第１６８６堀：仲良くなるためにはお茶をしましょう (Part1)
Chapter 1686: To Become Friends, Let’s Have Tea
Side: Rurua
Today, I have taken a rare break from my duties as the director of the Weed hospital to visit the Magic University in the Kingdom of Magic.
Of course, this isn't me slacking off; it is part of my work, so "business trip" would be a more accurate term than "taking a break." That said, it is mostly because I’ve developed an interest in doing some research in their archives.
"Um, Cleena-sama, Samantha-sama, who might this be?"
That was when we met the rumored Luhau-san.
Her height is on par with Labyris, Aslin, and Firia. It is quite surprising that such a young child would knock on the gates of this university on her own. I would love to hear the detailed circumstances behind that from Nonoa-sama. But, putting that aside...
"...This is Rurua."
"Rurua-sama? Hmm? I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere...?"
As expected, Luhau-san seems to know my name; she tilts her head as she looks at me. Then again, Cleena’s explanation was as brief as ever. Perhaps Samantha felt the same, as she wore an exasperated expression before stepping in.
"Cleena-san, your explanation is insufficient. Luhau-san, this woman is Rurua. Like us, she is one of Yuki-sama’s wives and the former Saint of Litea."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Luhau-san. I heard about you from Cleena and Samantha the other day, and I became interested enough to come here myself. I look forward to getting to know you."
I offered a standard greeting, but...
"Hah? Th-the Saint of Litea? I-I certainly have heard the name Rurua-sama... wait, I remember! I recall seeing your honorable face in the Weed promotional pamphlet! I-I am terribly sorry for my rudeness!"
Oh my, as expected of someone attending university, she remembers things that a commoner wouldn't. She immediately prostrates herself.
"Ahaha, there is no need for that. Please, stand up. I am merely one of my husband’s wives and the director of the hospital in Weed now."
"Y-yes. No, but, Rurua-sama, you are not only a director, but I have heard that your authority in Litea remains unchanged and that you maintain close diplomatic ties with the current Saint of Litea, Alstaire-sama."
She stood up, but her tension shows no signs of fading. Well, what Luhau-san is saying isn't wrong, but...
"I didn't come here to talk about such things today. I am here to be taught by you, so please, treat me as you normally would."
I speak as gently as I can. It is important to act this way when dealing with someone who is nervous about my status. Especially since Luhau is around the same age as Hiiro.
"U-understood. I-I will try my best."
Seeing Luhau-san say that, I simply nod. It is impossible for someone to be at ease with a noble-born person right away, after all.
That said, I take another look at Luhau’s appearance. She is just a little taller than Hiiro, and her physique is that of a child. Her hair is a dark indigo with a hint of purple—unlike my own blue hair—and her bangs are cut diagonally to neatly cover her left eye, with the back of her hair cut in a similar slanted bob. It feels like the opposite of Orelia’s style. Well, Orelia has long hair, so that’s different. As for her attire, she is wearing a robe, so I can’t quite tell what she has on underneath, but it seems perfectly acceptable for the Magic University.
"Um, um. Is there a problem with my appearance?"
"No, I think you look quite lovely. Oh, I don't mean that in a bad way."
"Yes. I understand that."
It seems she is starting to find her natural rhythm. Her words seem to be flowing more easily now. Just as I was thinking that...
"Well, since the introductions for Luhau-san and Rurua-san are finished... shall we have a little gathering to talk about Luhau-san and ourselves so we can become friends?"
"...Hmm. That sounds good."
"I agree. I would appreciate that."
"Eh? Um, is it really alright to stop the research?"
Cleena and I immediately jumped on Samantha’s suggestion, but Luhau-san seems surprised. I suppose if you say "let's stop working to become friends," it can be taken the wrong way.
"That won't be a problem. I phrased that poorly. Since Weed has come to the university, we are simply holding a social gathering here. Besides, Luhau-san is missing her classes to guide us, so this is just making up for that time."
That’s right—Luhau-san is skipping her classes at Nonoa-sama’s request to guide us. My husband told us to make up for that time. Of course, we also genuinely want to become friends.
"Ah, I see. Is that how it is? Understood."
I thought it would be easier for Luhau-san to accept if I called it "making up for time." Now that we have her consent, let’s get the preparations started.
"Then, shall we move to the lobby?"
"Yes?"
"...Hmm. A social gathering means drinks. That is strictly forbidden where the books are."
"Ah, now that you mention it, that is true. However, there are people studying in the lobby, so let’s head to the cafeteria."
"Oh, there is a cafeteria here as well?"
"Yes. Those who are immersed in their research often forget to eat, but they eventually realize it before they die, so they crawl their way to the cafeteria."
"Ahaha..."
"It’s hard to call that a lie when it comes to researchers..."
As Samantha says, researchers truly do have that side to them. Narjia-san loves ice cream for some reason, and Comet and Zargis love research and games more than their daily meals. As we talk about such things, we arrive at the cafeteria.
The cafeteria is much like those in other schools, with rows of large tables and chairs, and a counter in the back where one orders and receives food. A few people are currently ordering or picking up their meals.
"Over there, there is a table meant for groups, so let’s head that way."
In the direction of Luhau-san’s gaze, there are round tables meant for a few people rather than the long, communal ones. I see—it’s a matter of choosing the right table for the occasion.