Bel’s Wasteful Spending
“Well then, please take care of yourself Mia-oneesama.”
It seems that Ludwig’s master is currently staying in the Sealence Forest. For the purpose of researching the minority tribes of the empire, he lives among them. So, Mia decided to see him together with Anne and Ludwig.
“I don’t think I would be useful even if I went there, so I will remain here in the Imperial Capital.”
Miabel declared effectively that she is separating from the group. There was something that she wanted to do in the Imperial Capital.
“Are you sure you will be fine?”
Mia was worried, but in the end, she listened to her wish and decided to act separately. After sending off Mia, Bel and Lynsha went for a walk in the imperial capital of Lunatear.
“What are you going to do today, milady?”
“Nothing much. I want to take a quick stroll around the capital and see the sights.” Bel looked at Lynsha and lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Lynsha. You’ll be walking a lot today.”
“It’s not something you should apologize for.”
Having spent so much time with he likes of her brother, Lynsha had become a bit of cynic in her attitude toward others. As a result, Bel’s naivete and guileless attitude always catches her off guard. She couldn’t figure out how to deal with her frank innocence.
It’s the same with Princess Mia. I wish she would just act like a proper princess, arrogant and everything. It would make things so much easier.
Lynsha asks again while sighing.
“So where are we going?”
“Well. I’d like to go to the Newmoon District…”
“Huh…? Um, isn’t that the former slums? Won’t it dangerous?”
“Ufufu, Lynsha-san, you’re worried pointlessly. The Newmoon district isn’t particularly dangerous. It’s a place where there are a lot of kind people who love Grand – Mia-oneesama.”
After saying something confusing, Bel started running happily.
As soon as they entered the Newmoon District, Bel began to wander. It’s like she was trying to remember something. Or it seems that she is reliving a vison of things that weren’t there, but had been. She was so absorbed that Lynsha was reluctant to speak out.
“Oh, that shop…” Before long, Bel started running as if she had found something.
“Wait, milady!”
Lynsha chased Bel to a dingy looking shop.
“Um, uncle… can I have one of those sweets?”
“Sure, young lady. That will be five crescent copper coins.”
Returning a smile to the spirited uncle, Bel held out her hand towards Lynsha.
“Lynsha-san, please give me my pocket money.”
“Yes yes. I suppose it can’t be helped.” Lynsha let out a sigh and handed the coin bag to Bell.
Without hesitation, Bel took out the half-moon silver coin, which was the second most valuable silver coin, and handed it to the owner.
“I don’t need change. Thank you very much.”
“… Huh!?”
Bel rushed out smiling of the store, regardless of the store owner’s calling.
“Hey! Milady! What are you doing!”
Lynsha panicked and chased after Bell. It costs five crescent copper coins, Bel paid half-moon silver coin. The change should be a whole crescent silver coin. That was a lot of money. It was not something that is considered a “tip.”
Eventually, Bel finally stopped when she reached a place where the shopkeeper couldn’t follow her. Catching Bel, Lynsha made a bitter face.
“Bel-sama, I don’t know where you saw it or who taught you. But it’s a bad idea to waste your money showing off like that.”
Naturally, Lynsha condemns the behavior of pretentious nobles. While it is true that Bel had been given allowance money that was free for her to use, that doesn’t mean that she should wastefully spend it. It was meant to be save in case something happens.
“If you waste money like that, Princess Mia will get angry.”
Lynsha complained.
“No, it’s not a waste of money.”
Unexpectedly, she received a firm response. Lynsha flinched. Every so often, Bel would exude an aura that made Lynsha’s breath catch in her throat. There was something about her expression and the way she carried herself that befit the word ‘majestic.’ Looking at her was like laying eyes upon a queen.
I usually forget about it… but this girl is related to Princess Mia. That makes her royalty. A member of the imperial family of this great Tearmoon Empire.
Lynsha stiffened at the thought while Bel just innocently smiled at her.
“It is just proper to return back a favor that is owed. That was what I was told by Grand – Mia-oneesama. That’s why, I’m sure she won’t mind.”
Lynsha had no idea what Bel was talking about. But at least she knew that Bel wasn’t selfishly wasting money.
“I don’t really understand, but I guess it is okay?”
“Yes. It is something I have to do.”
And so, Lynsha let out a small sigh at the smiling Bel.
“Miabel-sama, come have a bite of this.”
Every time she passed by that dingy looking shop, a friendly voice would call out to her.
“Miabel-sama, this way. Hide here for a while.”
Every time she passed in front of the small house, visions of the people who had tried to help her would resurface.
The battle divided the empire and left the imperial capital in ruins. However, even in this hellish environment, there were still pockets of kindness.
Hunted by the Empress Prelate and her Holy Aquarian Army, bel lived a life on the run. Time and again, she encountered people who would shelter her and help her escape. People who loved and protected her, even at the cost of their own lives.
Bel remembered them. All of them. Every face, every voice, tucked away deep within her for safekeeping… so that one day, she might have the chance to repay their selfless generosity.
“Gratitude should be acted upon. If you owe someone a favor, you must never forget it… and always try to pay them back…”
Bel kept this important teaching that was bestowed to her by her esteemed grandmother. Bel continued to dash through the streets of the Newmoon District.
