Leaving the Victor Trading Company, Cornelia walked alongside Kaito towards the concert hall. If they were to arrive in a carriage, they would inevitably attract a fair amount of attention, something Kaito likely wouldn’t appreciate. Besides, walking allowed them to take in the sights of the city, making it something of a sightseeing stroll as well.
Fortunately, the concert hall wasn’t far from the Victor Trading Company’s headquarters, so even on foot it wouldn’t take much time. As for escorts, Anne was following at a slight distance, which was more than sufficient, and in any case, Alice was always at Kaito’s side, so strictly speaking, additional escorts weren’t even necessary.
[We still have plenty of time, but not enough to go sightseeing anywhere else.]
[Indeed. We don’t have the time to go shopping at stores far from the concert hall, but there are cafés and such nearby. Spending the time there until the performance begins might be a good idea.]
[That’s true. Then, once we get to the concert hall, let’s look for a café and take a break.]
As they chatted idly and lightly discussed their plans, Cornelia’s thoughts turned toward the unease rising within her.
(……Phantasmal King-sama’s behavior, the suspicion Kaito-sama sensed…… Does that mean something will happen with the seating at the concert hall? For example, it wouldn’t be impossible to run into other nobles. Allegra Symphony is gaining attention as a promising band among music lovers, and it wouldn’t be surprising if nobles came to hear their performance. If that happens, seeing the two of us visiting the concert hall together could very well look like we’re on a date.)
What came to mind immediately was the possibility of nobles who knew Cornelia being seated nearby, leading them to make unwarranted assumptions about her relationship with Kaito.
(Still, the impact wouldn’t be that great…… I don’t have a fiancé, so I wouldn’t be accused of infidelity. Unlike Lady Eris, though I am the eldest daughter, I’m not a legitimate child nor the heir. At most, rumors might spread that the Sharon County was trying to strengthen ties with Kaito-sama by offering me as a mistress, but that would only be idle speculation. Thanks to Lady Eris’s tea party, it’s already known that Kaito-sama has some level of interaction with the noble ladies of the Archlesia Empire, so handling it wouldn’t be too difficult.)
Even if other nobles were to think she was on a date with Kaito, the effect on Cornelia would be minimal. Such gossip was common in high society, and with just a little inquiry, anyone could learn that at this point Cornelia and Kaito had only known each other for a few days. So even if people made a fuss, there would be limits.Moreover, since Cornelia was neither a legitimate child nor an heir, if the rumors were to grow louder, she could simply refrain from attending parties and evening gatherings for a while until the gossip died down, preventing it from becoming a serious problem.
(Another possibility is that someone acquainted with Kaito-sama might just happen to be there…… but is that really possible? This isn’t the capital, and it’s Kaito-sama’s first time visiting this trade city. Out of the multiple performances being held each day, at this particular time, and within the short distance from the Victor Trading Company to the concert hall seats, an accidental encounter seems almost impossible…… unless it’s the flap of a great dragon’s wings……)
Normally, such a thing would be too improbable to consider, but recalling the tale Eris had told about the flap of a great dragon’s wings, where one might, by chance, encounter someone beneficial in the city, Cornelia felt her unease swell all the more.
Before long, they arrived in front of the concert hall, and as they looked around for a café, Cornelia discreetly checked her surroundings.
(……It doesn’t seem like anyone particularly famous is here. Was I just overthinking it?)
At the very least, within visible range, there were no notable figures, nor was there any commotion suggesting someone had spotted one.
(If Recognition Inhibition Magic were being used, I wouldn’t be able to detect it…… but if I start considering even that possibility, I’d have to doubt everyone except people I personally know. Best not to dwell on it.)
Concluding for now that everything seemed fine, she shifted her attention back to her conversation with Kaito.
[Ahh, Cornelia-san. That place looks like a café.]
[It does. Then, shall we go there?]
Finding a café near the concert hall, Kaito and Cornelia entered and, guided by a staff member, took their seats.
[It’s not packed, but I guess since the performance is near, there are quite a lot of people here.]
[Indeed. It seems many people come early and spend time nearby until the performance begins. We’re doing the same, after all.]
[True…… hmm, what should I get……]
Exchanging light words as they glanced at the menu, Cornelia allowed herself to relax a little. At least until they moved to their seats in the concert hall, it seemed nothing would happen. Yet it was precisely in that moment of carelessness that the stomachache struck mercilessly.
[Guess we’ll wait here until it’s time for us to meet up……]
[Yes. I think moving to the meeting place 15 minutes beforehand should be fine.]
[Right. Still, this up-and-coming band sounds enjoy…… hm?]
[……Unn?]
Just then, as a pair who had just entered the café made their way inside chatting, they noticed something, and almost at the same time, Kaito and Cornelia turned toward the familiar voices.
[Oh! If it isn't my comrade!]
[Frea-san and Eingana-san? What a coincidence!]
Yes, the ones who had appeared in the café were Nidzveld and Eingana. Upon spotting Kaito, Nidzveld broke into a delighted smile.
Meanwhile, in stark contrast, Cornelia, sitting at the same table as Kaito, felt herself turning pale.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [Letting your guard down in front of Kaito…… That's a guaranteed stomachache flag……]