Chapter 75: A Friendly Gathering in the Carriage
As soon as we got into the carriage, Martine began to speak.
"Leon, it's been a while since we last met!"
"Yes, it's been a while."
"Why are you so formal? There's no need for politeness here. It's just the two of us, just like when we're alone."
But Stefan-sama and Lucian are here too...
"However..."
"Leon, Martine and Lucian speak casually with you, don't they? I asked them. You don't need to be formal with me either; you can call me Stefan."
Stefan-sama too!? And why is he bringing this up?
"Leon, the three of us became friends through you. Martine and Lucian allow me to address them casually, so there's no need for formal language with me either. It's fine when there are no others around. Let's keep it informal when it's just the four of us."
"Leon, it feels like you're keeping your distance from me, and it's lonely."
"Martine!"
Stefan-sama tried to stop Martine in a panic, but it seemed a bit too late. We had heard everything.
"Is there any need to rush like that? My brother is too serious. It's better to relax a bit."
When Martine said that, Stefan-sama looked embarrassed as he lowered his head. I had only seen him as a dignified prince, so this side of him was refreshing.
But feeling left out and lonely is quite cute. I thought he was already a perfect prince. But then again, he's only ten years old.
I'd be happy if talking to us could be a bit of a relief for him.
While thinking about such things, it seemed Stefan-sama had recovered. His expression had softened a bit compared to earlier.
"Indeed, you're right. It's true that being the only one addressed formally makes me feel distant and lonely. Will you also get closer to me?"
If he asked like that, I had no choice but to agree.
"Well, certainly. I'll call you Stefan from now on. Nice to meet you."
"Ah, Leon, thank you."
Stefan said that and smiled happily. Why do these three seem so delighted when I stop using formal language? Isn't it usually the other way around?
"By the way, Leon, what happened earlier? It seemed like you were arguing about something, but it was the first time I saw you angry."
Lucian asked. About the argument earlier... Where was he eavesdropping from?
"Where were you listening from?"
"I heard it from when Leon yelled, 'Is he running away?' Then you seemed pretty angry, didn't you? I've never seen Leon like that before."
He heard it from there? I was quite irritated, and I used some foul language... My image as a well-behaved child was shattered!
Well, I don't know if I had that image in the first place.
"At that moment, I was annoyed... Please forget what you heard. Please."
"I won't forget that."
Lucian said with a slight smile. Lucian, you're making fun of me, aren't you? He occasionally does childish things like that.
"Lucian!"
"Haha... Alright, I'll make an effort to forget. But more importantly, why did you get into such an argument?"
"That's... It seemed like I heard that I was receiving support from the Duke of Townsend's family, but that's definitely a lie. That's what I was told, and that's how the argument started."
Looking back, I should have stayed calmer. I had been accumulating frustration since the entrance ceremony, so it just exploded. But thinking about it now still makes me angry.
"Indeed, there has never been a case of the Duke's family supporting commoners like Leon. It might be a good idea to spread the word."
Yes, spreading the word is a good idea. Well, there are benefits to it; it would reduce the annoying bullying I face, and it would also be a boost to the Duke's family's influence. So, it's better to spread the word.
"That might be a good idea. But probably, even if I say it, no one will believe me."
"Hmm, what should we do? Since Leon is using the Duke's family carriage, it will eventually become known, but it would be better if it happened sooner."
While Lucian and I were pondering, Stefan came to our rescue.
"In that case, why don't we have lunch together? If Leon has his meal in the Duke's family's special dining room, it will become known quickly."
"That sounds like a good idea! Is it okay with you, Leon?"
Uh... I don't really know what the special dining room is.
"Wait a minute, I don't really know what the special dining room is..."
"Weren't you explained about it?"
"Yeah, since it's something used by high-ranking nobles, it seemed irrelevant to me, so they skipped the explanation."
"I see. The special dining room, if I recall correctly, has about twenty rooms. Each room has a small kitchen and dining area, and you can rent it on a yearly basis. High-ranking nobles rent it and bring their cooks and attendants from home to have lunch."
So, that's how it works! I had been wondering how they did poison checks during lunch, but I guess this solves that.
"I see, that's how it works."
"Yes, since Leon is renting the special dining room of the Duke's family, you can have your lunch there with us."
That's helpful! I was wondering what to do about lunch, considering I'll have to be cautious about poisoning.
"Thank you. I'll have lunch with you all."
With this, the lunch issue is resolved. I thought that, but it was just the beginning...
"Brother, why don't we have lunch with Lucian and Leon too?"
Martine suddenly said. Huh? Are they going to eat together too?
"Martine, that's a good idea."
"Yes, it is, Brother!"
"Collaborating between the royal family and the Duke's family to rent the special dining room is a wonderful idea."
"That sounds lovely!"
Between the two of them, something seemed to click. But hold on a moment!
If the two of them keep having lunch together every day, it's going to be too conspicuous. Moreover, is it okay for the royal family to favor a specific ducal house? It's fine if people get along well, but isn't joint renting going a bit too far?
"Stefan, Martine, renting jointly with the ducal house might give the impression that we're favoring the Townsend ducal family too much."
When I said that, the two of them seemed to suddenly realize.
"Indeed... It seems we got carried away a bit by getting along so well. Joint renting is indeed excessive."
"Indeed..."
Both of them looked really dejected. If they get so down, it's like I'm the bad guy here. What should I do? Is there a good solution?
"Well... Joint renting might be excessive, but how about occasionally inviting them for lunch, in the form of a friendly gathering?"
When I suggested that, Stefan and Martine's faces lit up.
"That sounds great! Inviting friends to a special dining hall is something everyone does, and there's no issue with it."
"Indeed, that should work. However, we shouldn't only invite Lucien and Leon; we should also invite other high-ranking nobles."
"That... doesn't really excite me."
Martine's enthusiasm suddenly dropped. Do the children of other nobles dislike it that much? I would think it's a good thing to make more friends.
Perhaps Stefan understood my question because he explained with a slight wry smile.
"The sons of high-ranking nobles tend to overtly compete for Martine's attention when they meet her, and she's tired of it."
"That's right. Those people only see me as a tool to elevate their own status. I can't be friends with such individuals."
I see... Since this country is the largest, Martine is more likely to marry into it than marry someone from another country. In that case, it makes sense that high-ranking noble sons would try to impress her.
Thinking about marriage at such a young age can be frustrating.
"In that regard, Leon and Lucien are very natural in their interactions with me. They treat me as a person, not a pawn for political marriage. Thank you both."
Martine said this with a smile as radiant as a blooming flower. It was the most beautiful smile I had seen from her.
I found myself mesmerized for a while and couldn't come up with a smooth response.
I'm not used to dealing with girls! Even though I've lived in Japan for over twenty years, this is embarrassing.
"Martine is very cheerful and intelligent. This is the first time we've talked so closely, but I had a great time, and I'd like us to be friends in the future. Please take care of me."
As I fumbled, Lucien responded smoothly. I'm losing to a ten-year-old!
I can't even speak smoothly! Is it because of noble education? Is it because Lucien is extraordinary? Or is it just that I'm hopeless? I don't know!
"Thank you, Lucien. It's good to know there are people like you among the high-ranking nobles."
The two of them smiled at each other. It's a nice atmosphere. With Leon's status, there's nothing to complain about, and perhaps these two might even get married someday.
"Leon? Why the scary expression?"
While I was lost in thought, their conversation seemed to have ended. Martine was peering into my face.
Did I look that scary? I was just lost in thought for a moment.
"Scary expression? I was just lost in thought for a moment."
"Is that so? Well, that's okay..."
"Yeah. More importantly, I'm really enjoying becoming friends with Martine. Thank you."
As I said that, Martine instantly smiled.
"Yes! I'm having a great time too."
I hope this smile doesn't fade. That's what I thought.