Chapter 30: The Eldritch Godness and the Railway

Finally, the day of the trip had arrived.

In this era, traveling by train was the norm. Horse-drawn carriages were too slow, automobiles weren’t yet widespread, and airplanes didn’t even exist.

And so, our meeting place was the Imperial Capital Central Station.

The capital was a planned city, and the Central Station was conveniently located adjacent to both the commercial and administrative districts, making it easily accessible.

"Iris!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Frieda and the others were already gathered at the station. Frieda and Emilia were dressed up nicely, while the boys… well, men’s fashion in this era was rather limited, so they didn’t stand out as much.

"Now that everyone’s here, shall we go?"

"Yes!"

The hotel run by Frieda’s family was located in a southern tourist destination, about two hours away by train. Before boarding, we bought some lunch and snacks to enjoy during the journey.

"Doesn’t this look delicious?"

"It does! Let’s get this one too!"

While the boys handled the luggage, we took care of provisions. As someone who used to be male, I couldn’t help but appreciate their gentlemanly behavior.

"Sorry for the wait."

"Don’t worry about it."

We regrouped with the guys and finally boarded the train.

There were no bullet trains in this era—just old-fashioned steam locomotives. The kind that belched thick plumes of smoke, the sort that would probably be criticized for accelerating global warming in another time.

"This is my first time traveling by train."

"Really, Miss Iris? I suppose there aren’t many chances to ride one otherwise. But I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!"

Emilia’s cheerful response made me smile.

"Yes, I’m looking forward to it."

There was something charming about riding a retro vehicle like this with friends, chatting and enjoying the journey.

"Now departing from Imperial Capital Central Station—"

"This is our train! Let’s go!"

Our train arrived promptly, and we boarded.

The interior was more spacious than I’d expected. I’d ridden bullet trains in my past life for entrance exams, and this was about the same in terms of roominess. I’d assumed older trains would be more cramped, so this was a pleasant surprise.

We split into groups—guys on one side, girls on the other—and took our seats. Soon, the locomotive roared to life, and we were off.

Whoa… So this is what riding a steam train feels like.

"Frieda, how have things been with Lord Albrecht since then?"

"Really good! It’s all thanks to you, Iris. After that double date, we got a lot closer. And, um… actually… at the end of this trip, I’m planning to… y’know…"

"Confess?"

"Y-yeah… Do you think it’ll be okay, Iris…?"

She looked at me anxiously.

"I’m sure it will. It’ll go well."

"Right… Right. Yeah, yeah…"

So, this trip might finally see Frieda and Albrecht become an official couple.

"And what about you, Emilia? You’re already with Leonhardt, right?"

"M-me? I-I’m not sure my opinion would be helpful… I just kept thinking about His Highness, and then he was the one who confessed to me…"

Well, that was after I messed with Leonhardt’s brain a little.

"So what about you, Iris?"

"Yes! How far have things progressed between you and Lord Felix?"

I was suddenly ambushed from both sides by Frieda and Emilia!

"Lord Felix and I are just friends! There’s no romantic feelings involved."

"Really~?"

"That's right."

I stated firmly as Frieda tilted her head in skepticism.

"But Iris, you're not close with any other guys, right?"

"W-well, no, but… It’s not like I have to think about romance while still in school! I’m busy with studies too, you know."

"If you don’t make connections now, where else will you? Or are you planning to marry someone your parents introduce you to?"

"Th-that’s…"

If Father introduces a man, it’ll definitely be someone from the cult—either a raving heretic or, at best, someone only as sane as Claudia. (And whether she counts as sane is debatable.)

Marrying someone like that is absolutely out of the question. But being pushed toward Felix isn’t exactly ideal either…

"I-I’m also on good terms with Lord Klaus!"

"Lord Klaus is already engaged."

"H-he is?!"

Wha—?! I had no idea!

"Miss Iris, do you have some grievance against Lord Felix?"

"It’s not that I dislike him. More like… even if I don’t have any complaints, he clearly isn’t fond of me."

"Yet, gentlemen rarely accept invitations from women they dislike."

…She had a point.

Wait, does Felix actually… like me?

I glanced his way—only to meet a sharp, unamused glare. No wave, no smile. Just intimidation.

"I can’t confidently say he harbors any affection…"

I slumped into my seat, thoroughly deflated.

"Felix just struggles with expressing emotions. As the heir to a ducal house, he’s probably been drilled to suppress his feelings and never let others read him."

"Is that how it is?"

"Isn’t that most nobles? The higher their status, the worse it gets. And given how Felix became the heir… well, it makes sense."

Frieda spoke with surprising insight into noble upbringing.

"But His Highness Leonhardt is quite expressive."

"His Highness is, um… inherently cheerful? P-please don’t use him as a reference!"

Emilia’s attempt to defend Leonhardt only made things more awkward.

"We still have a year left at the academy. I’ll take my time thinking about it."

"If you’re too leisurely, someone else might snatch Lord Felix. He is prime marriage material."

"Then so be it."

If Felix found someone better suited to him, all the better. Far preferable to me—a poor match—forcing myself into his life.

"Enough of that! How about a game? I brought cards."

"Oh! Good idea. We’ve got time—let’s play!"

Eager to escape further interrogation, I produced a deck of cards.

And so, amid laughter and games, our train carried us southward.

While Iris and the girls were engrossed in their romantic chatter, the male group sat with playing cards in hand, engaged in their own conversation.

"Lady Emilia is truly a remarkable woman," Leonhardt declared cheerfully, brimming with pride. "She carries herself with modesty, yet her intellect shines brightly. There are still those old-fashioned souls who fail to appreciate intelligent women, but I am not among them. She will become my most cherished supporter!"

He was in high spirits, boasting about his beloved without restraint.

"And what of you, Albrecht and Vice President Felix? Surely you must have some romantic tales to share? Ah—but perhaps I needn’t ask. After all, you’ve gone to the trouble of inviting young ladies along on this trip! Hahaha!"

"Well," Albrecht replied, a faint blush coloring his cheeks, "I do feel I’ve grown closer to Lady Frieda lately. She’s been quite proactive in inviting me out."

"Oh ho! Just as I thought!" Leonhardt turned to Felix. "And what of you, Vice President?"

Felix hesitated. "No… I was merely invited to even out the numbers. There’s nothing more to it."

"What?! Truly?"

"Most likely."

Felix’s answer lacked conviction.

"But surely one wouldn’t invite a person they hold in no regard for such occasions. Are you certain there’s nothing between you and Lady Iris?"

"Even if you say that…"

"…Women are delicate creatures, Felix." Leonhardt’s tone grew uncharacteristically solemn. "Do not repeat the foolish mistakes of my past—turning a blind eye to their affections, dismissing them carelessly, and leaving wounds in your wake."

"'Like you,' huh?"

Felix fell silent, his gaze drifting toward Iris in the seat behind them.

……………………