072: Breath of the Wind

December 2, 2020 - 7 minutes read - 1315 words

After that event, Eric and I browsed through the shopping streets, looking in weapon stores and armor stores. We then returned to the main boulevard to find a place to rest a while. Interestingly, this was the area where I ran into Ra-chan a few days ago.

“Oh, I’d like a short break.” Al

I’m not sure that Eric is guiding me so much as we’re wandering around together, but it gets tiring to walk so far around the crowded royal capital. I want to walk all around so that when I travel back using Transfer magic, I can appear close to where I want to visit. I’m keeping my eyes out for discreet places. I look down dark back roads and where the guards are standing. I’ll need to understand the lay of the land properly before I can come next time.

“Sorry to say that I have to agree. What about taking a break here, then going northwest to the theater?” Eric

“Sounds good. Want to go get a drink?” Al

Since we’re getting along so well, we’ll go over together to a food stall to get some juice made of vegetables and fruits. Then I noticed a fancy carriage parked nearby. Hmm, is an aristocrat visiting? From the luxurious carriage, they must have significant financial resources. Even more gorgeous is the coat of arms, it makes the carriage look basic by comparison. But, doesn’t the carriage look familiar somewhat?

“Oh, that must be…” Eric

“Al! And Eric!” Lana

Eric was trying to say who it might be, but was interrupted by a familiar voice. I spot Ra-chan smiling and waving holding some juice. It’s cute that she’s waving so excitedly that she’s almost spilling the juice. Ra-chan hands the juice to a waiting maid, then turns back around. Her innocent and enthusiastic smile heals my soul. I hope that Ra-chan won’t turn out like those lying twins. With that in mind, I felt that I could understand the feelings of many gentlemen in the royal capital. Well, only a little. While I’m thinking, Ra-chan rushes over to us.

“What are Al and Eric doing?” Lana

“We’re exploring various parts of the royal capital, but we’re about to take a break.” Al

“Good! I want to play with Al and Eric too!” Lana

Ra-chan sticks out her chest while declaring she wants to play with us. Her twintails sway as she talks. She’s jealous, but it would be hard for her to keep up with our walking pace. Eric and I have some knight training, so our stamina is a step or few above.

“What is Ra-chan doing today?” Al

“Well, I’m on the way home from a tea party, so I stopped by to get some juice.” Lana

So that’s her situation, you stopped by after a tea party. I heard that Nord and Elna were going to a tea party today.

“Ok” Al

“Is it just you and the maid today?” Eric

“No, my older sister came too” Lana

From what I can see, there’s only maids and coachmen nearby. When I was checking for Shelka, I made a light bow to Ra-chan’s maid, who then bowed back. They look to be sticking around to guard Ra-chan, if anything goes wrong, I’ll leave Eric or use him as a shield. The maid may have some guard training, based on her demeanor. While I was sizing up the maid, I heard another familiar voice.

“What are you doing now? Can you not get too involved with my sister?” Shelka

I can stop wondering where Shelka is, as she just showed up, rudely. She has a wooden cup in her hand, she must have gone to get something to drink. She’s dressed in a magic academy uniform, a blazer over a skirt. Her blue cloak contrasts well with her blonde hair. She looks the part of a teacher’s pet.

“What’s the problem with us?” Al

“Wait. Ms. Shelka looked directly at you, she didn’t mention me. So don’t include me in your trouble.” Eric

Eric is so cold, he won’t protest Shelka’s treatment with me. Does Shelka really think I’m a bad influence on Ra-chan?

“Yeah, you specifically.” Shelka

“That’s not my plan, I don’t intend to be a bad influence on Ra-chan.” Al

“Al, are there any bad maids today?” Lana

Eric and Shelka are trying to stare a hole through me. I don’t get it. I’ll have to properly explain the situation since I’m the older one.

“Not all maids are bad maids. That’s just Mina. I get to call her by that.” Al

“Eh? Al can call her that?” Lana

Oof, I don’t know how to respond. I’ve fallen into a trap of my own making. I feel like I understand why some people choose to run away. That doesn’t mean I should do it now though. By the way, Eric sighs as if he’s weary, while Shelka is giving me a look like she wants my head.

“What are you playing today?” Al

“Ah! Al asked the same question as my dad” Lana

I thought I could change the subject, but instead the Duke was mentioned. It looks like the method has been used before. Hmm, don’t run into problems so much Duke.

Eric chose to stay silent, since any retort might reflect poorly on the Duke.

“Embarrassing” Shelka

After some small talk and a break, Shelka sat up and said they should go home.

“Eh! It’s still early!” Lana

“No! We’re going home now.” Shelka

“Why? It’s not dark yet?” Lana

“It’s going to get dark soon.” Shelka

No, that’s impossible. This Misfeed family must have a mansion in the royal capital, there’s no way it takes that long to get back to their residence.

“It’s not even mid-afternoon yet?” Eric

“It will be dark when we get home at this pace. I don’t want Ra-chan to become a bad girl by staying late with a guy.” Shelka

So that’s the issue. She doesn’t want Ra-chan sticking around with me. Eric nodded with Shelka, I’ll have to punch him later.

“I’ll go faster later. So I’ll get to play with Al and Eric now!” Lana

“No! It’s fine to play, but not these two!” Shelka

“What’s wrong sis? I don’t get it?” Lana

Can I get angry now? Ra-chan, let me know.

“What? Why me too?” Eric

“It’s too much trouble, you two are fine to be together! Now I just need to figure out who receives or who attacks!” Shelka

“Huh?” Al

“Receive? Attack? What are you talking about?” Eric

Eric is confused with her terms, but I unfortunately know what Shelka is referring to. Part of that comes from my previous life, and some comes from certain women in Koriat Village. It’s the first time a girl of my age has the proclivity. Well, there’s probably someone of that age in Koriat Village.

“You, no way…” Al

“Uh, No! There is, well… anyway! Lana, we’re going home!” Shelka

Perhaps since Shelka has realized that her hobby is known, Shelka grabs Ra-chan’s arm to leave.

“Not leaving yet!” Lana

“We’re going home!” Shelka

Yeah, Shelka wants to get out of here from embarrassment. She wasn’t as insistent originally. She’s having a hard time convincing Ra-chan.

“Not yet! My sister is just being mean!” Lana

Ra-chan pushed out her cheeks and put her arms on her hips. Some people nearby move away to not get involved in an aristocrat’s issue. It seems the citizens of the royal capital are used to this sort of issue. I was not expecting the next action of Ra-chan at all.

“I want a breeze” Lana

Lana chanted some magic on a main street. People look over to see what’s happening.

“Wind’s breath!” Lana

At that point, a vigorous breeze blows down the main boulevard, causing Shelka’s skirt to reverse its normal orientation!