Elis browsed the products in Nifty’s store, using the quiet moment to soothe her racing heart. Her years of lady’s education had finally paid off, allowing her to maintain her dignity without making a public scene, but the mental fatigue was significant. While Kaito stepped away to speak with Canalis, she focused on reclaiming her equanimity.
Even at a moment like this, none of the people present—not the count’s daughter she knew or the merchants she had previously greeted—dared to approach her. There was no question they were dying to get close and pry for details, but with Kaito gone to the back, they had no idea when he might return. Fearing they might interrupt him or inadvertently get in his way, they kept their distance, likely planning to send letters to Elis later to inquire about the situation.
(I feel absolutely drained, but considering the future, the benefits far outweigh the exhaustion. I cannot complain. There was surely a degree of social pleasantry involved, but the fact that Kaito-sama openly called me his friend is simply too monumental to ignore. However, I must remember that this personal connection is between Kaito-sama and myself alone; the Hamilton Marquis House should be kept entirely separate from this.)
The experience had been enough to give her a stomach ache, yet the rewards were undeniable. Even if her friendship with Kaito was purely personal and had nothing to do with her family, the rest of nobility would see things differently. To them, the Hamilton Marquis House now appeared to possess a direct connection to Kaito.
Elis had already crossed paths with an acquaintance, a count’s daughter. For better or worse, her status within the social circle was guaranteed to skyrocket. She had no intention of using Kaito for political gain—nor could she—but being held in such high regard would be a powerful weapon in noble society from here on out.
As for the Seven Princesses, she had established a clear connection with the five she had been introduced to today, however tenuous it might be. Whether they would actually attend was another matter, but it was now possible for her to send invitations for events like a tea party hosted by the Marquis House.
While she was shopping and turning these thoughts over in her mind, Kaito returned from the back of the shop.
"I’m sorry, Elis-san. I kept you waiting."
"No, please, don’t worry about it... I’ve been enjoying my shopping at a leisurely pace. I’ve already picked out a few items and was just thinking of placing my order. The time limit for the visit is approaching, after all."
"Oh, that's right. I forgot there's a limit on how long people can spend shopping or at the cafe."
"Yes, though they provide more than enough time for a comfortable visit."
"I see... Well, the timing might actually be perfect then."
"Oh? For what?"
The store had strict limits on how long guests could stay. In fact, the count’s daughter she knew had already departed. Elis still had some time left, but it was indeed the right moment to place the orders for the goods she wanted delivered to the Marquis House.
"If you have the time to spare, Elis-san, they have a seat ready for us in the cafe. Would you like to go with me? I caught you off guard earlier with the Seven Princesses, so I’d like to treat you as an apology. What do you think?"
"A-Are you sure? I would be honored, of course... but are you certain I won't be a bother?"
"It's fine. I’ve already cleared it with the manager. Oh, and your maid has a seat, too. I figured it might be awkward for her position to sit at the same table as you, so I had them prepare a separate one nearby..."
"To think you would show such consideration... I don't know how to thank you. You have my deepest gratitude for your kindness, Kaito-sama."
Elis bowed with a gentle, serene smile at Kaito's proposal, but internally, she was in a total panic.
(W-Why is this happening? What? Wait... Could it be that, without me even realizing it, I've become Kaito-sama's mistress or something of the sort? No, stay calm. My imagination is getting ahead of me. But... to think that he might like me even a little... No, I shouldn't be so conceited. But is it really alright for me to think I've earned his favor?)
Elis was confused, but her suspicions weren't entirely off the mark. Through their interactions thus far, Kaito had come to see her as someone who was noble-daughter-like yet easy to talk to. He truly had a favorable impression of her.
The primary reason for this was that Elis consistently lacked any desire to exploit her relationship with him. Because Kaito possessed sympathy magic, even if someone didn't intend to act on a thought, any wicked ambition or hidden agenda would manifest as a dark or unpleasant emotion.
Elis, however, harbored no such intentions. In fact, she was more worried that her presence might cause strange rumors to start about him. Her kind-hearted nature made her easy for Kaito to be around.
Naturally, Elis had no way of knowing this, and she continued to question herself internally, wondering what on earth he could have found so appealing about her.
Serious-senpai: "In reality, Stomach Pain Warriors are basically all good people... which is exactly why they end up being the ones taking the damage instead of the ones dealing it out."