I Was Caught up in a Hero Summoning, but That World Is at Peace (WN)

Chapter 2543 - A Conversation About the Tea Party ~ ~ The One with Stomachache ① ~ ~

Eris Dia Hamilton, the heir of the Hamilton Marquisdom of the Archlesia Empire. Known as a gifted young lady of the Hamilton house and admired in high society as a perfect noblewoman, she was currently walking through the streets of the Imperial Capital, Alexandria.

Rather than her usual refined dress, she wore practical trousers in a pants-style outfit, paired with an elegant shirt and jacket. A casquette rested on her head, and with only a single maid in plain clothes as her escort, she walked through the city on foot instead of riding in a carriage.

[It might be fair to say that strolling through the city is one of Milady’s hobbies. Though I do wonder whether it suits a noble lady……]

[There are stories that even the legendary first Emperor of the Archlesia Empire would go out among the people dressed in a way that made her look no different from a village girl. And Her Majesty Chris, the current Emperor, often visits locations in person for inspections. A truly noble aristocrat must not rely solely on written reports, they must broaden their perspective by seeing the world firsthand.]

[I see…… and your real reason?]

[……Listen carefully, when it comes to stress, realizing it already exists is far too late. By the time you become aware of it, it has already begun to affect you in various ways. Stomachaches, stomachaches, stomach pain, agonizing stomach pain…… If one wishes to properly control it, a change of pace is essential.]

[Fumu, so in other words?]

[……I’m very tired. I just want a break.]

Eris had always preferred going into the city on her own two feet, and thinking back, it was during a visit to see the Founding Festival that she had first met Kaito.

Not as the daughter of a marquis, but simply as Eris, an individual. These strolls were an enjoyable pastime for her. Especially recently, with the Marquis Hamilton Faction in such a hectic state, she had needed a chance to relax, which was why she had come out into the city like this.

Of course, she made sure to complete all necessary duties perfectly before making time for herself, another testament to her competence.

[Well, Milady walking through the city is nothing unusual…… though if you’re trying to pass as a common town girl, you might be just a bit too refined……]

[I’m not actually trying to disguise myself as a town girl, you know? If I were seriously acting the part, that would be one thing, but simply changing my clothes won’t hide the fact that I’m a noble, or at least from a wealthy family. It would be obvious from my behavior. So I choose my outfit with the mindset of a noble lady enjoying a quiet outing. I’m not even hiding the royal color, after all……]

[The royal color, you mean your deep blue hair.]

[……Well, that was apparently just something an Emperor from seven generations ago declared during a succession dispute. The first and second Emperors didn’t even have this hair color, from what I’ve heard.]

After replying with a wry smile to her maid’s remark, Eris stopped at a nearby stall, bought two sticks of sweets, handed one to the maid, and began eating with a bright smile.

[Confections that require time and effort are wonderful, but something simple like this is refreshing in its own way. Though it did take me some time to get used to eating while walking……]

[As long as Milady is enjoying herself, that’s what matters. You’ve been quite busy lately.]

[I’ll continue to be busy as well…… The Marquis Hamilton Faction’s rise has been far too rapid. It gives too strong an impression of being a sudden, undeserved windfall…… That’s the problem. Of course, high-ranking nobles who gather proper information will understand that it’s not so much our doing, but rather the overwhelming influence of Kaito-sama. However, lower-ranking nobles in the provinces will surely envy the Ritch Barony. To them, it will look like we simply hit the jackpot…… like a lottery, was it? In any case, it’s as if we made a fortune through pure luck. The hardships of those involved are not easily understood.]

[It wouldn’t be surprising if they thought that switching to the Hamilton faction might bring them the same fortune……]

[For lower-ranking nobles, factions are something they’d gladly change if it benefits them. But the high-ranking nobles won’t find that amusing, and if the balance of power between factions collapses, it will disrupt many things. If it were like the Albert Duchy of the Symphonia Kingdom, so overwhelmingly dominant that others have given up trying to compete, it would be a different matter…… but we’re not at that level.]

At present, within the Marquis Hamilton Faction, the Hamilton Marquisdom, the Sharon County, and the Ritch Barony are gaining profits and valuable connections at an astonishing pace, drawing far too much attention from the nobility.

Of course, Marquis Hamilton and Eris are handling the situation well, and with Emperor Chris cooperating and coordinating alongside them, everything is being controlled to prevent any negative consequences…… however, while the benefits are truly tremendous, it’s also incredibly exhausting and a constant source of headaches, and stomachaches.

[Well, I’ll put those stomach-churning matters aside for now and focus on properly refreshing myself……]

As Eris muttered that and turned her gaze down the street, she suddenly locked eyes with someone who had just come around the corner and froze.

[……Arehh? Eris-san?]

[……T- T- T- This is quite the coincidence…… Kaito-sama.]

Yes, the one who had suddenly appeared before her was Kaito, and while Eris somehow managed to respond with a smile, she was screaming internally.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [……Actually attaching that ① there…… Do you not have a human heart?]

~ ~ Extra: Eris’ Personal Maid ~ ~

A maid who often accompanies Eris while also serving as her bodyguard. Originally, she was a highly skilled intelligence agent belonging to the covert division. Not only is she exceptional in that field, but her abilities as a maid are also outstanding, boasting a Maid Power of 96,000. She is even considered a potential candidate for the next Super Maid, though she has never participated in the Maid Olympia.

This is not because she lacks interest in the Maid World like Illness. Rather, her ideal maid is one who “provides perfect support subtly, like a shadow”. Because of that, she does not participate in attention-grabbing events like the Maid Olympia (though she does go to watch as a spectator).

Even when Eris is speaking with Kaito, she quietly steps back and waits at a distance, this too is the result of adhering to her own vision of the ideal maid.

The style she strives for is essentially the position held by Alice, who serves as Kaito’s guard. Watching how Alice supports Kaito from the shadows, she is inwardly moved, thinking “This is exactly the ideal form I should aim for.”