Chapter 698

I tend to forget things like that sometimes.
After returning to the academy, a few peaceful days went by.

After that whole incident, I’d wondered, “Was His Highness really that desperate for bacon?”—so, as thanks for the café, I invited His Highness and Oniisama to the salon for lunch and served them BLT sandwiches. I also reported on the shaved ice that would be featured at the upcoming royal tea party.

I thought we’d finally have a relaxing weekend, but then a message came from my family—House Ellisfeed saying that a prototype of the shaved ice machine had been completed.

… From Owen-san.

“... Isn’t that way too fast!?”

It was unbelievably quick.

“Well, yes… Normally, when making a magic tool, you first decide the design, then build a magic circle that fits the intended function, determine how to activate it, and carefully inscribe or carve the circuits so it all runs properly. It usually takes months—sometimes even years, doesn’t it…?”

Mariel-chan tilted her head, doubting whether it could really be done so fast.

Owen-san is a total magic-tool fanatic—his nickname “Mad Magic Tool Craftsman” is well-earned—so he’s way faster than most people. But still, this is a completely new creation, not a modification of something existing… an automatic shaved ice machine! How could it possibly be done this fast!?

“For now, he says to return home this weekend. He wants to report on the reception the shaved ice got at the royal tea party.”

“Ah…”

Reception, huh… yeah, that’s definitely something I want to know.

After all, it’s the shaved ice produced by me—Cristea Ellisfeed, once known as the “Replusive-food Eating Lady.”

It’s undeniably delicious, so I’m sure it went over well… but if someone overate because it was too good and got a stomachache, there’s no telling who might try to claim ‘That Gluttonous Lady made me sick!’

Still, since it was provided by our Ellisfeed Ducal House, and the tea party was hosted by Mother and her best friend, the Queen, there aren’t many people brave enough to complain.

But I’m curious—which flavor was the most popular? Did the royal chef create any new sauces or toppings afterward? If so, I definitely want to try them!

“So, looks like we’re heading home again this weekend… You’re coming too, right, Mariel-san?”

“Uuuh, o-of course I’ll come…”

Even now, Mariel-chan still gets super nervous about visiting the Ellisfeed estate, but I dragged her along anyway.

I was going to invite Sei too, but apparently he’d already gotten a report from the Bastea Company’s royal capital branch—something about a huge order for matcha and red bean paste—and was heading to the main store in our domain ahead of us.

Wait, could matcha actually run short!? Should I order more?

When I asked, Sei said, since I’m treated as a VIP, they always reserve some for me. Yay!

He said he wanted to be present for the shaved ice machine’s first trial, so we’d meet up again at the estate.

When the weekend came, we finished our classes for the day—those of us who’d already gotten permission from Teacher Neil to go out—and headed straight for my family’s carriage to return home.

“When are you heading to the main store, Sei?”

“This afternoon, after checking in at the branch. I’ve also been asked to transport the goods we procured here.”

“Wow, sounds like a lot of work.”

“Well, the Bastea Company’s helped me a lot. I like to repay favors when I can.”

So responsible. Really, it’s impressive.
He’s still so young, yet already this dependable. When I was his age—in my previous life—I doubt I ever thought about repaying kindnesses like that.

Then again, unlike him, I’d never had people trying to kill me as a child… So yeah, Sei’s had quite the rough, eventful life for someone his age.

“Hey—wait, what!? Sei, you’re gone again this weekend!?”

“Uwah, Adry!?”

Just as I was getting sentimental, Adry-sama snuck up behind Sei and threw an arm around his shoulders.

“Ha-ha-ha…!”

Next to me, Mariel-chan panicked and covered her mouth—definitely to hide the grin spreading across her face. Her eyes were locked on the two boys, sparkling like she was watching a scene straight out of a romance novel.

I’m seriously tempted to drop an ice cube on her head.

“Let go of me. I told you last week—I’m helping out at the trading company.”

“But you were gone last week too! When can we finally hang out, man!?”

Adry-sama pouted, while Sei stayed cool and unbothered.
… And Mariel-chan’s breathing was definitely getting faster.

“Geez, I just wanted to hit the weapon shop together.”

“… Weapon shop?”

That got Sei’s attention.

“Yeah! My old man said if I was serious about the knight course, I could get a new sword. He even introduced me to a good smith. Thought you might want to come too.”

“... No, I already have one on order.”

“Wait, seriously!? From where!?”

Adry-sama looked stunned.

“Oh, that’d be from Galvano Ojisama, right? You asked him a while ago.”

When we’d gone to visit his workshop together, Sei had shown him his Yahatul blade, and the two had geeked out for ages. At the end, Galvano Ojisama had said, “Alright then, when I’m in the mood, I’ll forge you a sword that suits you better over here.”

As soon as I said it, not only Adry-sama, but several of the nearby boys all started murmuring.
Huh? What now?

“G-Galvano Ojisama…? You mean the legendary blacksmith Galvano!?”

“Eh? Legendary…? Um, well, yes, Galvano Ojisama is indeed a blacksmith.”

“Whoa, seriously… That’s insane…”

Oh no.
Yep, definitely another I’ve-done-it-again moment.

To me, Galvano Ojisama’s just this sweet, doting grandpa type who spoils me rotten—but I keep forgetting that out in the world, he’s considered a legendary craftsman.

Ugh… all these stares and whispers are so painful…!

What do you think about this chapter?