Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. Unlike in the past, since we can frequently exchange emails even over long distances, I feel like the sense of distance has lessened.
But it’s strange how when we actually meet in person, there’s so much more to talk about.
â—‡
“Grandfather has asked if you would join him for breakfast.”
After exchanging greetings upon our reunion, Sera brought up this matter.
If the other party were a woman of a certain age, such an invitation might be irresistible, but since it was an old man—and a powerful figure in the state at that—it was probably more like a meeting disguised as breakfast.
Hmm? Is the duke inviting me to breakfast to recruit me under his banner?
Given not only our becoming mithril explorers but also Liza’s victory over the first-ranked member of the eight swords of shiga, it seemed highly possible.
“That’s an honor, but is it really appropriate for a lower-ranking noble like me to be invited to the duke’s breakfast gathering?”
I doubt the leisurely nobles in the Duke's Capital would disdain me, but not everyone is likely to be friendly.
The factions around Marquess Lloyd and Count Hohen seem okay, but those associated with Baron Bobino, whom we’ve opposed through Wings of Freedom, likely bear a grudge.
“It’s fine. Even that miss recognized you, Mr. Satou.”
“—That is an honor indeed.”
The “miss” must be Lady Ringlande, the attendant of hero hayato, right?
I don’t recall ever being acknowledged by her, but maybe because I won against the hero in a contest, she accepted me?
I couldn’t refuse, so I told Sera I would attend the duke’s breakfast meeting. Then we all, including Tolma and miss karina, who had been treated like air until then, shared updates on each other’s recent affairs.
“So, how is the chief shrine maiden’s health?”
“No, she’s not ill, but she’s not very energetic. She rarely even leaves the sanctified inner chambers, let alone go out.”
What could be the matter?
Did she receive a new divine oracle?
“No, the only new oracle was the prophecy that the Demon King predicted to appear in the labyrinth city has been annihilated.”
Come to think of it, it should be time for the regular contact with hero hayato.
I need to ask about the Demon King predicted to appear in the Empire of the Weasels.
…There were five left, right?
Please don’t tell me they appeared all over the world simultaneously.
I threw such ominous thoughts far out of mind and added “Visit to the chief shrine maiden” to my schedule notes.
Once the business in the Royal Capital settled down, I’d pay a visit.
Trying to change the subject, Tolma suddenly said something strange.
“My brother says Mr. Satou is quite popular in the labyrinth city.”
“But”—what “but”?
When was I ever that popular—well, I was somewhat popular with younger people.
“I’ve always been liked by older folks and small children.”
“Well, Mr. Satou…”
When I answered playfully, Sera smiled demurely and let it pass, but miss karina’s reaction was subtle.
“…Not just small children.”
Miss karina muttered softly—only I could hear her thanks to my “listening ear” skill.
Right, from my perspective it’s mostly younger people, but considering this body’s age, there are also peers and older girls.
“But I heard you’re also on good terms with a princess from some small country and noble young ladies of your age?”
Ignoring miss karina’s mood, Tolma once again failed to read the atmosphere.
Even Sera waited seriously for my answer.
Princess—could that be Princess Noja Meteor?
The noble young ladies of the same age must be Ms. Zena or the daughter of baronet dukeri.
“They’re just acquaintances I met through some minor incidents. Nothing special.”
When I said that firmly, the women breathed a sigh of relief.
Miss karina had met them before, so she must have understood the relationship.
“Oh, is that so? Mr. Satou, you’re young. You should make more waves in society.”
““Uncle Tolma!””
Tolma’s inappropriate remark brought rebuke from the proper Sera and miss karina.