第１３６４堀：心を落ち着けるためには？ (Part1)
Chapter 1364: How to Calm One’s Heart?
Side: Dressa
I am attending classes at the International Exchange School as usual, spending my lunch break eating in a relaxed manner, but...
"Mmm..."
"...I wonder if my sisters are alright."
Vilia and Hiiro are eating, but their minds are clearly elsewhere, lost in thought.
Well, that’s to be expected.
After all, behind the scenes of this leisurely school life, Weed has mobilized to prevent a Great Outbreak in the Principality of Suurus.
Even for me, it’s a cause for concern.
Steve and his team were the ones deployed, and the interception is already complete. However, they are currently heading toward the royal capital with Lilishe as an envoy, escorted by Agil and the others, to confirm if there are any remaining enemies and to inform them that the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance is entering Suurus to cooperate with Litea.
I imagine they should be arriving at the capital soon, but there’s no telling what might happen after that.
Actually, there’s no way such information would be leaked to us here.
It would inevitably cause agitation.
If that were to reach the people at school, it would shake the foundations of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.
So, it is correct for them not to share the information with us.
...But having learned a fraction of the truth, I find myself worrying like this.
Yet, if they didn't tell me, I’d probably be angry; I have such a troublesome personality, if I do say so myself.
I wish I could provide support from an aircraft carrier, but unfortunately, there are no coastal areas in the Rogari Continent that Weed owns or can lease.
Therefore, air support from a carrier is impossible.
Naturally, support from the sea or underwater is also out of the question.
If I could do anything, it would be naval gunfire, but unfortunately, it takes time for the shells to land, and if I were to use something, a controllable long-range missile would be more convenient—though there is no reason to fire from the sea.
In short, I have no choice but to continue with this international exchange at school.
I’m starting to lose track of why I obtained this position and what I’ve been working so hard for, for Yuki and everyone else.
No, I understand that I am standing by to protect Weed, but it’s still frustrating.
While I was thinking about such things and eating...
"My, you all have such gloomy faces."
"Yoo-hoo! Vilia-chan, Hiiro-chan, Dressa-chan."
"Is it... mealtime?"
"Did something happen?"
"You all look so down."
"I wonder what it is?"
When I looked up at the voices, I saw Labyris, Aslin, Firia, and Shera, along with the ghost Havia and Fusola, the daughter of Viscount Aoku from the Kingdom of Zufia, looking at us with curiosity.
A strange combination... or perhaps not. Shera is a bit of an outlier, but the others are all part of the younger group.
"Oh my, I felt some malice from Dressa just now."
"Same here."
"Are you saying that while knowing what you look like? Shera, you’re a bit big, and Havia, your body size isn't exactly age-appropriate, is it?"
" "Muu." "
Shera’s true form has already become that of a beautiful girl who could be called an adult.
Havia is a ghost who doesn't grow, remaining small forever.
By the way, Aslin’s true form is also a stunningly beautiful girl.
The ones who haven't changed are Labyris and Firia.
Of course, Vilia and I are also using doppelgangers, but we are mixed in with the upperclassmen.
Hiiro is in the younger group with Aslin and the others, but well, we were eating together as a group.
"So, why the gloomy faces during lunch?"
Labyris sits in the seat opposite me without seeming particularly concerned.
Following her lead, Aslin and the others take their seats and begin to eat.
"Ah, it’s nothing of much importance."
I answer, while averting my gaze in a specific way.
This is like a code we use when people who aren't involved are around.
The content implies that while I’m saying it’s nothing, I’m actually worried about the operation.
"I see. So the studies are difficult, then?"
"Well, something like that."
I continue the conversation using "studies" as the code word.
"How about you guys?"
When I ask how they are doing, since we are worried...
"I’m not worried at all. If you ask if I can get a perfect score, that’s difficult, but I think I’ll land in a safe spot, don't you think? Right, Vilia?"
"That’s true. I believe we will end with a safe—no, an excellent result..."
"Are you dissatisfied if it’s not a perfect score? Well, we are from Weed, where the ideas originated, so it’s natural to aim for that."
"But Brother doesn't wish for such things. Grades are just grades. What’s important is that everyone gets along."
Firia talks about grades normally, perhaps not realizing we are speaking in code.
Is it because we’re eating that she’s not fully conscious of it...?
"Yeah, that’s right. Besides, if we’re anxious, the older brothers won't be able to concentrate on their work, right?"
" " "Ugh." " "
Aslin hits the nail on the head, whether she knows the context or not.
"That’s true. If we’re anxious, Yuki-oniisama will become anxious in return. If anything, you should trust yourself and Yuki-oniisama more. He’s the outlier who recognized me as a friend and pulled me up, isn't he?"
"Ahaha, I was surprised that Havia-san was a ghost, but I think Yuki-sama and the others can do it. After all, they are amazing mages."
Setting Havia aside, Fusola looks at them like someone looking at their idol.
Her eyes are sparkling.
By the way, I’m sure Fusola doesn't realize that this has nothing to do with the talk about grades.
Well, it would be boorish to point that out, so I won't.
Actually, the answer has already been given.
"Sigh, I understand. I’ll pull myself together and focus on my classes."
"Yes. That’s good. Now, about after school today, I’m thinking of taking Fusola, Havia, and the rest of the younger group to Alfin’s cafe. Will you come along?"
"That’s sudden."
"It’s not really, is it? It’s just casual chatter during a meal. So, what will you do?"
Hmm, there’s no doubt that if I just go home after school like this, I’ll just stay feeling uneasy.
...Alright, I’ve decided.
"Fine. I’ll join you. I’ll eat something sweet and relax. What about you, Vilia and Hiiro?"
"...Sigh, I’ll join you too. I need a change of pace."
"Hiiro too! I’ll eat chocolate cake."
It seems Vilia and Hiiro will be coming to eat as well.