The Villainess Who Was Dumped Got Married into My Family, a Mob Noble from the Frontier, and Turns Out, She's an Amazing Capable Wife? - Chapter 25: Coffee Shops are the Go-To for Young Couples in the Castle Town

Chapter 25: Coffee Shops are the Go-To for Young Couples in the Castle Town

“Let’s go to the castle town, I’ll show you around.”

Alicia stood boldly in front of me as I tackled my assignments while sipping coffee in the living room. 

It was our first day off, starting a modest school life while keeping an eye on the fake’s movements.

“And while we’re at it, let’s buy some seeds for gardening and our vegetable garden.”

“So, is this a date?”

“Yes, it is.”

She nodded firmly, her posture bold, a far cry from the fragility of her first arrival in the Brave territory. 

I was genuinely pleased that our date was not merely an afterthought, but rather Alicia’s errands were. 

The hint of red in her ears, possibly from trying too hard, was an adorable touch, making her the ultimate being that perfectly blends courage and cuteness.

◇

We headed to the castle town first thing in the morning.

“The streets are really crowded, aren’t they?”

“Well, summer vacation starts next month, so we might as well enjoy it now.”

“Right.”

As we walked through the bustling main street, engaging in casual conversation, I realized it had been about three months since I arrived at the academy.

It was already early summer.

Summer vacation starts in August, and we’ve decided to return to the Brave territory, which means we actually won’t spend much time in the capital. 

The world of this otome game is a medieval European-style fantasy alternate reality, but in the capital, people follow the calendar established by ancient sages. 

The year runs from January to December, and a week consists of seven days, from Monday to Sunday, complete with a proper calendar.

You might have guessed, but the ancient sages are actually the game’s developers.

They introduced a system where events in the town change depending on the day of the week, which significantly affects how the story flags progress. They must have incorporated this mechanism even if it meant disrupting the world view.

It’s funny how high-ranking nobles can be found in this town without any disguise, as if it’s totally normal. But since the protagonist’s home is in the castle town, everyone frequently visits under the guise of coincidental meetings. 

The thought of them stumbling around the place is hilarious.

Interestingly, if you head to town on Friday the 13th, you’ll run into a mysterious person wearing a Jason mask, leading to a dangerous encounter. Overcoming this challenge significantly boosts your love meter and rewards you with a special illustration.

“Ragna, I also found the location of that food stall you seemed interested in. Shall we stop by there on our way back?”

“Really?”

“Yes, it’s my turn to show you around today. It might feel crowded compared to the Brave territory, but don’t worry.”

“It’s not a problem. When we were attacked at night, it was so crowded I couldn’t tell if the people around us were allies, enemies, or corpses.”

Compared to that, the daytime crowd is nothing. 

People tend to be indifferent in crowded places, making it easier to spot malice or hostility, thus safer than being at the academy.

“Oh, right, of course.”

She replied, brushing off my comment.

She seems to have developed a resistance to Brave jokes. 

As I was reeling from the shock, Alicia shot me a sidelong glance.

“Make sure you don’t tell anyone else.”

My only attempt at humor, and this is what happens. 

Though I didn’t quite get the “don’t tell anyone else” part, it felt oddly comforting.

Woof woof.

“If we go straight ahead and enter the alley, there’s a shop that serves delicious coffee. How about we have lunch there and take a look around?”

“Oh?”

That sounds interesting. 

Since the academy doesn’t have coffee, I was wondering what I’d do once my personal stash ran out. I thought I might find some if I looked around the castle town, but I never imagined Alicia would have already found a place.

I’m overwhelmed.

“Alicia, where did you find out about this place?”

“A friend told me.”

W-What…!? 

The situation Alicia and I were in was a serious issue for young students like us.

I thought it didn’t matter if I was a loner, as long as I attended classes, passed my exams, and graduated, so I didn’t care about what others thought. But to think she had made friends.

She truly is talented.

Here I am, still a loner, does that show a difference in our levels?

I thought I should at least get to know Mariana as an acquaintance, but I didn’t even know how to start a conversation. 

Not that I’m jealous, I’m actually proud.

But I’ll still need to check what this friend is like, just in case.

“I was drinking the coffee I brought to the library and studying by myself during lunch when someone approached me. They were also lamenting the lack of coffee in the academy, and we became friends after that.”

“Heh.”

It’s surprising to find someone with such particular interests, in many senses.

When Alicia was asked if she liked coffee, she replied that it was surprisingly delicious. Before she knew it, they had become friends, and she was introduced to a recommended shop in the castle town.

“Coffee is crucial, so it’s like a godsend.”

“I also can’t start my day without coffee anymore.”

So she’s become quite the coffee addict huh.

“By the way, she’s a girl, so don’t worry, okay?”

“I’m not worried. In fact, it’s the opposite of worrying.”

We teased each other with these words, ending up laughing together. 

It was a peaceful moment.

“Here it is.”

Turning off the main street into a narrow side alley, Alicia pointed to a building.

It was a three-story house with the first floor serving as a coffee shop and the floors above likely used as living spaces. 

I read the sign.

“Uh… Coffee Specialty Store, Ocean…?”

Oh.

Huh?

“Wah, I hadn’t paid much attention before, but there are quite a variety of coffees, aren’t there? What’s wrong, Ragna? Don’t just stand there; let’s go inside.”