Chapter 15
Chapter 15
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: Duke's Visit (6)
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"Arthur..."
Tiona slowly muttered.
"So if we combine them, Arthur Jarvis?"
"Unless there's some twist I don't know about where my parents were actually my adoptive ones, that's right."
"I think it's not a bad name at all. From now on, I'll call you Arthur."
"...Thank you very much."
In truth, even if I said I didn't like it, once people found out, they'd all start calling me by my name anyway. Some of them—guys and girls alike—even got more aggressive about it just because I said I hated it.
Perhaps because she'd peered into the mysteries of astrology, Tiona's mood had improved considerably.
If the shock of a new experience had shaken off her bad mood for the moment, the next step was...
"Young Lady."
I extended my hand to her.
"This time, I overstepped with my suggestion and hurt you. I apologize."
"What are you talking about?"
"Because of me, you had to practice all sorts of things to show the Duke."
"...It's fine."
Tiona huffed and turned her head away.
"That knowledge will come in handy someday anyway. I won't regret learning it."
"Young Lady..."
Was she growing up? Finally starting to act a bit more human?
"But!"
Tiona grabbed my hand firmly and declared,
"The last three days were still hard work! I'm going to make sure I get a vacation for it!"
"A vacation... All right. Since you pushed yourself for three days, how about three days off? Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
"You'll take me if I say where?"
"On the contrary, I'm quite worried about what kind of trouble you'd get into without me."
"That's harsh!"
As Tiona stood while holding my hand, she stumbled.
I caught her, and just then, her stomach let out a loud gurgle.
"You can think slowly about what to do, so for now, shall we start with dinner?"
It was past midnight, so it was more like a late-night snack than dinner.
But late-night snacks are the most dangerous when you're starving.
"Young Lady, the food isn't going anywhere. Eat slowly."
"Om nom nom!!"
"And please speak after you've swallowed."
"Hic!"
Maybe as a rebound from diligently practicing her "nobility" over the past few days, the sight of her tearing into a chicken leg with her bare hands was utterly voracious.
But tonight, I'd let it slide with just a verbal reminder.
Finally, Tiona had stuffed her belly full of roast chicken and a variety of other dishes, then leaned back in her chair with a satisfied expression.
"Ugh..."
Seeing her pat her bulging belly made me think of that barbarian tribe chief I'd met before.
"My stomach's full."
"It looks that way."
"Yaaawn..."
Tiona let out a big yawn.
Normally, she'd be nodding off by 10 p.m.
She'd been on edge waiting for the Duke, so she'd forgotten about her sleepiness, but now that the tension was gone and her belly was full, drowsiness was crashing over her.
"Arthur... carry me to bed..."
"Of course."
I considered piggybacking her, but that might press on her stomach and make her vomit.
"Whew..."
In the end, I slipped my hands under her back and knees and scooped her up again.
"Hee hee..."
"What's so funny?"
"Maria from Daytona... does this..."
It was from one of the Young Lady's favorite romance novels.
There was a scene where the heroine was carried like this by the protagonist. And right after that scene, the protagonist leaned down for a kiss with the heroine.
"Zzz... snore..."
"Good night."
I laid her in bed and removed her socks and gloves.
She'd loosened the tight parts of her dress herself while eating, so I left those alone and covered her with the fluffy blanket.
"Mmm... ahh..."
"Good night, Tiona."
The next day.
I came to Block B, District 14—the capital's famous shopping street—with Tiona and Cynthia.
Textile workers' street.
In the past, it had been a street of laborers spinning thread and weaving cloth, but in this era, it was a place selling expensive clothes.
This era's shopping district.
"There are so many stylish shops!"
Tiona got excited looking at the clothing stores.
"Arthur! Find some clothes that suit me!"
"Young Lady, do you know what this is?"
"What?"
"I'm your home tutor, not your butler."
"Gasp!?"
"Gasp!"
Tiona's reaction made sense, but why was Cynthia surprised too? I'd definitely explained I was a home tutor when they hired me.
"B-but Arthur, you're basically a butler!"
Tiona protested like that.
"More than a butler...?"
Cynthia muttered.
"What's this 'basically'? Everything I've done has been for educational purposes."
Of course it was.
I didn't have a hobby of baking, so the reason I made all sorts of things was to motivate Tiona or change her mood.
Waking her up in the morning and interfering in her daily life was because otherwise, she wouldn't study at all.
The same went for everything else.
Tiona—and though I hadn't told her, Cynthia too—was my student. My job was to raise them both so the world I ended up in wouldn't meet its doom.
Naturally, all my actions toward them were tied to that goal.
"Th-then pick out my clothes for educational purposes!"
Oh? What was this?
It was forced, but pretty logical coming from our Young Lady.
"How can clothes have an educational purpose?"
"If you nitpick like that, what does dining etiquette have to do with education?"
"Unlike dining etiquette, you already dress like a normal person, Young Lady. The fine details from here are just a hobby."
"Fine! If you won't pick them, I'll wear something weird!"
My head was starting to hurt. What was this fresh villainess lady behavior?
"Sigh... Fine. But just one outfit."
"I express my regrets, but I'll accept it for the greater good."
Her vast vocabulary was truly infuriating no matter how many times I heard it.
Especially since if I asked the precise meaning of each word, she'd flounder.
Anyway, the three of us wandered the street.
Cynthia looked puzzled at the clothes displayed in one shop.
"Teacher, there's no price here."
"It means it's for people who don't care how much it costs. These aren't off-the-rack; they tailor clothes to each person's measurements."
"Wow..."
Cynthia, a commoner from the countryside, was amazed.
"Ooooh...!"
Tiona was amazed right next to her. And why didn't you know that?
As we walked around, someone called out to Tiona from the side.
"Excuse me, aren't you the Krishantimaiu Duke's Daughter?"
"Huh?"
When I looked, a noble-born young lady was addressing Tiona.
"That's right, isn't it? I heard you'd come to the capital recently."
"Who...?"
"I'm Lira Diarand."
I recognized the name.
"The marquis family holding territory in the southeastern Empire."
And Lira Diarand, in the original story, was the protagonist who entered the academy—a friendly rival and the protagonist's first friend.
The classic romance novel trope: a friend who helps the protagonist but envies her beauty.
Though the actual protagonist was peeking out slightly from behind me.
Since that shock therapy the other day, Cynthia had become less afraid of nobles, but proactively approaching them was another matter entirely.
Tiona asked me,
"How do you know that, Arthur?"
"I can know things. More importantly."
I gestured for her to greet back since she'd been greeted, and Tiona turned to face Lira Diarand.
"Hello? I'm Tiona."
Half-hiding behind my back, just like Cynthia.
What was this novel hothead lady behavior?
It'd be nice if they considered my position, stuck with two girls clinging to my sides like twins.
Though one lacked the guts, and the other lacked the ability.
But Lira was a good person.
"Oh... right! I'm holding a tea party next week. Would the Krishantimaiu Young Lady like to come?"
"...A tea party?"
Tea party.
By strict definition, it's a gathering (party) where you drink tea (tea).
So even if two farmers or textile workers sat around sipping tea and chatting, it technically qualifies as a tea party.
But usually, people imagine nobles elegantly discussing profound topics, teacups in hand, surrounded by tea and pastries.
In the romance novel world, tea parties carried an even stronger image of noble socializing, political maneuvering, and faction games.
Of course, not every tea party turns into a battlefield of veiled insults, gossip, and rivalry.
There are plenty of peaceful ones held just to meet and make real friends.
The tea party Lira was hosting this time was one of those.
But gatherings have a way of changing nature with just one participant.
"Ah... Lady Beatrice, I didn't hear you'd be coming."
Lira's voice trembled slightly as she greeted the new arrival.
Lira was the type who tried to find merits in everyone.
But Beatrice Colloraine loved stirring up conflict in groups.
Seeing Lira's expression, Beatrice let out a "pfft" of laughter.
"Oh, was that so? Sorry, must've been a slip-up on our end."
"Ahahaha..."
"Is there no seat?"
There were seats, sure.
But... if Beatrice came in, the peaceful gathering she'd worked hard to host would...
"Oh, sorry? Am I being oblivious? I didn't even realize you hated me, Lady Lira—"
"Arthur! What's the name of that obnoxious woman?"