45. Parasol

At the of the rainy season, it seemed to become seriously hot. For me, it meant there was a lot of weed-pulling work. But, because this year Yan is here, the work can be divided between us and is quickly done.
It seemed that even in Yan’s home, they grew herbs as insect repellent, and he was able to tell weeds apart to some extent, so I didn’t have to give him as much supplementary lessons. Even with only one more person, it really felt like I was saved. Because my father also felt that, when he told Yan he was doing well, he flinched from being flooded by Yan’s radiant gaze. Yan’s black eyes, when you put something like praise or admiration in them, because they sparkle at that moment, are troublesome.
It resembles the eyes that are right in front of me.

「W, wait……」

As soon as I stepped into the entrance, I was covered by something charging me, and my field of vision for an instant went black. I couldn’t support the weight increased with the speed and ended up falling on my back. Because they were still approaching, I ended up having no choice.

「B, because I understand…… Julia…… bu!」

Before he finishes saying the name of the other person, my face is licked and what I was saying doesn’t come out. Because there’s no helping it, I rub the bottom of Julian’s neck. Julian still robs his cheek against my head.

「Julian.」

When I was at his mercy, Julian’s name is called with a strong tone. While Julian gets on top of me, a voice calls out to him, its owner face having no ill-ill.

「Anika-sama, hello.」

「Isaac-kun, I’m sorry. Since he suddenly took off running, I couldn’t stop him.」

Apologizing, Anika-sama bends down and examines my face. Then, with a handkerchief she took out, wiped my face. Since Julian was on top of me, I can’t avoid it. When I say it’s bad that it got dirty, she laughed, saying it’s for reasons like this.
According to Anika-sama’s instructions, Julian finally stepped back. I raise my body up, then pat Julian again.

「It’s fine. I also like Julian.」

When I said just to moderate it for me while patting him, Julian, who might have understood me or might have not, makes a sound as a reply.
Julian is the watchdog of Marquis Viito’s estate. Was it because Anika-sama was visiting the orphanage, that Daniel-sama employed Julian, a candidate for the relief corp’s dogs?
Julian, a large dog with strong muscles, has a fierce look, but his kind eyes offset it, so he isn’t scary. The orphanage children, when first meeting him, were instantly scared, but at Julian’s gaze their nervousness dissolved and immediately they held him. With his fur being long and fluffy, it feels good to stroke the bottom of his neck that is like a lion’s.
For me, I came to the orphanage attached to the Merkel church on a holiday. Although it’s in the limits of the downtown area, with how it isn’t close to my house, it’s a place I don’t visit if I don’t think I need to go.
Anika-sama came to read books, and the children who only know the difficult scripts seem to have an interest in reading and writing letters. So, it ended up being that Anika-sama teaches them to read and write, and consulted me about it.
I wondered why me, but was happy to be asked. Anika-sama was trying to prepare ink and paper to teach reading and writing at first. I, a commoner, hurried and stopped her. If you donated such expensive consumable goods, it would be better to sell them to make a living.
So, I suggested a small blackboard that could be used repeatedly and chalk. It was because I remembered that in a place like a factory, blackboards are used to control shifts and schedules. In my past life, even in the anime I watched as a kid, I was studying like that.
Anika-sama, understanding the difference in how commoners have a sense for money, donated blackboards, chalk, and erasers for each person. Because there was originally small blackboards for storefronts, it seems she ordered the smallest size.
With those details, Anika-sama and I helped teach how to read and write. Although, it’s only when my holiday and Anika-sama’s visit day overlap, so it only happens twice a month.

「Zack, your handwriting is bad. It’s weeeird.」

「It doesn’t suit you.」

「It’s not especially good.」

I was laughed at by the other kids. Because I had been drilled with Ojou’s handwriting as a reference, it seems my handwriting has become like calligraphy and can be read properly. It isn’t suitable for myself, so I frown. 

「Oh my, such lovely handwriting is wonderful, isn’t it?」

Anika-sama follows up with that. Receiving Anika-sama’s words, the woman’s side of things inclines towards that it’s better than not being able to read it. The guy’s side stubbornly insists it’s not cool.
For me as well, in my past life, I only thought that if I could read it, it was fine, so my classmates teased me about being bad at communication, though I didn’t mind it. However, because there was a good feeling when I borrowed a female classmate’s notebook that they had pretty handwriting, Anika-sama’s words also have a sense of merit.

「Does Julian also like pretty handwriting?」

Seeing how things are going between the girls and guys, Anika-sama called out to Julian who was with the three year olds who hadn’t written anything yet. Julian, dependent on hearing his name, goes over to Anika-sama.
Anika-sama placed the blackboards that had the same characters written on them from me and a boy my age. Presented with Julian’s standard, the kids watch over the situation with attentive, wide eyes.

「Which writing does Julian like?」

With Julian’s relaxed movement, he looked at each blackboard, checking them. Because he isn’t making a gesture of smelling their scent, is he really looking, the kids asked, their expressions becoming nervous.
Then, with the tip of his nose, he pokes the blackboard with my handwriting on it.
At that moment, the kids who were holding their breath and nervously watching showed their own reactions, such as becoming high-spirited or astonished.
For me, I let loose an expression like happiness was welling up.

「Wooow. Boys with lovely handwriting are wonderful, aren’t they?」

「Okay, let’s practice more!」

「Me too—!」

「I was completely done in my Zack!」

「Look at mine soon.」

「O-oh……」

Julian’s popularity from the kids is tremendous, huh? I was treated as an enemy. At any rate, I’m glad the kids have become motivated.
When I look in the direction Julian is in, my eyes meet with a smiling Anika-sama. Feeling embarrassed as it wasn’t my nature as well as thinking I should apologize to Ojou who taught me, it seems she saw right through it.
To gloss over my self-consciousness, I returned a clumsy laugh towards Anika-sama. Afterwards, I was swiftly hugged by Anika-sama.

「A, Anika-sama……!?」

「It’s different from Daniel-sama, so it is fine from me?」

「Eh?」

Why was Daniel-sama’s name suddenly here? I don’t understand why she’s asking what’s fine, so I’m bewildered.
While I’m troubled, Anika-sama pats my head as if to praise me. Whether it was from being in close contact with children or Julian, I don’t understand the start, but Anika-sama, even if it’s with commoners, doesn’t have hesitation with physical contact.

「Um…… it’s embarrassing.」

If it’s from Anika-sama, even though I’m a child, at this age, physical contact with a girl who isn’t my mother is naturally embarrassing.  First of all, it’s during when my mother praises me that she pats my head. Because I’m happy to receive praise, I can’t say it’s bad, but honestly convey the idea of how it troubles me.
And yet, Anika-sama just holds me closer. Although I properly made a point, why? With Anika-sama’s ordinary clothes that are fine to get dirty even if the children touch her, I can’t even use the the reason that her clothes will get dirty.
I, sensing that I was being treated the same as Julian, endured the embarrassment until Anika-sama was satisfied.

「I’m sorry. I won’t be able to come again until August.」

When parting with the orphanage kids, Anika-sama apologized. The kids who heart that went 「Ehhh」, raising voices of objection. Some even cling to Julian or clutch the hem of Anika-sama’s skirt. Including not being able to meet Julian, not also being able to meet with Anika-sama is also lonely, it seems.

「Is there something wrong?」

「Because it’s the off-season, we’re going to Daniel’s territory.」

When I ask, Anika-sama tells me the reason.
For nobles, they return home to their territories during the part of summer when it isn’t suited for hosting parties, and it’s popular to stay in a place that’s cool during the summer, it seems. Anika-sama, with her illness, until last year couldn’t leave the estate in the royal capital, but from this year, it seems she’ll be returning to the territory as usual. Nobles have a summer vacation, I understand.

「I’ll be leaving the day after the birthday party of the first prince in August.」

Although attending a royalty sponsored party is necessary, I thought Leo’s birthday party was completely like an end-of-term ceremony.

「Because Flora-chan has also grown up, Octavia and the others also will, it seems.」

「Eh?」

Having words said to me I wasn’t even thinking about, I’m confused.
Because Duke-sama also has territory, now that she’s mentioned it, that seems to be the case. Because there were worries about if Flora could endure the change in environment, until now, she hadn’t gone home. After I started working, even during summer Ojou and the others were there. I thought it was ordinary. It was after Flora was born, so I didn’t see them occasionally going home, and realize it not.

「Is that so?」

I simply nodded.
After that, I helped peel off the kids who were reluctant to say goodbye to Anika-sama.

After eating lunch with Anika-sama who finished the morning visit to the orphanage, we parted at the central square.
In consideration for how the children might be at the age to take a nap after lunch, Anika-sama visits in the morning. Then, I get a lunch for helping as her assistance. It feels nice to be rewarded in kind.
Today, we ate sandwiches from the stalls in the market street at the rim of the fountain in the central square. Basically, what I’m treated to is meals like at Ingrid’s Tavern or light meals at food stalls which are for commoners.
The first day I helped with reading and writing, while returning home, with how I smelled chicken skewers from a stall, unconsciously my stomach growled. Anika-sama, while laughing and seeming amused, invited me to eat them together with her.
When I was surprised Anika-sama, a noble, was stuffing her cheeks with grilled chicken skewers, she told me that when they were young, Daniel-sama and her would go on dates incognito in their territory. Daniel-sama wanted to see how ordinary commoners lived, and until he succeeded the marquis, he continued to blend in. Since he’s different from Leo who has a conspicuous appearance, naturally he slipped in, it seems.
Therefore, because I can get earnings from my part time job on days I go to the orphanage, I tell my mom I don’t need a lunch.
I head home through the market street from the center plaza. The central plaza is near the area for clothes, so from the early afternoon it will start to be crowded. Reversely, the area for foodstuff will empty out, so you can shop calmly.
Since my mother told me that if I come close, there’s some things she wanted me to buy, so I choose a route that would put me near it.
When I approach the foodstuff area, I come across Frank. With the exception of Ingrid’s Tavern, if we pass by each other, we only exchange greetings. However, since our direction of travel is the same, I hesitate about calling out.

「Leni-san, hello. Your skin is lovely today as well.」

「Ahh. It’s thanks to your house’s fruits. Are you buying something today? I’ll throw something in.」

「Today, I’m looking for a fish that will match the lemon I bought yesterday. Another time, yes?」

「If it’s my lemon, there’s no helping it.」

「Hello, Marion-san. How is your lower back?」

「Don’t treat me like an old man. As you see, I’m full of life.」

「I’m glad you seem healthy. Don’t overdo it.」

「Frank, how about meat rather than fish? I have some good lean thigh meat.」

「If it’s Rosain-san’s endorsement, I’m worried, huh.」

Frank, several meters ahead of me, when he passes by several storefronts, gives one or two words as a greeting and continues to advance. However, because his name is always called, I’m honestly impressed.
Since I’m bad at remembering names, it’s really amazing. There’s also servants of the Ernest house who I only know the faces. Even in the same grounds, depending on who we talk to there aren’t chances to talk, so at any rate their name doesn’t enter my head. It’s because I’m uninterested in the maid’s gossip, huh?
Frank really is suited for the service industry. His smiling face without any unpleasantness to it is bright. Being a waiter at Ingrid’s Tavern might be his calling. There are few people who would hate the smile that matches Frank.
Without raising my voice, it might be because I was looking at him and walking, and ended up creating some distance from Frank. With that distance, if I don’t shout, it won’t reach him. I give up, saying that I’ll greet him next time.
Exactly at that time, someone raises their voice to Frank. It’s a younger guy, and though he has short hair, only the hair around the nape of his neck is long. He has yellow-green highlights in his hair and a feather decoration attached to one part of his longer hair which is a little excessively assertive. Then, there was a scar on one part of his eyes that are slanted like a fox.

It’s a delinquent. [T/N: Raw here uses “Yankee” but doesn’t convey as well]

I don’t think you should judge someone by their eyes, but at a glance, no matter how you look at it, he’s delinquent-like.
When that delinquent-like guy calls out to Frank relaxedly, Frank’s eyes drop as if he had weakened a little. Then, after one or two words, he took Frank towards a back alley.
When I look around the surroundings, the store owners didn’t notice because they were dealing with their customers. Only me, who was occasionally watching Frank, saw the chain of events, it seems.

……A shakedown?

Frank has money to buy ingredients. Based on the exchange of greetings and how he isn’t carrying any baggage, it’s certainly possible he hasn’t made a purchase. There’s a big chance this guy noticed that, isn’t there?
However, it’s too hasty to decide on that and call people. If it’s someone that Frank, who seems well-connected, knows, Frank would be troubled. I need to ascertain if it’s a shakedown.
I went to the entrance of the back alley where Frank and the guy entered and listened. Because I can hear them talking, they didn’t go far. But, because one of the sides is talking strongly, the feeling of something bad increases.
If it sounds dangerous, I’ll call people over. Deciding that, I quietly look in the back alley to confirm the situation.

「What the hell are you so seriously working for? Are you buying something?」

「Please hurry……」

「Do you know why I’m here?!」

「I do! But……」

「A guy shouldn’t give a tedious explanation.」

「Suiyasen!!」

A southern accent?

That’s when I became aware of it. There are several countries next to Abendrot, but the countries to the south share the same main language. However, I hear his accent is very strong. Furthermore, it may be because I have memories of my previous life as a Japanese person, but to me, I can hear what sounds like the Kansai dialect. I realized this when I overheard a trader from an area near the southern border and a member of the Gardener’s Guild. [T/N: The sheer dread when I saw ‘Kansai dialect’ cannot be understated.]
I’m amazed by the sight in front of my eyes. Frank is talking with a southern accent, but furthermore it was a situation where I was unconsciously stumped.

「I’m telling you to come with me.」

「You mustn’t, it’s dangerous to be alone in another country!」

Towards Frank, who sighed and was looking down on him, the situation of the delinquent-like guy who refused to give up was the exact opposite of what I imagined. I don’t understand the contents, but Frank is sitting with one knee up where wooden boxes are piled up, so it’s a position where he looks taller than this guy. There isn’t a smiling face full of charm. I understood that alone will change one’s impression.
I wonder if Frank is the one shaking him down. No, based on how they talk, they’re acquaintances. In other words, I’m glad I didn’t have to rush to call someone. Though, it was more surprising than reassuring, and my thoughts stop.
For now, the delinquent-like guy seems to be a good person.
It seems okay, so maybe I should pretend I didn’t see him and leave. At the time I was thinking that, the delinquent-like guy noticed me.

「What is it, a kid? Is this your friend?」

「Timo, what are you saying……」

Frank dragged his eyes over to me. Seeing Frank freeze up, I was troubled at what the best thing to do was.

「Um……」

「……did you see it?」

「I’m sorry.」

He probably didn’t want to be seen, so I honestly responded to Frank’s question and apologized.

「Timo, secure him.」

「Hey.」

「Eh?」

As soon as I answered, the young guy named Timo pulled me into the back alley, bringing me in front of Frank and holding me by the shoulders to prevent me from escaping. He looked slender, but he seemed to unexpectedly have muscle, and even if I struggled, he wouldn’t budge.
I was looked down at by Frank, who stared at me. I couldn’t think of him as the same person as before and wondered who this guy was.

「So, what’s your request?」

「Eh?」

「Don’t say ‘Eh’. Since you caught onto my secret, this is about payment.」

In other words, he’s asking about hush money? Even if you say that, my mind hasn’t caught up with the situation. Frank seems to have a faster head than me.

「If I remember right, you’re Zack. In the first place, why were looking?」

「Well…… I was thinking that Frank was caught in a shakedown.」

「He was worrying about you, he’s a really great guy, huh?」

「You idiot, it’s because you look like a scoundrel that you’re conspicuous. Generally, you shouldn’t praise someone who treats you like a criminal.」

「I can’t change my face, so I don’t like it.」

「Really?」

Towards the older guy called Timo, Frank replied with a voice that could be both exasperated and weak.

「Um, I’m sorry for misunderstanding.」

「Ahh, it’s fine, it’s fine. It’s cool to be seen as hardened.」

「Don’t look happy, you idiot.」

When I look back at the young guy who is only holding my shoulders, I met his happy-looking eyes. It’s a reply like a student who longs to be a delinquent. I was at a loss for how to react and Frank gave him a completely astounded look.

「Well, even during the dine and dashing, I knew that he was a good person. So, what do you want?」

Even if I don’t get paid to keep quiet, I’ll stay quiet. But even if I say that, I feel that Frank won’t believe me, so I think.
I don’t really want money or things. If Frank doesn’t present a convincing condition, then a deal won’t be established. Frank, who is on an errand, and I are both troubled if he can’t let me go home.
Thinking about something that can be done quickly, I decided.

「Then, can you tell me why Frank came to this country? When I understand the reason, I’ll keep quiet.」

「……that’s fine to do. I wanted to come here.」

I showed a little bit of behavior like I was thinking, but Frank who seemed to honestly accept the conditions answered.

「For making money.」

「Eh?」

I freeze up at the fact it’s confirmed like it was natural.

「This country is profitable. I’m going to buy trends, technologies, and all sorts of information, then make money at home.」

For that reason, it seems he’s working at a restaurant in the royal capital where it’s easy to gather information.

「How old are you, Frank?」

「I’m eight, what about you?」

「Younger than Nico, huh…」

I turned eleven, so he’s three years younger than me. Still, is it fine for an eight year old to have such a strong business spirit?

「Why do you want to earn so much?」

「I decided that I’m going to travel the world with my money. My father can’t take care of me because I have four older brothers. So I earn my own board.」

「That’s impressive, boy.」

The young guy, who seemed to have been touched by Frank’s strong comments, applauded. Is it fine not to hold me down? Well, I’m not escaping.
Anyways, it seems like Frank wasn’t lying about the brothers he talked about before. It also seems like it’s not for the sake of his family, but rather himself.

「But why are you hiding your southern accent?」

「Idiot, if you talk with a strong southern accent, the young women get scared. Those girls who like to gossip are good sources of information. Furthermore, there’s no way to use my charming side.」

It’s refreshing to lightly hit your own cheek and say that. That was the comment of a guy who understands his own marketability.
For me, how funny it was welled up, and I let out a sigh.

「I thought Frank was a good guy, but he’s actually a funny guy. I got it, I’ll be quiet.」

「……As long as you understand.」

I wonder if my laughter annoyed him.
Since the deal was complete, it was decided that I could return. Frank and the other guy seemed to have finished their conversation and they returned to the street together. Frank let out a long sigh as he stepped out from the crates.

「Impossible…… to be found by such a useless guy. Timo, this is your fault! You don’t think about where to talk!」

「If you find the boy, will you call out to him?」

「Pay attention to the public eye like he does.」

「Ehh, that’s hard.」

「Next time you mess up, I’ll tie you to an anchor and feed you to the sharks, got it?!」

「No! Please forgive me!」

They talk at a good tempo, so it feels like I’m watching a comedy dialogue. I don’t think the real Frank is bad, either.
I asked something that caught their attention.

「What do you mean by not being helpful?」

It sounded like Frank was trying to use me. However, I was just greeting him normally and he never asked me for anything. When was the interaction measured by utility value?
Frank glared at me, seeming a little irritated.

「Even if I probe about it, you only say that the girl in the manor was cute!」

I rethink on it as it’s said with a feeling of criticism. Thinking about it, I feel like I’ve been asked what it’s like to work for a noble family. I thought it was just a question in the flow of the conversation, but I was being probed? For now, I also talked about not just Ojou, but how the Duke is dazzling and troublesome.
It wasn’t that I was being asked out of curiosity, so I had forgotten there had been such a question until it was pointed out. I was impressed by Frank’s ability to so casually bring the topic to the table.

「Since you work for a duke, I thought you would have good information, but it wasn’t worth making the connection.」

Frank complains that if he were in the same position, he would use it more.

「I’m glad.」

「Ha?」

「If you can’t use me, we can associate with each other without self-interest.」

The fact Frank has a southern accent was also left out of the negotiations. Frank seems to give priority to the profit and loss when interacting with others, so if there’s no utility to it, then I can easily get along with him.
When I laughed, Frank rolled his eyes.
He stares at me in disbelief, then looks away as if embarrassed.

「You idiot. Is there anyone who is happy about things that can’t be used?」

「Boy, you’re embarrassed.」

「Toranwa!」 [T/N: I got nothing, these accents are killing me.]

For some reason, the young guy laughed, and Frank hit him in the abdomen, saying not to say anything unnecessary. The young man was still happy even though he looked a little hurt, so Frank clicked his tongue.

「Well, as long as you don’t get in the way, I’ll ignore it.」

「I see. Then, I won’t go to Ingrid’s Tavern again.」

「If you want to spend money, do what you want.」

「Okay.」

At the time the conversation is over, he goes out into the street. Immediately, he returns to the Frank that is wearing a smile that suits the early afternoon sun.
I almost applauded at the speed of the switch, but I endured it and said goodbye to Frank and the others, then went to buy the ingredients my mother asked for. I thought Frank would be good at haggling and getting extra when shopping. Next time, I should ask him for tips.

A few days later, after finishing the weeding, I was tending the flower beds of red, pink, orange, yellow and white irises.
I pluck off the tip of the flower while leaving the leaves of the flowering irises. With the work of thinning them, it increases the stamina of the roots. I left it to Yan to prune the flowers that have finished blooming.
The irises are planted according to the intensity of their color, with the white grasses and daisies planted in dark-colored clustered and the purple chrysanthemums with bright green leaves in white-colored clusters and so the flowers are planted together in respective groups. This way, the irises shine.
Yan didn’t seem to get the idea of combining colors, but his eyes lit up when I explained. For vegetables, the color of a single ripened item is important, so I guess he didn’t pay much attention to the overall color. If he slowly learns the senses of a gardener, one day we might be able to talk about gardening together.
As I was working, a shadow different from the straw hat I wear fell on me.

「You’re as small we ever, aren’t you?」

「Nico.」

When I looked up to confirm the identity of the shadow, I saw Nico with a parasol.

「A parasol doesn’t suit you.」

「It’s troublesome, but I have sensitive skin.」

Nico, who has white skin, turns red and is in pain when he gets sunburnt. His mother, Elvira, and his older sister, Heroise, were worried and lend it to him when they go out. It’s a parasol with lace on the rim that matches it.

「Matching with women’s goods, as expected, you’re an effeminate man.」

「What was that?」

「You should make a men’s parasol. That would also suit Nico.」

Nico tried to respond to what Pochi, Ojou’s bodyguard, said, but when I mumble something that came to mind, the two of them stop. Ojou, who was trying to stop Pochi, also closed her mouth before she spoke.

「A man’s?」

「Mhm. It would be good to make a plain parasol or a parasol with an umbrella that Nico likes.」

That’s what I responded to the puzzled Nico.
In my past life in Japan, the sun’s rays were strong, so it was common to have umbrellas that doubled as parasols. There were also men’s parasols, so it wasn’t very strange. But before that, there might be sunscreen cream in a noble’s cosmetics.
I didn’t say anything strange, but for some reason, all eyes gathered on me.

「That sounds good.」

Nico nodded, only letting out a few words. What should he make for next time, Nico seems to ponder.

「Zack often comes up with such strange things.」

「Eh, it’s normal.」

I tilt my head when Ojou says she’s impressed. Then, I look at Ojou who has an enigmatic look to her.
After Ojou complimented the flower bed of irises, she began talking.

「Um, Zack…… I’m going to leave the mansion for a while next month.」

「Ahh, it’s the off-season, isn’t it?」

「Did you know……?」

When I guess the reason, Ojou’s eyes widened in surprise. Certainly, because I also didn’t know until I asked Anika-sama, this reaction is proper. Because I don’t have any interest in it, I’m ignorant of the common sense of the nobility even though I work for a noble family. When I replied that I just happened to know, Ojou seemed a little shy, but confirmed it.
Ojou puts her fingers together and lowers her eyebrows. Her parasol is securely held to protect Ojou from the summer sun. Pochi’s determination to protect his young lady is transmitted well.

「Because of that, we won’t be able to see each other for more than a month……」

「Then, I’ll keep the garden ready for you to come back to anytime.」

A garden isn’t something you can take shortcuts on just because no one will see it. If you take care of it every day, the flowers will bloom and the greenery will grow. It would be nice if the remaining servants could see the garden and relax.
Seeing me smile and nod as if I didn’t care about the garden, Ojou’s eyes opened wide.

「……we can’t meet?」

「Yep.」

「Even though it’s the first time……」

「Now that you mention it, it is.」

It’s the first time I won’t see Ojou for more than a month. So, I can’t imagine it. I feel the consultations in the garden will decrease.
I don’t understand why Ojou is so insistent, so I tilt my head. Confirming my reaction, Ojou pouts.

「Does Zack really think nothing of it!?」

「W, well, that’s because……」

「What do you think of me!?」

「Um, we’re rivals?」

When I answer immediately, Ojou froze up.
Nico, who was watching our exchange, placed his elbow on my shoulder and asked, looking like there’s no helping it.

「What do you mean by that?」

「When I see Ojou trying her best, I think I should do my best too.」

When I replied that it must be a rival, Nico let out a long sigh.

「That’s it, Dia-sama. ……Oh my? You didn’t hear me.」

Nico mumbles in amazement rather than be troubled on what to do about it. It seems Nico decided to wait for the reboot after confirming there was no response after waving his hand in front of Ojou’s face.

「Ahh, I’m not going home. My father works at the castle and our territory is hot.」

「I see. But you can’t come here,can you?」

Nico’s father, the prime minister, seems to be too busy to take a summer vacation. I thought it would be hard, but according to Nico, he’s just a workaholic.
Since he had been visiting the Ernest manor on the pretext of Ojou, Nico won’t be able to come here for a while. Or at least, that’s what I thought, but Nico suggested another method.

「Zack, please come to my house. My mother is calling you again.」

「I see.」

I relaxed my expression and nodded. When Nico didn’t come for over a month in the spring to protect Heroise-sama, I felt a little unsatisfied, so I’m happy to see Nico during the summer.
Nico, seeing my reaction, half-closes his eyes.

「Zack…… that sort of thing, you should do to Miss Dia.」

「What do you mean??」

When I tilt my head in confusion, Nico lets out another long sigh.

「…………Nn.」

Ojou, who had been frozen, let out a slight shiver and her mumbling spills out. Noticing that, we look at Ojou, and couldn’t make out the look on her face as she looks down, but she was tightly clenching her fists.
Then, Ojou raised her head and glared at me.

「I don’t know Zack anymore!」

Saying that, Ojou turned on her heels and ran off to the manor. Despite her sudden reaction, Pochi followed her with her parasol in response, which is amazing. Pochi’s worried voice calling for Ojou fades away.

「Zack is an idiot.」

Nico, next to me, says his impressions.

「……why was Ojou angry?」

I seriously didn’t understand, so I asked Nico who was clinging to me. I’d like to apologize if I hurt Ojou, but I have no idea what the anger was for. I feel it would be useless if I apologized without knowing the cause of her anger. Nico seemed to know, so I wanted him to tell me.
Seeing me weak and lowering my eyebrows, Nico forces a smile as if to say it can’t be helped.

「The next time we meet, explain again why you said she was a rival.」

「I understand.」

I nod firmly at Nico’s advice.
But that would be over a month away. Missing the opportunity to apologize to Ojou, I’ll spend the summer without her.