"My apologies."
"We've been talking for so long, yet I completely forgot to introduce myself."
Hearing Yoriichi's slightly puzzled question, the nobleman revealed an expression of realization and smiled.
"My name is Kaven Devonshire, a Count within the Empire."
"This is my wife, Kalitan Devonshire, and my daughter, Aria Devonshire."
Kaven introduced himself formally, even stating his noble title.
Within the Empire, commoners were not entitled to surnames—only nobles possessed family names. As a Count, Kaven held considerable influence. While he couldn't shake the Empire with sheer authority, making his voice heard in higher circles was effortless. Likewise, helping an outsider rise in status would be an easy task for him.
"Hello, Mr. Kaven."
"My name is Yoriichi Tsugikuni. These two are my students, Sayo and Ieyasu."
Yoriichi smiled gently and introduced himself.
Because Yoriichi's name followed a completely different naming convention from the Empire's, others interpreted his name as merely a given name without a surname—thus identifying him as a commoner, even though he had originally been born into a distinguished family.
"Teacher… what's going on?"
"And these people are…?"
The interaction between Yoriichi and Aria's family had not been quiet.
Sayo and Ieyasu, who had already fallen asleep, rubbed their eyes and slowly stood up, still groggy as they looked at the family who had appeared out of nowhere.
Unlike Yoriichi, who remained partially alert, Sayo and Ieyasu had slept soundly and were unaware of what had happened.
Seeing the well-dressed and elegant Aria family, Sayo and Ieyasu felt both admiration and apprehension.
The class gap between them was simply too large.
No explanation was needed, one glance made it obvious.
"Brother Yoriichi, Sister Sayo, Brother Ieyasu…"
"Would you like to come visit Aria's home?"
"If you sleep on the street like this, you might catch a cold."
The blonde girl Aria noticed the fear in Sayo and Ieyasu's eyes.
Her smile grew even more innocent and cheerful as she hopped down from the carriage.
A faint fragrance drifted through the air as she approached Yoriichi, speaking with hopeful anticipation.
"Father and Mother are always busy… Aria gets lonely at home."
"If Brother Yoriichi, Sister Sayo, and Brother Ieyasu came to visit…"
"Then Aria wouldn't feel so lonely anymore."
Her pale pink dress, the ribbon in her long blonde hair, and her doll-like face—under the candlelight of the carriage, Aria appeared heartbreakingly delicate.
Aside from Yoriichi, both Sayo and Ieyasu felt their sympathy stirred—especially Ieyasu.
In just an instant, he was completely captivated. His eyes practically turned into pink hearts, looking utterly smitten.
It was clear why, in the original story, Sayo and Ieyasu had been completely manipulated by Aria's family—the difference in experience between them was simply too great.
If Night Raid had acted a few days later in the original timeline, Tatsumi would likely have suffered the same fate.
"Teacher…?"
"What do you think we should do…?"
Sayo did not make the decision herself. Instead, she looked toward Yoriichi, waiting for him to decide.
In the original timeline, with only Sayo and Ieyasu present, they had easily accepted Aria's invitation—even though Sayo herself disliked troubling strangers.
After all, sleeping on the street for one night wasn't unbearable.
Ieyasu, already smitten with Aria at first sight, also refrained from speaking.
With Yoriichi present, it wasn't his place as a student to make the decision. Respecting the teacher came first.
Though… it would have been better if his stomach hadn't chosen that exact moment to growl.
"Grrr…"
Ieyasu clutched his stomach, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Aria covered her mouth and giggled softly, almost stealing his soul entirely.
"If it wouldn't trouble your household…"
"Then we will accept your hospitality for a few days."
Looking into Aria's eyes, clear like a spring water, Yoriichi smiled gently.
"We hope we won't be too much of a disturbance, Mr. Kaven, Lady Kalitan, Miss Aria."
Children's eyes do not lie.
Yoriichi did not believe someone with such clear eyes could harbor ill intent.
After speaking, he glanced at Sayo and Ieyasu.
Although they left the decision to him, he could tell both were eager to accept. Befriending a Count could allow them to rise quickly within the Imperial Capital—fulfilling their dreams far more easily.
After considering everything, Yoriichi decided to accept the invitation.
Just as Kaven and Kalitan had expected, no outsider struggling in the Imperial Capital could refuse the hand extended by a Count.
Because a noble of such status could easily change someone's fate.
"That's wonderful!"
"It's already late, Brother Yoriichi, Brother Ieyasu, Sister Sayo, please come aboard."
Aria jumped excitedly after hearing Yoriichi accept.
She grabbed Yoriichi and Ieyasu by the hand and led them toward the carriage.
Sayo watched the scene with a gentle smile. After Yoriichi and Ieyasu boarded, she followed closely behind.
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