Akatsuki Translations

“Breathe in, breathe out. Um, Luitza-sama, thank you for inviting me today…” -Riruka

“Riruka.” -Mia

“Eek! …M-Mia, don’t startle me like that. But I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to go together, but you left the classroom so quickly.” -Riruka

“I had to stop by Senpai’s place.” -Mia

“Again with that Vinder guy? He’s making you run around even at such an important time.” -Riruka

That guy has no idea how difficult and amazing it is to gain the favor of nobility. No, could it be that he’s jealous of Mia, his subordinate…?

“Well, let’s go. Stay strong.” -Mia

“Oh, y-yeah, of course.” -Riruka

Despite her words, Mia seemed fired up too. Her usually somewhat vacant eyes had become as sharp as the ones I had directed at Zeldia earlier.

As we entered the gazebo, there were two young ladies inside. One was, of course, Luitza-sama. She looked wonderful as always. However, Luitza-sama was seated on the left side at the back. Huh? Isn’t Luitza-sama the host?

Um, who was that other person…? I’m sure I’ve seen her before… Huh???

“Alfina-sama, thank you for inviting us today.” -Mia

…P-Princess Alfina.

My vision blurred. No way, huh, why, could it be that she found out I was badmouthing her…?

“Thank you for coming, Mia-san. And you must be Riruka-san. Nice to meet you.” -Alfina

“Y-Yes, hahaha. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Your Royal Highness. I-It’s a lovely day.” -Riruka

The princess smiled at me as I turned pale.

The cups and saucers clattered, matching the trembling of my hands. I couldn’t even taste the fragrant tea. By the way, it was poured by Luitza-sama.

Come to think of it, I don’t remember how I greeted Luitza-sama earlier.

“You don’t need to be so nervous. Alfina-sama is a generous person.” -Mia

“Y-Yes.” -Riruka

I gave a plain response. I need to get it together. I can’t stay flustered forever. While Mia is talking to the princess, I’ll chat with Luitza-sama. That was the plan.

“Um, Luitza-sam-sama-” -Riruka

“I wonder how Ricardo-kun is doing?” -Alfina

“He said the research is taking longer than expected, so he’ll be late. But I think he’ll be here soon.” -Mia

Mia answered the princess’s question. For a moment, I felt like I was about to pass out.

“What?!?! Stu– …I-I’m so sorry.” -Riruka

Are you stupid? Are you stupid? Do you want to die? No, even if you die, it’s fine, but don’t drag Mia into this.

“Well, that’s just like Ricardo-kun.”  -Alfina

However, the princess laughed. I let out a sigh of relief for Mia’s sake. She really is a kind person. Even if she lacks an aura.

“Sorry for being late.” -Ricardo

At that moment, a familiar voice was heard at the entrance. A man was bowing deeply at the entrance of the gazebo.

He’s out of his mind. No, not his hairstyle or bedhead. No matter how politely he apologizes, it’s no good. Being late is an unacceptable rudeness in itself.

“Thank you for coming.” -Alfina

“I thought you might take the polite greeting seriously and show up at a tea party with only ladies, so my feet got heavy.” -Ricardo

He added an excuse that didn’t even sound like one. I flinched unconsciously. That’s not it, right? I didn’t take the polite greeting seriously or anything like that, right?

“Ricardo-kun, you didn’t come to the academy after the celebration banquet. I was worried about you.” -Alfina

“I apologize for worrying you. I was a bit tied up with Her Grace the Archduchess’s request.” -Ricardo

Vinder was talking to the princess about the celebration banquet. Come to think of it, I feel like I haven’t seen him for a few days. But why is Her Highness concerned about the whereabouts of a commoner student? No, what’s with that cold attitude? It’s rude to both Princess Alfina and Luitza-sama, isn’t it?

“You’re referring to auntie’s investment, right? I’m sorry. Auntie is very interested in those stocks.” -Alfina

“I thought stocks would take at least five years to bear fruit, even if things went smoothly. It’s been quite a challenge. This world… There are various issues such as compatibility with the kingdom’s legal system.” -Ricardo

“A detailed explanation is compiled here.” -Mia

For some reason, the princess was talking to Vinder about vegetables. They seemed very close. Moreover, listening to their conversation, it sounded like he was also acquainted with Archduchess Berthold. At Vinder’s cue, Mia handed a paper to the princess. Amazing, she’s explaining to the princess. Explaining about vegetables???

This is bad. I haven’t been able to talk at all. In situations like this, the lower-ranking person is supposed to bring up a prepared topic.

“U-Um, Luitza-sama. The Consort’s Festival is in a month, isn’t it?” -Riruka

“Now that you mention it, you’re right. Will you be participating, Riruka-san?” -Alfina

“Y-Yes. I’ll be setting up a stall with the other children from Kenwell.” -Riruka

The Consort’s Festival commemorates the day when the king three generations ago allowed commoners to enroll in the academy. Although it’s a festival, it’s actually a serious competition. For the children of merchant houses, who make up the majority of commoner students, it’s a very important occasion to showcase the value of their family and themselves to potential future patrons.

It’s taboo to approach other companies’ customers, but it can’t be helped if the nobles come to buy. With that pretext, it’s possible to gain new business partners. If you fail, bad rumors will spread in noble society.

In other words, it can make or break the fate of your family. That’s why we prepare desperately.

There are some families who don’t show any such intention at all. For example…

“Well, I couldn’t attend last year. Is a stall like a shop? What kind of things do you do?” -Alfina

Surprisingly, the princess showed interest. Yes, that’s right. It’s a much more appropriate topic for a tea party than talking about incomprehensible turnips.

“Yes, students open shops using their family’s products. Our family deals in milk, eggs, and such, so we plan to offer light meals using those.” -Riruka

“What will Vinder be doing?” -Alfina

“It’s a bit tough for our scale to get involved. We don’t have enough manpower.” -Ricardo

He really has no motivation. What is he even doing at this academy? Maybe it’s just my imagination, but if we invited the princess, it seems like it could be realized. Seriously, what’s with this guy?

“…Can I participate in that as well?”  -Alfina

“O-Of course. If you, Alfina-sama, the priestess, were to attend, everyone would be overjoyed.” -Riruka

“Ah, that’s not what I meant. I want to…” -Alfina

Princess Alfina glanced at Vinder and fell silent.

“Speaking of which, I heard that the envoy from the Empire also wished to observe the festival. Have you heard anything about that, Riruka-san?” -Alfina

“Yes. We have also heard that the Empire desires to expand trade. Increasing the export quota for food would be much appreciated by our family as well.” -Riruka

Unlike our country, which has many plains, the Empire is in a mountainous region. Moreover, it is constantly exposed to monster floods. It is not suitable for food production, but it is rich in minerals and magic crystals obtained from magical beasts. Until fifty years ago, they apparently waged war against our country to target our food, but nowadays, trade is established through the exchange of each other’s products.

For merchant houses dealing with food, the Empire is like a valued customer. Of course, only large merchant houses on the scale of Kenwell are directly involved in trade between nations. With Drefano gone, there is an ongoing struggle between the large merchant houses over the vacant slots.

“Does that mean there is a shortage of food in the Empire?” -Alfina

“Y-Yes. Even in our country, we had an unprecedented monster flood in the west… Ah, oh!” -Riruka

Remembering something important, I sprang up like a spring.

“A-As a citizen, I humbly express my gratitude to you, Princess Alfina.” -Riruka

How could I have forgotten such a crucial thing? I should have said it right at the beginning. But as a result, I was able to say it in a natural way. I also avoided delving into a grim topic unsuitable for a tea party.

“Thank you. But if that’s the case, Ri–” -Alfina

“So there’s increased monster activity in the Empire too, huh? I wonder what’s going on with the magic veins and such.” -Ricardo

However, Vinder, who should have stood up with me, was not reading the room. I mean, we don’t need any more talk about monsters at this tea party.

“I heard there are magical beasts in the Empire that are on a different level from those in the Kingdom. They apparently have giant magic crystals and can act even at a considerable distance from Rubel Wald.” -Alfina

“So in a sense, the Empire is acting as a shield for the Kingdom…” -Ricardo

Vinder pondered, not even noticing my gaze. This is the very definition of being inconsiderate.

“That’s right. It seems that such factors are also taken into consideration when determining the terms of trade. After all, magical beasts are a common enemy.” -Mia

“Then, if the Empire were to be defeated by the magical beasts…” -Ricardo

“There is a legend in the village of Adelheid about the attack of a giant dragon. It’s a story from before the Kingdom was founded, so its authenticity is uncertain.” -Mia

Both Princess Alfina and Luitza-sama properly engaged in conversation with Vinder. They are truly generous people. And I still dislike this guy who takes advantage of that.

“I-I’m exhausted…” -Riruka

After leaving the gazebo, I finally relaxed my shoulders. I even rotated my shoulders like a father after a long day at work.

“I’m sorry. I was told to keep quiet about the host of the tea party.” -Mia

“Ugh. You really taught me what true cold sweat is. But it’s okay. Luitza-sama remembered my name. Thank you for giving me that chance. It’s just…” -Riruka

I glanced behind me. Vinder was talking with Princess Alfina in front of the walkway leading to the school building.

“What in the world is he?” -Riruka

My words carried more meanings than usual.

“Senpai is Senpai.” -Mia

“Ugh…” -Riruka

I looked at Mia. Mia was watching the unlikely pair.

“Um, how should I put it? I don’t really get it, but I don’t want to support them, but I’m supporting them.” -Riruka

“The meaning of your words is too random, so I don’t quite understand. …But thank you.” -Mia

Mia said with a smile. Hmm, Vinder is really not good enough for her.