The World Has Become Kinder to Her

In Lotus’s words, claiming she couldn’t handle anyone, Kenneth saw a reflection of his past self. He still didn’t know what comforting words he had needed back then, so now, he found himself speechless.

“I see. I’ll be careful not to burden you… for the time being,” Kenneth replied.

*For the time being.* It was a rather loaded answer. However, Lotus wasn’t interested in getting into a verbal sparring match with Kenneth on the street, so she simply smiled quietly.

“Come to think of it, it’s about lunchtime.”

If she had come out alone, she wouldn’t have needed to worry about meals, but since she had company, it was only considerate to take it into account.

Lotus met Kenneth’s gaze and asked, “What kind of food do you like, Sir?”

“I can eat anything.”

“That’s the most difficult answer to deal with.”

“But truly, I’m not picky. If you tell me what you like, I’ll choose from that.”

Although his response was standard, it somehow felt annoyingly formal, prompting Lotus to respond with a hint of sass, “I also like anything, as long as it’s soft.”

“Soft food… you say?”

Kenneth looked more troubled than she had expected, so Lotus added quietly, almost as if to herself, “It’s easier to digest. And more comfortable to eat.”

Kenneth bit his lip, understanding the hidden meaning behind her words. She likely hadn’t had many opportunities to eat in peace.

“I find it frustrating that I’m still so clumsy when it comes to interacting with you,” Kenneth admitted, his voice filled with regret.

“Isn’t the effort itself meaningful?” Lotus replied gently.

“It’s a relief to hear you say so… But, am I a particularly uncomfortable person for you?”

Kenneth was certainly different from the smooth-talking aristocrats of high society. His manners toward her were respectful, but his speech was blunt, like that of a true knight.

“To be honest, everyone makes me uncomfortable. I’m in a position where I have to constantly be aware of other people’s opinions.”

“I see.”

“But among them, you’re the least uncomfortable. You don’t rush me, even when I’m lost. Does that answer your question?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Kenneth responded politely, then hesitated before making a suggestion.

“In that case, how about we find a place that serves food you like for lunch today?”

“Pardon?”

“I know of a place that offers a variety of dishes.”

The restaurant Kenneth took Lotus to was a place that had recently gained popularity among young nobles. Normally, Kenneth wouldn’t have known about such a place, but the vice-captain had dragged him there when he found Kenneth in a dazed state after his regression.

The restaurant was known for its large portions, including steaks with fantastic texture and pasta or pizza with exotic sauces. Lotus spotted soup and risotto—softer options—on the menu displayed outside, and she felt reassured as they entered the restaurant.

It was busier than she had expected, likely because it was lunchtime. To her dismay, she recognized several nobles among the patrons.

‘…Should I leave?’

However, a glance at Kenneth made her decide to hold on. Perhaps it was because of the sense of debt she felt for her past, or maybe it was a sense of camaraderie, knowing he had also returned from a previous life. For whatever reason, it was hard for her to refuse his requests or suggestions.

‘I hope we can sit somewhere in a corner, or maybe a private area,’ Lotus thought, deciding she should at least express that preference. 

As she considered speaking up, a man who seemed different from the regular staff approached them. 

“Sir Zahard, isn’t it? I remember you visited once with Sir Shuhain, and I thought that would be the first and last time we saw you. It’s an honor to have you here again.”

The man appeared to be the restaurant’s manager or perhaps its head staff.

“I was wondering if you have a place where we can have a quiet conversation,” Kenneth asked.

“Of course, please allow me to show you to a suitable table. This way, please.”

The manager’s demeanor was polite and respectful, though it didn’t seem like it was just because Kenneth was a noble. It felt like the man genuinely admired him.

As they walked toward the private dining area, Lotus noticed several nobles sitting at nearby tables, casting glances at them but not daring to approach. It was strange. Nothing about her had changed, so the reason must be Kenneth.

“Is it because you seem so cold that people avoid approaching you, Sir?”

“…Perhaps,” Kenneth replied, hesitating.

Only now did he recall that Lotus didn’t enjoy crowded places. Feeling awkward, Kenneth had subtly released a faint killing intent to keep the nobles at bay. It was difficult to admit, so he let his words trail off.

“The manager seems to hold you in high regard,” Lotus noted.

“That’s because of Sir Shuhain, the vice-captain. The manager is the father of one of the men we fought with on the battlefield.”

“To be more precise, Sir Zahard saved my son,” the manager, walking ahead of them, added with a smile.

Lotus smiled back. “It’s just like Sir Kenneth not to mention something like that.”

The private area was more like a small room, providing ample space for them to dine without worrying about the gazes of others. Lotus felt relieved, knowing that she could enjoy her meal without being disturbed.

They were handed menus with far more dishes listed than what they had seen posted outside, including various course options.

“First, I must apologize for bringing you to such a busy place. It’s been a while since I’ve had lunch outside, and I didn’t expect so many people.”

“It’s alright. I already considered the possibility that we might run into others once I decided to go out with you. But… there are so many options, I’m not sure what to choose.”

“According to Sir Shuhain, the pizza, pasta, and risotto here are popular among young ladies.”

“So that’s why you chose this place.”

“Yes. In truth, I don’t know much about other restaurants.”

“I could just have soup or stew, that would be enough for me. But I don’t know about your appetite.”

“Before we came here, didn’t I mention that we should explore what you enjoy beyond just soft foods? The first and second courses have quite different options, so why don’t we try ordering a variety?”

“I won’t be able to eat much… There’s going to be a lot left over.”

“That’s fine. I’ll take care of whatever’s left,” Kenneth said, ringing for the waiter and placing their order. He whispered a bit, possibly to request smaller portions.

The appetizers came out first. Although the first course listed seafood, a different dish was served: scrambled eggs with diced tomatoes—soft, fresh, and a perfect start to the meal.

“Was that what you whispered earlier?” Lotus asked.

“Yes. I thought you might not like seafood.”

“…I don’t like the fishy smell. It upsets my stomach when food feels heavy and greasy—it’s the worst.”

“I understand. During the war, we were given canned sardines as part of our rations. The battlefield was much hotter and more humid than we expected, so half the cans went bad. The stench… I’d rather not remember it,” Kenneth said, his face tightening slightly at the memory.

His bluntness made their conversation surprisingly comfortable for Lotus, more so than her interactions with others. She knew her stomach hadn’t been in the best shape recently, having not eaten properly for days.

With the creamy soup that arrived next, Lotus slowly began to soothe her stomach, nibbling at the appetizers and salad as well. Her pace was painfully slow compared to most, even slower than that of other noble ladies.

Yet Kenneth made no comment about her pace. Instead, he quietly cut up the meat dish from the main course into small pieces and placed them on a separate plate for her.

“Eat as much as you want,” he said softly.

“…Thank you,” Lotus replied, her cheeks flushing slightly. She hadn’t expected this kind of attention during their meal.

For a man who seemed completely inexperienced with women, Kenneth was far more dangerous than she had thought. Why did he look at her with such an affectionate gaze, one that could easily be misunderstood?

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

“…Because you’re lovely.”

“Stop saying ridiculous things and eat your food.”

Lotus wasn’t gullible enough to believe such sweet words. The harsh experiences she had endured left her hardened against charm.

***

After Lotus and Kenneth left the Marquis’s residence, Frederick teleported back to the bedroom assigned to him within the estate.

Just as Frederick stepped into his room, blood gushed from his mouth.  

*I should have walked instead of using teleportation magic…*

Having been born with a massive reservoir of mana, Frederick had never experienced the sensation of squeezing out every last drop of it to cast magic. Yet, after his recent battle with the demon, this was the second time he felt his body tearing apart.  

His regression hadn’t come for free. Before returning to the past, Frederick, along with two other men, had engaged in a colossal battle with the demon Gaf. It was during that fight that he first felt the limitations of his mana.  

“Ugh, it feels like my insides are sloshing around in a wine barrel.”  

Hastening the refining of a first-class mana stone, a process that typically took over a month, while continuing to use magic in his daily life was a living hell. The nearly completed mana stone was greedily absorbing every bit of mana Frederick generated.  

Small spells were manageable, but using spells like shields or healing, which drained mana extensively, caused his internal mana to deplete faster than his body could replenish it. In situations like these, it even drew from the mana required for basic life functions, leading him to vomit blood in this undignified manner.  

That was why he hadn’t followed Lotus on her outing.

“But once this is finished, I’ll be able to rest a little easier.”  

Frederick muttered to himself as he gazed at the bright greenish stone that glowed softly.  

To speed up his mana recovery, retreating deep into the mountains would have been ideal, but since his regression, Frederick had felt an overwhelming anxiety whenever he distanced himself too far from Lotus. Rather than endure that, it was easier to put up with the physical pain.  

“I can’t manage both refining this mana stone and scouting spells at the same time. It’s annoying, but I’ll have to contact that guy.”  

Frederick gulped down a potion made from purified monster blood, and once his condition improved somewhat, he infused mana into a communication orb.  

After about twenty taps of his foot, the connection finally went through.  

The image of a man with distinctive purple hair and eyes appeared.

“You’re late!” Frederick snapped.

『I figured it was something trivial, hence the delay in responding.』

Beside Theodore, a woman giggled, and Frederick’s eyes narrowed into triangles.

“This is about Loti!”  

『The outing, you mean?』

“You knew?”  

『There’s little I don’t know.』

Theodore’s tone was filled with mild annoyance.  

『It seems this lacking magician often forgets that I’m by Theodore’s side.』

The smooth voice of the woman further stoked Frederick’s irritation.

“You’re just overestimating your ability to manage that power!”  

『How kind and unnecessary your concern is.』  

“If anything happens to Loti, inform me immediately!”  

『Sir Kenneth is more reliable than you, so I’m sure she’ll be fine.』

“Shut up!”

With that, the communication abruptly cut off.  

Frederick hadn’t ended it—it had been Theodore who disconnected.  

Grinding his teeth in frustration, Frederick quickly turned his attention back to the green stone, which was now emitting intermittent pulses of light. Startled, he focused on infusing more mana into it.