67

Authors Note: I am updating the t.i.tle and PN following the transition to print copies.

These changes will be reflected starting in the next few chapters.

Thank you for your support and patronage.

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There are people who dampen my mood the moment I step out.

Its the type of people who are aggressive in their own territory, but they become weak and silent once they take a step outside their comfort zone. Theres an expression from my past life that describes this type of person as a lion at home and a mouse abroad. This type of person has a strong temperament at home, but is otherwise weak.

Whats my point? Surfania fits into this category.

Im tired

Why?

Its only been a few minutes since we departed her home. The only thing weve done is get on the carriage, and shes already saying that with a gloomy expression.

Well, the carriage is shaking. Just sitting in here robs me of my already lacking strength.

Oh really.

Just sitting there takes up her strength. I cant sympathize with her poor const.i.tution. In truth, Surfania isnt really frail. As far as I know, she doesnt get sick despite her unhealthy lifestyle. She complains about being uncomfortable in the carriage, but she doesnt get motion sickness. She also has the stamina to walk long distances, as she proved at the festival two years ago.

Surfanias not athletic in any way, but shes born without any health problems. She should at least be grateful to her parents for that.

Hey, Chris.

Yeah?

Where are we going exactly?

To the church.

Her ignorance is annoying, so I tell her our destination. Its a small church at the outskirts of the town. Others who visit the church have an unshakable trust in the Calibrachoas, so were easily permitted there.

I see. The church, huh

She nods, giving a distant look.

Shes giving me the impression that shes trying to look for an excuse to turn back. I want to tell her that nothings going to happen, but it doesnt seem like shes going to listen.

I dont have any business there though. If its about contributing money, my family should have that taken care of.

No, and were not going there to flatter anyone, okay? In fact, were going there not for any particular reason.

Then theres no reason to go no, thats not it. Chris. I dont believe in any G.o.ds in the first place, so it would be an insult if I went. I would probably receive some kind of divine punishment for stepping into the premises for not being a believer. So lets go home.

Youre too much of a bad loser.

Im too tired to point out the contradiction in her statement, so I just crush her with those words.

I dont have a good impression of the church either. I know from my past life, but I dont like the way they preach fatalism.

I dont give a d.a.m.n about fate.

I dont need fate, since I already have Michelie.

I want to live my own life. I want Michelie to be happier than she was in the story.

Chris? Why are you pouting like that?

I didnt realize I was making a long face.

Oh. Its nothing.

Telling Surfania wont solve anything. I quickly go back to normal. Surfania looks at me searchingly, but theres no way she can see through me like Michelie does. I keep quiet and avoid her gaze, pretending not to notice.

I see.

She gives up right away, looks away and makes a small sigh.

Fine then.

I doubt its just my imagination that she was sulking. I cast a sideways glance at her, and shes looking away. It doesnt seem like shes going to talk.

The carriage proceeds despite the halt in our conversation. I spend some time regretting the fact that I made it awkward. We finally reach our destination.

This church is tiny compared to the cathedral in the capital. It looks like a humble building even from where Im sitting.

Youve arrived.

Mariwa greets us with a troubled sigh as we get off the carriage.

Miss Toinette?

Surfania raises her voice in surprise.

Yes, thats right. Good day, Miss Surfania.

G-good day.

Unlike Surfania whos taken aback, I expected Mariwa here from the beginning.

Yup. Were here, Mariwa!

Yes, yes. My, how did you find out Well, I suppose it matters not. This way, please.

She briskly enters the church.

Mariwas really different when shes off duty as a private instructor, especially the lack of her usual strictness while going straight to the point.

Hey, Chris. Whats all this about?

Heh heh heh. Actually, I heard that an acquaintance of mine would be in this church, so I came here.

Eh?

She becomes even more surprised. I have no intention of dragging out the unpleasant mood from earlier. When I tell her my purpose for coming here, she becomes shy and her expression stiffens all of a sudden.

We cant just stand here, so I drag her along and start walking.

Its alright. Its an acquaintance of yours too.

Mine too?

Going after Mariwa, I grasp Surfanias hand firmly to prevent Surfania from escaping as shes glancing back at the carriage. Im keeping the name of our acquaintance as a little surprise.

I drag her into a chapel lined with long wooden seats.

Please excuse us. I have something special for you today.

The person I dragged Surfania along to meet is here.

Ah, Miss Mariwa. What do you mean Eh, Chris?!

Call me Lady Chris, you commoner.

I give my old acquaintance a joking smile.

Seeing my usual att.i.tude, the acquaintance makes a nostalgic expression.

Whoa You havent changed a bit. I mean, youre still aristocratic as ever, Lady Chris.

Of course. And you still havent gotten any wealthier, even for a commoner.

Ugh, shut up. And I thought you were supposed to be something special as Miss Mariwa mentioned.

You shut up!

Its been two years, but we still heartily exchange brutal yet acceptable jokes.

After confirming the fact that neither of us have changed, he looks at Surfania whos behind me.

Ah, that would be Surfania Calibrachoa. Would you prefer if I call you Lady Surfania?

He throws in a little joke as a greeting for their reunion.

Hes still as friendly as he was two years ago. In contrast to our considerate and frank acquaintance, Surfania looks at me anxiously.

H-hey, Chris. Who is this person?

Have you forgotten me?!

The commoner we met two years ago, Leon Nardo, shouts out loud in response to Surfanias cruel question.