Akatsuki Translations

“Today will surely be a good day,” I said to Mia as the classroom buzzed with chatter after the lesson ended. The last class was arithmetic.

At the academy, we were free to choose the lectures we took. Noble students would choose a balanced variety of lectures. It made sense, as they would stand above us in the future and need to be able to handle people with various skills.

On the other hand, we commoner students narrowed down our lectures to some extent. In my case, as the daughter of a merchant family, arithmetic was one of them. I met Mia through this lecture.

“Riruka, you say that every day, so statistically, it’s meaningless.” -Mia

“That’s not true. I just passed by Luitza-sama in the hallway earlier. When I bowed, she smiled back at me. Today is special.” -Riruka

“I don’t think anything good can come from getting involved with a noble lady.” -Mia

To me, unable to hide my excitement, Mia said with her usual half-asleep face.

“That’s not true. We commoner students are here to find someone to serve in the future. Sure, until her groom is decided, Luitza-sama, the heir to a viscount, is out of our league. But the way she bears that pressure as a woman is truly wonderful. Rather, more so than that somewhat gloomy princess… Oh, no, I don’t mean it as bad-mouthing. You know, she seems kind, but unreliable. I heard the prince’s ingenious command and the wisdom of our academy’s pride, the Sage Fuglsig, were the main factors in dealing with the recent monster flood.” -Riruka

I hurriedly rambled on. By the way, the fact that I didn’t know there was such an amazing person as a Sage shows that I still have a long way to go. Well, he’s an old man, so it’s fine.

“I see, so that’s how it’s being portrayed.” -Mia

“Portrayed? How? Anyway, the point is that Luitza-sama is amazing. Mia, you should also gather a lot of information like this. It’ll affect your future.” -Riruka

“Yeah, I’m grateful to you, Riruka.” -Mia

“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m also always getting help from you with studying arithmetic, so thank you.” -Riruka

“It’s just that I’ve already decided where I’m going.” -Mia

“Ugh. You mean Vinder, right? I hate to say it, but I think it’s a waste. Mia, I’m sure you could do much better. You know, just yesterday, you were called out by the Sage. Being able to talk about arithmetic with the Sage is amazing. That guy would just be wasting a treasure.” -Riruka

“…Senpai is even more unbelievable…” -Mia

“Huh? What did you say just now? Anyway, that Vinder guy, he always holes himself up in the library after class. It’s like, what is he even doing here? Not only that, but for a commoner student to pick a fight with Drefano’s son is unthinkable.” -Riruka

I said, recalling the incident in the hallway the other day.

As the daughter of a merchant house under Kenwell’s umbrella, I understood. Going against Drefano’s son at that point was insane. Mia probably didn’t know, but even Kenwell was in danger. That guy doesn’t know the meaning of self-preservation.

That’s what makes me angry.

Kenwell united and truly did their best. They repelled Drefano’s unjust interference.

Thanks to that, Vinder, who had accumulated such foolish actions, managed to overcome the crisis without doing anything. It’s like they were saved thanks to us. I think God is unfair.

“Speaking of that guy, there’s a strange rumor going around. Apparently, he was Princess Alfina’s dance partner at the celebration banquet for the recent monster subjugation. Moreover, he was her first partner, and after dancing with Vinder, the princess immediately moved on to a royal palace event, so he was the only one she danced with. It’s an absurdly ridiculous rumor.” -Riruka

“Ah!” -Mia

Mia’s face clouded over. Mia had feelings for Vinder. But I thought it was just something ingrained in her from a young age. After all, even when I said something bordering on bad-mouthing him, she was often eager to hear more. Of course, if I went too far, she would get angry.

I think she must have some dissatisfaction with him, one way or another. That’s why I had to open Mia’s eyes.

But her current expression was a bit scary.

“W-Well, let’s not dwell on baseless rumors. Hey, what should we do today? I don’t have any plans, so how about studying in the library if possible? There’s something I didn’t understand in today’s lesson.” -Riruka

“Oh, isn’t it Mia-san? Good day to you.” -Luitza

“Adelheid-sama. Good day.” -Mia

As we turned the corner of the hallway to head to the library, I froze. Incredibly, Luitza-sama had spoken to us. Well, to Mia, not me. Amazing! When did Mia… Ah, what a missed opportunity. Why is she being so casual about it? Mia often appears expressionless. What if she’s misunderstood? She doesn’t need to resemble Vinder in that aspect too.

“U-Um, I’m sorry, Luitza-sama. Mia was just thinking about an arithmetic problem I asked her about. I’m sure her head is full of that right now.” -Riruka

“Oh, um, you are…?”

“Y-Yes, my name is Riruka.” -Riruka

“I see. Are you Mia-san’s friend?”

“Y-Yes. U-Um, my name is Riruka. I admire you, Luitza-sama.” -Riruka

I desperately moved my tongue, which felt like it was about to get tangled.

“That’s right. About the tea party the day after tomorrow, would you like to join as well? If you’re Mia-san’s friend, you’re welcome.”

“What? Eeeeeh? U-Um, i-it would be an honor.” -Riruka

I couldn’t help but shout. To be invited to a tea party by Luitza-sama. This isn’t a dream, right?

“Well then, please give my regards to Ricardo. Make sure to catch him so he doesn’t run away. The princess was worried.”

“I understand.” -Mia

While I was in a daze, Luitza-sama had already left. By the time I realized I hadn’t been able to say goodbye, her back was already far away. I thought I heard her mention Ricardo, but that must have been my imagination.

“Amazing, amazing! Luitza-sama’s tea party! It’s like a dream. Hey, Mia. Why didn’t you tell me you had that kind of relationship with Luitza-sama? But I’m really grateful.” -Riruka

As students of the academy, it wasn’t impossible to be spoken to by nobles or to gather the courage to speak to them ourselves. However, being invited to a tea party was special. If you were invited two or three times, it meant you had officially gained their favor.

“Don’t worry about it. More importantly, this is the library.” -Mia

“Ugh, but you know…” -Riruka

I lowered my voice. Even though there were hardly any people around, it was true. If I were thought to be a commoner who didn’t know manners, it would affect my future.

“Um, what kind of preparations should I make?” -Riruka

“The answer is simple. Just make the best preparations you can right now. There are no other options. Rather, anything you do will be futile.” -Mia

“Y-Yeah, you’re right. There’s no way I can prepare something worthy of me.” -Riruka

As expected of Mia. I was impressed by her usual clear-cut answer.

“If it isn’t Mia!” -Fuglsig

“What brings you here, Sage? It’s rare to see you come to the library.” -Mia

“Haha, I’m the director here, you know. And it feels a bit odd to be called a Sage by you. Well, my office is under renovation, so I have nowhere else to go.” -Fuglsig

“Ah, Senpai was also looking forward to the new laboratory.” -Mia

“Is that so? The new equipment is amazing. Tell that boy that I’ll create a formula that can correct for decay spanning over a hundred years.” -Fuglsig

The Sage said with a laugh. I didn’t quite understand why the conversation turned to Vinder, and the content was beyond my comprehension. Mia was probably amazing.

“I-I’m getting nervous.” -Riruka

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. After class, I checked my appearance in front of the path leading to the courtyard. I had lost count of how many times I had done this, but I couldn’t help it. The highest-ranking tea party I had ever attended was one hosted by a baron’s daughter, where I accompanied Kenwell’s Miss Maria.

Moreover, it was thanks to Mia that I was able to participate in this tea party. If I messed up, it would embarrass Mia as well.

“Don’t be discouraged, Riruka.” I said as I took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Oh, if it isn’t Riruka.”

“Zeldia… Senpai.” -Riruka

Oh no, what a bad omen. Zeldia was a year above me, the eldest daughter of the Carst Company, a rival of Kenwell. Carst was a slightly larger company than Kenwell, which had a commercial area not only in the royal capital but also in Kurtheit, the core city of the eastern region. Their strength lay in securing one of the country’s leading rock salt production areas in addition to food.

In other words, they were a rival food guild after Drefano’s disappearance.

“What brings you here? By the way, I have a delivery for Hilda-sama. She particularly enjoyed our family’s sweets. She will surely attend the Consort’s Festival. One’s rank is determined by who they can invite.” -Zeldia

I flinched at Zeldia’s words. Hilda-sama, the daughter of the Archduke of Kurtheit, was engaged to the Second Prince.

“There’s only a month left until the Consort’s Festival. Do you have anyone in mind?” -Zeldia

“I’ve also been invited to a tea party,” I said, not backing down. It was different from Drefano, who was an honorary baron. Sure, we were in the middle of Kenwell’s umbrella. But as fellow commoners, I wouldn’t let her intimidate me.

“Oh, around here? So it’s with a noble. That’s quite something. I wonder who it could be.” -Zeldia

“If I remember correctly, it’s the third gazebo from the entrance.” -Riruka

“What? …Pfft, hehe.” -Zeldia

“Wh-What’s so funny?” -Riruka

“Nothing. Well, I understand wanting to climb the social ladder, but you shouldn’t say such ridiculous things. See you.” -Zeldia

Zeldia left, covering her mouth. What in the world was that about? Of course, I knew it was presumptuous of me to be invited by Luitza-sama, the viscount’s daughter—no, heir.

I’ll do my best. That’s right, I’ll go with the mindset of inviting Luitza-sama to a stall at the school festival. That may be aiming too high, though.