Chapter 92.3

Rishe opened the basket and took out the lunch that the priests had prepared for them.

There was a large round loaf of bread cut in two, filled with plenty of vegetables and meat, and topped with a sweet and spicy sauce.

This way, the plates were minimal, and there was no need for knives and forks. It was a perfect lunch for outdoor consumption and an easy way for common folks to eat. Nevertheless, Myria was sure she had never seen anything like it.

“Meat and vegetables sandwiched in such a big piece of bread… How do you eat this?”

“Keep the bottom half wrapped in paper and hold it in your hand and enjoy it as is. Be careful not to spill the sauce.”

“Like this?!”

When Rishe nodded, Myria opened her mouth timidly.

Seeing this, Leo commented sardonically.

“You can only bite the edges of the bread if you open your mouth so elegantly.”

“It can’t be helped. It’s the first time I had it…”

“Hmph…”

Leo declined to comment further.

Instead, he opened his mouth wide in front of Myria’s eyes and bit into the bread in his hand.

“Big mouth…”

Myria watched on in amazement.

But eventually, she looked at her hand and opened her mouth as if she had made up her mind.

Then she took a bite.

At first, she seemed hesitant, squirming and making dainty jaw movements. After a few seconds, her eyes lit up.

“…Mmmm!”

It was obvious she found it delicious.

Rishe giggled, seeing her all-too-obvious reaction. As if he had been hit by some kind of pressure point, Leo also immediately covered his mouth, as if trying to hold back a laugh.

“I’m glad you like it. Do you like it, Leo?”

“I-It’s okay.”

“It’s delicious, thank goodness!”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Rishe decided to start eating as well.

Despite her inner worries, Myria and Leo were having a little conversation.

“What’s the sauce that L-Leo just put on the meat?”

“I don’t know. It looked spicy and delicious, so I just spread it on.”

“Is it spicy? How can it be spicy and still taste good?”

“…I don’t think the kids will understand, so you’d better not try it.”

“You’re only one year older than I am!”

They might be unwilling, but at first glance, their conversation was reasonably pleasant.

I still can’t conclude what causes Leo to get injured in the future. I’m also curious about Young Miss’s “curse”. However, if it’s as I imagined, there’s nothing better than a good relationship between the two of them.

Yesterday, Myria had said that she herself had the power to curse, and that anyone who rejected her would be in danger.

Before dismissing it as “impossible,” she must find out why Myria made such a statement.

Myria spoke shyly as she was lost in thought.

“U-Erm, that… Is Leo having any trouble at our house?”

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“Nothing in particular. Other than my employer’s daughter throwing one hell of a tantrum.”

“Well, t-that’s…!”

“Come on, Leo. Don’t be mean to her.”

When Rishe chided him, Leo tossed the last bite of bread and piece of meat into his mouth and finished it before replying.

“I have a room to myself and free time after work. In that sense, it’s much easier to spend time there than at the orphanage.”

Myria appeared relieved with his answer. With more than half of her lunch still in her hand, she shot her next question.

“What was the orphanage where you stayed like?”

“Is that a curiosity-driven question?”

“No, it’s not! I just want to know…”

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Leo was struck with guilt when Myria hung her head dejectedly.

He suddenly turned away from Myria and explained in a blunt manner.

“People have different takes about what kind of place it is. For those who are suited to live there, it’s a good place to stay.”

“I heard you weren’t suited for a job, so you got kicked out and came to us.”

“Hmm.”

Leo muttered quietly in response. The murmur was normally inaudible, but Rishe read the movement of his lips.

“I was driven out because I wasn’t fit for it.”

“…?”

What did that mean?

Rishe wondered what went on, but she was reluctant to get in the way of their conversation. She just listened to Leo and Myria’s exchange while eating her lunch.

“Bishop Schneider is in charge of the orphanage, isn’t he? You mean Bishop Schneider is your father?”

“No way.”

“!”

Myria was jolted at Leo’s decisive denial.

“He took care of me. He taught me how to live. That’s all. I don’t have any parents.”

“Hey, I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. You’re not blood related, so you shouldn’t carelessly refer to him as your father.”

“That’s what I meant… I’m done eating, so can I go now? I’ll clean up what I’ve used.”

“Oh, Leo, wait, wait.”

Rishe hurriedly stopped him, and Leo, who was about to stand up, looked at her in doubt.

“What is it? I have to get this over with soon, lest my afternoon chores…”

“Your afternoon chores have been rescheduled. I have spoken to His Excellency Jonal and told him that I would like to have Leo’s time.”

“――What?”

Leo scrunched up his face as hard as he could, but Rishe merely smiled at him.

―― Thus, after lunch.

In the courtyard on the outskirts of the Grand Shrine, Rishe explained to a certain person.

“You probably remember, but just in case. This is Leo, the errand boy of His Excellency Jonal I told you about last night.”

“…”

Leo was met with a look from this man and felt immensely uncomfortable.

“And Leo, let me introduce you again. He is ――”

Rishe halted and looked up at the man standing beside her.

As far as she could gauge, he looked very unhappy. But without much concern, she returned her gaze to Leo.

“His Royal Highness Arnold Hein, Crown Prince of Garkhain.”

“…”

At that moment, Leo slumped down and muttered, “Why is this happening…?”