She tended to look lonely whenever I released her hand; combined with her petite frame, Olivia-san gave off a distinct puppy-like vibe. I had ended up absent-mindedly patting her head, which seemed to startle her, but it did succeed in soothing the visible tension she had been radiating.
"Hmm... this is a nice atmosphere. It’s completely different from my place, but you can really tell how much thought they put into things like the layout and the view."
"Kaori-san’s restaurant is traditional Japanese style... though, in terms of atmosphere, it might be closer to an izakaya."
"Come to think of it, Kaori Mizuhara's Shop doesn't have large windows like this one. Is there a specific reason for that?"
Just as Olivia-san pointed out, Kaori-san’s place lacked large windows. There were small ones for ventilation, but nothing that provided a clear view like this restaurant.
I hadn't really given it much thought since many Japanese-style set meal restaurants were built that way, but I could see why it piqued Olivia-san’s curiosity.
"Ah, about that—it’s like Kaito-kun said. My restaurant is modeled after an izakaya from Japan... the world Kaito-kun and I came from. I’ve tweaked things here and there to make it feel more like a place for set meals because I like that Japanese aesthetic. I’m no expert, but since the original model was an izakaya, the windows are usually small and placed high up. I think it was originally done to prevent drunk customers from breaking the glass or trying to climb out."
"I see. So there are various practical reasons behind the design."
"Well, that’s just my best guess. I’m not entirely sure if that’s the official reason. Plus, given where my shop is located, it’s not like putting in a window would give anyone a particularly good view anyway."
As we engaged in this idle chatter, the fruit juices we had ordered were served. Tall glasses resembling wine goblets were placed before us. I wondered if drinking juice from something so elegant was the standard here. It felt quite sophisticated.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, a staff member addressed Olivia-san.
"We have several varieties of juice available. If you would like, I can provide a tasting—"
"I have no intention of reprimanding you, as this is due to a lack of explanation on our part... however, you should know that the gentleman sitting there, Miyama Kaito-sama, is the highest-ranking individual present. The right of choice belongs to Kaito-sama, not me. Please be mindful of this moving forward."
"I—I am deeply sorry!"
Whoops, things were taking a strange turn. This was likely a famous establishment, but it probably wasn't run directly by the nobility. It was only natural that the staff wouldn't recognize me, and Olivia-san didn't seem to hold a grudge over it.
However, having the Pope suddenly introduce someone as her social superior was bound to have an effect. The staff member looked at me with a terrified expression, his eyes practically screaming, "Just who on earth is this person?"
I couldn't exactly explain my entire life story here, and it would only waste time, so I settled for a non-committal, wry smile and took the lead in selecting the drinks. I checked with Olivia-san and Kaori-san first, then ordered a blend centered around citrus fruits, which was more to my taste.
While I enjoyed Ripple-based juices, they tended to be a bit too sweet to pair with a meal. Instead, I opted for a Citrus Mixed Fruit Juice with a refreshing, orange-like flavor profile.
"I see. Your social circle is so incredible that I just assumed you were a world-famous celebrity, Kaito-kun. But now that I think about it, I’d never even heard of you until we actually met. You’re not really known among the general public, are you?"
"Yeah. It seems the nobility knows me well enough, but I’m a complete stranger in ordinary shops. I don't really attend national ceremonies or high-profile events where the big names show up."
"Personally, I believe Kaito-sama's prestige should be much more widely recognized... however, if that is not what Kaito-sama desires, then the current situation is likely for the best."
"That's right. Honestly, I feel like things are already a bit excessive on a personal level. The way things are now—where I can still walk around town without any trouble—is much more relaxed and comfortable for me."
For this, I truly had to thank Alice for her masterful control over my public information. Seriously, if every town turned into a situation like Rigforresia, I’d have to wear the glasses Shiro-san gave me constantly, which would be a massive hassle.
Rigforresia was an extreme case, of course... but I truly didn't want to become any more famous than I already was.
"So, you’re like a hidden fixer known only to those in the know?"
"You're mixing up your definitions. I'm definitely not a fixer."
Serious-senpai: "In reality, being virtually unknown to the common folk is a perfect balance. For someone like Kaito, who avoids active involvement with the nobility, it’s a very comfortable position to be in."
???: "Though, for a noble to successfully maintain a relationship with Kaito-san, they need a high level of Stomach Pain Warrior Aptitude."
Serious-senpai: "The fact that I can't even argue with that is just tragic..."