The Day of Returning Home – Capella and Ellen
“Lord Reiner, Lord Reed, I believe you will visit our country again someday. Until then, take care.”
“Yes, Your Majesty King Elias. We look forward to that time.”
“Indeed, let us go see them off later.”
In the main palace hall, Father informed King Elias that we would be returning to the Baldia territory. After the farewell audience was over, Father and I moved to the front of the guest residence to conduct the final confirmation of luggage and personnel. Among the busily moving people, I could see the figures of the dwarf siblings and others.
“Whew~ Just a few days ago, I never thought I’d be going to the Baldia territory. Right, Alex?”
“Here we go…phew. You’re right. Until a few days ago, you and I were racking our brains about how to pay off our debt.”
The two of them seemed to be working while talking nostalgically. By the way, the two of them will be riding in the Christie Company’s wagon together with us to the Baldia territory. Surprisingly, Ellen and the others have been wandering all over, so they are apparently used to traveling by wagon. They are currently helping to load luggage onto the company’s wagon.
The company people apparently told the two that they didn’t need to help, but they offered, saying, “We can’t just let them take us without doing anything.” As the work proceeded smoothly, Alex called out to Ellen.
“Sis, load that luggage over there.”
“Yeah, got i…kyaa!!”
At that moment, as Ellen went to pick up the luggage, she lost her balance and looked like she was about to fall over. Witnessing the situation, I instinctively shouted “Watch out!!” and moved to help Ellen. But before I could move, someone swiftly appeared and supported Ellen. He supported her back to prevent her from falling while gently speaking to her.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“Eh…!? Ah, yes. I’m alright…”
“I’m glad. It’s a relief you’re unhurt.”
Saying that with his usual expressionless face, he smoothly took Ellen’s luggage from her. Seeing his smooth motion, Ellen’s face reddened slightly.
“I…was called Miss…”
“Sis, are you okay!?”
“Ellen, are you hurt anywhere?”
Alex and I, who had rushed over when Ellen looked like she was about to fall, called out in concern.
“Ah, yeah. Sorry for worrying you, I’m okay…”
“Sis, your face is red, are you really okay?”
“Eh!? No, I’m totally fine! I’m as energetic as ever!!”
Ellen seemed a bit flustered by Alex’s pointing out her red face. She was making exaggerated energetic motions, trying to play it off. Yeah, if she’s like that, she’s probably fine, I thought as I turned my gaze to Capella.
“Capella, thank you for helping Ellen.”
“No, they are the ones Lord Reed directly asked for, so it was only natural.”
I thanked Capella, the dark elf who had helped Ellen. He joined us this morning. I was surprised when Zack and Capella suddenly came to our room early this morning.
After entering the room, Zack opened his mouth with a reverent look.
“Hearing suddenly about returning home, I was a bit flustered. But the procedures are complete, so from now on Capella will be Lord Reed’s retainer. He will surely be of great assistance, so please take good care of him.”
“…Capella-Didor. From today, I will officially become Lord Reed’s retainer. It’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
Saying that, they bowed their heads to me. When Capella raised his face, I gave him a smiling look.
“Yeah. It’s nice to meet you again, Capella.”
Since then, he has been staying close by me and accompanying me. Moreover, Diana, who was instructed by Father to monitor Capella, has not been openly wary of him so far and interacts with him normally. Well, she probably wouldn’t act in a way that makes it obvious to him that she’s monitoring him.
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“Lord Reed, is something the matter? You seem to be deep in thought.”
“Eh? Ah, I was just remembering when Capella and Zack came to visit us early this morning.”
Apparently I had zoned out lost in thought without realizing it, causing the expressionless Capella to show concern. Diana was gazing at him with a slightly exasperated look.
“Capella, you’re becoming Lord Reed’s retainer. Perhaps you should try to show some facial expressions? You may have done work before where expressions were unnecessary, but now that you’re to be Lord Reed’s retainer, being constantly expressionless may be unwise.”
“Lady Diana, please just call me Capella. However, you are correct. In fact, since being appointed as Lord Reed’s retainer, I have been undergoing special training to smile, but I have not been very successful. If you don’t mind, I can demonstrate once.”
Diana and I exchanged puzzled looks. What could this “smile training” be? After I quietly nodded to Diana, she cleared her throat and continued.
“Very well. I will call you Capella from now on. Capella, you can also call me Diana. And since we will both be serving Lord Reed as retainers, you can drop the polite speech with me.”
“Understood. However, I am accustomed to this way of speaking, so please allow me to continue as is. Lady Diana, it’s a pleasure to meet you again.”
Though there seemed to be some subtle tension between the two since this was their first meeting, I decided it couldn’t be helped. But there was something else that piqued my curiosity.
“Capella, if you don’t mind, could you show us the results of your ‘smile training’?”
“Understood. Though I’m not very confident…”
As he answered, he took a deep breath and focused intently. I wondered why deep breathing and concentration were needed just to smile, but I held my tongue. An indescribable tension seemed to fill the air around us.
“…Here goes.”
After announcing it, Capella forced a smile – “Ni~co~ri~”. Diana and I instinctively grimaced at the awkwardness of it.
His mouth was curved into a smile, but his eyes didn’t match it at all. It was like his lips were smiling but none of his other facial muscles moved. Or perhaps it’s impressive he can make such an expression in the first place.
Not just us, but everyone else who noticed Capella’s smile grimaced similarly. I wondered what we could even say to him. Just then, a bright, cheerful voice rang out.
“K-Capella’s smile is lovely, I think!!”
Reflexively turning towards the voice, I saw it was Ellen, her face slightly flushed. Standing beside her, Alex had an indescribable look as he said, “Sis?” Capella noticed Ellen and thanked her with the same awkward smile.
“Was that you, Ellen? That’s the first time anyone has called my smile lovely. Thank you.”
“N-No, if it’s alright with you, I can help practice your smile from now on…!!”
Ellen’s response seemed to greatly intrigue Capella. After a contemplative look, he gazed at her with keen interest and goodwill.
“Would you? Since your smile is so bright and lovely, I would certainly appreciate if you taught me.”
“Yes, if it’s alright with you, let’s practice smiling together from now on!!”
Why do I…feel like the previously awkward air from Capella’s smile has turned into a sugary-sweet atmosphere? Ellen shyly reddened as she cupped her cheeks and murmured “…My smile is bright and lovely?” Alex looked at her with a slightly exasperated “Sis has…unusual tastes” kind of expression.
“Regarding Capella’s smile, let’s leave it to Ellen. Everyone, let’s get back to work.”
Diana cleared her throat and addressed everyone who had paused working due to Capella’s “smile”. Startled by her voice, everyone returned to their tasks. Ellen and Alex also snapped out of it and resumed working. With my curiosity piqued, I asked Capella:
“By the way Capella, is there no one in this country you find interesting or have feelings for?”
“Me? Well…I I used to have a childhood friend I was interested in before, but no one currently.”
“I see. Is your childhood friend okay?”
TLNOTE :
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