Chapter 88

The airship departed, and several hours had passed.

I was bored, so I was reading "Workplace Relationships - Junior Edition."

"Zig, by the way, what does it say in there?"

Adel looked over the spine and asked.

"It says to pretend to give advice on work and then invite them for drinks."

"Figures it would be that kind of book..."

The author is the same, so I figured as much.

"I don't like the word 'pretend,' but it is useful. Taking care of juniors is important. Everyone says my words are too harsh, so it's important to soften them."

"I don't think it's right for a master to constantly gauge their disciple's mood."

"It's about balance..."

Dignity?

But I don't like that kind of thing.

"Anyway, we've been drinking together all weekend, haven't we?"

Indeed.

Moreover, it's casual drinking at home.

Not really, though.

"Erika, do you think I'm annoying or that I should die?"

"What a sudden question... No, I don't think that."

Erika smiled wryly.

"What about Leonora?"

"Be yourself. You're fine as you are. If you invite me for dinner, I'd be happy to go. I won't use it as a chance to discuss work, though. That's for work hours."

That's what they would do.

"Right. Today, we'll have dinner at the hotel, but tomorrow, let's go somewhere for a post-work party? I'll treat you."

That's the least I can do.

"Yay!"

"Great master, indeed."

"Where are we going? Do you know any good places in the capital?"

I don't know.

"Maybe I'll ask the hotel staff..."

"No, don't. The places recommended by the Central Hotel staff usually have dress codes. I don't have a dress."

That makes sense.

"Adel, do you know any good places to eat out?"

"Sure, I know some regular places."

"That's fine. It's just a simple post-work party."

"Then I'll take you. Is that okay with both of you?"

Adel asked Erika and Leonora for confirmation.

"Yes. Besides, I'd be at a loss if someone mentioned a dress code. I don't have a dress, and I don't know the etiquette."

"Those places are for two people. Let's just have a normal meal."

Choosing a restaurant is tough.

I definitely can't be a planner.

'We will be arriving at the capital shortly. Please prepare to disembark.'

As we were talking, an announcement came over the speaker, and I looked out the window past Leonora.

I could see the familiar streets with many buildings.

"Wow. There are so many tall buildings; it really feels like the capital."

Erika, who was visiting the capital for the first time, exclaimed in amazement.

"It looks cluttered coming from Riet."

"There are a lot of people, and it's densely packed."

It's like Tokyo.

Though Tokyo is even more impressive.

"Erika, that's the castle, the symbol of the capital."

Adel pointed to the white castle in the distance.

"Oh! Is that it! I've seen it in magazines before!"

"Well, you can't go inside, but it's fine to look from the outside. We can go again."

"Sure! Have you and Leonora been inside? You are nobles, after all."

Nobles might have.

"No."

"I'm the daughter of a rural noble, so I wouldn't be invited."

That's surprising...

"Hmm... What's it like inside?"

"Well, it's probably luxurious. Zig has been inside."

"Eh? Zig, you've been to the castle?"

Erika was surprised.

"Of course. I have a third-class rank."

"Oh, right. Third-class and above are awarded by the king in the castle. It's so grand, I forgot."

Well, it wasn't that grand.

The king handed me a necklace and said a few words about serving the country, and that was it.

"The castle was beautiful, but it was too large and seemed impractical to live in."

"The castle is a symbol of power, not a place to live."

"More about power than convenience."

The bathrooms were far away, too.

I might leak...

"Hmm..."

"Want to live there? You'd have to catch the prince's eye and become the next queen."

Dreamy.

I wouldn't want to, even if I were a woman.

"No way. Besides, it's too intimidating, and I prefer someone who matches my level."

"Right, that makes sense."

"Nobility is a hassle, and I prefer a regular commoner."

Dreams are over.

"Zig, do you prefer princesses?"

Helen, curled up on Adel's lap, asked.

"I don't like them. They seem spoiled."

I've never met one, but that's the image I have of princesses.

"I'll ignore the disrespectful comment, but that sounds like you, Zig. You seem to prefer honest people."

"I also don't like idiots."

"Right... Probably, both of you would be stressed out."

I'd have a hole in my stomach.

"But we have us, Zig."

"Sure, sure. You're smart. Do well on your exams."

As we were talking, the airship entered landing mode and gradually descended.

Then it landed and came to a complete stop.

"We've arrived."

"Phew... Landing is always a bit scary."

Adel, who is easily scared, said this while returning Helen to me.

"Do you get scared every time?"

"Not every time, but not often."

I'll have to hand over Helen on the way back, too...

"Well, we made it safely, so let's go."

We stood up and left the airship.

We walked down the gangway connected to the docked airship and arrived at the airport.

Thank you for reading.

From now on, this work will be updated twice a week.

Specifically, on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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