In the country where Renka was born, it is a custom for nobles, including royalty, to travel with their companions before reaching adulthood.
This custom is partly meant to broaden their horizons through travel before they become busy after coming of age.
However, it also serves to circulate money, as those with higher noble titles travel to more countries and regions, with the nobility spending money and stimulating the economy.
Therefore, it had become customary to prioritize travel within the country.
Renka is currently in the midst of practicing this custom.
Temporarily, during their travels, they are supposed to conceal their identities, so they rarely speak of their parents’ status.
Of course, this is waived if it’s to guarantee their own safety or to stop egregious behavior.
Regardless, people within the country, if not outside, are well aware of this custom among the nobility, so when they meet, it is standard practice to pretend not to notice.
Kousuke listened to Renka’s explanation with apparent interest.
It wasn’t just that the content of her story was fascinating, but he was also impressed that the storyteller herself understood the purpose and meaning of her journey.
It was certainly not the kind of subject matter that a typical elementary or middle school girl, as far as Kousuke knew, could discuss normally, yet Renka spoke in a way that didn’t convey any such pretension.
Seeing this, Kousuke realized that Renka’s parents had sent her on this journey not based on her age alone, but to fulfill its true purpose.
At this point, the notion that one should not judge by appearance was firmly ingrained in his mind.
As Renka, who had been speaking rapidly, took a drink to moisten her throat, Kousuke nodded.
“I see. I understand well the reason you are here. It was a fascinating story, unlike anything I’ve heard before.”
Kousuke’s words, spoken from his heart, brought a pleased expression to Renka’s face.
“Is that so! …It seems it’s rather difficult for people from outside the country to understand.”
She had likely encountered such situations herself.
Renka’s expression grew somewhat lonely as she continued.
Indeed, it was easy to understand that allowing important figures to travel freely could lead to various problems.
One could argue that it wasn’t necessary to send them out for experiences; knowing things theoretically would suffice.
Nobles, in particular, tended to hold this view.
Kousuke understood their perspective and had no intention of refuting it.
However, Renka’s country’s custom could also be seen as a good idea, depending on how one viewed it.
At least, for Kousuke, it was a preferable way of thinking.
After all, Kousuke himself was currently doing something very similar.
Kousuke smiled faintly at Renka, who still wore a lonely expression.
“That’s unavoidable, isn’t it? People have various ways of thinking. Haven’t you learned that well through your travels, Lady Renka?”
At Kousuke’s words, Renka’s face brightened into the same smile she had before, and she nodded.
“Indeed! That is certainly true!”
As Renka spoke, Kousuke noticed the knights standing behind her smile and nod as well.
Just seeing that made it clear how much Renka was cherished by her escorting knights.
Kousuke, soothed by Renka’s childlike smile, decided to change the topic.
“So, regarding the main point, what is the reason you summoned us?”
“Oh! That’s right! I got so caught up in our conversation that I forgot!”
Renka continued with an apology, her hands clasped together in a genuinely apologetic manner.
The gesture and tone were entirely natural, not seeming to be put on for her position.
Judging by the reactions of those around her, it was clear this was Renka’s true self.
Kousuke shook his head, telling Renka, “Please don’t worry about it.”
Renka nodded at Kousuke’s words, and for some reason, her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked embarrassed.
“Um… it’s only if you’re okay with it, but…”
“Yes. Please, go ahead and say it.”
Kousuke, finding Renka’s sudden fidgeting endearing, unlike her previous demeanor, prompted her to continue as if speaking to a child.
“Um… could I perhaps pet the heads of the creatures you brought with you?”
“…Huh?”
Kousuke’s eyes widened in surprise at Renka’s request.
Then, looking alternately at Kouhi and Mitsuki, he said, “No, that’s fine if the person themselves gives permission, but…”
Realizing he had misunderstood, Renka quickly shook her head.
“N-no! That’s not it! I’m not talking about the two of you, but the two familiars you brought!”
At Renka’s clarification, Kousuke finally understood with an “Ah” expression.
And at this childlike request, Kousuke couldn’t help but inwardly think how cute she was.
***
The luxurious inn where Renka and her party were staying was, as expected of a first-class establishment, equipped to accommodate monster tamers, so it was permissible for them to enter the room together.
However, Renka’s subordinates were reluctant to keep familiars in the same room, so Nana and Wanri were asked to wait outside the inn.
Kousuke told Renka that it was fine with him, but if the two familiars disliked it, it would be better not to.
Renka replied that it was fine either way and smiled again. Thus, everyone proceeded to the inn’s garden where Nana and Wanri were waiting.
The garden also had the inn’s stables, making it an ideal place to keep Nana and Wanri.
When Kousuke conveyed Renka’s request to Nana and Wanri, both readily gave their permission. Renka was now petting the two familiars with an enraptured expression.
Seeing this, Kousuke sensed Renka’s hesitation and offered further advice.
“Lady Renka, please don’t just pet their heads. Pet them in other places too. They wish for it.”
Kousuke didn’t say this to indulge Renka, but because he understood that Nana and Wanri desired it.
Indeed, the moment Kousuke said this, Nana and Wanri’s tails began to sway vigorously.
“R-really? Also, by ‘them,’ do you mean these two are female?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Kousuke replied with a nod to Renka’s mumble.
However, Renka could not see Kousuke’s nod.
The proof of this was that Renka’s eyes were fixed on her own hand petting Nana and Nana’s reaction, indicating that she was too engrossed to notice anything else.
Furthermore, what surprised Kousuke was the reaction of Nana and Wanri while being petted by Renka.
Even with Kousuke’s encouragement, Nana and Wanri would normally show their dislike if they felt uncomfortable.
However, in Renka’s case, they seemed to be asking for more petting, rather than having any reservations.
In Kousuke’s memory, there were only a handful of instances where Nana and Wanri showed such an attitude towards a first-time acquaintance.
To be more precise, he could only think of Riku.
Kousuke began to ponder deeply whether the scene unfolding before him was due to Renka’s natural talent or simply a fortunate compatibility.
Then, Kousuke made a proposal to Renka, who was engrossed with Nana and Wanri, a proposal that surprised even Kouhi and Mitsuki, who were watching from the side.
“Officer, this way!”
***
Just kidding, but seriously, this is bad.
Renka seems to be more active than I anticipated.
…How did it come to this? lol
(It’s very fun to write, so I won’t stop.)
