In Another World With My Smartphone: Volume 4 Page 17

  “I see...” As Renne became teary-eyed and clung to me, I gently held her back. If that was what she decided, I would simply do my best to protect her way of life. That was all.

  “I had a feeling this would happen...” Carol spoke with a wry smile on her face. She then walked up to Renne and crouched to put their eyes on the same level.

  “If that’s what you want, then I will say nothing against it. However, please don’t forget that this isn’t your only family.”

  “Aunti—”

  “Guh?!”

  “S-Sis... Thank you.” I was exposed to a scene where a niece was being considerate of an aunt that was holding her chest, trying to bear some mysterious pain. What the hell?

  Soon enough, Carol stood up and faced me once again.

  “Well, I don’t mind her living here, but I would like to let her meet my mother at least once. The girl is her sole granddaughter, after all.”

  “Eh? You’re not married, Sis?”

  “Ghuh?!”

  Whoa! She got figuratively backstabbed by her newly-discovered niece!

  With a seriously pained expression, Carol turned to Renne with a grinding sound and forced a smile.

  “Y-Yes... I’m not married... yet...”

  “R-Renne, just so you know, female knights can become so busy that they don’t get any chances to meet the right person!” I didn’t enjoy the feel of the negative aura that was beginning to spread, so I took it upon myself to help Carol out. There were probably many reasons why she couldn’t get married, but it was no lie that that was one of them.

  “I see. Sis is pretty and cool, so it seemed strange to me. You’re beautiful, so if you weren’t a knight, men would never leave you alone.”

  “Oh, what a good girl!” Carol quickly hugged her niece.

  If you ask me, this side of her is what makes her such a... regrettable character... However, I will say nothing.

  “The Rillettes mansion... Carol’s house is in the Regulus Empire’s capital, right?”

  “Yes. Though on the small side, our residence is in the noble district. Though, I live in the knight’s lodging house on weekdays and only come back on weekends, so most of the time, there’s only my mother and servants there.”

  I could easily get to the capital by using a [Gate].

  “Did you tell your mother... Did you already tell Renne’s grandmother about her?”

  “Yes. In fact, she wanted to join me in coming here to Belfast, but I stopped her, obviously.”

  Well, isn’t that something... The distance between here and the Regulus Empire’s capital was pretty great. Though it was perfectly viable for Carol, who was a knight, the journey would certainly be taxing on a senior. Seriously, they’d even have to camp outside.

  Hmm... It certainly doesn’t seem like she’s shunning Renne. I guess it’s a good idea to let them meet. Better hurry up, then.

  “All right, let’s go see Renne’s grandmother.”

  “Eehh?! Right now?!” Ignoring her surprise, I went to Lapis, told her that I was borrowing Renne for a moment, then went to Lu’s room and had her come with us.

  If we were going to Regulus, having Lu with us should’ve made plenty of things a lot faster. In Belfast, I could get stuff done just because I knew people, but the same couldn’t be said for Regulus.

  “My apologies, Princess. I am sorry to have you involved in our family matters...”

  “No need for that, Carol. If it weren’t for you, there’s a chance that I would’ve never even met Touya. This is the least I can do.” In response to Carol bowing her head, Lu simply smiled. Standing next to them, Renne also hastily bowed. Before I’d realized it, Renne was holding a handbag. Souvenirs for grandmother, I assume?

  “All right, let’s go. Lapis, take care of everything.”

  “Take care.” Once I opened a [Gate], Carol, Renne, Lu and I went through it.

  We came out in a back-alley in Gallaria, Heart of the Regulus Empire.

  Once out on the street, we were surrounded by such hustle and bustle that it was hard to believe that there was a coup d’etat just a few weeks ago. Compared to Belfast, Regulus seemed to have an air of “composure” about it. Regulus was akin to a straight line, while Belfast was more like a curve. The tidy townscape had an air of historical significance around it, making it gleam with confidence about its state as the capital. Though not too gaudy, it still had a certain personality. That was an apt description of this city.

  Here and there, I could still see some wounds the coup left on this city. Some houses were still being rebuilt and some street lights were still being re-installed.

  Well, some houses were completely blown away by the Demon Lord. It’s gonna take a little while for everything to get back to normal.

  “Touya. Over here.” As I was looking around, Lu took my hand and began leading me somewhere. When the coup happened, the fires started only in the commoner areas and the slums, while the noble residential district remained completely untouched.

  I guess that general didn’t want to make any enemies among the more important people.

  After a while of walking, we reached an area with estates of many varying sizes. In a corner, a short distance away from the rest, was our destination. It was medium in size — not too large, nor too small. The estate had a red roof that had obviously shielded against many winters, giving it an “antique” sort of feel. Its gates were quite impressive. There were two shield-bearing gryphons at its sides and a crest displaying crossed swords and a laurel above it.

  “Lady Carol!” The moment we stood before the gates, a man who looked as tall as two meters called out to us from the inside. He had white hair, a handlebar moustache, and a face of someone in their sixties. However, his muscular build made him look considerably younger.

  Just what is this old man...?

  “My name is Robinson. I’ve been a butler serving this family for years now.”

  “I... see?” It wasn’t just me. Renne and Lu were taken aback, as well. Indeed, he was wearing butler’s clothing. However, he looked more like someone whose calling in life was martial arts.

  “I am glad to see you back so soon! Oh... Ohh! Is that Lady Renne?!”

  “Indeed she is. This is Stephanie’s daughter.”

  “I knew it! She looks just like Lady Steph when she was young! Oh, this takes me back... Truly, it does... Dear me, I have to inform the Madam! Madam! Madam!”

  “Ah, hey, Robinson!” A moment later, the muscular butler turned around and ran off into the garden.

  ...What am I supposed to think of this?

  “That silly butler...! It’s fine to be excited about Renne, but not greeting the princess is just inexcusable!”

  “I don’t mind. This time, I am but an extra.” As Lu giggled, Carol turned around and opened the gates. Once we entered the estate grounds, Carol led us to the front door.

  Despite the Rillettes family being on the verge of collapse, the building was both elegant and grand.

  “Th-This is mum’s home?”

  “Yes. Steph lived here until she was seventeen.” Carol answered Renne as the girl looked up at the estate.

  So Renne’s mom ran away when she was seventeen, huh? Must’ve been a pretty strong rebellious stage...

  As if responding to my nonchalant thoughts, Carol began elaborating.

  “Despite being a woman, my sister had a talent for swordsmanship. Because of that, our father made her go through some severe training. However, it was quite clear that my sister disliked being part of a family of knights and having to be subjected to all its strictness. She was quite the free spirit.”

  “Indeed. She loathed being bound and always tried resisting her father. However, she was a gentle child nonetheless.” I looked to where the unfamiliar voice came from and saw a lady with hair as blonde as Carol’s. She seemed to be in her late fifties. Her clothing was casual and rather plain. However, over her apparel, she had a cape that, although not gaudy, looked truly well-made
.

  Is it safe to assume that she’s...

  “So you are Renne, I assume? Truly, you look just like Steph.”

  “U-Umm... A-Are you my g-grandmother?”

  “Grandmother... Well, that’s how it is, yes. Oh dear, this is quite overwhelming. It seems that suddenly having such a big grandchild has left me a bit perplexed.”

  The lady turned awkward, bashful, and embarrassed at the same time.

  Be at ease. You’re not nearly as bad as your daughter.

  “I-It’s nice to meet you. I am Renne.”

  “Oh my, so polite. My name is Mary. Mary Rillettes. I happen to be the head of the Rillettes household. And yes, I am your grandmother.” Mary replied with a smile as Renne slightly bowed her head.

  A bit of a stiff greeting, considering they’re related, but I guess that’s to be expected. They’ve just met, after all.

  A moment later, Mary looked toward me and gave me a deep bow.

  “So you are Mochizuki Touya. I would like to thank you for your deeds during the turmoil... and for saving the capital. You even went on to help my daughter and granddaughter... I don’t even know what to say...”

  “Ah, no need for that. It’s nothing, really.”

  “And this lady here is... Oh? No, it can’t be...” The moment Mary shifted her gaze toward Lu, her face turned stiff. Suddenly, she got on her knees and bowed her head once again.

  “Y-Your Highness?! Wh-Why are you wearing tha...! No, why have you graced this residence?”

  “That’s because Mochizuki Touya here is my dearest. There is nothing strange about me being here, Mary.”

  “I... I see?” Completely taken aback, Mary switched between looking at me and Lu, who was wearing a casual set of clothing that was easy to move around in.

  I wasn’t aware that Lu and Mary had met before.

  Later down the line, I found out that, every new year, there was an event where the Regulus Empire’s nobles had an audience with the emperor. Naturally, Mary, the head of the Rillettes family, participated in it, as well. And, being the third princess, Lu took part in it too.

  “Stand. This time, I came here as nothing but an extra. I do not mind if you don’t give me any special treatment.”

  “I-I see... I will do as you say, then.” Lu smiled as Mary, still visibly tense and perplexed, stood up. She then invited us inside.

  As I was impressed by the non-gaudy, yet calming architecture of the guest room, the muscular butler brought us some tea. In his hands, the tea cups looked like toys. We then went on to tell Mary about all that had happened with Renne and her decision. Carol had already told her about Stephanie’s death, so she was listening to us without saying a word.

  The butler, however, bawled his eyes out. Apparently, he’d been looking after her since she was young, so it kinda made sense for him to react like that. Also, I was told that Renne’s mother was laid to rest in a graveyard next to a small church in a village in Belfast.

  “I wonder if she was happy...”

  “I don’t know... But pops said that she smiled a lot whenever she looked at me. I don’t remember that, though...” She’d just been born, after all.

  I hope her parents are now happily living together in heaven. It would be even better if they also met up with her grandpa and began to get along.

  “I was happy to see you visit the Rillettes household... But I can see why you would be reluctant to start living with us as a family. Not to mention that your mother actually ran away because she loathed things like that. If I forced you to become a noble, I feel that Stephanie would get very angry at me when it’s my time to go and I meet her in the afterlife.”

  “I’m sorry... However, I want to stay with Touya and the others. Everyone there is very kind and they teach me lots of things.”

  “Also, though she would be a maid, she would be working in a new country’s palace-like place. She would be treated as good as the maids of the Imperial Household. There’s no need for worry there.” Lu added to Renne’s words.

  Some nobles already knew about the creation of the new country. There was quite a commotion at first, but it cooled down the moment they realized that it was just a country in name.

  After all, the country was small in size. Plus, they probably thought that a single adventurer couldn’t do much. It was actually smaller than the smallest territories in both Belfast and Regulus. That was enough reason for them to believe that it was harmless.

  It was safe to assume that information of my engagement to Yumina and Lu still hadn’t leaked. The reaction could change when that was announced.

  After hearing Lu’s words, Mary bowed her head to me.

  “Please take good care of her.”

  “Certainly. There’s no need for you to worry. Renne is a smart girl with lots of tact. She’s a fast learner, too. I’m sure she’ll grow up to be a fine woman.”

  My praise made Renne turn bashful and look down. However, she soon had an idea and looked toward Mary.

  “Um, can I borrow your kitchen?”

  “The kitchen? I don’t mind, but why?”

  “Crea... the mansion’s chef is teaching me how to cook. I-I would like you to try some of my food, Grandmother...”

  “Oh my! Oh dear me, that’s wonderful! Steph and Carol... my daughters were never good at cooking. In fact, I don’t remember them ever giving me anything that wasn’t overcooked or undercooked. Their swordsmanship may have improved day by day, but neither of them seemed to have even an ounce of femininity.” Mary’s words made Carol look away.

  Is that the reason why she can’t get married...? With a smile on her face, Mary looked on as the butler led Renne, who was still holding her bag, to the kitchen.

  “What a good girl. I wouldn’t expect less from Stephanie’s daughter. You could learn a thing or two from her, Carol.”

  “Mother... you make it sound like I’m incapable of anything.”

  “I’m simply worried about a daughter that’s still unmarried at such an age. You should, at the very least, learn how to cook. Do you properly get up in the mornings when at the lodging house? Or do you actually say ‘just five more minutes’ like you do when you’re at home? Men are extremely perceptive to such slovenliness, you know? Please, do anything you can to bring a good son-in-law into the Rillettes family. I truly believe that you don’t want to go where Steph is before seeing your children’s faces.”

  In but a moment, Mary changed her class from “grandmother” to “mother” and began gunning down Carol with her words.

  Carol listened to Mary, looking seriously fed up all the while. Looks like a mother’s scolding stings no matter how old you get.

  “Did you try arranging any marriage meetings?” Seemingly interested, Lu joined their exchange.

  With how things were going, Carol would become the head of the Rillettes household. That would make it impossible for her to become a bride on her own accord. Someone willing to be the groom would have to come to her instead.

  Assuming that he was a noble, it could never be the first son due to them always inheriting the household. That would mean that only second, third, or other sons could be potential grooms.

  “There have been quite a few requests... However, according to what Robinson found out, most of them were of extremely dubious character. In fact, some of them went on to be arrested in the rebellion.”

  “There! See, mother? Hurrying might lead to me ending up with the wrong man. I want to be completely certain about my choice.”

  “Oh, how many times have I heard that... At this rate, Renne will get married before you do.”

  Come on, there’s no way that... Wait, if Renne were to marry at sixteen, then she has about eight years to go. Maybe it’s not completely impossible.

  There were tons of unmarried women in their thirties in my previous world, but they were quite a rarity here.

  Even if she didn’t think it was a problem, those surrounding her would begin to consider it weird. That would
lead many of them to believe that there was a reason why she couldn’t get married. As a result, Carol’s difficulty in getting married would only increase.

  Is it just me, or is she actually hopeless at this point?

  As such a rude thought went through my mind, Renne and Robinson opened the door to the room and came back in. Both of them were pushing a table with food on it.

  As we sat around the table, all of us got a wooden plate on which there was an iron one. Oh boy, here we go.

  The hot iron plate released a sizzling sound and the aroma of food.

  “I-I’ve never seen this dish... I-Is this wriggling thing a-an animal?”

  “I-It’s not a... worm, is it?” Mary and Carol made some complicated expressions.

  Well, I guess it’s natural for most seeing it for the first time to be surprised. Though, that doesn’t apply to those from Eashen.

  “This is made by taking a katsuobushi, which is a fish dried by heating, and reducing it into thin pieces. They’re so thin, in fact, that the heat of the food forces them to move and makes it seem like they’re dancing.”

  “Katsuobushi... So this is fish?”

  “It’s among the basic cooking ingredients in Eashen. Though, it’s not well known here in the western countries.”

  Once they found out what the moving objects were, the two sighed in relief.

  That aside, I was slightly surprised to see that this was the food Renne had chosen to make.

  Though, not like it’s a difficult dish. Just get some flour, vegetables, eggs, and meat and you’re done.

  It was safe to assume that the contents of Renne’s bag were katsuobushi, sauce, and mayo.

  “What do you call this dish?”

  “That’s ‘okonomiyaki.’ It’s a popular dish in the mansion.” Mary’s question was answered by Renne. I was the one who started it by giving Crea the recipe.

  It was both tasty and easy to make. You could also use the ingredients of your choosing. Seafood, noodles... everything worked. Due to its flexibility, it was a popular choice whenever the servants were busy.

  “Such a nice smell. It certainly stimulates my appetite.”