「From what I heard, there’s a school in the capital that all noble children have to attend. And their wives are basically forced to live there too.」
「Wow… that sounds like hostages… Wait, but Natalia-san…」
「Ah, that’s because this territory is right on the front line against the demon lands. If Ulberick-sama ever falls, Natalia-san needs to be here so the territorial army can respond immediately.」
「That’s… kind of hard to comment on.」
Amilia’s expression twisted into something complicated and conflicted.
「The worst part is that it actually works pretty effectively…」
「So Yuuki-sama is planning to protect all the wives, isn’t he?」
Liliana hit the nail right on the head about what I’d been scheming.
「Exactly. If we can secure all the wives in one place, the allied nobles will be able to move much more freely.」
「Indeed. With Yuuki-sama’s way of thinking and your strength, it would be easy.」
「Yeah. That’s why I had Lopple-san make all those things.」
「I see! Now it makes perfect sense!」
Well… there are other reasons too. Selling favors to the nobles, and getting a firm grasp on the weak points of any new allies, it’s the perfect tool for both.
「Alright, today’s main goal is complete. Tomorrow’s free for everyone.」
「「「「「Yes!」」」」」
The discussion wrapped up, and one by one we slipped under the covers.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
The next day. While waiting by the inn’s fountain for my date with Selene, she appeared wearing the same lively outfit she’d had on during guard duty before.
「Sorry to keep you waiting, Yuuki-san.」
「No problem. I thought it the first time I saw it too, this outfit really brings out your cheerful energy. It’s super cute.」
「H-ha!? Aaaah thank you so much!!」
「Ahaha, relax. No need to be so nervous. Come on, let’s go.」
I gently took the hand of the flustered Selene and we set off. Since there weren’t many sightseeing spots, today’s date turned into a shopping date.
「Waa… Yuuki-san, Yuuki-san! What’s that stall over there?」
「A stall…? Which one?」
Selene pointed excitedly, but this whole area was just rows and rows of stalls.
「The one making that sandwich-like food by squishing it flat!」
「Squishing a sandwich? Ohhh, that one…」
Now I understood. It was basically a modern pressed hot sandwich.
「It’s called… Hottiland…? Want to try one?」
Even though we’d just had breakfast, I asked anyway. Selene nodded vigorously.
「Excuse me～」
「Comin’ right up. A beastkin and human couple, huh? That’s pretty rare around here.」
「Do we really look like a couple?」
「Yeah, no matter how you slice it, you two are definitely a couple.」
「Ehh, Selene, we’re married though…」
I pulled Selene close with a gentle tug. A vivid blush instantly bloomed across her cheeks.
「Fweh!? Y-yes… we are married, but still…!?」
「Right! Sorry about that. As an apology, well, call it a little bonus, I’ll throw in some extra.」
「Understood. Then… five Hottilands, please!」
「Comin’ right up, wait, five!? Brother, you sure can eat!」
「No no, these are for the friends back at the inn.」
「Heh, so you folks are adventurers, huh?」
The stall owner must have guessed from our outfits. I laughed lightly and nodded.
「Yeah. They told me, 『Since you’re in such a big city for once, treat your wife properly』.」
「Haha, good advice. Then you better treat her right.」
With a grin, the owner quickly wrapped the freshly pressed hot sandwiches in straw paper.
「Here ya go, five portions total. Three are packed for easy carrying.」
「Thank you. So… that’ll be six silver coins, right?」
「Nah, three’s plenty. Consider the extra my apology.」
He pushed three coins back into my hand.
「Thanks a lot. Then…」
「Enjoy yourselves～!」
We continued wandering through the stalls until Selene suddenly stopped in front of an accessory shop.
「What’s wrong, Selene?」
「Yuuki-san… is it okay if we go in here?」
「Of course… but if you want accessories, couldn’t Lopple-san make them for you?」
「That would be nice too, but… I wanted something that no one else knows about yet.」
「I see. Then let’s go in!」
Selene looked a little shy as I took her hand and led her inside.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
「Welcome, wait, little miss, no way!?」
The shopkeeper, an older man who had been in the back, leaped over the counter the moment he saw Selene.
「O-oh my! Are you… a Carbuncle!?」
「Kyaa…」
「Hey! What’s with the sudden rudeness?」
I stepped between them, shielding Selene as I glared at the man.
「A-ah, sorry! I just got too excited…」
He paled and backed off under my stare.
「So… what do you want?」
「J-just wait a second!」
He ducked behind the counter and rummaged through the shelves in the back.
「Selene, what do you want to do? If you’re uncomfortable, we can leave right now.」
She shook her head gently.
「Okay. But if anything feels wrong, just say the word. I’ll get us out instantly.」
「Yes… thank you. But I’m okay.」
「Alright.」
I kept one hand resting lightly on the hilt of my sword as we waited. Soon the shopkeeper returned carrying a heavily secured box.
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