The next day during lunch break, as usual, Kent was eating lunch with Caro, Josette, and Rachel behind the school building. With enough staff at the shop, work had become less demanding, so Kent was preparing lunches again from today.
“Lady Josette. Congratulations.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
Caro suddenly said to Josette. Josette was dumbfounded, not understanding what she meant. It was rare to see Josette make such a face.
“I can smell Kent’s scent on you, Lady Josette. You’ve finally become honest with your feelings.”
“As expected of Caro. You didn’t miss it.”
Rachel said admiringly.
“Um… I’m sorry. Even though I know you two are dating, I did this.”
“It’s fine… I can’t say that with a smile, but I expected this would happen. So, it’s alright. Besides, there are others like that too. It’s admirable for a man to have many women by his side. If you can give them all the same amount of affection, I won’t say anything.”
“…?”
Hearing Caro’s words, Josette had a question.
“Caro, you mentioned earlier that there are others like that; are there still women who have been involved with Kent?”
“…Ah, my tongue slipped. *Teehee*.”
Caro placed one hand on her head and stuck out her tongue. I wonder where she learned such a thing… Kent looked towards Rachel.
“Kent, who else have you been involved with?”
Josette pressed Kent.
“…Marie.”
Kent, having resolved himself, answered honestly.
“If it’s Marie, then it can’t be helped. However, how will you tell Father and get his approval for our relationship? What about you, Caro?”
“I haven’t told him?”
An unexpected answer came from the serious Caro.
“You, you haven’t told Baron Frederick? You have no idea what will happen if he finds out.”
“I believe the same applies to you, Lady Josette…”
“…Indeed.”
Caro and Josette suddenly became dejected.
It was unthinkable for a commoner and an aristocrat to be in a relationship and be approved. It seemed they had just been reminded of that reality.
“Well, well, you’re still students, so I don’t think we need to make a decision now. As long as you can somehow persuade your parents by graduation, you’ll be fine.”
Rachel, thinking of the two of them, offered a helping hand.
“That’s right. Even though it will be postponed, we must enjoy the present.”
Josette decided to adopt Rachel’s opinion.
“I… will report to Father. When we first started dating, I thought it would be fine because we were both commoners, but our positions have changed, and it’s impossible to continue like this. So, Kent, do you have time this Saturday?”
Caro had decided to report to her parents. Since they were already in an adult relationship, Kent decided to brace himself.
“Understood. This Saturday, then.”
“I apologize for the sudden notice, but I’m counting on you.”
Kent, who had gotten involved with the Duke’s precious daughter, didn’t know if he would return safely. However, even though the start was by circumstance, he decided to take responsibility for his actions.
School ended, and Kent, Rachel, Patty, and Josette decided to head to the shop together. As they arrived in front of the shop, a carriage was stopped there.
“That’s Father’s carriage. Is he here to pick up Older sister?”
“Josette, you told the Duke, didn’t you?”
“Of course. He said it was fine, and Father was worried too.”
Kent usually left his luggage before heading to the shop, but he felt he couldn’t afford to waste any time, so he decided to go in with them.
“Oh, you’ve arrived, Josette. And Kent, it’s good to see you looking well.”
“Your Grace, you haven’t changed either.”
Kent greeted the Duke, who was eating ice cream in the shop.
“This ice cream sold in this shop has become quite the topic among aristocrats. I was just sampling it to see what it was like.”
Beside him, Elnet stood rigidly, holding a tray for serving. It seemed she was the one who had served the Duke ice cream.
“Mmm, it was quite delicious. I’d like to be able to have it at my Duke’s family’s residence, Kent, is there any way to make that happen?”
“When I visited last time, I had the electricity and other wiring done, so it’s possible if you install the necessary equipment.”
“I see, I see. Then, Josette.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Bring young Kent to our home soon.”
“Understood.”
The Duke quickly asked Josette for the arrangements. Then, straightening his posture, the Duke spoke about the real reason for his visit.
“I came here today not only to try the ice cream but also regarding this runaway daughter of mine.”
Saying that, the Duke sat Elnet next to him.
“Marie, I understand our daughter has caused you considerable trouble.”
“No, not at all. For the shop, you’ve been a great help.”
“Is that so? If you say so, it’s also a great relief to me.”
“Now then, I’d like to hear your motive for wanting to work at this shop.”
The Duke turned to Elnet and said.
“Yes, I wanted to experience life as a commoner, and coincidentally, this shop was introduced to me as a place where I could work and live, so I started working here.”
“A lie. What a daughter, to lie to her parents.”
“Hii!”
The Duke’s gaze pierced Elnet, and she involuntarily cried out.
“Actually… I’ve taken an interest in a man.”
“Houhou… And then?”
“Coincidentally, I learned that this man was working at this shop, so I hastily asked the shop to let me work here. I just wanted to be close to him, that’s all.”
Elnet said shyly, her face bright red.
“I see. Elnet, who showed no interest in the opposite sex since that incident in school. I understand now. Though she’s a bit behind for a noble daughter, Kent, I’m entrusting my daughter to you.”
“Huh? Yes.”
Surprised by the Duke’s sudden question, Kent replied without thinking.
“Father, does this mean I can stay here?”
“Ah, you are already a grown woman. If you’ve made your own decision, then do as you please. However, Kent’s heart isn’t entirely yours yet. Continue to strive and polish yourself, my dear.”
“Yes, thank you, Father.”
It seemed the conversation between the Duke and Elnet was over. Elnet was delighted that she had received permission and could now live there openly.
“Father, please wait a moment.”
“What is it, Josette?”
Josette, with a very displeased look, said to the Duke.
“I would also like to work and live here, is that alright?”
“I cannot permit that.”
“But…”
The Duke rejected Josette’s proposal immediately.
