134: Cafe Abitus

"My lady, Master Weiss’s Weiss is visible, so please, step this way!"

"Wh-what are you doing!?"

Ultimately, the girl claiming to be Teacher Milk’s younger sister, Cafe, was hauled away by a swarm of butlers.

Does that kind of slang exist in Noblesse too? Man, this really feels like a game sometimes.

And then there was that mysterious word she left in her wake: "fiancé."

...What a weirdo.

Well, whatever. The misunderstanding would surely be cleared up soon.

With that thought, I stepped out and tried to get dressed, only for Teacher Milk to appear before me next.

It was almost funny, seeing her sister made it feel like Milk had suddenly hit a growth spurt, but she wasn't her usual self—

"W-was Cafe just here?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, she was here a second ago. She called me her fiancé—"

"...Weiss. Change of plans."

"Eh? Plans?"

"Pretend to be my fiancé. Just in front of her is fine. Actually... that might be a bit much too, but... Weiss, please. I’m begging you."

"Wh-what are you talking about?!"

This was the first time I’d ever seen Teacher Milk so flustered. I’d never even seen her like this in the Original Story.

Also, when exactly am I going to be allowed to put my Weiss’s "Weiss" away?

"...She’s persistent in all the worst ways. My parents are actually more reasonable by comparison. If I told her you were my disciple, she’d never stop hounding me about not having a fiancé."

"I-I see."

I feel like being a fiancé is way more complicated, but maybe not?

Well, I guess that’s just how it goes for nobles.

"C-could we at least stick to just 'dating'? It’d be weird to be 'fiancés' without your parents' permission, wouldn't it?"

"...You're right. Let’s go with that."

She was clearly panicking. She couldn't even keep her story straight anymore.

"Next is the strategy, but—"

"But first... can I please put some clothes on?"

Let me get dressed before I catch a damn cold.

◇

I thought about talking to Teacher Milk outside, but Cafe was already on standby.

Standing side-by-side, it was obvious they were sisters.

"Master Weiss, forgive my suddenness earlier. I simply wanted to be the first to greet my sister’s fiancé."

"Cafe, why are you here? You weren't supposed to return this year."

"I just had a feeling I should come, for some reason or another."

When someone says "for some reason," there really isn't much you can say back.

In that regard, it seems she really does share Teacher Milk’s blood.

She looked quite airheaded and easygoing, but I was starting to suspect that wasn't the case.

"Come to think of it, Master Weiss... I feel like I've heard that name somewhere before—"

"N-now, then! Let’s just have some lunch for now! We can chat all we want over food!"

"I understand. Master Weiss, please come this way."

"A-ah, okay."

Still, seeing Teacher Milk this flustered is a rare treat.

When we moved to a beautiful terrace with a view of the courtyard, light refreshments had already been prepared.

It had been a long time since I’d attended a tea party. Cynthia had drilled me on various bits of noble etiquette, so I could manage to look the part now, but I still felt uneasy.

And then, I remembered that nightmare of a dinner party.

No... remembering that now is a total jinx.

"So, since when have you and my sister—"

"W-we’ve only just started seeing each other! There's a bit of an age gap, sure, but Weiss is a top-tier adventurer!"

"Hmm, I see. Sister, isn't it about time you quit adventuring? I know you're strong, but it's a dangerous line of work. But even if you’re both adventurers, is Master Weiss even a noble? Isn't that a bit odd?"

"E-err, well."

Looks like Milk hasn't told her she's working at the Academy yet.

Noticing Teacher Milk's lie immediately and mercilessly pointing out the contradictions—she was definitely a younger sister.

It couldn't be helped. I'd help her out for once.

"My father is a pretty strict man. His favorite motto is 'Throw your children to the adventurers.' Because of that, my goal has been to reach S-rank. That’s how I met Milk-sen—Miss Milk."

"Hmm. Even though you are dating, you still call her 'Miss'?"

"It’s natural to respect one's elders."

"I see. —Old Man, what did you find?"

"Yes, my lady. It is right here."

A butler who looked even older than Zebis appeared, carrying some sort of document.

Teacher Milk tried to snatch it away in a hurry, but Cafe snapped her fingers.

To my shock, she was instantly encased in a Defense Barrier.

It looked like she was standing inside a glass box.

Amazing. That’s some high-level magic.

"O-hey, Cafe!?"

"Hmm, I see. So you're the eldest son of House Fanscent. Promoted from Nobless Academy at the top of the Lowerclassmen, and currently an Intermediate-year Student. I see, I see. So sister has become a teacher at the Academy. Hmmm... Sister, it seems you still don't have a fiancé after all."

She exposed everything in seconds. Seriously, who is this old guy?

Information about the Academy was supposed to be strictly confidential.

Man, the little sister is terrifying too.

Seeing no other choice, I decided to offer a total surrender.

"...Sorry. I'm actually Teacher Milk’s disciple. I came here today because she wanted to put her parents' minds at ease. Sure, there are parts of her that aren't exactly 'noble-like,' but that’s one of her best qualities. Please don't be too hard on her. Both the students and I rely on her more than words can say."

I was always in her debt, after all. If Teacher Milk was feeling down, I wanted to support her.

Then, for some reason, Cafe broke into a massive grin.

"That spirit—the way you jumped in to save my sister the moment her lie crumbled and she was in trouble! Your explanation was concise, clear, and delivered without a hint of hesitation! Even seeing my magic didn't phase you! You get a pass—a big, big, BIG pass! You are more than worthy of being my sister’s fiancé! Plus, you're actually pretty handsome!"

She suddenly became incredibly high-energy, ending her declaration with a thumbs up. The old butler clapped beside her, while Teacher Milk’s shoulders just slumped in defeat.

Good grief... I guess there really isn't a single normal person in all of Noblesse Oblige.