Chapter 85

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A letter arrived from someone who was a milk brother, and Fred was acting strange.

He was very anxious, tearing open the envelope and looking inside, but I still haven’t heard what was written in it.

Fred said he needed time to sort his thoughts and left the room alone. He usually says he’ll be back soon with a bright smile, so I didn’t follow him, but I wish I had gone with him, even if it meant being forceful.

Fred had said, “When the sixth bell rings, at the restaurant on the first floor of this hotel.” It’s almost time for the sixth bell, but Fred still hasn’t returned.

Anna and I have been discussing what to do. He might return soon, so if we go to the restaurant now, we might miss him... We were talking about this, and before we knew it, it was already this late.

“Hmm... I’m still worried about missing him, so I think I’ll wait in the room until the sixth bell. Lady Reina, you should go to the restaurant... Since they set a specific time, I think the person is probably reserving a table. Even if you don’t know what they look like, you can meet and explain the situation.”

“Right... I should ask about a male guest who reserved for five people.”

But the person might not be coming alone, so it could be a reservation for more than five people, right?

The staff at such a formal hotel or restaurant are usually very tight-lipped, but since we are the guests who were invited to the table, they will probably tell us if we ask.

I’m just worried about whether I can approach a man I’ve never met and explain the situation properly.

“Five people? Since they called Fred, wouldn’t the reservation be for two people?”

“I think they know about us because they sent the letter here, knowing Fred often comes here.”

I don’t think they would exclude us, knowing about us.

“Indeed. As expected of Lady Reina, that’s a great deduction. Unlike Fred’s apartment, here the letter would definitely be delivered by hand, and Fred wouldn’t be able to pretend he didn’t see it.”

Anna nodded in agreement. I feel a bit sorry for Fred, who Anna thinks might pretend not to have seen a letter from home.

“Anna, what about Kuhaku? Where should Kuhaku be?”

“I think Kuhaku should come with me to the restaurant. I don’t think Fred would run away, but he might lose track of time while deep in thought.”

“Yeah, he can be a bit absent-minded.”

Kuhaku’s assessment is harsh, and I almost laugh. No, no, we’re having a serious conversation. Kuhaku’s serious expression makes me react strangely.

“If Fred still isn’t there by the sixth bell, I want you to help me look around. Can I count on you, Kuhaku?”

“Fine, I’ll help if it comes to that.”

Kuhaku’s tracking by scent and magic is very reliable, but he said, “It’s difficult in places with many people and scents, and my nose doesn’t work well before meals,” so this is just a contingency plan.

I have a hunch. It’s not that I know where he might be, but if Fred intended to meet the letter’s sender, Edward, he should be in this hotel or nearby, even if he’s just thinking.

I think I can find Fred’s location quickly by asking the staff who recognize him for any sightings.

“S-Sorry, Reina...! And Anna and Kuhaku...! I really didn’t mean to run away, but I lost track of time while thinking...!”

We were about to split up to avoid missing him and leave the room when a very anxious Fred burst into the living room we usually use.

I was so surprised that I jumped.

“It’s... It’s good... You made it in time.”

“Sorry for worrying you. Ah, and I forgot to knock when I came in... I really showed you a lot of my bad sides today...”

“Fred, you’ve always been a disappointment, so don’t start feeling sorry for yourself now!”

“Ouch!”

Thwack, and Fred, who is shorter than Kuhaku, was hit on the waist and turned around with tears in his eyes.

But I could tell it was Kuhaku’s way of encouraging him. He wanted to lighten Fred’s burden a bit. It made a sound, but it wasn’t enough to cause real injury. If Kuhaku had attacked seriously, Fred would have been blown across the room.

“You’re right, it’s true that I’m a disappointment... But, as Kuhaku said, I won’t dwell on it.”

“Hmph. If you understand, that’s fine.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Then... Fred, let’s go downstairs. I think we can still get to the restaurant before the meeting time.”

“...Yeah. Reina, you believed I would come back... Thank you.”

I was worried that he might have been thinking about something negative, but Fred looked much more refreshed than when he left the room, so I’m relieved.

Fred must have come to some conclusion within himself. It’s a bit unsettling to suddenly hear about his family without any prior information, but I believe I can be of some help. ...I think I’m becoming a bit more positive... right?

Late, late!! I intended to start the serial on the release day... but I’m about 52 hours late!

"The Unaware Genius Girl Doesn’t Notice" Volume 3 is now available!

It was released on November 1 by Earth Star Novels and Earth Star Luna!

I worked hard on the new content and additions, about 15,000 words! I would be very happy if you could pick it up!

Here’s the beautiful and adorable cover for Volume 3 by Mr. Kyouzip!

...Kuhaku and Reina are just so cute!

The color illustrations show them dressed up for an award ceremony, which is different from their usual look!

Of course, they are also wonderfully cute, so I hope you enjoy them!