After lunch ended and the after-meal tea was served, for some reason, Lilisan asked me if it was alright to borrow some of my time and brought me to another room. And my comment once again: why did it become like this? Right now, there were women standing in a straight line in front of me. Some of them were wearing maid clothes with some wearing armor, and finally, those who were wearing their respective work clothes. The eyes of those women were all pointing towards me, so I couldn't even describe how uncomfortable it was.
"It would seem that most have gathered."
Lilisan stood in front of me, who was completely clueless about what was going on, and silently, but sharply, stared at those women.
"First of all, I am sorry for suddenly calling all of you. It is because it would only be better to say this at the beginning, so I asked all of you to gather, while leaving enough people to do your work."
I can swear that she did not use a loud voice. But, Lilisan's voice echoed throughout the silence. Looking at her beautiful and elegant face from the side, I could even feel the elegance coming from her disposition.
"Well, about the main problem concerning Miyama Kaito-sama. It is true that he is male, but he is also a very important guest that I have invited. Towards such a gender that I rarely invite, it is only natural for you to be confused on how to treat them. It must have been very hard on all of you."
After listening that far, I finally understood what Lilisan was trying to say. I also understood the reason why Lunamaria described Lilisan as wise.
"However, I must say this clearly to you. Even if he is male, treating him with injustice for such a reason will never be allowed. After hearing these words, if anything intentionally happens to him, it is equivalent to pointing your sword at me!"
Her words were filled with a strong will that would not allow any objections. It was as if a sword of righteousness came swinging down through the silence. Ahhh, how shameful of me. How shameful it is to think that I have once thought that she was a bad person.
"Do you understand? It does not matter whether there is damage done or not. Even if it is on the range that you yourselves think that there is no problem, if I think that it is, I shall show no mercy. That's all. Return to your respective jobs."
After Lilisan finished speaking, the women went back to their work, and only Lilisan and I were left behind in the room.
"With this, I believe that it should be more comfortable for you."
"Ah, uhh, thank you very much."
"No, it should be me who should apologize. Although it was not intentional, our House started to make it seem like we banned males, and there might also be some among us that might hate you just for the fact that you are male. I could only say sorry to Kaito-san who might've felt uncomfortable."
"Ah, no."
"I wonder if it's because I don't have any male friends? Mmm, it might be because I lack the charm as a lady."
Lilisan's dignified and noble expression disappeared, and she showed a bitter yet mischievous smile like that of a child whose prank got found out. I now know that thinking of nobles in an isekai are all evil is just my prejudice. I rather felt that it should be me who should apologize.
"I think that Lilisan is very kind and charming though."
"Fufu, thank you very much! Well, Aoi-san and Hinsan must be waiting. Let's return."
Honestly, I'm not that rich in interpersonal experiences to say clever and sensible lines. But, simple words of praise naturally fell out of my mouth. Following Lilisan, who showed a slightly surprised smile then giggled cheerfully, I also left the room. Come to think of it, it might be this instant that made me look forward to the next one year that I would spend in this world.
"By the way, was there a problem in my lunch earlier?"
"Yes. It was very shameful, but when I 'kindly' asked the cook, it looks like they used lesser quality ingredients with only Kaito-san's portion."
"I see, but I think I wouldn't have known the difference even if I ate that."
"I also couldn't tell the difference."
"Eh?"
"From the server's reaction, I believed that it was like that, but even after eating it, it tasted good. I do not seem to have the talent to be a food critic."
"Ahaha, that's…it must be fortunate to have such a wonderful cook."
"Fufufu, yes. Unfortunately, my tongue could not catch up with the cook's skill."
Dear Mother and Father, there's only women in the surroundings near me in this world, and it's so hard for a loner like me. But, the Duke that is taking care of me is a very good person.