I set off toward the Square in front of the Royal Castle with Aria-san, whom I had run into by chance. We were heading for a street in the West District, her intended destination.
But what was this lingering feeling? Something about Aria-san... I couldn't shake the sensation that we had met somewhere before. I couldn't place her, though. Even if we had met, it probably hadn't been more than a passing exchange of a word or two.
Her voice didn't ring any bells, either. It was possible I had never actually spoken to her and had simply spotted her somewhere. If I could see her face more clearly, I might know for sure, but her bangs hid half her features, making it hard to tell.
"You said you don't come to the capital much, Aria-san. Did you travel here from another city?"
"Oh, no. I live in the Arclesia Empire, so I haven't visited the Kingdom of Sinfonia very often. I’ve visited a few times, but I’m not familiar enough with the layout to find my way with just a map. It’s quite embarrassing, really."
"I see. So you're from the Arclesia Empire."
"Yes. Occasionally venturing out into the city str—ah, no, I mean, going on short trips is a hobby of mine."
She definitely had the air of a noble traveling incognito. The way the phrase 'city streets' had almost slipped out felt very upper-class, and her gait possessed an elegance that didn't quite match her commoner's clothes.
Still, despite my own notoriety, I didn't actually know many nobles. I made a point of avoiding places where they congregated, so most of my interactions were limited to brief greetings at parties. When it came to the Arclesia Empire, the list was even shorter—non-existent, really.
Was it just my imagination? My intuition was unfounded to begin with, and if she were using magic to disguise herself, I’d be even more clueless. Thanks to Shiro-san's Blessing, I could dispel such magic just by touching her, but I couldn't see through it otherwise.
I couldn't exactly go around grabbing a woman I’d just met, and if she were an acquaintance hiding her identity, she surely had her reasons. I shouldn't pry.
Yeah. Best just to let it go.
"I apologize for the delay in asking, but how should I address you? Judging by your name, you must be from the otherworld. Should I use your given name or your family name?"
"Oh, you can just call me Kaito."
"Then I shall call you Kaito-sama. Regardless, I’m truly grateful you spoke to me, Kaito-sama. Since I was in the wrong district entirely, I would have been wandering for a long time if you hadn't come along."
"Don't mention it. I just happened to see you looking troubled. It's only natural to help someone in need."
"I see. You are a very kind person, Kaito-sama."
Her every word and gesture screamed high status. Yet, despite getting lost, she seemed remarkably composed. As we reached the more crowded main streets, she navigated the flow of people with natural grace, weaving through the crowd as if she were perfectly used to it.
"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of shop is this on your map?"
"A small eatery. It isn't a high-end establishment or anything exotic; they mostly serve fried snacks, like fried potatoes."
"Fried potatoes, huh? That sounds great."
"Yes. There is something alluring about such simple fried foods... Truly, because of my public image, I rarely get the chance... even though they are my absolute favorite..."
"Hmm?"
"Ah, no, it's nothing! Actually, Kaito-sama, if you're willing, would you care to join me for a meal? I'd love to treat you as thanks for the guidance... though I'm sorry it isn't anything more expensive."
"Thank you. I’d be happy to. It’s been a while since I’ve had fried potatoes, so I’m looking forward to it."
She seemed genuinely sorry that the reward was so cheap, but I actually preferred it this way. It was much easier to accept than some extravagant dinner. Since I was really just walking a short distance with her, anything more would have felt like far too much.
Serious-senpai: "① Resident of the Arclesia Empire, ② Kaito—who possesses Sympathy Magic—feels like he’s seen her somewhere but her voice doesn't ring a bell (maybe they've never spoken?), ③ A refined sense of nobility felt in her every move, ④ The name she started to say was 'Ale...' ...She’s a Super Maid, isn't she?"