第１１７３堀：女心はやっぱりよくわかりません (Part1)
Chapter 1173: A Woman's Heart is Still a Mystery
Side: Yuki
I ran into Princess Fiora in the most unexpected of places.
I had assumed that after being treated like a mere tool, she would be so shocked that she’d be holed up in her room, but here she was, having snuck out of the castle.
I had Kirika’s subordinates keeping an eye on her just in case, but who would have guessed she’d appear while we were in the middle of a meal?
And of all places, she sat right next to me.
Setting aside the likes of Tori and the others, who are used to such sudden happenings, Orelia and her companions—who are still getting accustomed to dealing with high-ranking figures—choked on their food in a spectacular fashion.
Still, this is the Dafaio Kingdom. Princess Fiora is free to eat wherever she pleases, and I have no grounds to complain.
For Orelia and the others, I suppose I should consider this a dry run for when they inevitably bump into someone like Blade back in Weed.
If this had been ramen, it would have been even worse, given the broth.
In that sense, I suppose we were lucky it was pasta today.
Well, that aside, the pasta itself was delicious.
It was a bit thicker than a standard thin noodle, but with the heat, garlic, and oil, it was unmistakably a peperoncino.
I thought it could have used a bit more salt, but given that they were on the brink of war just recently, it seems the price of imported salt had skyrocketed.
The nobles and merchants must have been hoarding supplies the moment they sensed the coming conflict.
Thanks to that, the flavor was milder, so they compensated by cranking up the spice.
If Labyris, who hates spicy food, had been here, she wouldn’t have been able to touch it.
But for me, it was perfectly fine.
It wasn’t exactly at the level of some extreme spicy challenge from a variety show, after all.
I finished off the extra portion the lady of the shop had kindly added, and then spoke up.
"Thanks for the meal. That was great, ma'am."
"Glad to hear it, dear."
"How about everyone else?"
As I thanked the lady and paid the bill, I looked over at the members eating in a row.
"It was delicious! Thank you for the meal."
"Yeah, it was really good. Thank you for the meal."
"Phew, nice. Finding good food while out on a journey. Simply wonderful."
"Yes, I agree. Though, Agil-sama, I am surprised you finished that amount without a moment's hesitation. It’s quite a shock."
"Ahaha. I can always make room for good food."
Despite her size, Agil had managed to polish off a large serving as well.
She didn't seem to be forcing it, so I suppose it’s fine.
As for the others...
"Orelia, Yayui, Hobis, how are you three?"
"Yes. We have finished."
"Yeah, it was delicious."
"Yes, it was! It’s so tasty. If shops like this were to come to Weed, the people in charge of granting permits would certainly be motivated."
"That is true. Hopefully, they come to file an application tomorrow."
"I wonder? This place feels more like a local staple, after all."
The three of them had been surprised by Princess Fiora’s appearance, but they seemed to have already shifted their focus back to work.
Yes, yes. It seems the results of meeting Seraria and Rurua right off the bat are showing.
Still, I feel bad that they’re being hit with work talk while off the clock, as it seems like their lives are about to become nothing but work.
I’ll have to keep an eye on them.
I can’t have them burning out from stress and retiring—that would be a disaster in a completely different sense.
Anyway, the members here have finished eating, but...
"What will you do, Fiora-san? If you want to relax here a bit longer, we can meet up later."
"No, I have finished as well, so I shall accompany you. Thank you for the meal, ma'am."
"Come back again, Fiora."
"Yes, I will."
They seem surprisingly close. Is this a regular haunt of hers?
I suppose the rules aren't as strict in a smaller kingdom like this.
With that, we left the shop together.
"Now that we're out, where shall we talk?"
"Let's see. I have snuck out of the castle, so if I wander around the castle town too carelessly, it will cause a scene."
Ah, I know that, but it feels like the guards are just turning a blind eye to it.
After all, several soldiers have definitely seen Princess Fiora since we left, yet they all act as if they’ve seen nothing.
Well, there’s no reason for me to point that out and dampen the mood.
If her temper has improved, it might be necessary to talk now while I have the chance.
"Then, shall we go to the embassy? It wouldn't be strange for Princess Fiora to visit there, and spending the night wouldn't exactly tarnish your reputation."
"Indeed. It is already decided that I am to marry you, Yuki-sama. There is no issue with me visiting."
Ugh.
Is it my own guilt that makes me hear a sting in those words?
I only meant that we could use the excuse that I was staying over for work...
No, calm down.
If I take damage from something like this, the road ahead will be tough regardless.
The most important thing is to have a proper conversation.
"Ahaha. That’s true. Then, allow me to escort you to the embassy. Though, you’re likely more familiar with this castle town than I am, Princess Fiora."
"It’s not as if I’d get lost, so it’s fine. Please, lead the way."
As she said that, she reached out her hand.
Oh? I said that as a joke, but does she actually want me to take her hand and guide her like a princess?
Well, I was the one who brought it up, so I suppose I have no choice.
"As you wish, my Princess. This way."
"Yes."
Surprisingly, she took my hand quite naturally.
"Ah, that’s not fair."
"Yeah, I want you to do that for me too. I used to say I was embarrassed by things like that, but I have no such reservations now."
"Um, you two, let’s keep quiet about that for now."
Riel and Agil looked on with envy, but Tori warned them that now wasn't the time.
Right. I’m not here to play around.
The time for my stomach aches is about to begin.
And as for Orelia and the others...
"As expected of Yuki-sama. You are quite accustomed to dealing with women."
"Maybe it's because he has so many wives? But it’s nice, isn't it?"
"They look so good together."
For some reason, they seem impressed by the scene, as if I were out courting a woman.
Perhaps they think this is part of diplomacy, too.
Well, that’s not entirely wrong.
Yes, being eager to learn is a good thing.
With those noisy voices at my back, I walked straight toward the embassy.
I have no intention of taking any detours.
If any trouble arises, it will only be a headache.
But, ignoring my intentions, Princess Fiora suddenly stopped, even though there was nothing there.
I stopped in a panic. If I’m not careful, it might look like I’m dragging her around against her will, or worse, kidnapping her.
Even if I said I’d treat her roughly on the surface, I have no intention of antagonizing the sentiments of the Dafaio people.
"Is something the matter?"
"Oh, no. My apologies. It just brought back some memories."