第９０９堀：かつての敵との雑談 (Part1)
### Chapter 909: A Chat with a Former Enemy
**Side: Dressa**
"…I’m exhausted."
I muttered those words as I slumped over the table. Today, of all days, there was no one around to scold me for such unladylike behavior. That was because I had been granted some time off, all by myself.
"…If I don't do things like this, I never get a proper break."
When I’m at home, even on my days off, I’m busy looking after the children. Everyone had been considerate enough to tell me to go out and get some rest today. But it wasn't just me—everyone had been caught in a whirlwind of busyness for the past month.
The Intercontinental Exchange Conference was only a week away. On top of those preparations, the shopping mall project Yuki had mentioned was also underway, doubling the workload. Just as the matter of the Dragonkin’s participation had settled, we were hit with helping run the mall and the endless rehearsals for our wedding ceremonies. My fatigue had truly reached its peak.
"Vilia and Hiiro are usually… well, actually, that’s not true anymore."
Hiiro, who was always full of energy, had been nodding off more frequently lately. And lately, Vilia would often just stare at Yuki, unable to move. When even Vilia—who insisted on working hard for Yuki’s sake and actually followed through on her words—found her hands coming to a stop, you could tell just how busy and drained we all were.
In the midst of all that, I had finally snatched a moment of respite. I had come to this café hoping to refresh myself, but the moment I sat down, all the strength left my body. As I sat there in that listless state, I heard the sound of something being placed on the table…
"You look tired, Dressa."
"Ah, Lari. Sorry. Please excuse my disheveled state."
I couldn't even bring myself to sit up, so I just turned my face toward Lari to speak. This was the café opened by Ovik and Lari—a small shop tucked away in an alley within the commercial district. Since Ratz had finally given the go-ahead, confirming that the business wouldn't collapse, they had been running this little place.
"It’s fine. It’s not like the place is packed. So, what’ll you have?"
"Um, a café au lait and a scone. But it’s rare to see you here, Lari. Usually, it’s the other wives, isn't it? Or did you quit being an adventurer?"
"No way. I’m just taking a little break from the adventurer business. The Intercontinental Exchange Conference is coming up, right? This is the prime time for customers. The whole family is working hard for it."
"For all that talk, it’s not exactly full in here, is it?"
I understood the situation, but Ovik wasn't around, and there were no other customers.
"Ah, that’s not it. The other wives and the helpers are all at the stalls."
"Oh, I see. They’re at the street food festival."
"Exactly. They’re out there spreading the word about our shop. I’m just here taking it easy and watching the store. Anyway, order received. Just a moment."
With that, Lari headed behind the counter to prepare my order. This café was designed so that the kitchen was visible from the seating area. It was nice to have things prepared right in front of you; it was a treat for the eyes. Well, for simple things like scones, it was just reheating what had already been prepared.
Soon, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee began to drift through the air, making me feel better and helping me relax. It was comforting… it felt just like when Yuki prepared coffee or tea for us. He always went out of his way to prepare things for us, even when he was busy.
As I was thinking about that, still slumped over the table…
"Are you feeling unwell?"
I was suddenly addressed by a voice. Who was it? It sounded like a man, but I didn't recognize the voice at all. Perhaps he had been worried because I was slumped over when he walked in?
"No, I’m just a little tired."
I lifted my head to look at the stranger, and there stood…
"…King Noble."
King Noble of the Ex Kingdom was standing there. The man who had destroyed and stolen my homeland. The mortal enemy I had once sworn to kill. And, though I wasn't sure if "reconciliation" was the right word for it, he was someone with whom I had finally found closure, thanks to Yuki and the others.
Still, even with that closure, it wasn't as if we could just chat casually. Our positions were different, and given our history, we hadn't spoken much.
"May I join you?"
"I don't mind."
I had no reason to be cold and refuse him a seat, so I allowed it, and Noble sat down quietly.
"When was the last time we spoke?"
"Let’s see… wasn't it during the If Continent Conference?"
Honestly, my memory was fuzzy. During the If Continent Conference, I had been there, or rather, I was by Yuki’s side as his guard. I definitely spoke to him then, as greetings were mandatory.
"Ah, that. That was just a formal greeting, wasn't it?"
"If you mean outside of greetings, it was when Yuki was explaining Weed and the mana depletion issue inside the dungeon."
"So that was the last time."
"Yes. When you apologized to me and offered your head."
Noble had offered his own head once everything was over. I had wondered what the point of that was, and by then, I no longer held any hatred toward Ex. I knew his true intentions now. It hadn't been a deliberate act to destroy my homeland.
"…I see. And have your feelings changed?"
"No. I still have no use for your head, Noble. More importantly, I have no intention of throwing the Ex Kingdom into chaos. If that happened, it would only bring trouble to my homeland as well."
"I see…"
Whether Noble was relieved by my answer or unsatisfied, I couldn't tell, but he fell silent. He was likely struggling with what to say next. Just as I was thinking I should say something to break the silence, Lari returned.
"Here you go. Sorry for the wait. A café au lait and a scone. It looks like you two are done talking, so I brought them over."
"Ah, thank you. And Noble, you should order something too."
"Ah, you're right. I’ll have a hot black coffee."
"Understood."
Lari headed back to the counter. She must have been being considerate, waiting because she thought the conversation was sensitive. That aside, I had to enjoy my fresh order.
"I’ll start eating, if you don't mind?"
"Go ahead. That stuff is best when it’s fresh. Besides, that’s the whole point of a café, isn't it?"
"True. Then, I won't hold back."
I took a sip of the café au lait and bit into the scone. *Crunch.* The sound of the freshly baked pastry and its fragrant aroma filled the space. It was delicious.
Alright, I’d caught my breath. Maybe I should try starting a conversation.
"…So, how have things been since then? I’ve been quite busy myself."
I went with the safe "how have things been" strategy. That should get a normal response.
"Indeed. It has been a whirlwind of days. It’s been far more rewarding than plotting conspiracies ever was."
"Yes. I feel the same way. It’s been much more rewarding than the days I spent only thinking about revenge against you."
We both spoke those words honestly. Compared to the days we spent desperately crafting dark, murky plans, we were doing things that were truly rewarding, even if we were busy.
Yes, it was all in the past now… Talking to him confirmed it once more. I would never strike down Noble over my homeland. I could say that with certainty.
"However, that feeling is only natural for royalty, and for a human being. It is only natural that you would hate me. Are you sure you are fine with letting it go?"
"If you had trampled over the country and the people my father and the others protected just for your own selfish desires, I would have stopped you, no matter what. But that wasn't the case, was it? It was an accident."