Chapter 214.2. Match Results

-Masatoshi’s POV-
“Exactly. Mi-chan is my best friend and with reliable Masatoshi-san from Aguni Dukedom. I feel at ease.” 
Sena-san claps her hands, tilts her head slightly, and says something happy with a smile I can’t help but admire.
“However, that’s why I don’t want to inherit the title right now. Maybe in about six years?”
By then, the original story should have ended, and Shin should have resolved everything. That would be reassuring. 
In the original story, Aguni Dukedom prospered because Shin was friends with my younger brother… 
Hmm? I wonder what will happen if I’m still alive? 
As I ponder this, I notice Sena-san looking at me seriously.
“What’s wrong, Sena-san?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just mesmerized by Masatoshi-san’s handsome face for a moment.”
As I ask, Sena-san sticks out her little tongue, and her expression softens with a gentle smile.
“Is that so? Well, feel free to keep looking. Am I that gallant?”
“Sure, sure, that’s enough of that. So, you won’t inherit the title, Wimpytoshi. Got it. Thank you.”
Mion expresses her gratitude as Masatoshi blushes with a grin that relaxes his face like mud. 
I want to tell her she doesn’t need to use self-deprecating words, but I won’t complain about being called dashing.
“Well, the power of Kanna Dukedom is declining. The court is in turmoil. The Susano’o Unit changed its leader too.”
“After losing so easily, the leader of the so-called Susano’o elite unit doesn’t deserve the position. I’m sorry to Menou Robin-san for that.”
“They were defeated so easily by Teijou Yamiyo. It’s only natural.”
On the day that Menou Robin became the unit leader, he was dismissed, and instead, the Vice Leader, Tejiou Mashiro, was promoted to the leader position.
Both Duke Kanna and Marquis Menou strongly protested, saying it was just a mere unveiling ceremony, and it was unreasonable to hold them accountable.
But when the Emperor declared that he had doubts about their capabilities, they could only remain silent, unable to refute.
As a result, the Susano’o Unit was now under the direct control of the Teijou Marquisate. While Mashiro would eventually become the leader of the warriors, for now, he would serve as a suitable backup.
Furthermore, despite being Duke Kanna’s elite unit, Mashiro was appointed as the leader, making it difficult for them to act freely.
There’s something strange about Duke Kanna’s power being strangely eroded, with Teijou Maruisate at the center. It’s undoubtedly due to the scheming of the reincarnated Yamiyo. I have a feeling the original story will deviate a bit.
“I don’t really get it, but it probably doesn’t concern us commoners, right? Well then, you’ll remain a candidate for now.”
“In the future, I’ll become Sena-san’s fi… fiancé.”
I answer confidently with a dignified attitude. Please forget about the slight hesitation. It’s embarrassing to talk about being engaged.
“Hmm, well, whatever. By the way, what did Sena come here for? You’re planning to become a newspaper seller or something, right?”
“Why would I become a newspaper seller!”
“What did you buy so many of them then?”
“There are people who can’t see the newspaper, so I thought it was sad for them. That’s why I bought some in bulk.”
Mion gazes at the pile of newspapers at my feet with a blank expression. I bought them to show everyone. Isn’t it great?
“I came to the orphanage to provide some comfort. I brought picture books and curry powder.”
“Oh, thank you. Everyone, it’s a treat from the saintess!”
A maid behind Sena-san brings a cardboard box filled to the brim with curry powder. 
But why curry powder? 
Does it mean you can eat anything with curry powder? 
Hmm, I think I heard something about it being a survival essential.
“In that case, I’ll bring out the reserved cocoa for you!”
“Give me a cup too, as the cute Sena-san’s fiancé candidate!”
“Hehe, I’ll bring one for you too, fiancé candidate!”
Mion stands up and pours cocoa for us. 
I was a little thirsty, so it’s perfect.
Soon, Mion places the cocoa on the table. 
I accept it, protecting the newspapers I brought from the kids who try to turn them into paper fans or helmets.
“Thanks. Now, can you do something about these kids?”
“Let’s fold helmets! Helmets!”
“Zap, zap, Hanafubuki~!”
“Paper fans, paper fans!”
They crowd around, asking for help, but Mion shrugs her shoulders and doesn’t bother.
“They’re not interested in newspapers anyway.”
“Don’t mess around. These are brand new!”
“Gimme that! Run away~!”
Finally, they grab the whole pile, laugh, and runoff.
There’s no chance of getting them back now.
“Ah, it’s delicious. Thank you, Mion.”
Sena smiles and drinks her cocoa. 
She looks cute like that, and I give up on the newspapers, taking a sip of my cocoa too.
But when the taste hits my mouth, my eyes widen in surprise.
“Whoa! This is spicy! What’s in this, curry powder?”
I unintentionally spit out the cocoa and coughed.
The taste of cocoa mixed with the spiciness of curry powder creates an unbelievable flavor.
“Just thought I’d let you try the curry powder too.”
“Hey, don’t mess around!”
It’s terrible! How can you drink this? 
I complain, and for some reason, Mion puffs out her cheeks and sticks out her tongue playfully.
“As a fiancé candidate, you should at least be able to handle some treats.”
“Seriously, don’t mess with me!”
It was a playful exchange between Masatoshi and Mion, as we argued over whether combining curry powder and cocoa was a good idea.