The Luct Earldom was next to Elcage territory. The Asatida District—our destination—was… frankly speaking, a rural place. Perhaps because it was by the sea, the Port of Haar, which was further ahead, was the most prosperous district of the Luct Territory.

Haar was a place where many ships, both fishing and commercial, came and went. It was said to be the best port in the Kingdom of Lapisenta.

The school that the swordsmanship club had a match against the other day was also in the Haar District. Hence why I was meeting up with that person in question in Asatida Town…

“He’s being really considerate of you. He thought it would be bad if people heard that Lady Elcage went out of her way to apologize to a foreign exchange student.”

“…If that’s the case, I should’ve been allowed to put it in writing.”

“Are you in a position to say that?”

Lumiere timidly asked me when I started complaining. Zafield responded to her politely, which was just what you’d expect from him. He was generous to women. Although, if I was the one who said that, he’d have gotten angry and said, “That’s because Lelouch wasn’t taught properly.”

Then, the studious Lumiere continued to ask her questions.

“Uhm… Aren’t things going well between our country and the neighboring country?”

I sipped the hot broth from inside a shellfish and then replied.

“No, we get along relatively well. The second son of the Earl’s family even went out of his way to study abroad. I believe the second daughter and the third son of Earl Luct family are also studying in a neighboring country. They are doing exchange studies.”

We were currently in the corner of a restaurant along the coast of Asatida. The architecture was very rough, and it seemed like a place where locals usually went to enjoy their drinks at night. That day, however, they had opened their restaurant during the day to welcome us. Although it wasn’t as big as the Port of Haar, fishing was also thriving in Asatida. Shellfish farming was the main focus here, and despite only being grilled with butter, it was delicious. I didn’t usually get to eat such a simple dish. And I could eat as much as I wanted!

Nevertheless, as much as I was enjoying my rare meal, I couldn’t just ignore a question from my student.

“However, the reason we’re being so careful this time is because Sir Zeldo’s family is a knight family. The neighboring country is also a country that places a significant importance on military force, and his family represents that.”

“To elaborate a bit more, it’s probably because the kingdom signed a treaty to send troops to the Kingdom of Lapisenta in the event of an emergency in exchange for preferential treatment in the form of food tariffs. Personally, I don’t think we need to go this far…”

The gentleman sitting opposite of me kindly explained that, and I agreed.

“We should help each other when we’re in trouble. Agriculture is heavily influenced by the local conditions, after all. It’s only natural that Lapisenta should share what it has with countries that aren’t doing well.”

“I’m very grateful for that. I hope we can continue to cooperate with each other in the future…”

“—Hold on a second!? Shouldn’t we do this kind of study somewhere else!? Or at the very least, not in front of Sir Isaac!?” Interrupted this meal and study session with Lumiere was the Zafield who sat diagonally in front of me.

Across from me, the brusque man, who ate shellfish with practiced hands, smiled wryly.

Zeldo Isaac. I heard he was eighteen, somewhat older than us. He had short green hair and a large build. He was wearing a navy-blue uniform that day, yet his impressive muscles were apparent underneath.

He also had a sword on his waist (just like Zafield).

In contrast to his appearance, his eating manners were very elegant, just as one would expect from a noble.

Taking advantage of such a gentleman’s kindness, I raised my finger at Zafield.

“When it comes to studying, it’s important to make an impression. Surely, Lumiere will remember it better with Sir Zeldo explaining it to her directly?”

“R-right…”

Above all, Lumiere seemed to have found the freshly grilled shellfish too hot. She was tearfully cooling her hands by holding her ears.

Come on, how long are your hands going to keep shaking?

“How long are you going to be nervous?”

“B-but the earl of the neighboring country…”

“You… Even in your own country, you’re always dealing with royalty and dukes. Why are you feeling nervous now?”

“B-but Lady Lelouche and His Highness Sazanjill aren’t normal—!!”

“…Are you saying that we lack something?”

I smiled dauntlessly at Lumiere who sat next to me. Zafield, who sat diagonally in front of me, bowed his head and said ‘My apologies’ to Zeldo.

Zeldo shrugged his shoulders at that.

“Well, I find no issue with such a relaxed atmosphere. I’m not very good with formal things. I requested a place with few people simply because I didn’t want to have to prepare tea or sweets in a reception room. I also didn’t bring any servants. Moreover, I wanted to eat in this restaurant for once.”

“The seafood is really good.”

According to Zeldo, the restaurant was often used as a training camp for the swordsmanship club. Just like Zeldo and others, the owner was the senior of the swordsmanship club. Hence, lodging also provided for the members.

Zeldo averted his gaze as I smiled.

“…I was wondering if we should’ve gone to Haar to entertain the young lady, …but I’m glad she’s happy.”

His hair was short, so his red ears were completely visible.

I was sure he had once passionately invited me to dance.

The adorable appearance of the rugged warrior made me smile, “Hehe.”

---

***T/N: Ah… The future she could’ve had… the reverse harem she could’ve had…

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