Chapter 17

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"Exactly as the title says...!"

"Am I cool?"

"Huh?"

After finishing my shift and drinking tea in the break room, a man wearing a mysterious helmet suddenly came in.

He asked me this question right away, which made me almost spit out my tea. I was so confused that I didn't know where to start.

"Saidie said I'm very cool."

"Wait, you met her again? And why are you wearing that thing?"

"I'm not recognized because I'm wearing this."

"......"

After calming down and listening to his story in order, it turned out he had escorted Saidie Arklight outside in this disguise. I wondered what she thought of him in this getup. I would definitely refuse to walk with him.

Anyway, after making him take off the old helmet, Rufus had a look of utter happiness on his face.

To begin with, he had been banging his head against the wall, saying things like "my heart hurts" and "I don't want anyone to see me" just because he saw her beautifully dressed.

While walking and talking with her, he was told that he looked good in his knight's outfit, which is why he was so elated.

"I might die from loving her so much."

"Is that so? That's a shame."

"......I think I'll be even more proactive about her."

"Is everything okay with the marquis?"

"I plan to handle it discreetly."

Really, is this approach going to be okay? Besides, he's not exactly idle. When I offered to help if anything came up, Rufus looked very surprised and thanked me politely.

"Also, I don't want any theft issues, so please return it properly later."

"Got it."

"Still, you were late coming back. Did you just escort her?"

"Yeah. I talked to a guy who was bothering her."

Apparently, when he returned wearing the helmet to escort her, Saidie Arklight was being harassed by a man who was grabbing her arm. I wondered if it really just ended with a conversation.

But seeing Rufus looking so happy at the helmet, I didn't have the heart to ask.

---

"──All correct. You learn quickly, my lady."

"Really? Thank you."

After the ball, I was in high spirits every day, having reunited with Neil. Incidentally, in two days, Neil, Gerald, and I will meet up.

Today, as my tutor, Ms. Lamorna, taught me various things about this country.

"Do you understand the structure of the church well?"

"Yes."

Ms. Lamorna is teaching me everything I should know, even though I don't know what I don't know.

I have no common sense, but she teaches me politely without any strange or unpleasant expressions. I think she is too good to be my tutor.

"Um, why does the Pope live so long?"

"It's said that he was born from God."

"From God...! What kind of person is he?"

"He is said to be male, female, a child, or an old man. Only a select few can see his form."

I didn't know such an amazing person existed.

In fact, if such a miraculous person exists, I think it's reasonable to believe in our body swap. Unfortunately, there's no evidence so far.

Among the nobles of this country, who are divided into factions like the royalists and the church faction, the Arklight family seems to be neutral.

"Which faction are you from, Ms. Lamorna?"

"Our family is neutral. ...Understand, Saidi, it's fine to ask me, but don't ask others carelessly."

"O-Oh, I see. Sorry."

"No, just be careful from now on. Especially now, the situation is unstable, so don't talk about this outside."

I nodded deeply, and Ms. Lamorna took out her notebook.

"Next time, let's learn about magic. If the weather is good, we can practice outside."

"Yes, please."

"Actually, I'm a water mage. Most of my past students were wind or ice mages."

"Really...! I'll do my best."

Hearing my words, she nodded this time. Then, she said, "You're a mysterious girl," and smiled softly.

"I think you'll be my last student."

"Last...?"

"Yes. I didn't plan to teach anyone anymore. But someone insisted that I be your tutor."

However, I'm glad I got to know you. I'll do my best from now on. Her words made me very happy. I want to be a student who doesn't disgrace her.

However, I never found out who asked Ms. Lamorna to be my tutor. In the end, I could only convey my thanks through her.

---

After seeing Ms. Lamorna off, I decided to go to the city to buy thread and books. I needed more thread for Tim's sword belt, and I wanted to buy books like the ones in the library to research at home.

Since even a short trip is a big deal, I thought about asking a servant. But everyone said it's important to breathe fresh air, so I decided to indulge in their words. As usual, I left the mansion with Harla, Tim, and two other guards.

After buying what I needed, I was about to head straight back when...

"Saidi?"

Hearing my name called, I turned around. Tim immediately stepped between me and the person who called me. I peeked out a little and saw the person's face over Tim's shoulder.

The tall, refreshing man was a complete stranger. As I wondered who he was, he met my eyes and had a very happy expression.

"Are you Saidi, the weed puller?"

"......Huh?"

Confused, I couldn't hide it. He smiled softly.

"It's me, Norman."

Thank you for reading.

This work has been decided to be published in book form!

Thanks to all of you who have supported me.

Thank you so much.

I will announce the details in my activity reports and on Twitter.

I would be very happy if you could also register as a favorite user.