Since Alice had provided two sets of equipment for playing catch, I handed them over to the noble-looking couple and gave them a brief explanation of how to use the gloves. Well, even so, playing catch essentially just involved throwing and catching a ball. No complex instructions were needed, and they were able to start practicing right away without any problems.
Though slightly hesitant at first, the two quickly got the hang of it. They both looked like they were having quite a bit of fun.
"I see, this is quite wonderful," the man remarked. "I haven't had many opportunities for exercise lately, so it's a pleasure to move my body like this with my wife."
"Quite so," she agreed. "I appreciate that it isn't too strenuous. It allows us to converse comfortably as we go; it's just the right pace."
It seemed they had taken a genuine liking to the game, given how happily they threw the ball back and forth. For members of the nobility, such simple activities were likely a rare and refreshing novelty.
As I watched them, a note was suddenly pressed into my hand. Checking it, I saw it was from Alice... I see, so that was her plan.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it. If you'd like, please keep the gloves and the balls."
"That is most generous... but are you certain?"
"Yes, they aren't particularly expensive. They're just tools for a game called baseball. It's not very well known here, but you can find them in shops if you look."
Since Alice's note explicitly said it was fine to give the gear away, I did just that. Even if the items weren't pricey, finding replacements might be a bit of a chore given how obscure the sport was in this world.
"You have our sincerest gratitude," the man said. "If I may, would you permit us to introduce ourselves?"
"Oh, of course," I replied.
I realized I hadn't introduced myself either. I gave him a nod, and the man bowed deeply.
"I am Claus Scott, a Count residing in the Royal Capital. I currently serve within the Royal Castle. This is my wife, Forte Scott. We would be honored if you would remember us."
"I'm Kaito Miyama. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"I am Illness," she added in her usual slow drawl. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, alongside Kaito-sama."
I had guessed they were nobles, but a Count? This was actually my first time meeting a real one, considering "Count" Ducas was actually just a Viscount. Now that I thought about it, I hadn't met a Baron or a Marquis yet either.
"We have heard many rumors concerning you, Lord Miyama," Count Scott continued. "While the need may never arise, should we ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you," I replied.
"We shouldn't intrude upon your time together any longer. We shall take our leave. We will be sure to send a small token of our appreciation for your gift later."
Likely out of consideration for our date, the Scotts offered a final polite greeting, bowed deeply once more, and went on their way.
And at the time, I had no way of knowing what was to come. Not long after, a "Playing Catch Boom" would take the aristocracy by storm. The Scotts would be featured in a magazine as the trendsetters, and I would be left speechless when I read them describing the gloves I'd given them as "a treasure received from a certain highly noble person."
Serious-senpai: "Well, from a noble's perspective, they're not exactly wrong..."