Episode 4: The Father with Bad Timing

Several weeks had passed since then.

“Please look, Arcs-sama. I made flowers with magic.”

“Arcs-sama, would you like some tea sweets?”

“Fufu, the stars are beautiful, aren’t they, Arcs-sama.”

Arcs-sama, Arcs-sama, Arcs-sama.

Eleanore has grown quite attached to me.

Though her expressions are still limited, she shows far more emotion compared to our first meeting.

It’s a bit surprising that she actively invites me to play, but well, it makes me happy too.

After all, since reincarnating until now, I’d only been swinging swords or muttering while reading magic books.

I don’t remember how old I was in my previous life, but I’m certain I wasn’t a brat at least—I didn’t feel like playing with kids my own age.

In that regard, even though Eleanore is the same age, she’s quite mature, and above all her face is too beautiful, so I’m satisfied just being near her.

“…Are you listening? Arcs-sama.”

While thinking such things, I noticed her staring intently at me.

Her expression is hard to read, but I can still tell. These are angry eyes.

“Ah, y-yes. Of course I am. Umm…”

“I’m asking about your clothing preferences, Arcs-sama. You weren’t listening after all.”

“I-I apologize… I was lost in thought for a moment.”

“Is it more important than my question?”

She presses closer to me.

Her jet-black jewel-like eyes draw near, and I feel like I’m being sucked in somehow.

…No good, no good.

If I space out, she’ll scold me again.

“No, there’s nothing more important than Eleanore-sama.”

I grasp her hand and show her my best smile.

Then her face flushed red as if you could hear a “poof!!” sound effect.

Heh, this Arcs Leefort is actually quite handsome.

Well, perhaps because it’s an otome game world, the overall facial deviation value is high, but even among them I’m probably in the fairly high ranks.

It sounds a bit narcissistic, but there’s no reason not to take advantage of it.

Even a 7-year-old girl is weak to handsome men.

“Th-that’s…! Just answer my question!”

She quickly releases my hand and steps back several paces.

That was apparently too much stimulation.

Now then, clothing preferences.

She’s probably also asking what I’d like her to wear, but truly, anything she wears looks good on her.

But if I say something like that, she’ll get embarrassed and scold me again…

For now, I should go with something safe—

“Pardon me. Arcs, may I have a moment?”

Just as I was about to answer, a low, resonant voice was heard as the door opened simultaneously.

“Adalbert-kyo!?”

The person there was… isn’t that her father!?

At the sudden appearance of authority, I involuntarily stand up.

During these past few weeks, I’d visited this mansion many times, but rarely encountered her father. He’s probably busy with work—while I’ve become acquainted with the servants, the number of times I’ve exchanged words with him since the first time can be counted on one hand.

“…Father.”

“Sorry Ellen, I need to borrow him for a moment.”

Eleanore was giving off an aura of extreme dissatisfaction.

A small show of apology wouldn’t settle things, and she looked at her own father as if ready to curse him to death.

“It’s fine. After all, Arcs-sama doesn’t seem interested in me anyway.”

She says this while turning her face away with a huff.

Ahh… she’s sulking.

Father really has terrible timing.

What business does he have calling me… though well, I have a general idea.

For now, I need to calm her down.

“Eleanore-sama.”

I quickly bring my face close to her ear.

And then softly, in a whisper.

“Whatever you wear, Eleanore-sama, it’s all beautiful.”

A truly surprise whisper attack.

She freezes, but before she can recover, I’m led out of the room by the Count.

And needless to say, after that I had an inarticulate voice thrown at my back.

“…You seem to have deepened your relationship quite a bit.”

“Yes, of course.”

To his words that couldn’t completely hide his complicated feelings, I answered confidently.