Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. I remember my boss passionately saying at a drinking party, "People only see what they want to see." I just gave a casual nod while drunk and let it slide, but it might actually be a meaningful phrase.
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The Japanese cuisine at this creative restaurant looked unappetizing, but the taste itself wasn’t bad.
The oddly dark frying was probably because they didn’t change the oil often.
Occasional use is fine, but daily consumption would probably spike cholesterol levels dangerously.
After making some progress with the meal, a new customer appeared at the entrance.
"Hey, Yui. Is this rundown diner really that good?"
"Hmm, I don’t know if it’s tasty, but it’s apparently well-reviewed."
The first to enter was a chubby black-haired boy.
If he were slim, he’d easily pass as an idol-quality handsome guy. Actually, it might be better to say he looked like a character straight out of a 2D maiden game with a sort of aesthetic beauty.
The girl who entered arm-in-arm with the black-haired boy was someone familiar — Yui Akasaki, a self-proclaimed idol from the South Japan Federation summoned to Princess Menea’s country.
According to the AR display, the black-haired boy beside her was apparently Souya, nicknamed His Highness at the Academy.
I had been planning to meet him soon to determine if he was really the "His Highness" the "Light of Freedom" group mentioned, so this was convenient.
I’d already confirmed there were no issues with his skills or titles through the map search, but I wanted to verify by meeting him in person.
"Ah! It’s Mr. Satou and Arisa!"
Yui waved happily, and Arisa waved back.
But Yui’s expression suddenly darkened.
"What’s wrong, Mr. Satou? You’re wearing such poor-looking clothes! Did your business fail?"
Apparently, she misunderstood our attire.
"Is she someone you know, Yui?"
"Y-yeah."
"If you have no work, I can take care of you. You don't seem strong, but if you were a merchant, you could probably handle bookkeeping. If your beastmen or kids do chores, they’ll get enough food to avoid starvation."
He sounded very authoritative, but Souya seemed surprisingly considerate.
I had a preconceived notion that he was a bully from Arisa’s stories, but maybe he was just a genuinely good guy.
Arisa and the others looked uneasy, so I decided to interrupt his solo speech.
"Thanks for the kindness, but we have more than enough work already—"
I’m working 28 hours straight now, not just 24, so I don’t need more jobs.
"What? If you’re Yui’s acquaintance, don’t hold back."
"We’re here incognito today. Look at this."
Arisa pulled a silver noble tag and Mithril explorer’s badge from my chest.
"What? Silver—v-viscount?!"
Souya stared in shock at the tag.
Nobody expects a high-ranking noble to be dressed as a commoner in a diner.
"Sorry. I didn’t mean to tease you, but I didn’t get a good chance to bring it up."
Feeling a bit guilty, I introduced myself.
"Nice to meet you. I’m Satou Pendragon, viscount. May I ask your name?"
"Sou-Souya. I can’t say my family name for certain reasons. Please forgive me just using my given name."
In the Shiga Kingdom, if a bastard child called themselves Souya Shiga, they’d either end up in prison or die mysteriously.
Yui stepped in with a friendly face.
"Sorry, Mr. Satou. My darling can be bossy to everyone, but he’s not a bad guy, so please forgive him."
"I’m not upset. It’s not every day someone tries to arrange work just because they know a lover."
"Hehe, we’re not just lovers—we’re engaged!"
I vaguely remembered hearing that from Aoi.
At first, I thought, "A guy falling for a 13-year-old girl? He must be a lolicon," but if she’s 14, it’s fine.
Yui shyly hid her mouth.
A ring with a small diamond glittered on her finger.
"Wow, stop flaunting the ring so blatantly."
"Hehe, it’s alright~. My darling made this for me."
—Oh?
The craftsmanship is rough, but it’s a stylish ring.
It wouldn’t sell in a jewelry store catering to nobles or wealthy merchants, but it’s definitely marketable.