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Chapter 59. Anyone Would Be Happy

"If you think you can fool me, you're sorely mistaken. I'll keep asking until you tell me everything."

"Ugh..."

I thought I had evaded her questions, but a few days later, Princess Elissa cornered me again. If this were back at the academy, I'd have dodged and escaped easily... But somehow, I'm on a date with Princess Elissa in the capital, so there's no escaping.

People from Elissa's faction are sneaking peeks from behind a pillar, and on the other side, I can see Elixira and Nina hiding behind a building. They think they're hidden, but it's obvious. If you're going to follow me without being noticed, at least hide like Ivy does.

"...I've been feeling eyes on me for a while."

"You're imagining it. See, you stand out because you're a princess!"

"R-Really... I thought my casual clothes would make me blend in."

"No, no, Elissa's noble and beautiful aura can't be hidden by a change of clothes."

"T-Thank you... Being complimented by you makes me unexpectedly happy."

I better not let her faction know they're spotted.

Even though Elissa changed from her uniform to more common attire, people kept turning to look at her as we walked. She's clearly recognized, but no one says anything. Maybe she's been doing this for a while.

"So, about the hidden affairs of the kingdom—"

"Wait!? Are you serious about discussing that here in the city!?"

"S-Sorry."

Looks like she understood... Talking about such things in broad daylight could get us erased.

"So? Can I ask why we're out in the city?"

"You don't have to be so formal. You can say we're lovers."

Oh... Well, even if we're pretending to be lovers, I never agreed to that.

"I needed to pick up a package from a trading company... and I wanted to talk with you."

"With me?"

"Yes... I don't know anything about you."

That's true. All I've ever shared with Princess Elissa is that I can use a grimoire, thanks to her persistent gaze. But I don't see any benefit in telling her more.

"Do you have a mother?"

"...She works in agriculture."

"So you live on the outskirts? That's common... What about your father?"

"He's a magic knight."

"Really? That's quite impressive."

I see my dad as just a low-ranking member, but in this country, being in the Magic Knights is seen as elite. It's like working in a non-overtime, white-collar job in the central government.

"But why don't you aspire to be a magic knight like your father? Most people would be interested in their parent's job."

"Normally, yes. But I'm not normal."

Saying that makes me sound arrogant, but seeing my father's overwork and lack of holidays from a young age made me not want that job.

"Maybe I'll take over my mom's farming."

"...A top 10 student aspiring to be a farmer."

"Shut up."

I had to join the Magic Knights academy because it was the only way to get free tuition. If not for that, I wouldn't have enrolled.

"Well... Since you're not a noble, you can choose your own path."

"Is that sarcasm? I'm glad to see the princess has grown enough to make such remarks."

"I just thought it's a bit enviable... You're twisted."

"Yeah, well... Lately, I've been under a lot of stress."

"I get that, but... Are you really a commoner?"

That's my intention. But I guess I'm not detached enough to live completely indifferent to everything.

"Oh, here we are."

In the end, I haven't learned anything about her. I need to ask Princess Elissa to introduce herself properly next time.

When I look where Princess Elissa pointed, I see a small building with a sign that says 'Barara Trading Company'.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

I expected a large, glamorous building if it was a place where royalty receives packages... Maybe as the second princess, she leads a simpler life. But since the king adores her, that seems unlikely... Is she being scammed?

"Oh, Elissa-sama!"

"I have a package here."

"Yes, it's kept safe."

Princess Elissa enters the building, and the receptionist greets her with a smile. They must be familiar with her. If this were her first visit, the reaction wouldn't be so casual.

"Here it is."

"Thank you... Theodore."

"Huh? How am I involved?"

"You are."

Oh.

"What is this?"

"...I wanted to give it to you as a gift."

Seriously? From Princess Elissa to me?

"Why?"

"Because you've helped me and gone through a lot. This is my way of showing appreciation... And I thought you'd prefer a tangible reward."

"Well, anyone would."

Judging by the shape, it's a book. If it's a rare magic tome, I'd be thrilled... I'm glad I sided with Princess Elissa!

"You're obviously happy... Such a straightforward man."

That's life.