135 The Soiree

"I see... If you already have a fiancé, that does make things difficult. From the Violetta Family... so you mean Lady Cynthia? She is certainly renowned for her beauty and her character. I’ve heard her Ice Magic is quite spectacular as well."

In the short time I’d spent with her, I felt like I was starting to get a handle on Cafe Abitus.

To put it simply, her mind worked fast. Too fast. On top of that, she was incredibly efficient at processing and filtering information.

Judging by that defensive spell she’d used earlier, she was a high-level caster in her own right.

Is it just because I’m Weiss that I find myself wanting to spar with her more and more?

Regardless, I was just glad the misunderstanding had been cleared up.

"And there you have it, Cafe. I don't need a fiancé. I’m having a perfectly good time at Noblesse right now."

"Sister, if you let your marriageable years pass you by, you’ll never find happiness. With your personality, you’re going to end up alone for the rest of your life."

"I’ll find someone eventually."

"No, you won't! Old Man—"

Cafe snapped her fingers again.

She took the documents she’d brought and shoved them toward Teacher Milk. I caught a glimpse of the pages—they were covered in rows of photographs of various men.

Notes about their business ventures and annual income were scribbled next to each one.

"I’ve compiled a list of people whose values align with yours as closely as possible. We’re going to find someone among them."

"...Cafe, I just want to live how I want to live."

"No. Absolutely not."

"I—"

"Sister, you of all people deserve to be happy!!!"

After their heated back-and-forth, Cafe’s voice rose to a shout, nearly cutting her sister off.

However, the man she called 'Old Man' gave her a cautionary look, and she slumped her shoulders apologetically.

"...My apologies. I let my emotions get the better of me."

Teacher Milk clearly found the attention overbearing, but from where I stood, it was obvious that Cafe deeply adored her older sister.

She was just worried. I was a bit concerned about that cryptic 'of all people' remark at the end, but her sincerity definitely came through.

"Look... this might sound a bit arrogant coming from me, but let me say one thing. I agree that Teacher Milk is a bit eccentric. She doesn't act much like a noble, she's strict, and yeah, she’s scary. But she is a truly kind person at heart. I only passed the exam for Noblesse because of her. Whenever I’m lost, she’s the one who shows me the way. And I’m not the only one who feels that way about her. Everyone around me likes her, too. I just want you to understand that."

Hearing my little speech, Teacher Milk looked a bit embarrassed.

Cafe, on the other hand, looked a little sad.

"...I understand. I'm sorry."

"I also think you don't use your words enough, Teacher Milk. If you just shared your feelings with your sister a little more, I'm sure she’d understand."

I wonder if it’s actually okay for me to talk to my superior like this? Oh well, it felt like something that needed to be said.

"...Thank you, Weiss. Cafe, it’s true that I’ve lived my life exactly as I pleased. I’m well aware of that. But right now, I take pride in being a teacher. Please, try to understand."

Teacher Milk was more emotional than usual. It seemed like the message finally got through to Cafe, who gave a slow, measured nod.

Meanwhile, the guy called Old Man was standing off to the side, weeping absolute buckets.

His nose was running like a faucet.

He’s probably seeing her whole life flash before his eyes like a revolving lantern right now. It's actually kind of hilarious, but I feel like laughing would be a death sentence.

"Yes. Sister, I’m sorry. Master Weiss, thank you."

"Yeah, I should thank you too. Thanks, Weiss."

"No, really, it was nothing—"

"Magnificent! Truly magnificent!"

The Old Man finally lost it, wailing at the top of his lungs while applauding furiously.

It kind of reminded me of Zebis.

Man, I haven't seen him in forever. I kind of miss the guy.

It was the same with Eleanor and Sierra; families really are a great thing.

Speaking of which, I also have a sibling much older than—

Just then, a voice called out from behind us.

"Welcome home, Milk! Is this boy your fiancé?!"

"Oh, Milk!"

Both of them had vibrant red hair. Her parents, presumably. They looked like a very kind couple.

After we went through the whole explanation process all over again, the House Abitus estate was soon filled with tears and laughter (except for Teacher Milk, of course).

Hah. What a nice family.

◇

I stepped down from the carriage while taking in the sight of the glittering mansion before us.

From the other carriage, a woman emerged wearing a red dress that perfectly matched her hair.

Standing there was Teacher Milk, looking for all the world like a perfect high-ranking noblewoman.

Perhaps it was due to her constant training, but even her simplest movements were perfectly balanced and graceful.

She was so stunning that the men nearby were already starting a commotion.

And yet—

"This is cramped."

I couldn't help but let out a small smile at the fact that she was still the same old Teacher Milk.

"I bet it is."

"Oh, Sister, it suits you beautifully. And you as well, Master Weiss."

"Thanks, Cafe."

The sun had already set. The reason we were here was because of some big evening party for the local prominent families.

Teacher Milk had been adamant about not going, but after seeing Cafe and her parents practically begging her to show her face just once, I’d stepped in and persuaded her.

I’d planned to just relax while she was at the party, but it turns out Teacher Milk and Cafe had 'naturally' prepared an outfit for me as well.

Seriously, what is my actual role here...?

"...It can't be helped."

With a sigh, Teacher Milk took a deep breath and shifted her demeanor.

The rugged, blunt aura she usually carried vanished, replaced by a very gentle, serene expression.

"Shall we go, Cafe? Weiss?"

"Right behind you."

I see. She has a 'Social Mode' too.

Once we stepped inside, the place was packed with so many people it was hard to believe we were in the frontier.

But the most surprising thing was how many people immediately flocked to Teacher Milk.

"Oh! You're back! Milk, have you been well?"

"Yes, well enough."

"Miss Milk, how is the Adventurer life treating you?"

"I'm actually doing something else now, but otherwise, it's the same as always."

Normally, if rumors got out that a noble had become an Adventurer, most people would turn up their noses in disgust.

But everyone here was eager to talk to her.

Teacher Milk wasn't using her usual harsh tone, either; she was speaking in perfect, polished noble dialect.

Watching her, I felt a mix of genuine admiration and a strange, fluttering sensation in my chest.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, I just realized how much everyone likes her. Didn't you say Teacher Milk left the city when she was really young?"

"She left home in her teens, yes. However, even after she became an Adventurer, my sister would come back every now and then to hunt down monsters. If people were in trouble, she’d give them anonymous donations. My sister is... a truly kind person."

"I see. That sounds exactly like her. But wait, do monsters actually show up around here?"

"Quite often, actually. The nature of the land here makes for high concentrations of mana. It’s been especially active lately."

I see. She mentioned she came back for errands sometimes; she must have meant the monster hunting.

The fact that monsters were becoming more active was a sign that the main plot was progressing.

Ironically, because of that threat, weapon and armor sales were booming and the economy was thriving. What a twisted world.

"They say it’s also because the day of the Great Full Moon is approaching, but—"

Cafe said something that caught my attention. I was about to ask her more, but a group of men suddenly appeared and swarmed her.

"Miss Cafe, you look lovely tonight."

"It's rare to see you here, Miss Cafe."

...I have questions, but I guess I'll just back off and enjoy the food for now.

Though, to be honest, the etiquette for eating at these things is a massive pain—

"...Wait, is that Melomelon Prosciutto?"

Okay, this soiree is officially the best thing ever!!

I spent the next while just gorging myself. There were way more fruits than I expected.

Could I take some home as a souvenir? No, I’d definitely get yelled at.

Eventually, Teacher Milk finally managed to break away from the crowd and came over to find me.

"Sorry about that, Weiss. You must be bored to death."

"Not at all. Besides, the dress looks great on you. It's like seeing a rare, unreleased scene."

"Thank you. ...Though I have no idea what 'unreleased' means."

"Don't worry about it. More importantly, your sister is a great kid. Your parents are nice, too."

"...Yeah. I'm probably a burden to her. People look at her through a biased lens because of me, but she never lets it show. She’s a strong sister."

That’s for sure. Looking at them, both of these sisters are incredible in their own ways.

Suddenly, the music changed. It reminded me of the time I danced with Cynthia.

It felt like a lifetime ago.

As if on cue, a small army of men started approaching Teacher Milk to ask for a dance.

She looked genuinely overwhelmed.

Right. Disciple's turn to shine.

"Teacher Mil— Miss Abitus, may I have this dance?"

"—Ah. With pleasure."

Catching on instantly, Teacher Milk grabbed my hand.

Dancing was a basic requirement for a noble. Cynthia probably wouldn't be mad. Maybe. I should definitely tell her about this later, though.

"Who’s that kid? Just cutting in like that?"

"No idea. Doesn't sound like he’s the fiancé."

"My Lady Milk... stolen by a brat..."

I could hear all sorts of grumbling as we moved across the floor.

Teacher Milk shot them a few intimidating glares, but I just told her to ignore it. I was used to this kind of thing.

I am the one and only Weiss Fansent, after all.

"Sorry for dragging you into this."

"It’s an honor."

The dance ended, and I was just thinking about heading home after one last plate of Melomelon Prosciutto when a scream pierced the air from outside.

Everyone in the room rushed to the windows. Several massive Cyclopes had emerged from the forest.

"M-Monsters!"

"Where are the guards?! Subjugate them at once!"

"But those are Cyclopes! You need serious skill to take those down!"

...Good grief. What a hassle.

The men who had been falling over themselves to talk to Teacher Milk a moment ago were now just standing there, paralyzed.

Naturally, Teacher Milk moved to head out, but I held up a hand to stop her.

"You'll get your dress dirty after all that work."

"I don't care about the dress. I—"

"Just this once, let me play the hero."

"...Fine. I’ll leave it to you."

At that moment, Cafe noticed the monsters and came sprinting over.

"Sister! I’ll help too!"

"No, it's fine. Let's just get back to our meal."

"What are you saying?! Those are Cyclopes!"

I couldn't help but grin at Teacher Milk’s nonchalant response.

It was the ultimate compliment. She really did trust me.

"Is... Is Miss Milk not going?"

"Wait, what is that guy doing—?"

Talking back to the people who’d been badmouthing me earlier would be a total loser move.

I was going to show them exactly who I was, my way.

"Well then, Master, I'm off. —Unnatural."

I shrugged off my formal jacket and vaulted out the window.

◇

I was stunned. Master Weiss, the person Sister had brought with her, leaped straight out into the Darkness of the night all by himself.

"S-Sister! Master Weiss just—!"

"Don't worry."

"B-But, he's alone?!"

"Cafe. Do you really think I'm a poor judge of character?"

"I-I don't think so, but—"

"GYAAAAAAAA-AAAA-AAAAAA!"

A monster’s death rattle echoed through the air, and the crowd at the windows leaned out even further.

I strained my eyes to see, and I couldn't believe what I was witnessing.

Those ferocious Cyclopes were being cut down with terrifying ease.

One. Then another.

Master Weiss looked like he was having the time of his life. It was immediately obvious that he loved to fight.

The people around me had been terrified at first, but slowly, they started cheering.

Some were even shouting about how cool he looked.

"He's incredible. Who is he? He's just a boy!"

"I want him... I have to have him for my house."

"He’s like a demon in human form. And yet, his movements are so beautiful."

I’m fairly proficient with magic myself. But even from my perspective, Master Weiss’s strength was overwhelming.

He was handling those monsters like he was snapping twigs.

That silhouette... it looked just like Sister’s.

"He's something else, isn't he, Cafe?"

But what surprised me most was the smile on my sister’s face.

I had never seen her look so happy.

Weiss Fansent. You truly are a wonderful person.

But it’s such a tragedy. Why do you have to have a fiancé already?

Sister is such a magnificent person.

Years ago, when she lost the one she loved most, Sister was consumed by grief.

She became self-destructive; I even heard some truly terrifying rumors about her back then.

I’ve wanted her to be happy again for so long.

But... Sister is enjoying her life now, isn't she?

I could see it clearly.

"Yes. He is incredible. —As expected of your disciple, Sister."

Master Weiss struck down the final Cyclops.

He didn't have a scratch on him. It was as if I’d just watched a beautiful performance.

Ah, simply amazing.

Master Weiss Fansent... please, I beg of you, take care of my precious sister.

...Wait. He’s a high-ranking noble, right? Maybe having two wives wouldn't be a problem?