Published: September 9, 2025
※Corrected typos on 9/22.
※Added content on 9/15.
※This chapter is not from Satou’s perspective.
"I'm back."
"Oh, Sera-sama. Have you already finished your business with his grace the duke?"
"Yes, it was just a matter of confirming the schedule and the accompanying personnel."
At the service entrance for temple personnel, a female temple guard called out to me. She is the one who always serves as my bodyguard during the food distributions.
Until just now, I had been summoned by my grandfather to the Duke's Castle. Apparently, at the kingdom council meeting next spring, it will be my grandfather and Older Brother Tislard attending instead of my father. I was assigned by the temple as medical personnel in case my grandfather's health deteriorates.
Even though the Royal Capital is far, a few days by airship is nothing.
Besides, Mr. Satou is supposed to attend the kingdom council meeting as well. I’m looking forward to seeing him after such a long time.
I shouldn’t have spoken those thoughts aloud, though.
"By the way, Sera-sama, I just saw Sir Pendragon a little while ago."
"Eh?! W-where was that?"
Her words made me exclaim loudly, drawing the attention of those around. The chief shrine maiden might forgive me, but I might get scolded by the head shrine maiden and the chief priest.
I covered my mouth with my hand and quietly confirmed with her.
She said he headed north along this street by carriage, so he must have gone to Viscount Seemen’s residence. I asked the coachman who had brought me and was still waiting to take me to the viscount’s mansion.
"You’d probably be visited if you just wait…"
I heard that from behind, but I have no work until after noon today, so there’s no problem at all.
â—‡
I apologized for my sudden intrusion and requested a meeting with Viscount Seemen Hossalis, but he was out in the Royal Capital and I couldn’t see him. He’s as busy as ever.
Since I couldn’t just leave, I decided to visit Uncle Tolma at the annex. He always says I’m welcome anytime, and I had a maid send a notice beforehand. If it was inconvenient, I was sure they would say so.
"Ah, Sera. It’s rare for you to come visit on your own."
"Long time no see, Uncle Tolma."
Oh? What’s wrong? Uncle Tolma’s face looked serious, unlike his usual cheerful self.
"Sera, won’t you call me Older Brother Tolma like before?"
"Oh, uncle, wouldn’t it be rude to call a married man with children 'big brother'? What’s the matter, Uncle Tolma?"
"Heh heh, Se-Sera-sama, please forgive me for that."
As Uncle Tolma began clinging to my aunt and acting like he was crying, Lady Hayuna, his wife, took over the conversation.
I want to ask about Mr. Satou soon, but it would be rude to bring it up abruptly. I need a topic, a topic… Oh, that’s right! I have some great news!
"By the way, I just heard from grandfather that you will be granted the baronet title at the kingdom council in spring. Congratulations!"
"Thank you. It’s only an honorary baronet title, so Mayuna can’t inherit it."
Speaking of which, where is Mayuna? I haven’t heard a single cry from her all this time.
"Oh, Mayuna’s asleep. Thanks to the toy Sir Pendragon brought as a souvenir, she’s always happy when awake, and when she’s tired from laughing, she just falls asleep. She’s easy to take care of."
Yes, that’s the name I was waiting for.
"Sir Pendragon came to visit? I thought he said he wouldn’t be returning to the Duke’s Capital for a while…"
"He said he had some business at the scroll workshop and came back alone from the trade port."
"Mr. Satou went to the Duke's Castle. He said he was looking for some red pickles, so probably to the castle’s cook."
The castle cook! So we must have just missed each other.
Thanks to Lady Hayuna skillfully guiding me out, I was able to leave early. No wonder she caught Uncle Tolma.
â—‡
"W-what brings you here to this humble worker’s place, Sera-sama?"
The castle kitchen, which I visited for the first time, was filled with many people busily working. I asked the maid who guided me to call the kitchen manager, but Mr. Satou did not seem to be there.