Chapter 68 (1/2)

Now that I think about it, Surfania and Leon have only met once.

On top of that, they barely said a word to each other. The closest interaction they had was over a board game. It’s bad for nobility to forget someone that easily, but I can’t help it if she’s really forgotten him.

“Well, it’s not that you’re especially unimpressionable or that your situation is just as forgettable.”

“Thanks for the lousy consolation.”

He puts his hand on my shoulder, but there’s no gratitude behind his thanks.

While this was happening, Surfania ran to the corner of the room. Shutting herself in there, she stares at Leon, on guard against him.

Let me speak my thoughts on the current situation.

It’s interesting.

“Come on, Leon. Go talk to her.”

“No way. She’s completely on guard. She looks like she doesn’t know me at all.”

“It’s alright. She’ll get used to you.”

I egg him on because Surfania’s acting funny. If anything, it’s a good chance for her to get used to interacting with people.

Leon reluctantly approaches Surfania who’s completely on her guard.

“Well then, Lady Chris. How did you come to know about this place?”

“Hm? One of the maids resides near this church. When she came back from her break, she told me she saw you here, Mariwa.”

After doing some research, I found out that Leon comes here too.

I came here thinking maybe I could see them. I did tell Mariwa I was coming to visit, so it was never a problem.

I’m thinking about bringing Michelie here next time. Bringing Surfania here this time was merely the rehearsal.

But things have become more interesting than expected.

I observe Surfania, who’s beginning to threaten Leon with a glare.

“I see. That’s how it is. Well, I wasn’t trying to hide the fact, but I didn’t expect one of the maids to see me here, either.”

“Yeah. So why do you come here, anyway?”

The maid simply saw her in this church, but doesn’t know why she comes here.

Mariwa herself has some social status. There has to be a reason why she’s coming all the way out of town.

“I’ve simply been teaching a talented and diligent child with bright prospects. Since I had the good fortune to meet him, I thought I might as well invest in him a little.”

“Hmm.”

Leon was indeed depicted as a talented person in Labyrinth Destiny. Mariwa certainly has insight.

I’m convinced of the reason itself, but something bugs me.

I take a peek at her face.

“So who’s more talented, me or him?”

“I do not compare my students with one another. You are you, and Leon is his own self.”

As one who holds formalities despite having a private life, Mariwa dodges my question with a sound argument, and my indirect attempt at receiving praise as well. I pout silently.

In the first place, the Noir family is paying Mariwa for educating me, yet Leon is receiving the same education in this church for free. Perhaps I’ll ask him how far he’s progressed. As if reading my thoughts, she begins speaking.

“First of all, how do you intend to compare yourself with a child who receives education only once a week? And at such a huge advantage, no less.”

“……”

I become silent in earnest thought. Mariwa breaks the silence.

“But looking at Lady Surfania and Leon……”

I look at what she’s seeing.

Surfania’s still hiding in the corner, keeping Leon at bay. Leon himself is consciously keeping his distance, as if he’s at a loss as to what to do with a small animal.

“It’s quite an interesting sight, don’t you think?”

“Yeah.”

I completely agree.

The most interesting thing is Surfania openly showing her timidness. She looks just like a cat who’s seen someone for the first time.