Chapter 115
Yoti’s Childhood Friend
“Alright, we’ve arrived! This is the most popular avenue in the city!”
“There are so many lovely shops lined up here.”
As the carriage stopped and we got out, a charming townscape spread before us.
The cobblestone streets and colorful buildings brightened up the whole city.
“Shall we check out one of the shops? That one over there has all sorts of goods and comes highly recommended.”
“Shall we go, Sibel-chan?”
“Yes!”
Yoti guided us into the shop with a nostalgic smile, saying, “It hasn’t changed at all~”.
He seemed genuinely happy.
After all, one’s hometown always feels special, doesn’t it?
“Look, Leo! This doll is so cute!”
“If you like it, should we buy it—”
“Oh, and this handkerchief has such a lovely color! Oh, they also sell accessories!”
“…Right, let’s take a look at everything.”
Even though it was just one shop, there was a wide variety of items.
As expected from a city popular with tourists, there were plenty of things that would make great souvenirs.
The accessories were made with magical stones rather than gems.
They weren’t enchanted—just decorative—so the prices were reasonable.
But, just like the pendant I once gave Leo at Tori’s shop, I could enchant them myself if I wanted.
“This ring is beautiful!”
“…Yeah.”
“?”
A blue magical stone ring that resembled Leo’s eye color.
I casually picked it up, but Leo’s reaction was rather muted.
“Doesn’t it suit me, do you think?”
“No, that’s not it…! It’s not that, but I want to give you a proper ring from me…”
“Well…”
Leo and I will be married soon.
In this country, there’s a custom where couples exchange rings on the day of their wedding, and even the royal family values this tradition.
So we will choose our wedding rings during the preparations leading up to the ceremony.
“Could you wait until then?”
“Of course!”
It’s not like you can’t wear other rings before that, but a wedding ring is a special item that strengthens the bond between a couple.
I want my first ring to be the one I exchange with Leo.
Since I’m really looking forward to exchanging our wedding rings, I’ll save this ring for that moment.
“Then, shall we head to the next shop? There’s also a bistro over there with delicious wine.”
“Yoti, haven’t you been drinking with Rick these past few days?”
“Hehe, there’s also light wine that even Sibel-chan can enjoy.”
“Well…”
We followed Yoti out of the shop, smiling at his cheerful demeanor, when someone suddenly called his name.
“—Yoti,-san?”
“Huh?”
Turning around, we saw a woman.
Her brown hair reached her shoulders, her features were gentle, and she looked just a bit older than me.
Judging by her attire, she seemed to be a commoner, but she addressed Yoti—an earl’s son—with “-san.”
“…Lala.”
“Yoti-san, do you know her?”
“Ah, yes. She’s my childhood friend, Lala.”
“Oh, a childhood friend. Nice to meet you, Lala. I’m Sibel.”
“…Nice to meet you.”
Yoti’s friend!
Leo and I greeted her with smiles, but neither Yoti nor Lala smiled.
Even though they were meeting again after a long time, something seemed off.
“You’ve come back to the city, then.”
“Just temporarily.”
“I see…”
“…?”
I felt a slightly awkward atmosphere between them.
But if Lala spoke to him, it’s not like she dislikes him, right?
Maybe they were just nervous from seeing each other after so long.
“Lala-san, we were planning to have a light meal at the shop over there. Would you like to join us?”
“Eh… but—”
“That’s fine, right, Leo?”
“Yeah, if you two don’t mind, absolutely.”
“…”
Lala glanced at Yoti, as if gauging his reaction, but when Yoti said, “Then, since it’s a rare chance, why not?” she smiled faintly and nodded.
It seems they were just nervous after all.
“—It’s really been a while. How have you been?”
“I’ve been well.”
We took a round table at the bistro Yoti had mentioned, known for its delicious wine.
Lala and I had lemonade, while Yoti and Leo had white wine. We also ordered cheese, baguette, and sausages.
The shop was fairly busy, bustling with people.
“Yoti-san, you seem well too.”
“Well, I’m as always.”
“You became a royal knight, didn’t you?… Achieving your dream like that is truly amazing.”
“Really?”
Lala’s lips curved in a pleased smile as she spoke quietly.
Yoti also looked a bit embarrassed but happy.
“…”
“…”
Could this atmosphere mean…!?
“Did you take time off to return home?”
“Ah, well, something like that.”
“And these are—”
When Lala looked at me, I suddenly realized.
“I’m Leo’s fiancée!”
“…Oh? I-I see.”
“So you don’t need to worry, there’s nothing between Yoti and me!”
“…? Huh.”
I had to make that clear from the start!
I could tell Yoti was giving a wry smile, probably embarrassed.
When we went to the neighboring country of Bahand, some women who liked Rick had misunderstood things, causing a big problem.
I could feel the tension between Yoti and Lala… I understand it!
“Yoti-san, is she your friend from the capital? I’m sorry for disturbing your sightseeing.”
“No! We’ve already had a full tour, thank you! Oh, Leo, let’s go back to that souvenir shop for a moment!”
“Yeah, right. Yoti, enjoy your reunion with your old friend.”
“Hey, you two…!”
Yoti seemed like he wanted to say something, but he was probably just embarrassed.
So, I took a big gulp of lemonade and, together with Leo, hurried out of the shop.
