A Leisurely Breakfast

It’s really… every single word with them.

My meal was being interrupted, and the expressions on these two were terrifyingly earnest. If I refused now, they would likely never drop the subject.

“I—I understand. In any case, Miss Kotetsu, Miss Hisaba, please lift your heads.”

“If there is anything we can assist you with in the future, do not hesitate to speak.” “I will ensure your daily needs are well looked after.”

This double-act was becoming hard to handle…

Upon hearing my affirmation, both women failed to hide the smiles that spread across their faces.

To emphasize it so much, and to be so grateful for mere kindness…

“It seems things haven’t been easy for you all.”

As my guard lowered, my inner thoughts naturally slipped out.

“…Yes, after all, there are not many places in this world where we can belong.”

As she spoke, Ilu gazed at the food on her plate, a melancholy expression appearing on her face.

“There are still many of our kin who cannot even manage a meal at this moment.”

“True… I suppose that would be the case.”

My knowledge of the Nako race was limited to the fact that they had committed some unforgivable act during a certain World War; that was all.

“Therefore, the fact that Miss Leni can treat us with such equality—there hasn’t been a hint of prejudice in your words since we began—truly moves me… Ah, perhaps I have overstepped. Forgive me.”

“Not at all. On my end, it is an honor to be treated so formally. Allow me to express my thanks for the lodging and food you’ve provided.”

“And I, once again, express my gratitude for your kindness and for saving our kin, as well as for sharing this breakfast with me.”

Perhaps the treatment of the Nako race in this world had reached a point of distortion even beyond mere discrimination? Or rather, most people wouldn’t even speak to a Nako, let alone share a meal with one.

However, I wouldn’t choose that path. Partly because I felt I owed her—after all, my life was saved by that girl—but also…

As I ate, I carefully observed the woman before me.

Ilu was no ordinary Nako.

Leaving aside her management of the village and her impeccable etiquette, the sheer fact that she could rescue that many Nako from a pirate ship proved her leadership was exceptional.

Back in my homeland, though my family had fallen, I had received a proper education in etiquette. I wouldn’t say I had met countless high officials, but I believed my basic judgment and social insight were no less than that of an average noble.

The woman before me was definitely more than just a poor villager. Furthermore… she was a Nako.

In a world where the Nako were treated as they were, for her to possess such bearing, to have a subordinate like Hisaba, and to manage this village—every aspect suggested she was someone of significance.

I had no reason to look at her through a biased lens. Moreover, the fact that she was hated by the world, discriminated against by other races, and relegated to slavery…

“In many ways, we are very much alike.”

I whispered the words at a volume no one else could hear.

“My Lord, please do not forget today’s schedule.”

“Ah… that’s right.”

While I was lost in thought, Hisaba had stepped to Ilu’s side and spoken.

“Miss Leni, although I would love to accompany you longer… for the sake of this village, there are many places I must visit, so…”

“It’s fine. Please, go attend to your business, Miss Kotetsu.”

“Thank you for your understanding. But what about you, Miss Leni? What are your plans from here? Of course, you are more than welcome to continue staying in the village.”