A significant amount of time had passed since Ryoma's departure. It was now that hectic period toward the end of the year—reminiscent of the month of December in Japan—when people of all stations scrambled to prepare for the coming new year. In a private room within a certain mansion in the Royal Capital, five girls were being served tea and sweets.
However, only one of them had actually touched the refreshments.
That was Eliaria, the daughter of the house.
"Everyone, you don't have to worry so much, you know? Especially you, Kanan."
"E-Even if you say that, it’s a bit of a problem... I mean, it is quite difficult to relax."
"Kanan, could you please just act like you usually do? I'm sorry, but even I'm starting to get nervous now."
"Why's that!? Michelle, you’re the daughter of a Count, so I was hoping you’d show me the proper way to behave."
"Haha, unfortunately, for my family, a peerage is just something that came as a bonus after generations of academic mastery and pursuing our research to our hearts' content. I shouldn't say this too loudly... but my parents and I are the sort of people who prioritize our interests and would toss etiquette aside at the drop of a hat. I’ve received the bare minimum instruction, and I do mean the bare minimum. You should direct your request to Riera instead."
"Don't speak so boldly of things you shouldn't be proud of. As for my manners as a lady... well, I cannot say much about others. Perhaps I should have at least worn a dress?"
"We were told to come 'as usual,' so isn't this fine? Besides, even if you try to put on half-baked appearances, you’ll only end up getting seen through anyway."
"I see. No, you're right. Still, Miyabi, you seem remarkably composed."
"That's not it at all. This is... more like 'resignation.' I've been through something similar once before..."
"But I'm only introducing you to my family as my friends..."
"Elia..." the four of them groaned in unison, their silent glares emphasizing that this was exactly why it was such a big deal.
Just then, there was a knock on the luxuriously decorated door.
"Thank you for waiting. The Master and the others have arrived."
The four girls stood up all at once at the maid's announcement, followed a moment later by Elia, who rose with practiced grace. A young man and woman, accompanied by an elderly gentleman, entered the room.
"I am sorry to have kept you waiting. I am Reinhardt, the current head of the Jamil Ducal House. My daughter is always in your debt."
"Father! Mother and Grandfather, you're late."
"I'm sorry, dear. We had a guest come by quite unexpectedly."
"That aside, you seem to be doing well, Elia."
"Grandfather, Mother, Father—I am glad to see you all looking well too."
After the family members who had been apart exchanged greetings, the topic immediately turned to the four visiting girls.
"By the way, Elia, won't you introduce your friends? A simple introduction will do for now."
"Of course! Then, starting from the left, this is Kanan, who is currently the most nervous person in the room."
"I am Kanan Schuser! I'm aiming to be a Magic Tool Craftsman! That is to say—it is a pleasure to meet you!"
"So you're Kanan. I've heard much about you in letters from Elia. You're the daughter of House Schuser, aren't you?"
"Ho, speaking of House Schuser, is Master Defel doing well? He helped me quite often in the past, but when I visited the shop the other day, I was told he had retired."
"Gramps—I mean, my grandfather is doing fine! His reason for retiring wasn't because of any illness; he just reached the age where his eyes started going and his hands slowed down. He suddenly declared, 'I can't do work I'm satisfied with anymore!' and quit on the spot. But since it's his hobby, he ends up making magic tools every day anyway. What’s more, he makes things that are definitely better than the active craftsmen while scolding all the younger ones. That is to say—he is quite healthy!"
"That is good to hear. If you have the chance, please tell him that Reinbach sends his regards."
"Understood! ...Ah."
Kanan's expression crumbled as if to say, 'I blew it!', but the three adults only laughed warmly. To begin with, though she hadn't realized it herself, her dog ears and tail were constantly twitching. There was no hiding the fact that she was nervous and unaccustomed to such formal settings.
Next, Elia introduced Miyabi, leaving her no room to hide.
"I'm Miyabi Saionji. I believe you already know of us, but I'm the daughter of Pioro, the chairman of the Saionji Company. My father and I both look forward to your continued favor."
"So you're Pioro's daughter!"
"Our house is often in your father's debt."
"I had heard he had a daughter, but this is the first time we've met. It's a pleasure."
"Thank you very much."
"Next is Riera."
"Riera Clifford. I am the youngest daughter of Baron Clifford's house. It is a profound honor to be granted an audience with the members of the Ducal House."
"You're a serious girl. This isn't a public setting, so please, feel at ease."
"It’s reassuring to have one such child around, isn't it?"
"More than that, I'd like to hear many stories from you."
"Yes! I will... make every effort."
Her salute was magnificent, but the words that followed were a bit weak. The adults quietly stifled their laughter at her earnestness.
"And finally, Michelle. She's wearing men's clothes, but she's a woman. Please don't misunderstand, Father especially."
"Of course. You're Michelle, right? I've heard you're the eldest daughter of House Wyldan."
"I am honored that you know of me. But a misunderstanding?"
"Ah, I am truly sorry about that... In the letter Elia sent, I read that Michelle was 'popular with the female students.' Well, how should I put it..."
"You misunderstood and thought she was a boy, got all restless on your own, and then cross-examined her in a letter about what kind of boy she was, didn't you, dear?"
"Honestly, it's only natural that there would be interactions with the opposite sex at the Academy. It wasn't as if she had fallen in love; she simply said they were getting along well. To get so flustered over a misunderstanding... it's pathetic for my own son."
"Urgh..."
The head of the family seemed to shrink a bit as he was pinned down by his daughter and then verbally pummeled by his wife and father. While he lacked dignity in that moment, it served the purpose of relaxing the tension of the young students. The atmosphere loosened considerably, and everyone's expressions softened.
"Oops, I'm sorry for keeping you all standing. Everyone, please sit, sit."
"Please bring refills of tea and some sweets as well."
At Reinhardt's word, everyone took a seat, and at Elise's word, the maid prepared fresh refreshments.
"Now then, I've heard a bit through letters, but I hear you are all in the same party for your practical training as well?"
"Yes. That is correct."
"How nostalgic. In my student days, I also delved into the Academy Dungeon as part of my integrated studies. How is it? Is our Elia causing you any trouble?"
"Trouble? Not at all. Everyone has their individual strengths and weaknesses, but I think our party is doing quite well. Elia is beyond reproach in academic subjects and general education. In magic—especially in terms of power and rapid-fire capability—she is exceptionally talented and the top of the year. She handles the heavy offensive role during our training."
"She seems to be a little weak in swordsmanship, but even so, she is keeping up with the classes well enough, and her grades are among the top tier for the girls. In our training, Kanan and I are basically the vanguard, but she also follows up when there's trouble."
"Also, she proactively helps with chores and things. Looking at noble students in other parties, there were a lot of times where they'd leave setting up tents or cooking entirely to the commoner students or the children of their servants. Or they'd work while complaining. So, to be honest, I was hesitant at first about whether it was okay to let Elia do that kind of work."
Hearing the praise from Michelle, Riera, and Kanan, the three adults nodded in relief.
"To be decent at swordsmanship and the top of the year in magic... You trained hard before enrollment, but you’ve certainly kept it up, Elia."
"The results are because of Elia's hard work. And there's no need to worry about the chores. At the Academy, everyone is equal regardless of rank. Well, even when I was a student, that was more of a nominal rule, but in reality, it would be a problem if you couldn't do anything without a servant in an emergency."
"Whatever happens after graduation, right now while you are students, it is part of the curriculum. I'm glad to hear you're doing well. And it seems you've built truly good relationships with your friends."
"Mother?"
"I was also quite worried, though not as much as my husband. As a parent, I intended to give you a proper upbringing and education, and you've grown up into a daughter I can proudly boast of, but in terms of noble social interactions... well, you know?"
"Ah..." the four friends muttered in realization.
"Mother! And everyone too, what is that supposed to mean!?"
"No, it's not in a bad way."
"Elia is a good girl and easy to get along with, and she treats even commoners without discrimination, but..."
"She's honest—pure, really. She's not good at the kind of double-dealing other noble children do."
"That is certainly true; there are many times when I feel I cannot keep up. But aren't those people just boasting in loud voices? They look down on those of lower rank, and every other word out of their mouths is about how someone is being 'rude' or should 'know their place.' Those from families of equal rank do nothing but brag, and they scramble to approach those of higher rank with flattery or by pulling each other down. They exaggerate trivial things and try to trip each other up... It's like a bunch of children pretending to be adults, just 'playing at being nobles'."
"Elia, even if you’re trying to defend yourself right now, you’re saying some incredibly biting things, you know? You absolutely must not say that to their faces."
"I-I know that. I only say such things here."
"Well, we have no intention of denying it either."
"I don't like to speak ill of others, but it's common for such conversations to be held all over the place. I really wish they wouldn't try to drag me in by asking for my agreement in the middle of it."
"There have been children like that in every era. There were many of them in our time too. It starts with bragging contests and looking down on each other, and it eventually turns into nothing but insults. The methods change a bit as they get older, though."
"Oh, even among adults, there are plenty of people who are still like children. There are plenty who do nothing but negate or criticize others' work or actions, you know?"
"...The Madam is also quite caustic..."
"Like mother, like daughter."
"As her grandfather, I am glad that my granddaughter has not become one of those children."
"Of course. That kind of interaction is unsightly to watch, and they aren't nearly as mature as they think they are. In that regard, Ryoma, who isn't a noble, is much more noble-like and looks far more like an adult."
That was a casual remark directed at her grandfather, but it piqued Michelle's interest.
"That 'Ryoma' is a name I hear occasionally, but what kind of person is he? He's a man, right?"
"Come to think of it, I haven't really heard much. Just that he's Elia's friend."
"Ah, I was also a bit curious. You seemed to talk about that person with Miyabi sometimes, but it looked difficult for you to talk about it with us, so I didn't ask deeply..."
"Oh, Elia, hadn't you told everyone about Ryoma?"
"Well, yes. I don't think I've ever spoken about him properly. It's not that I was hiding it... but when I try to explain it, I don't know how to begin."
Elia's words made the three adults and Miyabi nod deeply in agreement.
"I didn't have anyone I could call a friend until I enrolled, so I didn't think much of it. But after getting to know my classmates and the seniors I meet, I realized it. Ryoma is quite different from other people our age, both in terms of ability and spirit. But he's not a bad person. In fact, he's a very good person, right? Father, Mother, Grandfather."
"That's right. I was the first one in our family to meet him. At the time, my subordinates had been injured, and he saved them when they were on the verge of death."
"I heard he was raised by an elderly adventurer couple. He's a year younger than Elia, but he's very knowledgeable and a skilled hunter."
"His magic skills were also quite something, although he leaned heavily toward improving the quality of his life."
"To have you all speak so highly of him, he must be an exceptionally talented child. A year younger than Elia means he's a year younger than us too."
"Talented... yes, there's no doubt about that."
"Though he does have a bit of an eccentric side."
"An eccentric side?"
"Ryoma is someone who does slime research as a hobby. And when the topic of slimes comes up, he becomes exactly like Michelle when she talks about Magic Circle Studies."
"Ah..."
With just that, Riera and Kanan nodded as if they had a complete grasp of Ryoma's personality.
"I wish you wouldn't use my name to make them understand so easily."
"It was an easy-to-understand explanation, so it couldn't be helped."
"Yes, I immediately understood. He's the type of person who loses sight of his surroundings when he has something he's interested in right in front of him."
"Muu..."
"In exchange, both of them are very knowledgeable in their specialized fields, as well as in other matters, and are very reliable. Just as I've been receiving advice from Ryoma since the time I caught a slime as my first tamed monster, doesn't Michelle teach us about Magic Circle Studies from scratch?"
"I'm not quite convinced, but let's leave it at that. But I see, so that's why Elia has those three rare types of slimes with her."
"The Cleaner Slime, Heal Slime, and Scavenger Slime, right? They're so handy. Especially during the practical field training in the Academy Dungeon—the envious looks from other parties were incredible."
"With Elia's slimes and Michelle's Earth Magic, we had a bath and even a toilet, albeit simple ones. Even the teachers who were used to camping didn't have such a blessed environment."
"Thanks to that, the noble parties were making unreasonable demands for us to lend them out or make them for them. As the one in charge of negotiations, it was tough for me."
"That must have been truly difficult."
"Every year, especially the first training session, tends to be chaotic. They probably learned the basics before enrollment, but skills don't stick unless you practice them repeatedly."
"As Miyabi said, it would be fine if there were companions who could share the work and compensate for each other's weak areas. But the current reality is that there are many, both children and adults, who mistake living with pride and dignity for mere selfishness..."
As the conversation continued, Elia went on to talk about her experiences at the Academy, and the tension her four friends felt gradually thawed. By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon...
"Excuse me. Master, it is nearly time for your appointment."
"Oh, is it already that time?"
"Father. I finally brought my friends over, and yet you've made other plans?"
"I'm sorry, Elia. I'm meeting a senior from my student days for the first time in a while to have dinner together."
"Eh, Father..."
"Hmm? What's wrong? You have such a surprised look on your face."
"Father... did you actually have friends during your student days?"
At that moment, a strange tension flowed as if the warm air in the room had frozen. At his daughter's harsh words, Reinhardt froze, his face twitching.
"W-Why would you say that?"
"Well... because Father, you've never mentioned visiting a friend until now. And whenever I talked about the Academy, you always had such a difficult look on your face."
"Ah... yeah, well..."
Reinhardt, at a loss for an answer, looked at his wife and father. But the two of them were stifling their laughter and just watched quietly, letting him handle it himself.
"Sigh... you're right. I don't really want to admit it, but my student days weren't very enjoyable. But even so, I had one or two people I could trust. For example, Elise over there, who’s laughing now—she’s my wife now, but she was one of my few friends back then."
"Ufufu. How nostalgic."
"So that was the case. I'm sorry, Father."
"It's a bit sad to be apologized to, but... don't worry about it. It's true that I rarely visit old friends, and I had been out of touch with the person I'm meeting today since graduation."
"Then why so suddenly?"
"Actually, a little while ago, Ryoma went to that person's territory and was helped by him. At that time, Ryoma discovered that even though there are ranks and obligations as nobles, this person still worried about me as his junior. He secretly told me about it in a letter. So, I thought this was a good opportunity and decided to pay him a visit."
"I see."
"It seems he was quite surprised too. It's a happy thing to have a friend who doesn't forget the past and tries to be a source of strength no matter how much time passes. You don't need many—even just one is fine. I hope you can make such friends too, Elia."
"Yes, Father. But regarding that, I'm already fine!"
Having declared that, she looked at her four friends.
"Because the four people here—and if I include Ryoma, five—are friends I can truly say I want to be like that with!"
"Elia..."
"Oh my, she really said it."
"She’s certainly straightforward."
"Somehow, it’s embarrassing for me."
"Oh, everyone... did you not like hearing that?"
When Elia asked, the four of them shook their heads while laughing. Watching the five of them, the adults showed gentle smiles.
"Good. Elia had a good encounter at the Academy. I want to hear more, and it's truly a shame, but I'll take my leave here. Don't mind me and take your time."
"Yes. I'd like to hear more stories too. If you like, everyone, why don't you stay over today? I also wanted to discuss the dress Elia will wear for the next social party. Some beauty product prototypes arrived from Ryoma recently. He said he wanted as many opinions as possible, so if you'd like, why don't you all try them too?"
"Ryoma made beauty products?"
"We had a conversation about it before. I think part of it is because I showed interest, but he said it's to deepen his understanding while studying pharmacology. He seems to have originally learned from his grandmother, and since he's such a studious child... Just between us, they're quite easy to use and the quality is excellent."
"I'm a bit curious about that too. My mother is doing research on medicine, so—"
The room became lively once again, and the conversation between Elia and her friends continued late into the night.