Chapter 41

I decided to go to the tea party, so I immediately wrote a letter.

Unlike the princess, I can't write polite sentences, so I kept it brief, expressing my gratitude and intention to attend.

Samuel took the letter to the city hall and also inquired about the location and time there.

So, that's how it went.

"Samuel, is this it?"

"Yes. Today's tea party will be held at the mayor's house."

The day after we arrived in Leoriga City.

After staying at an inn for one night, we stood in front of the mayor's house.

I was already wearing the [Cat's Hand Gloves] and had transformed into a cat-person. My disguise was perfect.

Still...

"It's so big."

I looked up at the mayor's house and let out a sigh.

Leoriga City itself is the largest among the villages and towns I know. The mayor must be quite wealthy.

The entire property was surrounded by a tall brick wall, and there was an elegant iron gate. Beyond the gate, a well-maintained garden and a large, three-story house could be seen. I thought the mayor's house in Slanita was big, but this one had a different kind of elegance and dignity. It reminded me of the large houses in the game maps that I could explore. Seeing it in real life was quite something... I was so moved that I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

"This way."

While I was chuckling to myself, Samuel and the gatekeeper had already exchanged words, and one of them was guiding us.

As we walked through the garden—

"Hey! Over here!!"

A high-pitched voice, like that of a small child, and it sounded angry. When I turned in that direction, I saw who I expected.

A girl with brown, fluffy hair tied in two pigtails. She looked great in her red dress.

According to Samuel, she was the youngest princess of the country.

"I've heard about you."

"Saving me from a dragon, and you're such a little girl!"

Standing next to the princess were two men. One was a middle-aged man with gray hair slicked back, wearing a kind and gentle expression. The other was an elderly man with white hair and a white beard, resembling Santa Claus.

One of them was probably the lord, and the other the mayor.

...The Detection Bell isn't ringing.

For now, everything seems fine.

"Samuel"

"Yes. ...Let's go then."

I exchanged a glance with Samuel and slowly approached.

Behind the princess, as usual, were three women in uniforms, cheering us on with "Do your best!"

When we reached the princess and the two men, we faced each other.

The princess clenched her fists and took a step forward.

"Um, um! I'm so happy you could come today!"

"Sure."

"I really appreciate what you did yesterday... And I'm sorry the tea party is today."

"No, it's fine. You sent me the letter."

It must have been impossible to have the tea party yesterday. After arriving in Leoriga City, being attacked by a dragon, being saved by me, and then inviting me to a tea party, it makes sense. I think it's impressive that it's happening today.

Soldiers were looking for us at the inn last night.

So, when I told her it was fine, the princess relaxed and unclenched her fists.

"I'm glad... I thought you might not come..."

"Reni, I was looking forward to the tea party."

"Ah! I was looking forward to it too...!"

When I looked into the princess's brown eyes and told her, her cheeks turned red.

She clenched her fists again.

Then, a voice came from behind—

"Your Highness... This is where you introduce yourself!"

"You can do it!"

"Go for it!"

"I know!"

The princess turned to the uniformed women and nodded.

Then, she turned back to me, held the hem of her skirt, and lowered her gaze slightly.

"My name is Caries Fine Langioza. I am the third child and second princess of the current Emperor Julius of Langioza."

As she said this, her body bowed slightly, but not in the traditional bow. Her posture remained elegant, and she must have been skillfully controlling her movements to avoid any jerky actions.

I've seen this in games before. It's the kind of greeting that princesses and refined people do...!

Her brown hair fluttered, and the hem of her dress spread beautifully.

"Wow! It's beautiful!"

Her posture was so beautiful that I couldn't help but clap.

Since my hands were in the form of cat paws, they made a "kyum kyum" sound.

"I, I'm not beautiful!"

My words were sincere, but the princess hurriedly denied them.

It was a shame that she stopped such a beautiful greeting.

"Reni, I thought you were very beautiful."

"..."

"I don't think I can do it so well. I think it's amazing."

"..."

When I told her this, the princess's brown eyes widened, and her cheeks turned red again.

"Reni, I can't do such a beautiful greeting."

"That's fine! You are very, very beautiful!!"

The princess said this, then gracefully released the skirt she was holding and clasped her hands in front of her chest, shouting.

She shouted so seriously that it made me laugh a little.

I moved closer to the princess and placed my hands over hers, which were clasped in front of her chest.

"I'm Reni. Nice to meet you."

"R, Reni... Can I call you by your name?"

"Sure."

"Um, then... You might not want to call me... but..."

The princess's brown eyes wavered with uncertainty.

This was the same as before. She seemed composed and steady, but...

So, I nodded to reassure her.

"That's up to Reni."

"Yes, that's right."

After her eyes wandered a few times, she shouted with determination.

"Um, um...! That! ...Caries, and!"

"Sure."

"I want you to call me Caries...!!"

The princess said this and closed her eyes tightly.

I could feel the tension in her hands, which were still in mine.

She must have been very nervous.

So, I gently squeezed her hands to ease her tension.

"Okay."

At my action and voice, the princess's brown eyes opened cautiously.

I looked directly into her eyes—

"Let's have a fun tea party."

Okay.

"Caries-chan"