While Elena and Shia were enjoying their conversation in the cafeteria…
“Is it interesting? Beret Saintford.”
“Huh?”
“The book I recommended.”
Beret had been quietly reading in the reading area of the library when the girl who had also been reading spoke up.
“Oh… It’s still early in the story, so I can’t say for sure, but it seems pretty good.”
“I see.”
The book Beret was currently reading was a romance novel. Its story was about a relationship with class differences.
“If you feel that it’s not to your liking, please don’t hesitate to let me know. There are plenty of books here.”
“I will. Thanks.”
“It’s not something you need to thank me for.” Her gaze remained fixed on the book she was holding with both hands. Her sleepy golden eyes scanned the vertically written text while skillfully reading and conversing.
“By the way, do people not use the library during lunchtime? It looks like it’s just you and me here.”
“That’s right. The librarian comes occasionally, but there’s usually no one here. Eating and drinking are not allowed in this library.”
“I see.” That’s useful information. Looks like I found a place where I can pass the time while avoiding the public eye.
“Still, it’s surprising to find a weirdo besides me who chooses reading over food, one of the three basic human desires.”
“Haha, that’s a misunderstanding. I prefer food over reading.”
“Sorry, I see. If you’re as weird as I am, we’d be seeing each other every day. Please forget what I just said.”
She calls me weird despite my bad reputation… she’s got guts. It was reassuring to Beret to be treated normally, especially since he was usually met with disdain and avoided by others in the halls and classrooms. It seems like she’s following the school motto of “all students are equal.”
“Oh, by that, do you mean that you use the library every day?”
“I come to the library every day.”
“R- Really?”
“Yes. I was granted an exception after taking a special test.”
“Wow…”
It was hard to believe given that she was reading a romance novel, but it didn’t seem like she was lying. Besides, she had no reason to lie. Beret quickly accepted the explanation.
“Then, Beret Saintford, there’s one thing I’d like to ask you.”
“Of course. What is it?”
“Do you need me to introduce myself? You’ve been calling me ‘you’ since earlier.”
“Oh, right. It would be helpful if you did that. Sorry, I don’t know your name.”
“It’s fine. My status is low, and I’ve never attended a soirée.”
Beret had wanted her to introduce herself but hadn’t been able to bring it up. When he accepted the offer, she finally turned her sleepy eyes toward him, and she bowed her head, with her hair tied in a side-tail, and gave a polite greeting. “I’m Luna Peremmer. I’m the 3rd daughter of a baron family, and I’m in the second year of high school.”
“Thank you for the introduction. Luna, got it. Should I introduce myself too?”
“No, I already know about you.”
“I see.”
“Yes.”
Luna nodded and returned to her reading.
Given her demeanor and appearance, Beret had suspected she was of noble descent, and his guess was correct.
‘…”
“…”
With the introductions done, the conversation ceased, and Beret returned to his reading.
There was no voice, but there was no sense of awkwardness.
As he continued reading for what felt like minutes in the world of the book, Luna spoke up.
“Although it’s a bit late, I’ve decided to trust you, Beret Saintford.”
“Eh!? Why?” The sudden and emotionless tone surprised him, and he responded with a raised voice.
“Your rumor was like this, right? That you wield the power of a marquis and take an aggressive attitude toward those that can’t oppose you.”
“Ah, haha… Well.” Beret could only give a wry smile.l
“But it wasn’t like that at all,” Luna continued with a dignified tone. “Even when I revealed that I am from a baron family, the lowest ranked noble, you didn’t change your attitude. Also, when I called you weird, you didn’t bring it up again. That’s more than enough reason for me to trust you.”
“I see. So you’ve been laying the groundwork.”
“Yes. I don’t like continuing to be suspicious. I’m sorry for saying something rude earlier.”
“No, no, I’m just glad to be trusted. Honestly, I prefer being treated without reservation.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Despite her unchanged expression and tone, talking about this had wrapped her in a gentler atmosphere. It felt like they had gotten a little closer. Beret thought he’d take the opportunity to ask something. “Hey, Luna, can I come to the library at this time tomorrow too?”
However, his stomach betrayed his intention.
Growl…
“!”
The sudden sound from his stomach, probably due to the relaxation after hearing “I trust you,” was loud enough in the quiet library for Luna to hear.
“Ah, haha… Sorry. My stomach is growling.”
“That was quite a loud sound.”
“R- Really…? Haha…”
Her unemotional yet calm remark made him feel embarrassed.
“Are you hungry, Beret Saintford? Given the time, it might be too late to go to the cafeteria.”
“Well, I was planning to skip lunch. I wasn’t going to go to the cafeteria anyway.”
“Even though you’re hungry?”
“Y- Yeah…”
“I see. Is there a reason?”
It wouldn’t do any good to try to cover up awkwardly here. Seeing her keen perception, Beret nodded… and suddenly, Luna closed her book and stood up from her chair.
“I understand. In that case, I’ll give you my meal. I always bring my own.”
“No! That’s too much. You won’t have any food.”
“That’s not a concern. I always bring lunch and dinner to stay until the end of the school day. Since I don’t plan to stay until the end today, there will be leftovers.”
“…”
It was hard to see through her unchanging expression and tone, but it was clear that her claim of “not planning to stay until the end” was a lie. If she didn’t plan to stay, she wouldn’t have needed to bring dinner. Realizing this, Beret felt more inclined to refuse, but Luna was quite skilled with her words.
“It would be unbecoming of a baron to not lend a hand to someone in need. Or do you find the meal I brought as a baron too dirty to eat?”
“It’s not like that, Luna. Thank you so much. I’ll accept your offer.”
Her persuasive argument closed off any escape route. That clear display of intelligence made Beret realize why Luna had been granted special permission.
“Then please follow me. You can eat and drink in the librarian’s room.”
“Can I go into that room too?”
“I eat and drink there, and it’s fine as long as you stay next to me. But please don’t touch anything inside.”
“Okay.’
Then, Beret followed Luna down to the first floor… and entered the librarian’s room through the counter. Beret received a bag from Luna, which contained neatly packed, colorful sandwiches in a bamboo basket.
“Since we’re at it, I’ll have lunch too. Let’s eat together.”
“Really sorry. I feel like I’m being a burden.”
“No, please accept it as an apology for my rudeness earlier.”
“That’s not going to work. I’ll definitely return the favor.”
“I see. Well, I’ll take you up on it and will be looking forward to it.”
“Yeah, let’s go with that.”
“…”
Beret wouldn’t repay kindness with evil. Beret smiled and looked at Luna, but she looked away as if she was shy.
…
Later…
“Ah, it’s delicious.” Beret, who had taken a big bite of the sandwich Luna gave him, couldn’t help but voice his genuine thoughts.
“You ate it right away, but you don’t think there’s poison in it? I’m sure you’ve been told to be cautious with things given to you.”
Luna, who had watched him take his first bite, spoke with mild surprise.
“Sure, I’ve been told that… but I don’t want to become someone who doubts others’ kindness. If I did that, I’d end up not believing in anything.”
“…”
Beret didn’t see the brief moment when Luna’s emotionless face crumbled.
“If you’re in your position, it’s an obviously unthinkable way of thinking. If I had murderous intent, I could kill you without any consequences.”
“Haha, well, if it came to that, I’d go out with grace.”
“You’re weird in a different way, Beret Saintford.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“…By the way, is the sandwich really delicious?”
“Yes, it’s genuinely delicious. I hate to say it like this, but it was worth skipping lunch.”
“I see…”
With that final reply, Luna began eating her own meal. It really makes me so happy, she thought. The sandwiches that Beret was enjoying so much were ones she had made herself.