Though Eris’ initial plans had crumbled immediately, as expected of a noble’s heiress, she managed to keep a composed smile while concealing her inner turmoil, stepping closer to Kaito and Jutia and bowing slightly.

[Kaito-sama, Jutia-sama, thank you for coming today. I happened to be here on an inspection, so I apologize for not noticing your arrival sooner and delaying my greeting.]

[Ahhh, no, don’t worry about it. I mean, I wasn’t expecting Eris-san to be here either…… I didn’t really look closely at the magazine article, so at first, I didn’t even know you were the owner.]

[I see. Well, it’s quite understandable. Putting aside nobles, most people don’t look up who a certain store’s owner is before shopping. Rather, I’m pleased that, for whatever reason, my shop caught Kaito-sama’s eye.]

As she conversed with Kaito in a calm tone and smile, Eris was inwardly relieved. Though she had chosen her words carefully, the flow of the conversation with Kaito was ideal for her.

(……Thank you very much, Kaito-sama. This conversation flow is perfect. The other customers, especially the nobles, are subtly listening to our conversation, and with the flow of our conversation, it should have left the impression that my meeting with Kaito-sama was by chance…… With this, I should have managed to suppress the spread of strange rumors to some extent.)

Yes, by apologizing for her delayed greeting and mentioning she was just here for an inspection, Kaito naturally responded, confirming that he simply came for shopping, and Eris just happened to be there. This conveyed to the surrounding people that Eris had not invited Kaito, nor had he come specifically to meet her.

This was the best possible outcome for a swift recovery from the unexpected situation, and she demonstrated remarkable skill in handling unforeseen circumstances, which is essential for a noble.

[Ahh, but I did hear this was Eris-san’s store before coming, and I thought it’d be nice to see you, so I’m glad we could meet like this. Ahh, speaking of which, I’ve already written to you this in my letter, but thank you again for the lovely handkerchief.]

[……N- No, I’m delighted to hear that you liked it as well.]

And once again, due to Kaito’s response being more positive beyond her expectations, her plan was instantly undone.

(Kaito-sama…… that comment could lead to misunderstandings, seriously…… I sent the handkerchief as a return gift for what you gave me, but now it sounds like it was just a regular gift…… People will definitely see it that way…… That said, strongly emphasizing that it was a return gift here would feel unnatural and, above all, be rude to Kaito-sama……)

Around them, some nobles subtly listening while pretending to shop now definitely had the impression that Eris had given a present to Kaito, who was delighted by it.

Realizing there was no way to undo this impression, Eris looked far into the distance for a moment before turning to greet Jutia.

[As for Jutia-sama…… Thank you for your continued patronage.]

[The chocolate here was delicious, and it goes well with tea too. Actually, actually, I like it quite a bit. When I met with Eris before, we didn’t have much time to chat, so if there’s an opportunity, I’d like for us to relax and chat over tea sometime.]

[Haehh? Ah, yes! It would be an honor!]

Eris was momentarily stunned, her expression blank, as she was entirely unprepared for Jutia’s comment. It was understandable, as this statement from Jutia was essentially indirectly giving Eris permission to invite her to a tea party or similar gathering in the future.

(Eh? Ehhh? W- Why? How come? Why would Jutia-sama think so highly of me…… Ah, c- could it be…… because Kaito-sama has shown favorable feelings towards me…… that has influenced Jutia-sama’s opinion as well?)

Eris’ guess was correct. Unknown to her, Jutia was indeed quite fond of Kaito, and her high regard for Eris stemmed from Eris’ connection with him.

In short, Jutia wanted to have some leisurely chat with someone Kaito was that close with.

As a result, a new perception was born here……. Eris Dia Hamilton, heir to the Hamilton Marquisdom, was not only on friendly terms with Miyama Kaito, she was also someone whom the Great Tree Princess Jutia held in high esteem.

As Eris thought about the rumors about herself that would likely spread in social circles going forward, she unconsciously placed a hand over her stomach.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Give her a break already! She’s getting pummeled like a punching bag…… The HP of Eris’ stomach are already at zero!]