𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲
“As far as we could tell, there was no one wearing a collar of submission. However, some are wearing scarves, and it’s possible that they are wearing it somewhere other than their neck. Please ask Caroline if she has noticed anyone acting suspiciously at the school recently.”
ㅤ
Since then, Roa-sama and the others spent the holidays and the following days checking the students and teachers. They didn’t find anyone who was immediately identifiable as an enemy, but it’s still too early to feel safe.
“Of course,” I nodded and Chris gave me an enthusiastic hair and makeup session.
ㅤ
“You look very beautiful. Your manners have also become more natural.”
“It’s thanks to Chris lending me a bodysuit. Thank you.”
“It’s thanks to your efforts, Ojou-sama.”
ㅤ
“I’ve only learned a few manners, but I’ve practiced a lot, so I hope I seem a bit more like a noble lady.”
Today, only Rene is accompanying me, and we’re heading to class. I confirm that Caroline is in the classroom and call out to her.
ㅤ
“Good morning, Caroline. I’d like to have a little talk after class, is that alright?”
“Oh, Tianne-sama, good morning. Then, how about in my room?”
“I’m happy to, but isn’t that too sudden?”
“It’s alright, my attendant deserves a reward.”
“It’s always just eating delicious sweets, though.”
“And that’s what makes it good.”
ㅤ
I’ve become able to eat fancy sweets that I didn’t understand how to eat before, so I don’t mind going.
Above all, the sweets are delicious.
ㅤ
“Then, I’ll take you up on that offer. Thank you.”
“Yes, please eat a lot.”
ㅤ
“While chatting with Caroline from time to time during class, we decided to have a tea party afterwards.”
“The ones accompanying me are Chris and Roa-sama. Walking like a lady, I take my time getting to Caroline’s room.”
ㅤ
“Fancy and cute sweets that look like they could appear at a wedding come out. There are cakes shaped like roses, which are very cute.”
“While enjoying the sweets, I decided to bring up the main topic.”
ㅤ
“Caroline, there’s something I want to ask.”
ㅤ
As soon as Caroline twitched, the other servants withdrew, leaving only a single maid.
It might be a scene where either Roa-sama or Chris should withdraw, but I can’t judge.
I waited while Caroline’s servants were away, but since Roa-sama and the others didn’t move, I decided to continue the conversation.
ㅤ
“I’m looking for someone who has started coming and going to the school recently. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone who has been here for a while and started acting suspiciously. Do you know anything?”
“Hmm, well. . . there’s one merchant who has snuck in. He’s definitely a spy from somewhere. Various people with different agendas come to this school frequently, so I don’t know his purpose.”
ㅤ
“. . .That scum.”
I tried not to show it on my face, but it seems Caroline noticed. She reassured me with a gentle voice.
ㅤ
“It’s often a pre-marriage investigation of a fiancé’s conduct. Since they often approach female students, they might be trying to marry into nobility.”
“. . .If they’re approaching female students, it’s best to stay away.”
“Yes. I’ve decided not to trust people who only approach the opposite sex.”
“That’s right! It’s better to do so!”
ㅤ
I inadvertently raised my voice and tried to cover it up by drinking tea, but it wasn’t very effective in concealing it.
ㅤ
“The one who has started frequenting recently and seems suspicious, I wonder if it’s that person. Nothing unusual seems to be happening at school, but. . . I can only grasp the movements of the nobility with a certain degree of power.”
“That’s sufficient. Thank you as always, Caroline.”
“I will inform you if there is anything else.”
ㅤ
Caroline always invites me to her room for tea parties, serving sweets and sharing information.
A friendship is delightful, but a relationship where I only receive is not preferable.
ㅤ
“As a token of my gratitude, I’m thinking of teaching you a curry recipe.”
“Curry?! As in. . . that curry?!”
ㅤ
Oh, the interest she showed was more than I expected.
When everyone talks about curry, there is a buzz. . . considering its rarity, I suggested to Roa-sama that we serve curry as a thank you to Caroline, and he said it would be better to teach the recipe.
ㅤ
“Tianne-sama, you. . . come to think of it, your name does suggest you hail from nearby regions. No, I’m not probing!”
“Indeed, I would appreciate it if you didn’t delve too much. What’s the perception of curry in this country?”
“Ah yes, it’s understandable that Tianne-sama wouldn’t know.”
ㅤ
I’m unaware of it myself being a native of this country, but I keep a composed face without showing any sign.
ㅤ
“In the past, when our country began trading with the land where curry is eaten, we were invited there and served food. Among that was. . . curry.”
ㅤ
As Caroline starts to speak as if telling a ghost story, the tension in the room rises.
Is this categorized under scary stories?
ㅤ
“I heard they were bewildered at first. . . because what was served was. . .”
ㅤ
I nod emphatically at Caroline’s vague words. After all, the appearance of curry is not particularly appealing.
In Japan, beautifully decorated curry is not uncommon, but from her tone, they must have been served a brown, sludgy curry.
ㅤ
“At first, they thought it was an insult. But looking around, everyone was eating it. Utter confusion. No desire to eat it, yet not eating might ruin diplomatic relations, or worse, lead to war. Compared to that, eating a detestable thing. . . before everyone resolved themselves, one person bravely tried the curry.”
“Really. . .!”
ㅤ
The storytelling had taken on a complete horror tone. I couldn’t help but play along and act shocked.
ㅤ
“After smiling and taking a bite. . . he continued to eat curry!”
ㅤ
It seems like the moment to scream in horror.
Unable to go that far, I gasp and encourage her to continue.
ㅤ
“. . .He continued to eat curry like a madman. . . and eventually, he moved to that country.”
“Just like that?”
“Yes. The appearance of the curry and his strange behavior became a tale in our country. . . and no one attempts to eat curry.”
ㅤ
Wait, am I about to pass on a recipe for something so detested?! Isn’t this harassment?!
But Roa-sama said it’s delicious so it should be fine!
ㅤ
“. . .The curry recipe I know may be different from that curry.”
“That’s alright, I’ve wanted to try it at least once! Thank you, Tianne-sama!”
“If Caroline is fine with it. . . then it’s alright.”
ㅤ
Caroline’s maid, who could have reprimanded me, didn’t change her expression.
ㅤ
“When we eat curry, I will also be present. At the very least, allow me that much.”
“I’m looking forward to it!”
Translator’s Blog
Blog
- Your Crush is With Someone Else? Channel Your Inner Samurai, Not a Sad Puppy Dog.
- The Social Isolation Speech Impediment: How Being a Shut-In Can Make You Sound Like a Robot
- When You Realize You’re Too Old for Anime: A Midlife Crisis in 2D
- Are You Lowkey an Emo Kid, But Like, in a Good Way?
- Kimonos, Cosplay, and Cultural Cancels: Nezuko’s Demon Slayer Saga in China
Leave a Reply