“Surprised? My family’s quite wealthy, you know.”
“Even though we’re such wild tomboys.”
They mentioned such things when we were led into their private room and offered tea.
“The Edwisch family are nouveau riche.”
The words, spoken as if they were nothing, made my heart skip a beat.
As if she could see right through my feelings, Ciel-chan gave a sly little smile. Oh, come on, she’s so mean!
“It was only about twelve or thirteen years ago that he was given his title, so it really was just recently. Around the time we were just starting to understand things.”
“My father started a private airship transport business that became hugely successful. Later, when the trade with Danama began under government supervision, he made significant contributions. His achievements were recognized, and that’s how he joined the nobility.”
“But he wasn’t truly accepted as one of them.”
Ciel-chan’s eyes sharpened at that, and a shadow fell over Shanta-chan’s. Ah, I see, I murmured silently to myself.
It’s common for old-established nobles, who value lineage and tradition, to despise nouveau riche nobles who suddenly rose to prominence.
Their position is awkward, and nobles and commoners keep them at arm’s length. Especially given the timing of their birth, it seems the Edwisch family was in an unstable transitional period, and the two of them likely bore the brunt of the impact of the family’s changing status.
“Nobility is utterly ridiculous. Day after day, it’s tea parties, banquets, entertaining guests—utterly foolish. Thanks to that, Papa, who was already busy, only gets busier with each passing year.”
“The moment they open their mouths, it’s etiquette, manners, family standing, tradition, history, status. Those people laugh their heads off if we make a single mistake in writing, and they frown disapprovingly if we so much as sneeze.”
“That’s why Mama broke down, both mentally and physically. She’s recuperating in the countryside now.”
“She sends letters every week, but we haven’t seen her in ages. I can’t even remember her face anymore. Apart from having the same gentle gray eyes as us…”
While acting as if they owned the place, it seemed the two had endured days filled with frustration. Perhaps their rebellious spirit against such things was reflected in their clothing and lifestyle.
“I envy you Vivia.”
Ciel-chan slowly stood up, gazing out the window as she murmured that.
“Coming to the capital all alone, starting a shop, and growing it on your own… No, I know it’s incredibly hard. But it’s liberating.”
Huh, oh no. I might cry.
What’s with that gap? What’s with that bittersweet past and present?
The devs wouldn’t leave these two stuck like this, would they!? They’ve got a proper relief event planned, right!?
If not, I’ll set the Noble District on fire!?
Unaware of my precarious thoughts, Ciel-chan turned around and suddenly flashed a defiant grin, sticking out her tongue.
“Just kidding. I’m making good use of the power and money I’ve been given, though.”
“Now, since we’ve caught our breath, I’ll show you around the mansion.”
And from there, I could move freely. Whenever I moved, the two of them would follow me on their own.
The studio feature that helped us out on our last date is available now too…! I see~ I guess this means we get to take screenshots freely in this special scenery for a while.
Plus, when I talked to them in various spots around the mansion, they shared all sorts of interesting explanations and stories.
It felt a bit complicated to shift from that solemn mood straight into this fun mode, but I couldn’t let this once-in-a-lifetime chance go to waste.
I fully explored the gorgeous Edwisch residence, snapping many screenshots and videos of the twins. Hehe~ I even managed to capture that languid-looking Ciel Shanta standing under the rose arch, something I couldn’t do last time.
I would love to share this with Zoe-kun as a way of apologizing.
Then, just as I was thoroughly enjoying myself, Shanta-chan suddenly proposed.
“That’s right, Vivia. Next, I’ll show you around the academy we attend.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely,” Ciel-chan agreed.
“Since Vivia became Tefana-sama’s apprentice, she’s never been to school, right? I bet it’s a rare thing for you.”
The academy. True, I’ve never been. I’m interested too.
…But isn’t that place off-limits to non-affiliated people?
“Just disguise yourself. As a student.”
“I’ll lend you my uniform. Oh, but it won’t fit you.”
“We can get one there.
Wait, is this getting weird? I-I guess it’ll be fine~~~~~…
******
[Kimakura Utopia. Talk Room (Official(・General]
[Peet]
>Upcoming update on 7/1
>① Level cap will be raised to 150.
>② Implementing the new system “Boundary Release Unlock”.
[Yoshino-san & Beppu]
There’s no new skill?
Is it just regular stat growth we can expect?
[Don’t Deny It]
What the heck is Unlock?
I’m pretty sure there’s a high skill with the same name
[Yoko @ SK]
Kimakura’s signature vague and unhelpful announcement is hereee
[Major Sergeant Ororo]
Trainees who think they are being kind just by telling us
[Panfesta]
Management: “We made you a new toy, so go play with it. Where’s the toy? Find it yourself (picks nose).”
[Major Sergeant Ororo]
The management team gives us the joy of exploring and understanding mysteries this way.
What a blessing.
[Kohaku]
There are limits, you know. Limits.
[Rhode]
My take? They’re just being assholes. The management team only bothers to explain things thoroughly when money’s involved.
Everything else? They ignore it as much as possible.
[universe202]
Who the hell was saying the management was doing a good job?
[Mosha]
Anyway, the informants had better step up.
I’m seriously rooting for you guys.
[New]
The reason the informant is accepted in this game is that.
The management is either disingenuous or just careless, refusing to disclose information.
There’s a theory that the clan system wouldn’t work anywhere but Kimakura.
[Milan]
The informant should have just contacted Boutique directly.
This Miracle Creation discussion is going nowhere.
[Peet]
Ah, that. The informant won’t budge, so you’d better give up.
Rinrin stepped in to mediate. Things look fine on the surface, but those three guys from the society, especially Zoe, are at each other’s throats.
Yuuhei won’t risk stepping on Zoe’s tail.
[Milk Kingdom]
Regarding the cheating allegations, wasn’t that guide site run by the informant who started it all?
While it wasn’t explicitly stated, that article was dripping with the writer’s malice.
[MSR@SK]
Being at the top of any organization, whether in a company or a clan, is tough.