Chapter 9

“Huh?” Kaito realized he had been staring fixedly at her bookshelf. Belinda was looking at him curiously. “Oh, uh, no. I was just thinking, you’re quite a reader…” Belinda heaved a sigh. “The cultural level in this nation is disappointingly low. It’s not easy to get books. I have to wait for the Great Market each month to get anything.” “The Great Market? What’s that?” “On the first of every month, there is a market in the town square. Merchants from other countries often show up, so you can buy things that would normally be unavailable. It’s quite a lively place.” “Huh…” So ingredients weren’t the only things lacking around here. Apparently, they were short on books and all sorts of things. He could see why they had been hoping for a hero. “How do you intend to save this country now that you’re here, Honored Hero?” “Sorry…?” “You did come to save our world, didn’t you?” “Well, I guess so…” I sure didn’t was something Kaito knew better than to say at that moment. Belinda was seriousness itself. Apparently, when she’d said she wanted to chat, she hadn’t meant about the pizza. “Look, I hate to disappoint you, but I’m really not that great a hero.” “……” “The best I can do is to cheer everyone up by making some tasty pizza.” She continued staring at him. “So it’d make me very happy if you would just enjoy my cooking and not worry too much about the whole saving-the-world thing.” “……” Maybe she was disappointed. Finally, Belinda opened her mouth. “At first, I didn’t know what to think about you.” “Huh?” “This country surely did need a hero. But welcoming an outsider into our quiet, peaceful nation… I worried you might upset things.” “Ohhh…” Kaito exhaled. He hadn’t realized some people felt that way. “But your words were quite reassuring. Now I’m glad you came.” “Uh…” “Our country isn’t very eager for change or development. Many people are still trapped in the old ways. It’s hard to break people out of those habits, but I believe a powerful, revolutionary figure like a hero might be able to help us.” Belinda smiled at Kaito. “I’m confident you’ll be able to introduce slow, subtle change.” Kaito had the distinct sense she was complimenting him. “Uh, thanks…” “I’m sure I’ll order another delivery in the future.” Since he had a willing customer right here, Kaito decided to do an informal survey. “I’m thinking about expanding our menu. Anything you’d like to see?” “Good question…” Belinda thought for a moment. “I’d like there to be something sweet, perhaps.” “Something sweet…” How very feminine. He hadn’t expected such a request from her. “Got it. I’ll look into it.” “Please do.” She’s right, though. Leaflets for pizza places always include dessert. Not that I’ve ever ordered one. Belinda paid for her meal, and Lilia and Kaito left the house. “She’s…pretty impressive.” “Miss Belinda is very well known for her intelligence. She’s always thinking about difficult things.” “Is that right?” It takes all kinds, I guess… Kaito was pleased by the discovery that he could meet different types of people through pizza. It made the job seem more meaningful than he’d first believed. “…Are you thinking about Miss Belinda?” “Huh?” Kaito, surprised by her soft voice, looked at Lilia, who sat holding the reins of the carriage. “Miss Belinda is very beautiful, isn’t she? I know smart, pretty women are attractive.” She turned her head away and pouted. What is she pouting about? Whatever. I’ve got to get her back in a good mood. “Nice work today, Lilia! Thanks to you, our first delivery was a big success! When we get back to the house, I’ll bake you a pizza to thank you!” “……” “Lilia?” His pulse was starting to quicken as Lilia stayed expressionless. “…Make sure you put plenty of cheese on it.” “I sure will!!” Seeing Lilia back in good spirits was a huge relief.