New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

City Stroll (1)

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Guided by the innkeeper, Mika entered the adjoining room. There, seated side by side upon chairs, were Ayla, wearing the same outfit as the previous day and holding her plush toy, Amber, and, most likely, her father. Behind them stood a person who appeared to be a bodyguard and a servant who seemed to be the same attendant who had accompanied Ayla the day before.

“I must apologize for keeping you waiting. It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Mika Valentine, head of the Valentine Household. Ayla-san, thank you for allowing me to greet you yesterday.” (Mika)

Bowing politely to the seated gentleman as he introduced himself, Mika then turned his words toward Ayla.

“I am Patrick Hewitt, head of the Hewitt Household. I have heard of your exploits, Lord Valentine. I must apologize for this sudden visit.” (Patrick)

“I also beg your pardon. I imagine our unexpected arrival must have surprised you.” (Ayla)

Both stood to receive Mika as they spoke.

Patrick, the gentleman in question, appeared to be a quiet man with somewhat long, dark brown hair. He was likely in his 50s and looked his age. His features bore little resemblance to Ayla’s, which suggested she took after her mother. At Patrick’s invitation, Mika seated himself in the chair placed before the two, while Dimitri stood behind him as his guard.

Judging by Patrick’s calm demeanor, it did not seem that he had come to rebuke Mika for having spoken with his daughter. Mika felt relieved by that realization.

“I heard that you picked up my daughter’s ribbon yesterday. Thank you for that. As you can see, my daughter’s manner of dress is peculiar. You must have been startled when such an eccentric young lady spoke to you. I owe you an apology as her father.” (Patrick)

“Not at all. It was truly delightful to converse with someone as charming and radiant as Ayla-san.” (Mika)

Though Mika thought Patrick need not describe his daughter with words such as “peculiar” or “eccentric,” he answered courteously. Perhaps because she had been called “charming and radiant,” Ayla allowed a small smile to bloom beside her father.

“I see. Then that is well.” (Patrick)

Patrick spoke in a tone that carried a trace of deeper meaning.

After a short exchange of pleasantries, during which they appeared to be quietly assessing each other’s character, Patrick broached the true purpose of his visit.

“In truth, there is a favor I would ask of you, and that is why I came here today.” (Patrick)

“I see. If it is within my ability, I shall gladly hear your request.” (Mika)

Though he maintained a pleasant smile, Mika felt a flicker of caution stir within him.

“I appreciate that. The matter is not complex. It seems that my daughter enjoyed her conversation with you very much and wishes to deepen your friendship. She is not skilled in social interaction, and it is rare for her to express a desire to associate with others of her own accord. As her father, I wish to grant her this wish. Therefore, would you be willing to accompany Ayla on a walk through the city of Eltpoli tomorrow or the day after?” (Patrick)

Mika raised an eyebrow slightly. From the course of the conversation, he had expected an invitation to a formal tea gathering. Patrick’s proposal, however, sounded much like a request for what might be considered a “date”.

It was a great honor and a joy, yet also a surprising one. Ordinarily, when a lord allowed his daughter to meet with a guest from another household, it would be in a composed setting such as Eltpoli Castle, where they might share tea. Allowing a daughter to stroll about the city with another noble’s son was, Mika suspected, rather uncommon.

“My daughter, because of her attire, seldom ventures into the city. Yet she wishes to do so with you. As this is your first visit to Eltpoli, she would like to guide you herself. I take it as a good sign that she has expressed such a wish on her own. Therefore, I have come to you with this request. A few guards will accompany you discreetly so that neither of you will be inconvenienced. We shall also offer a small payment for your time. Would you kindly accept?” (Patrick)

“I see. I consider it an honor. If my company is acceptable, I shall gladly accompany Ayla-san tomorrow.” (Mika)

Upon hearing his reply, Ayla’s face brightened instantly.

“However, there is no need for any payment. I truly enjoyed speaking with Ayla-san yesterday. If possible, I have wished to talk with her again and deepen our friendship. I would be most pleased to have such an opportunity. I would like to accompany her through the city not as a hired escort, but as her friend.” (Mika)

When Mika said this and smiled at her, Ayla returned a shy, tender smile.

“I see. I am grateful. Then, shall we say tomorrow at noon? I shall have my daughter brought here to the inn.” (Patrick)

“Yes. Though, if I may, would it be permissible for me to come to Eltpoli Castle to escort Ayla-san myself?” (Mika)

“Of course. In that case, I shall have her prepared by noon.” (Patrick)

Beside her father, Ayla beamed happily, hugging Amber close to her chest. The plush toy tilted its head toward Mika as if sharing her delight.

 

—

 

The following day, Mika dressed neatly, even applying the perfume Ernest had prepared for him, before heading toward Eltpoli Castle.

“After I meet with Ayla-san, follow at a slight distance. You need only intervene if something happens.” (Mika)

“Understood.” (Dimitri)

Walking behind Mika along the street, Dimitri replied calmly. Though he found Ayla’s black attire and the fact that she carried a plush toy rather strange, he felt no particular disdain. Having grown deeply loyal to Mika, he would never dislike someone his lord regarded favorably.

In truth, his attention was devoted chiefly to two things, protecting his master and his affection for Bianca, his soon-to-be wife. Mika suspected, in a good way, that Dimitri had little personal interest in Ayla herself. Jeremy, on the other hand, had yet to see Ayla up close. He was far more animated by the idea of his lord taking a noble lady on a stroll through the city than by the lady herself. Having grown exhausted from days of excitement in the unfamiliar urban environment, Jeremy had decided to spend the day resting in his room.

Before long, Mika arrived at Eltpoli Castle. The sun had not yet reached its zenith, so he had arrived somewhat early. Yet Patrick and Ayla were already waiting by the gate.

“Good morning. I must apologize for keeping you waiting.” (Mika)

“Not at all. It was my daughter who could not wait to see you, so we left earlier than planned. Please do not concern yourself.” (Patrick)

Patrick’s face remained impassive as he spoke. Startled by her father’s blunt admission, Ayla widened her eyes, then lowered her gaze in embarrassment when she met Mika’s.

“Then, I leave my daughter in your care. Please return to the castle by evening. Though you have your own guard, ours will also follow at a distance. Do not hesitate to rely on them should the need arise.” (Patrick)

“Understood. Then, I shall take my leave. Ayla-san, shall we go?” (Mika)

“Y-yes. I look forward to it.” (Ayla)

Her cheeks slightly flushed, Ayla stepped to Mika’s side. As Patrick watched them depart together toward the city, Mika did not hear the quiet murmur that escaped the father’s lips.

“Well then, how will you conduct yourself, Lord Valentine?” (Patrick)

 

—

 

Thus began their tour of Eltpoli’s city streets, a genuinely delightful experience for Mika.

Eltpoli, the capital of the Yutilainen territory in the southeastern region of Daliandel, stood as the economic center of its area, where trade routes extended in all four directions. Consequently, though its population was not vast, its commerce flourished. Shops of every kind lined the streets, and numerous stalls were gathered in the city’s central plaza.

Those walking through the streets and square included merchants, residents of Eltpoli and nearby villages, and even well-dressed figures who were likely minor nobles or wealthy travelers from surrounding lands. For Mika, whose birthplace and domain were both rural villages, the lively cityscape remained endlessly fascinating even after several days of stay. Ayla, who usually resided within her family’s castle, also appeared to enjoy the scenery with visible delight.

Curious eyes followed them wherever they went, most likely drawn by Ayla’s unusual attire and the plush toy she carried. Some gazes held amusement or faint disdain, and there were those who whispered among themselves.

Ayla seemed aware of it all but had clearly resolved to ignore it, and so Mika, respecting her composure, made no mention of it either. He too drew some of those stares, being the companion of so striking a lady, but he paid them no mind. What mattered most to him was the moment and the joy of walking beside such a distinctive and graceful young lady.

“Um, Lord Valentine, may I ask a favor? Since the streets are crowded, might I link my arm with yours, so that we do not become separated?” (Ayla)

“Of course. Please, go ahead.” (Mika)

Though slightly taken aback by her shy request, Mika offered his left arm.

Dimitri followed a short distance behind, and beyond him, the Hewitt family’s guards likely trailed as well. Their duty was no doubt to ensure Mika behaved properly toward Ayla. However, since Ayla herself had suggested the gesture and he was not the one initiating contact, it should be acceptable, and even proper, given the need to protect her amidst the crowd.

“Also, please call me Mika. We are of the same age and friends, after all.” (Mika)

Blushing as she took his arm, Ayla turned even redder at his words.

“I understand… M-Mika-san.” (Ayla)

Her grip upon his arm tightened gently as she spoke his name.

“Thank you. Now then, shall we go, Ayla-san?” (Mika)

Ah, how enjoyable this is.

Mika thought as he walked beside her, his heart light with happiness.

 

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