Chapter 55

It's my first date with Eliza.

I've washed my face countless times since morning.

I've also tidied up my clothes.

I felt a bit stiff, but I chose a slightly cool outfit.

I checked myself in the mirror multiple times.

"Yeah, it's fine."

The meeting place is in front of the fountain.

It's a popular dating spot on campus.

I arrived a little early.

It's better to be early than late, and besides, I can't settle down at home.

I looked around, but Eliza hadn't arrived yet.

Maybe I came too early.

After waiting for a while, a figure appeared.

I saw two people coming from behind.

They were shocking.

It was Arc and Iris walking together towards this fountain.

When did they make up? I thought Iris hated it.

I ended up hiding because those two came.

The square spreads out around the fountain.

The two of them sat on a bench in one corner.

I hid in the shade of a tree near the square.

"Have we ever been here before?"

"Yeah, I don't really remember, but I think we have."

There were no smiles in their conversation.

Why!?

Isn't this a fun date?

"I'm the worst person."

Huh!?

What is Arc saying?

Suddenly saying he's the worst!? I don't understand. What are they here for?

"No, I'm the worst."

Wow, even Iris.

What is this crazy atmosphere? What are they here for!?

"I'm the worst. I can't do anything right lately. I fail at everything. I'm such a failure."

"No, I can't do anything right. The other day... just thinking about it gives me a headache."

"No, I'm the worst."

"No, I am."

What are those two doing!

They're not praising each other or boasting about themselves.

They're just endlessly belittling themselves.

It's weird! Those two are crazy!

"I'm not fit to be a prince. Lassar should be the next king. Yes, that's better."

"What are you saying? Arc is good at studies, sports, and even looks. You shouldn't be weak."

"Wh-What!? N-No, but I'm really a failure. Remember when I returned from the Helan territory? The carriage tipped over, and Lassar and I were thrown out.

Lassar landed on a cushion and wasn't hurt. But I landed in horse manure. That's the kind of guy I am."

"Th-That's impressive... But I'm a failure too. I lost everything the other day. No, I never had anything to begin with. I'm an empty woman."

"That's not true. Iris, you laugh a lot, and you're amazing! Yes, Iris is amazing!"

"No, I'm not amazing at all."

"You are, Iris is amazing!"

"Arc, you're amazing too. I'm sure you'll become an amazing person."

Well, it seems those two might actually get along.

Maybe I didn't need to worry.

But, horse manure?

He's a prince?

Hehehe.

"Oh, peeping isn't a good hobby, you know."

"Eliza!?"

How long have you been watching?

It's a bit embarrassing.

"You should have told me you were here."

"Well, you looked so happy."

"You're mean."

"Hehe."

Eliza laughed.

It was the first time I saw her laugh so honestly.

She looked beautiful.

"Shall we go?" I gently held out my hand.

"Yes," Eliza took my hand without hesitation.

We started walking together.

It was the moment I had been waiting for.

"Where should we go?"

"Anywhere."

We talked about nothing.

Just everyday conversations.

I like this, I dislike that.

I didn't really pay attention, but being together was fun. It made me realize what happiness is.

"Eliza, I'm having fun now."

"Yes, I know."

We walked around and rested on a bench when we got tired.

Lunch was a homemade bento.

It had ordinary things inside.

But everything tasted delicious. I couldn't really tell, but it was delicious.

"Hey, don't eat so fast. You might choke."

"Sure..."

Sorry, I choked. I almost died.

Eliza's tea saved me. Thank goodness, I almost went down in history as a fool who died during a date.

After lunch, I talked with Eliza.

We spent time chatting on the bench.

I don't remember what we talked about.

But that's fine. Being together is good right now.

After talking for a while, I suddenly noticed someone sitting on the bench in front of us.

He was leaning back on the bench with his elbows on the backrest and his legs spread wide.

In such hot summer weather, he was dressed in a way that looked hot.

It was the Cat Teacher.

"What are you looking at, nya?"

He confronted me, so I looked away.

I was caught.

"What are you two doing, nya?"

"Well, we're on a date."

The Cat Teacher's eyes narrowed.

"There's not much time left before it gets dark, nya. Go back quickly, nya."

"Yes, we were just about to head back to our dorms."

"No, nya. Go back quickly and do it while the sun is out and warm, nya."

"..."

This is it!!

This is why I didn't want to meet this guy!!

Everything is ruined!

There's no atmosphere left!

Look! There are black lines on Eliza's face.

Stop talking about it in front of a girl!!

"Do it, nya!"

Why did he repeat it?

He heard me! He's just pretending not to hear.

And so, my first date with Eliza was ruined by "it."

On the way back, I saw Arc and Iris walking together.

All's well that ends well.

Some words came to mind.

Maybe we should just do it!!