第１３４９堀：穏やかな休日 (Part2)
King August VIII seems to be enjoying a culinary tour of the ramen shops and eateries in Weed, escorted by King Blade of Roday.
Considering that, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Princess Inis, or even Samantha’s family, might be in town.
"Still, they haven't crossed paths with me yet."
"Well, Yuki-sama, you are a busy man. Perhaps they are waiting for the wedding? It wouldn't be right to interrupt your work just to pay a social call."
"Princess Inis aside, Master is likely being considerate."
I am aware that Princess Inis has been spotted in Weedmall.
That woman is a free spirit, after all.
"Well, once things settle down, I suppose I should pay a visit to my family home."
"Please, do not push yourself. Only go when you truly have the time."
"Mm. There is no need for Yuki to force a visit. Given your standing, it is for your master and the others to come to you."
"I know. I won't overdo it. So, how were Wazfi, Nairua, and Hivia? Did Popuri give you a hard time?"
I shifted the conversation to check on the others.
"No, what is that supposed to mean? We are 'Single Numbers' of the Academy. We are top-tier students. There were no problems whatsoever."
"H-hey, Yuki is j-just worried about us. It’s... it’s fine. The Principal has already received the data from the Vice Principal, so there are no issues. If there is anyone she is concerned about, it would be H-Hivia."
I turned my gaze toward Hivia, listening to Nairua’s characteristically stuttering speech.
It was true; Hivia’s origins as a ghost were inherently unstable, and since Popuri was well aware of her nature, it was natural for her to be a point of concern.
"Well, we talked, but mostly just about daily life. Oh, she did ask about my physical state, but nothing beyond that. Besides, before the International Exchange School started, I was at the Academy the whole time conducting surveys in the Great Forest, so it’s all a bit of an exaggeration."
Hivia said with a wry smile.
Indeed, before the exchange program began, Hivia, along with Wazfi and Nairua, had been stationed at the Academy, tasked with monitoring and surveying the Great Forest.
"Oh, but more importantly, did you and the others eat yet, Yuki-oniisan?"
With that, Hivia held out a serving of the Innkeeper’s karaage—a favorite of ours.
The group from the Lancer Magic Academy had brought it back as a souvenir.
Since we are such a large family, we had ordered it the moment they arrived.
"Yeah. You know, no matter how many times I eat this, it’s delicious."
"It really is. Is that gentleman doing well?"
"Mm-hmm. He’s doing great. He said if you drop by, he’ll treat you to a meal."
"I see. In that case, I suppose we’ll have to pay him a visit."
"That sounds like a plan."
As we chatted and savored the fried chicken, we had intended to spend the rest of the evening relaxing, but—
"Big Brother! Let’s play cards!"
"Seraria-neesama and the others, too! It’s more fun with more people!"
"Mm. Let’s all play together!"
"That sounds lovely. Shall we hold a card tournament?"
"Indeed. Let’s organize a bracket."
"Right. If we’re going to do this, we’re going to play to win."
It seemed Aslin and the others had decided to drag Prol and the rest into a card tournament.
The game was simple Old Maid—a test of reading the expressions of those across from you.
Well then, I suppose we’d better give it our all.
There’s something nice about these kinds of tabletop games.
With that thought in mind, we began our game.
On a night when tomorrow is also a holiday, one can’t help but want to run wild.
Without the weight of duty on our hearts, the mood was nothing short of exuberant.