How to Make Connections
“When I start attending the academy, you should come hang out sometimes.”
“No way. That’ll just make people suspicious, right? Besides, I’ll be going back to the Lampail domain every weekend.”
“Ehh, why?”
“To visit the Adventurers' Guild.”
““““Huuuh?””””
“Is that really that shocking?”
“Of course it is! You’re a noble lady, you know? Why would you even register as an adventurer?”
“Well, I’m a Null, right? So I guess it’s to give myself some prestige. Guild ranks are recognized nationwide, right? If I get looked down on at the academy, I want to have enough power to crush them. So I’m aiming to reach D-rank before enrollment.”
“Crush them… what exactly do you mean by that?”
Suzy cautiously asked.
“Well, depends on the person—could be physical, could be psychological?”
“Hehehe, and how would you do it psychologically?”
Pia asked eagerly.
“By using connections to dig up weaknesses and crush them completely. That’s why I’m currently building up my network.”
“But… Young lady Joan, you’re only ten. How do you go about building connections?”
“Umm, for now I just feed people around me my cooking and sweets.”
“… Huh? That’s it?”
“Yup. But if it makes them want to eat my food again, that means they’ll try to get in touch with me. And that becomes a connection. For women, I’ve been giving them my special dried fruits.”
“Well, once they realize how effective those dried fruits are, they’ll probably want to connect with you.”
“Still… can you really build connections just through food?”
“Hmm… not sure. But I think once I’ve got their stomachs, I’ve won.”
“Isn’t that something you do for someone you love?”
“Is it? I don’t think it’s just for guys. Haven’t I already captured all of your stomachs with my food?”
““““Ah… she has.””””
“Yesss!”
““““Ahaha””””
＊＊＊＊＊
After parting with Her Majesty, I returned to Father.
The guard escorting me this time was Eugene, the one who was in the dining hall earlier. Just like Ryuk, he was Brother Aran’s classmate at the academy and his cohort in the royal guard.
“Sorry I’m not Aran.”
“No, please don’t worry. I already thanked him earlier. Besides, duty comes first.”
“I see… duty first, huh…”
He muttered that quietly.
“Um… something wrong?”
“Ah, no, sorry. Just thinking… mind if I ask something a bit personal?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“What’s the right answer when a woman asks, ‘What’s more important—your job or me?’... Ah, no, sorry. Not a question I should be asking a ten-year-old.”
“No, it’s fine. Did your fiancée say something like that? Maybe about not being able to meet often?”
“… Ah, yeah. Exactly.”
“Ehehe. In that case, I think the best answer would be something like, ‘I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I miss you too, but I work hard because you’re important to me. Still, I’ll try to make more time for us going forward.’”
“…… Are you really ten years old?”
“Eh?! O-of course I am. M-my maid was the one who said that. She said she’d love to hear something like that.”
“I see… thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that conversation, we continued to Father.
He wasn’t in the royal office but in a waiting room. And he wasn’t alone—Uncle Gilbert, who works as a civil official in the royal castle, was with him.
“Huh?”
“Oh, doing well, Joan?”
“Joan, you didn’t cause any trouble for Her Majesty, did you?”
“No, Father.”
“Good. I just ran into Gilbert by chance and we were chatting.”
“I see. Oh, by the way, I thanked Brother Aran in the dining hall before seeing the Queen.”
“Heh, heh, I already know.”
How?! And why are Father and Uncle both grinning?
I tilted my head in confusion.
“The beautiful girl who melted the Ice Prince’s frozen heart.”
“Ah… you heard that too?”
“Yeah, I heard it from Gilbert.”
“And I got asked by a colleague if my son had a fiancée. It was annoying, so I went for a walk around the castle and bumped into your father.”
“F-fiancée?”
“Well, I’m his father, so I know this best—Aran’s never really shown interest in women. Actually, he’s always hated being surrounded by them. That’s why he’s usually expressionless around them. But then today, he smiled and touched a girl. Naturally…”
“Right. And since the Longest family doesn’t have a daughter, she can’t be his sister.”
“Exactly. So they assume she’s his fiancée. Though honestly, being asked if she’s his fiancée is still better than the ones who are upset and complain, ‘He never even talked to my daughter!’”
“Ahh… yeah, that is annoying. But wouldn’t everyone be satisfied if they knew we’re cousins? I already told Her Majesty and her maid trio, so I’m sure they’ll help spread the word.”
“Ahh, that’s a huge help.”
“Well then, some sweets for tired Big brother Gil. Here you go.”
“!! …That came out of nowhere. But well, it is Joan. And this is?”
“Kusamochi. It’s mochi with mugwort, and inside is sweet bean paste made from adzuki beans.”
“Heh~ let’s see… Yeah, this is great. Really helps with the fatigue.”
“Hehe, I’m glad you like it.”
What do you think about this chapter?
