第１１７３堀：女心はやっぱりよくわかりません (Part2)
"Nostalgic? Ah, I see. That’s what you mean."
I finally understood why Princess Fiora had come out into the castle town. If she were to be sent away, it would only be natural to want to see her homeland one last time. Especially since, in this instance, it wouldn't be strange to assume she might never return.
Well, personally, I wouldn't mind if she returned as often as she liked, but given the diplomatic circumstances, it would have to be done in secret. She certainly couldn't just walk back in through the front gates.
She stared intently at the cityscape—a view that, to us, was nothing more than ordinary streets.
"Do you have memories here?" I asked.
"…Yes. Many. I only just remembered them now."
Princess Fiora’s reply was tinged with profound loneliness. It was only natural; to be suddenly uprooted from one's home without any preparation would leave anyone feeling hollow. Perhaps Tori and the others sensed the mood, or perhaps they were lost in their own reflections, but they all remained silent.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the luxury of such sentimentality. It’s a sad thing, isn't it, that my mind was occupied solely by work?
*Alright, let’s try to recall something,* I thought. *This kind of streetscape...*
In my old life, I’d just head home at night and play games. *Man, I want to play a game.* No, no, that’s not it. Memories. Something... wait, I couldn't possibly have memories of *this* specific town, could I?
While I was lost in such foolish thoughts, Princess Fiora turned back toward me.
"I apologize. I’ve kept you waiting."
"Not at all. But are you sure you’re finished? We still have time, if you’d like."
"Thank you for your consideration. But the night has grown late, and the only places still open are the taverns and the brothels. If I am to see the town properly, I shall do so during the day next time."
I couldn't very well force her to linger in her nostalgia after she’d said that. Besides, all I could really do was take her to the embassy and talk.
And so, we resumed our route toward the embassy. We had entered the noble district, and though guards were patrolling, we were naturally never stopped. We had been properly cleared in advance. In a typical story, this would be the moment where we’d be treated as suspicious characters for escorting a princess, but that only happens in fiction. Even in this medieval world—or perhaps *because* of it—everyone knew that obstructing the movements of VIPs was a recipe for war.
As I pondered this, we arrived.
"Well, we’ve made it safely. We have a guest, so could you see to the preparations, Kirue?"
"Certainly. Leave it to me."
Kirue bowed and vanished into the embassy’s kitchen. Since she also served as the manager, this was second nature to her. Leaving the preparations to her, we headed to the parlor.
By the way, since this embassy was built by Weed, it was fully equipped with electricity, making it easy to brighten the room. Candles are just a fire hazard, after all.
"Haha. To think that even an embassy in our country would be equipped just like Weed..."
"Oh? Were you unaware?"
"My apologies. I have been so busy that I haven't had the chance to visit until now."
"No need to apologize, I’m not blaming you. Agil, you use this place often, don't you?"
"Of course. Whenever I’m conducting surveys around here, I stay here exclusively. Man, it’s a lot of work, running back and forth."
It was true; Agil had her hands full with the Blue Hole, the Great Mountain Range, the Great Sea of Trees, and the water source here in Dafaio. Even with Comet helping, there was no doubt she was swamped.
"Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule," I said.
"It’s fine. It’s for the Master’s sake, after all."
"I see. Agil-sama, you truly love Yuki-sama, don't you?"
"Of course. I mean, there’s no better master than him. Princess Fiora, surely you understand that, don't you?"
*Whoa,* she went straight for the jugular. I thought she was dodging the subject earlier, but that sudden curveball caught me off guard.
"Yes, of course. It’s just... I was a bit surprised today."
"That’s only natural. So, take your time and talk. I’ll be here tomorrow, too."
"Thank you."
*Huh?* They were talking quite normally. I haven't the faintest idea why. After the incredibly rude conversation back at the castle, why had my reputation improved?
Truly, I will never understand the female heart. In a standard romantic comedy, it would take many chapters to reach this level of rapport... but reality is cruel. Sometimes, things just spring back to life and progress at a breakneck pace.