Piece 17 (part 2)

The very next day, the time for the tour arrived.

Many carriages have been parked outside the school. All of which will transfer us all the way to the location of the trip, which will be in another place outside of the city. I don't exactly know where it is, but looking at the crest from every carriage, it's clear to me who this 'patron' that the teachers were talking about.

It's Jeremy's family. The house of the duke, the Horus family. It seems like they are kind enough to carry us on their carriages for this short trip.

"There are a lot of carriages… is every class from year one to year six going?" Dad asked after seeing how many carriages there are, and certainly they can easily fit all the students from every class.

"From what I've heard, only year three until year six is coming along. Year one and two are a little too young for knight stuff, Dad." I chuckled while answering, and Dad shrugged the back of his head.

"How old are children usually in year one?"

"Around six to eight years old. I started when I was six, but Roy, if you still remember him, started when he's eight."

"Oh~. Wait, does that mean that guy is two years older than you?" Dad asked while pointing his hand, and I followed where he was pointing at.

Low and behold, the guy we're talking about is already waving at us as he approaches us.

"Good morning, sir. Good morning, Milly!" Roy greeted Dad with a slight bow, but turned to me with just a big smile.

"Morning, Roy. How's your preparation going?" I asked Roy while referring to the prep to go on this trip, but Roy only looked so widely shocked.

"E-Eh?"

"W-What is it?"

"Nothing, nothing. My prep… I… brought something that might surprise everyone!" Roy said rather jokingly, and I opened my eyes widely.

"Is it gonna be free dresses and suits for everyone!?"

"Their family is gonna go bankrupt, Milly…" Dad awkwardly reminded me of what would happen, and I just laughed because I got a little too excited.

"You'll see, Milly. I'll see you at the location. It's nice to see you, sir." Roy bowed slightly at Dad again before leaving us, and he started a light run as he went back to his classmates, who were waiting not too far away from us.

"Milly, hi! Hi Milly's dad!" From the side, another company of mine approached, but it's not exactly what I'm most comfortable with.

"Good morning, Nile. You came with your sister again." Dad greeted them with such a friendly tone, and I became really annoyed at how happy Nile is. Behind her, a much older version of Nile is bowing slightly as she greeted Dad and I.

"Good morning to the two of you. May I ask if you're coming along the trip, sir?" Nile's older sister asked politely, but Nile herself only turned her confused gaze to her sister.

"Huh? No one besides the students are allowed, sis…"

"Oh? Is that so? That's a pity. I wonder who's going to keep an eye on my little sister's behavior during the whole trip." Nile's sister kept on rambling, which definitely pissed Nile even more.

"I think the children can keep an eye on each other, miss. I'm confident Milly can keep at least herself at bay." Dad said while patting me on the head, and I was confused why I was brought into the conversation.

"That is true. Nile, stick close to Milly, okay? I don't want you causing problems for other people over there."

"Sis. It's not the first time I've gone on a field trip like this."

The two really have a love and hate dynamic. It's definitely rare seeing a duo like them.

Nile's sister then turned her gaze to Dad, and I instantly realized the change in her expression. She formed a slight smirk, and I can tell despite it being so subtle.

"While the children are out, do you mind accompanying me to get a morning tea, sir?" Nile's sister invited Dad, which shocked both me and Nile at the same time.

"Oh no, you don't! You can't cut in line!" Nile very quickly tried pulling her sister's dress, which startled her sister a little.

"N-Nile, you're messing my dress…"

"I must apologize, miss. I have a promise to meet up with my coworker at the construction site I'm working at. Perhaps another day?" Dad apologized in such a polite way, but I can't help but realize he is only pushing the date back.

If you're gonna say no, just say no. Mom is actually gonna kill you.

"Is that so? Then, another day it is." Nile's sister seemed very glad hearing that answer, and Dad only smiled softly as well.

… Should I be worried? Or should I be jealous? No, should I just tell Mom?

"Looks like everyone is starting to board the carriage. Nile, let's go." Nile's sister said after noticing the others getting to the carriages, and it seems to be true. Our departure is scheduled only minutes from now, after all.

After Nile and her sister left, Dad and I were left all alone over here. I didn't exactly go to the carriage right away because I wanted to say farewell to Dad.

"You know why I didn't just say no right away?" Dad suddenly said before we headed to the carriages, and I turned my surprised gaze to him.

Oh. So he realized. Or, was it intentional?

"W-Why?"

"Because saying no instantly means severing your ties to that person. It will rapidly decline their favoritism towards you, so you mustn't do that right away unless you have to.

On the other hand, placing a 'promise' by saying another day can still keep the bond while also declining the invitation. When the time comes again where they ask, you can just say another day again. You can keep doing that until that person realizes for themselves that you simply have no intention of ever joining them.

That's a hidden rule for conversation, Milly. As the future empress, you can learn at least that much." Dad explained to me his thought process, and I was not expecting something so deep and profound.

"Y-Yes, sir!" I unintentionally shouted, probably because of how much my respect for him just skyrocketed. Meanwhile, Dad only laughed at me while lifting his hand.

"Are you ready, Milly?" Dad asked as he lends his hand to me, and I grabbed it before we started walking to the carriages.

"I'll see you after the tour, Dad."