Chapter 149.2

Chapter 149.2. Gifts and Schemes

-Sarutoshi’s POV-

“Alright, everyone, please begin.”

“Yes!”

Taking the handkerchiefs in their hands, everyone starts embroidering at once.

Surprisingly, the children are skilled at it and quickly made progress with their embroidery work.

“So, the Christmas presents will be handkerchiefs embroidered by Sena-san?”

As I sit next to Sena-san, who is seated on a chair, I observe the children’s progress and start a conversation.

“Yes, I sewed them myself. Don’t you think they’re perfect for distributing to the nobles?”

Sena-san removes her gloves and uses gold and silver threads to embroider, but her stitching is slow and unsure compared to the children’s swift hands.

Watching Sena-san struggle with embroidery, I find her cute and chuckle to myself before taking a handkerchief in my hand.

It’s quite a luxurious handkerchief, but I don’t plan on embroidering it. I have no idea how to do embroidery, so I have no intention of trying.

“But won’t it be obvious that it’s not hand-stitched? Even if we try to hide it, people will notice, won’t they?”

“I plan on saying that I embroidered it as well. It’s not a lie, right? Besides, I think it would be a heartwarming story if it’s known that I embroidered it together with the orphanage children.”

“Well… if it’s Sena-san, the saint herself…”

Many nobles look down on commoners. A saint who visits a commoner’s orphanage might be well-received by the commoners, but I’m unsure about the nobles and hesitate to speak further.

“I thought I could find capable people who’ll support me.”

“With just a handkerchief?”

“Yes. I thought if I could identify those who genuinely appreciate the truth. I could find reliable allies. I realized this when I thought about Nagamasa-niisama. I realized I don’t have a reliable ally like you, Masatoshi-san.”

Setting aside the handkerchief, Sena-san gently places her hand on mine with watery eyes. With a determined expression, I nod.

“Yes, of course. I, Aguni Masatoshi, am Sena-san’s lifelong ally. Your ally. Lifelong, I assure you.”

Emphasizing the word “lifelong,” our eyes meet. Ah, I’m the protagonist of this world. I’m glad to have been reincarnated into this world.

“Alright, I bought them!”

In front of us, canned drinks and snacks are placed.

“That was fast!”

“Well, I had money. Oh, I gave my wallet to our companions, so I’ll bring it later.”

I’m surprised that Mion returned so fast, even though only a short time passed. I notice her nonchalant gaze.

“Oh, sorry. Did I interrupt your lovey-dovey world?”

She smirks and laughs cynically. Sorry about the lovey-dovey atmosphere.

“No… I mean, what was that just now…? Sigh~ Well, if you’re happy, then it’s fine, I guess.”

Having witnessed the lovey-dovey scene, maybe it caused some heartburn. If someone else were creating such a world, I would also feel a sense of heartburn. I nod in agreement.

“Thank you, Mion-san. Oh, what’s that?”

While expressing her gratitude, Sena-san notices the flower in Mion’s hand. What’s that? It seems to be shining. Is it a magical flower?

“Oh, this? It’s the popular Sacred Flowers. Luckily, they just arrived at the supermarket. So I could buy some.”

“Sacred flowers? Ah, is it the one that’s been said to repel weak monsters recently?”

The original story didn’t mention anything about a sacred flower. However, even though this is a world of novels, it is a world where living humans exist. There are countless undisclosed world settings, so Masatoshi doesn’t mind.

“Yeah, occasionally you’ll come across Poyopoyo and such around here. With this, there will be fewer injuries among our comrades. That’s why I bought ten of them.”

“I see. The commoners have it tough. Oh, is something the matter, Sena-san?”

As I inquire while Sena’s face darkens slightly, she returns a wry smile.

“The popular sacred flowers are cultivated by the Gardo Farm, employing druids. And the Takano family is investing in the Gardo Farm. Takano County has become quite wealthy now.”

“Takano County’s head changed, and they managed to recover, right? Oh, was it the acting head?”

“Yes, that’s right. So, the current head, Mii-chan, I mean, Takano Miu-san, is quite wealthy. Her assets are beyond comparison with mine. Her influence is also quite significant. Well, Miu-san is innocent, so I don’t think we can make much use of her.”

“That girl seems a bit foolish.”

I’ve seen Takano Miu a few times, and she gives off the impression of being her age or even younger.

Her father must be amazing.

“However, Takano County has made a breakthrough due to Miu-san’s recovery magic. But there isn’t much difference between my healing magic and Miu-san’s. I’m better at healing. If we exclude the extraordinary power to heal one’s spirit, that is.”

“That’s right. Saintess Sena-san’s healing magic is unbeatable by anyone!”

“…Hey, aren’t you two supposed to be incognito?”

“Just keep quiet.”

I wave my hand dismissively at Mion, who gives me a skeptical look. This is a serious and weighty topic. In other words, it might increase my favorability.

“So, I should have been able to do the same. I had the opportunity… That’s why I thought about it. From now on, I’ll try to be more proactive. I want to imitate the actions of Takano County and create my allies. If I do that, I think I could have stopped those who incited Nagamasa-niisama behind the scenes before causing such a commotion.”

“I see…”

Sena leaned forward, showing a desperate expression. I understood that gentle Sena was feeling down because she couldn’t prevent Naochika’s betrayal.

As for me, as Victory, I know that even if I know the original story, it’s impossible to change it. We couldn’t alter the original story… I’m not quite sure why Gerer was defeated, though.

“That’s why I want to work harder, increase my assets, and expand the number of reliable allies. Can I continue to rely on you, Masatoshi-san?”

Sena hugged me tightly.

“Leave it to me. AI won’t betray you.”

I was moved by her hug. But at a crucial moment, I stumbled over my words. However, Sena wore a delighted smile on her face.

“Then, let’s hold hands and do our best together. If you have any information, please let me know, okay? It’s a promise!”

“Yes, leave it to me. I’ll inform you of any information I gather right away. Oh, and next Eve…”

“There’s a royal family party, so it won’t be possible. But let’s exchange gifts. I bought a brand bag with a pointed hat mark for you, Masatoshi-san!”

“That’s right… Hahaha.”

I thought the hand-sewn handkerchief was nice, but I couldn’t say it out loud.

And later, there will be a story where the children who went shopping get suspected by the police of stealing a wallet, and I’ll go to clear up the misunderstanding. But that’s a story for a little later.