At the Nifty store, while browsing through the merchandise, Eris’ confused mind was gradually being composed. Thanks to the refined education she had received as a lady, she managed to hold on without embarrassing herself, but the mental fatigue was still significant. So, while Kaito was off talking to Canalis, she took the opportunity to restore her mental strength.

Also, at a time like this, neither the Count’s daughter she was familiar with nor the merchants she had greeted before approached her. No, they undoubtedly wanted to ask her about the situation, but since they didn’t know when Kaito would return…… they refrained from approaching, not wanting to interrupt him. Instead, they intended to send a letter to Eris later to inquire about the details.

(……I feel incredibly exhausted, but considering what’s ahead, the benefit gained is far too great for me to complain about this level of fatigue. Even if it was just lip service, Kaito-sama referring to me as a friend is a huge deal. However, I should consider this more as a personal connection between me and Kaito-sama, excluding the Hamilton Marquisdom from the equation.)

Though her stomach aches from what had just happened, the benefits she gained were overwhelmingly significant. Even though the Hamilton Marquisdom wasn’t involved, and it was purely a personal relationship between Eris and Kaito, other nobles would see it as the Hamilton Marquisdom having ties with Kaito.

Eris had also run into a Count’s daughter she knew, and for better or worse, it was certain that she would be recognized in high society going forward. Of course, she had no intention of using Kaito for political gain…… but in the world of nobles, being respected was already a significant advantage moving forward.

As for the Seven Princesses, she had managed to introduce herself to five of them, and albeit briefly, she had clearly established connections with them. Putting aside whether they would actually attend or not, it was now possible to invite them to tea parties hosted by their Marquisdom.

As she pondered these matters while shopping, Kaito returned from the back of the store.

[I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Eris-san.]

[No, please don’t worry about it…… I’ve been enjoying the shopping at a leisurely pace. I’ve decided on a few items to purchase and was just about to place my order. The time I have to stay here is also nearing its end.]

[Ahh, right, there’s a time limit for shopping and using the café here.]

[Yes, but I still have more than enough time to shop at leisure.]

[I see…… Well, this might actually be good timing.]

[Hmm? What do you mean?]

Although the time for shopping in the store was limited, some of her acquaintances, like the Count’s daughter, had already left. Eris still had some time, but it was about time to place orders for the items to be delivered to their Marquisdom.

[Ah, well, if you have time to spare, how about taking some seats with me in the café? I know you were a bit startled when we ran into the Seven Princesses earlier, so I’d like to make it up to you…… How about it?]

[W- Would that be alright? Of course, I’d be honored…… but I wouldn’t want to cause you any trouble.]

[No worries. I’ve already gotten permission from the manager…… Ahh, and there’s a seat prepared for the maid you’re with as well. It might be difficult for her to sit with you, so I’ve arranged a separate seat for her……]

[Thank you so much for your kind consideration. I can’t express how grateful I am…… My deepest thanks for your generosity, Kaito-sama……]

Eris gracefully bowed with a gentle smile at Kaito’s suggestion, but of course, on the inside, she was actually relatively panicking.

(……W- Why is this happening? Huh? Wait, could it be that I’ve somehow become Kaito’s lover without realizing it? ……No, calm down. My thoughts are jumping to conclusions…… But still, this kinda…… Ah, no, this somewhat makes me…… think that Kaito-sama possibly favors me…… No, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself, but wouldn’t it be alright to think that he holds a favorable view of me?)

Though Eris was confused, her thoughts weren’t entirely off the mark. Through their interactions, Kaito had come to see her as “an easy-to-talk-to noble lady”, making his impression of her quite positive.

A significant factor in this perception was that Eris had consistently shown no intent to exploit her relationship with Kaito. Since Kaito possessed Sympathy Magic, even if she didn’t mean to act with any ill intentions, any malicious thoughts would be conveyed as a slightly unpleasant feeling.

However, Eris harbored no such thoughts, and instead, she worried about whether her presence might lead to Kaito being the subject of strange rumors. With her kind-hearted nature, Kaito sees her as approachable and easy to get along with.

Of course, Eris had no way of knowing this, and she found herself questioning what it was about her that Kaito found appealing.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [In fact, the Stomachache Warriors are generally made up of good people…… Perhaps that’s why they end up being the ones who endure it instead of causing it to others……]