SHC52_CHAPTER A Friend Sends Salt?

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Chapter 52: A Friend Sends Salt?

The letter, beginning with the elegant handwriting of “Dear Lord Kikunoi Ageha,” opened with seasonal greetings and went on to describe how Maria-san had been doing since we last met.

It said that although the harassment continued, she was doing well. The hair ornament I had given her had become a hot topic at social gatherings, and there were other such tidbits as well.

“She writes, ‘The sorbet you gifted me melted a little, but I re-froze it and enjoyed it with Elsa—it was delicious.’”

“Yeah, I saw that. I was the one who refroze it with magic, actually. The way they squealed and laughed while eating—it was a reminder that Maria-ojou is just a regular girl her age.”

“Vitya, I must correct you—Marie is an exceptionally adorable girl for her age. Please amend your statement.”

“Ugh, here we go again. Master bias showing.”

Victor shrugged in exasperation, while Lara prodded him with a smug pout. The atmosphere wasn’t hostile, just playful. Still, Lara’s earlier words caught my attention.

When I looked at her, she raised a hand as if to say, “Later.” So I turned back to the letter.

Apparently, Maria had tried to get information about me from Victor, but all he would say was that I was doing fine. That’s why she wrote to introduce someone very important to her. The name was—

“Ilaryon Rubinsky. Sometimes goes by Ilariya Rubinskaya, though very rarely… Wait—Lara-san, you were Maria’s teacher?”

“That’s right. Marie is one of my darling students.”

What a surprising connection.

But what kind of teacher was Lara to Maria?

Romanov-sensei was her academic tutor. Victor-san taught music. So what kind of teacher was Maria introducing to me?

As I pondered, Lara suddenly reached out and pinched my cheek.

“Ah, that squishiness—so nostalgic. Marie used to be this squishy too.”

“Mawiah-hyan too?”

“Yes. She was as round and plush as you. Adorable, yes, but not exactly healthy.”

“Sho-reth nyeh.”

“And that’s where I came in.”

Huh?

While I was trying to make sense of that, Regulus, who had been quietly sitting beside me, suddenly pressed his cheek against mine and began squishing and rubbing it with his own.

 

“Ree wants to do it too! So squishy!”

“Hyo!? Iff you do thiff, iff’ll schtretch! Iff’ll schtretchhh!”

 

What is it with beautiful people and their obsession with squishiness!?

Fortunately, Rottenmeier-san rushed over to break up the cheek assault.

“Please stop! Young Master’s cheeks will wear away at this rate!”

“Exactly, Lara. Don’t damage Ageha-kun’s charm point.”

“How rude—to me, a missionary of beauty! I would never ruin such magnificent squishiness. Even if he slims down, I’ll ensure that this texture is preserved!”

 

…Okay. That’s enough nonsense for now. Time for a serious question.

Once Lara released my cheek—but Regulus was still glued to me—I asked:

“Um, what exactly do you mean by ‘missionary of beauty’?”

“Just what it sounds like. I help people become beautiful and teach them what ‘beauty’ truly is. That’s my calling.”

“Sooo… what does that actually mean?”

“It means I take someone rather plump and guide them to be delightfully curvy. Or help the frail become soft and fuller. I tailor a person’s ideal form—graceful posture, elegant movement, social etiquette, dance, gestures—all of it. In short, I’m a refinement instructor.”

“…Oh my.”

A… diet coach has arrived.

My facial expression must have conveyed the entire situation, as Lara gave me a wicked smile.

“You’re making the ‘No thanks’ face, aren’t you?”

“It’s not that, but… why Maria-san?”

“Ah, that. Simple. I told you—she used to be as round and soft as you.”

“Yes… I remember.”

“Back then, she was bullied and always crying. But she had one remarkable talent: she could sing beautifully. Still, she was too ashamed of her body to perform. So I helped.”

With Lara’s coaching, Maria learned how to lose weight, carry herself like a noblewoman, select and wear dresses, speak with poise—all the things that made her feel beautiful.

“But when I met her, she was overflowing with arrogance.”

“Yeah, well… she wasn’t used to being praised. Too much praise too fast can dull one’s senses. And before I could help her build balance, her father debuted her in society. I haven’t seen her in five years because of that.”

Victor’s snide comment didn’t faze Lara at all. And just for a second, I thought I saw Romanov-sensei glance at me—but maybe I imagined it.

“I heard rumors she’s turned quite intolerable, so I planned to visit her soon. But before that, she sent this letter: ‘Please, dear teacher, allow me to repay the one who saved my life.’”

“Fehhh…”

That’s… a bit dramatic.

All I did was give her something she needed when she needed it. Nothing more.

But Romanov-sensei cleared his throat with a sharp look.

“Children don’t just happen to carry miracle cures, you know. What you did was incredibly risky. Don’t take it lightly. Maria has every reason to be eternally grateful.”

“That’s right. Marie couldn’t accept herself if she couldn’t sing. In the worst-case scenario, she might’ve ended her life. That day was also her debut, backed by the Second Prince. Had she failed, she might’ve brought disgrace to royalty and been sentenced to death. But you overturned all of that. It’s not something gratitude can repay.”

“A-tan, think about it—if someone had saved your little brother, Re-tan, wouldn’t you want to thank them with everything you have?”

“Of course I would!”

Which means… if I don’t accept Maria’s gesture, she might carry that weight.

Hmm… and well, the Princess did tell me to slim down.

I also promised Rottenmeier-san I’d take care of my health. And I do have a goal I want to reach by losing weight.

Lately, even walking hasn’t helped me shed much.

While I hesitated, Rottenmeier-san stepped up behind me and gently took my hand.

“Young Master, forgive my boldness… but you promised to take care of your health, didn’t you?”

“Yes, of course. I haven’t forgotten.”

“They say a little plumpness adds longevity. So if you truly don’t want this, that’s fine. But if you even slightly do… please accept.”

“Um…”

“Because nobles must, at some point, attend preparatory school. And those schools have events—balls, dances, formal gatherings…”

“That’s still a long way off, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed. But still…”

She looked pained, brows furrowed, like there was something difficult to say.

Then Romanov-sensei let out a deep sigh.

“Rottenmeier-san, allow me to break the news.”

“Yes… I cannot bring myself to say it.”

“What’s going on? Why so dramatic?”

I squeezed her hand for comfort, but she didn’t squeeze back. Romanov-sensei’s face turned grave as he spoke.

“Ageha-kun… I’ve kept this from you until now, but…”

“What is it? What!?”

“You’re…”

“I’m…?”

“Incredibly uncoordinated.”

 

“……………………Huh?”

 

The room fell into a deathly silence. My ears were ringing.

Wait—what?

Uncoordinated!?

“In other words, if you don’t start practicing now, by the time you’re of age, dancing at balls will be impossible.”

“Oh, catastrophically bad,” Romanov added.

The blow to my pride was devastating.

But—

“Dancing doesn’t really require coordination. Sure, it helps, but it’s not everything.”

Lara’s voice, low and sweet like a whispering breeze, gently pulled me out of despair.

Her hand stroking my head was comforting. The way she squeezed my hand, even more so.

My heart pounded wildly.

I found myself saying:

“Starting tomorrow, I’m in your care.”

Why was I so fluttery around Lara?

I got my answer the next morning from the Princess.

“What sort of elf is this? They sound like a male role from the Violet Garden Troupe.”

That’s it!

Yes, that’s it!

In my previous life, I was far more into the male roles than the female ones. I even bought all their merch!

Ahh… that explains it. Finally, some clarity.

“Tch. I was hoping for a spicy romance tale.”

“Hey, you’re the one who said I’m five. What do I know about love?”

“Well, they say young nobles fall for their tutors or maids. It’s a classic tale.”

“My tutor’s a man, Rottenmeier-san’s more of a mom, and Utsunomiya-san gives off this power-play vibe. No thanks.”

“Hmm. You’re awfully stiff, child. No one likes a block of wood.”

Grr… I’m not stiff at all!

As I pouted, the Princess turned her fan toward Regulus, who was sitting nearby.

With a mischievous smile, she asked:

“Little chick, do you have someone you like?”

Come on, he’s three!

But unexpectedly, Regulus started fidgeting.

“I do! I like someone!”

“Oho? Is it your caretaker, perhaps?”

“Utsunomiya’s nice, but my number one is… someone else!”

Whaaa!?

He flailed in embarrassment, cheeks red.

He’s three!!

The Princess leaned in, eyes sparkling, and asked who it was.

Clutching his cheeks, Regulus shouted:

“Big brother! Reee’s favorite is Big Brother!”

Ah. That kind of “like.”

He was now hiding his face and squealing, “Kyaa!” from the embarrassment.

Meanwhile, the Princess stared, stunned.

I mean, it was sweet. But her face was hilarious, and I had to fight my urge to laugh.

“Well… yes, I suppose love is too soon for children.”

Her resigned tone was the final blow—my abs were shaking from holding in laughter.

 Eunie: Ageha's abs are shaking 😂 Anyway, now Ageha has Romanov-sensei as his tutor, a vocal coach and now a DIET SENSEI!! Now the question is will Ageha slim down? 😏

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