"The Idea of a Woman Stealing Someone Else's Partner is Ridiculous," I laughed. But After Being Reborn, I Became a Victim of Such a Woman. However, My New Fiancée was Absolutely Amazing. - Episode 25
“Can I really get on!?”
“You won’t reach the main street unless you do.”
“Y-yeah, I guess… but still…”
In front of me is a carriage.
A classic box carriage!
Wow, this is my first time seeing a horse and a carriage up close!
People might find it strange that a noble lady like me has never seen a horse or a carriage up close, let alone ridden in one. But before my debut in high society, my horrible mother ran away with debt, and we had to sell everything, including the horses and carriage.
When I was a kid, my overprotective father never let me ride because he thought horses were dangerous. By the time I was old enough, we no longer had a horse or a carriage.
And so, even at this age, I—Yuukizaka Mai—have never ridden a carriage.
So yeah, this is my first time!
Even in my past life, I never had the money to ride one, so I never got the chance.
Kouga-san steps onto the small stairs attached to the carriage door and reaches out his hand.
Whoa…! Is this the famous “Watch your step” moment!?
With his soldier-like attitude, I bet this would be a huge turn-on for certain girls!
Honestly, when someone as good-looking as Kouga-san does it, it looks so perfect that I don’t even feel jealous.
“Is this your first time riding a carriage?”
“!”
As I sit inside the carriage for the first time, I shiver with excitement at the soft and well-made seats.
Then, I hear a voice in my head.
Wait… did Kouga-san bring a “Thought Sharing” talisman?
Well, I did wrap one around my wrist, just in case.
“Yes, actually—”
But rather than using the talisman, it’s faster to just talk normally.
It seems like he already knows about my family situation, so I only need to mention a little about my horrible mother, and he immediately understands.
He nods as he listens, and before I know it, I’ve been talking way too much… Oh well.
The carriage makes some noise, but it barely shakes. That alone tells me it’s a high-quality ride.
As I look outside through the small window, my excitement stays high, and I just keep talking.
Well, it’s my first time riding a carriage in both lives, so it’s only natural!
“Whoa…! There are so many people…!”
I blurt out something super obvious and immediately regret it once we arrive at the main street.
The capital city looks a lot like Kyoto from my past life.
There are five major streets running vertically and horizontally, with the central one being the widest.
And this is the biggest one—Central Avenue.
Beyond this road, there’s a pedestrian-only shopping district where carriages aren’t allowed, filled with all sorts of stores.
Of course, this is my first time here.
Even the kimono I bought when Kouga-san first came here wasn’t from a fancy kimono shop. It was from a small store where commoners brought old fabrics, and the shopkeepers stitched them into cheap clothes.
A high-class shopping district with expensive tailor-made clothing is a playground for wealthy noble sons and daughters.
The carriage stops at a designated area, and we get off.
A short walk later, we reach the shopping district.
I can’t help but fidget with excitement.
Omelet rice…! The omelet rice of this world! I know I shouldn’t expect too much, but still!
And pudding too!
But still! After a lifetime of only eating Japanese-style meals, I finally get to try Western food!
Well, it was less “Japanese cuisine” and more “survival meals.”
I’ve been living on the bare minimum every day.
And now, my first time eating out!
Omelet rice! Pudding! Of course, I’m excited!
“Omelet rice… pudding…! I can’t wait!”
I’m practically bouncing with excitement, while Kouga-san stares at me in surprise.
At first glance, he looks suspicious, but if I compare it to my father’s usual stern face, it’s more like a confused expression.
“You’re that excited? Why?”
“Because it’s my first time eating out! Our family received financial support from the main house, but we had to save money to pay off debts, so we kept our food expenses low…!”
I don’t know how other noble families eat, but in my house, I was the one buying ingredients, making pickles, fermenting miso, washing and cooking rice, and preparing every meal.
If I hadn’t received compulsory education in my past life, my grades probably would’ve been terrible.
Honestly, I was awful at the “bride training” classes that didn’t exist in my past life.
…That’s probably why I focused more on spirit techniques and talismans instead.
“I see. You’ve had a hard life.”
“But seeing the debt decrease each month was kind of fun.”
“I see. Then today, eat whatever you like and buy whatever you want. If the money Fumi-sama gave you isn’t enough, I’ll cover everything.”
“Eh!? No, no…! Just getting to eat omelet rice and pudding is more than enough…!”
Honestly, Yuukizaka Mai’s body is not a big eater.
Maybe because I grew up eating simple meals, my stomach doesn’t need much food to feel full.
I’m not even sure I can finish the omelet rice and pudding.
Ahh, if only I could have my past life’s stomach right now…!
As I silently wish for that, I tell Kouga-san that I don’t eat much. He narrows his eyes slightly.
Wait… is he pitying me?
“Oh, but my father always ate everything I made, and that made me happy. Since I couldn’t eat much, it felt good when someone else enjoyed my cooking! That’s why I’ll make lots of food for you too, Kouga-sama! So please eat as much as you want! No need to hold back!”
At that moment, for the first time—Kouga-san smiles.
A strong shock runs through my chest.
My body temperature suddenly rises.
What is this? What is this? What is this!?
Could this be… a heart-throbbing moment!?