Alright, then I’ll join you."

"Eh? Is that just because Amanda wants cake—gah!?"

"Eoid wants to treat you? Well, I suppose it can't be helped. Just make sure you pay from your own pocket money. If you touch your savings, I’ll kill you."

Watching their usual banter, I felt a sense of warmth. Yes, friends are important. I feel like my peace of mind is right here.

"Come on, don't be shy. Let's order the expensive cake."

"Eh? No, I really can't let you do that. I'll pay for my own. As a diplomat, my salary is quite good. Aren't you two saving up for the future?"

I’m not greedy enough to sponge off them, and I’m not short on money. If anything, I want to treat the two who give me these moments of peace. But this couple seems sensible, and they wouldn't accept such a thing. Just as I was thinking that, Eoid opened his mouth with a smile.

"It's fine. We have this set aside separately from our savings."

"No, but..."

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Eoid, stop it!! Kagura is too serious, so you have to just tell her."

As I tried to refuse further, Amanda shouted.

"Tell me? Tell me what?"

"Well, actually..."

"Amanda..."

"Eoid, it’s embarrassing to treat someone with someone else's money. You have to tell her properly."

"Someone else's money?"

When I said that, Eoid shrugged as if to say it couldn't be helped, and Amanda began to explain.

"Actually, we came looking for you today. Yuki-san asked us to. He said you’d be tired from work, so he wanted us to make sure you had a good meal. He even gave us the money for it."

"Eh?"

"Yuki-san seems worried about the burden he’s placing on you, Kagura-san. But he said that if he invited you to eat, he’d just be adding to your fatigue by making you face him..."

"So he asked us, your friends, to do it instead."

So that’s what it was. No wonder we ran into each other at just the right time.

"Ah, but this is a secret. Don't tell him. It’s your fault, Kagura. You should have just let him treat you honestly."

"I understand. Then, I’ll take you up on your offer... I'll have this, and this, and this..."

"Ueh!? You're ordering that much!?"

" "Eh? This much is normal, isn't it?" "

Amanda and I answered in unison.

Now then, let’s enjoy this so as not to waste Yuki’s kindness. Yuki, thank you.

And so, using Kagura as a pretext, I ended up infiltrating the academy. Being a student is great in so many ways, isn't it? Everyone remembers the joy of student discounts, right?