I Was Confessed to by the Person I Was Admiring

Chapter 90: Things that can’t be helped

“Hey, you’re a good kid. I envy Paolo. I still don’t have a wife,” said the scruffy bearded man with resentment. 

Paolo arrived and placed additional dishes and drinks while glaring at the man. The intensity of his gaze made the man snort and shut his mouth, reaching for the food and stuffing it into his mouth. Then, the man’s dissatisfied face changed completely.

“Oh, you made something delicious again, man.”

“Wow, that’s true. You could be hired by the court with this level of skill. It’s so delicious.”

Fellow diners who had also started eating followed suit.

“Stop it, please. Cooking for those guys is just too depressing.”

Thinking that he would be happy to hear that, Paolo made a face as if he disliked it and said so. Hearing that, I was surprised and stared at his face. When he noticed my gaze, he looked a little awkward and turned his eyes away before returning to the kitchen.

I muttered in wonder, “Why is it depressing?”

Then, a well-dressed man who seemed to have a relatively well-paying job among them spoke up as if he had heard my muttering.

“Isn’t that something that’s already obvious?” 

Even though he snorted and said that, I didn’t really understand, so I looked at the man with a troubled expression. The man looked at me and frowned slightly, but explained.

“Listen, you may not know the reason, but the people above us in this country don’t evaluate us properly. Everything is about class, class. In this country, class is everything. No matter how great our achievements are, we can never hope to live like those above us. Except for those who kill people.”

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy with the resentful words that were spoken. I couldn’t say anything. Suddenly, I became scared.

If everyone in this room found out my true identity, how would they react? As I was thinking about that, a man who had been drinking quietly until then raised his voice.

“But there are some who evaluate us properly.”

“But Cassini-san!”

“Yeah, those guys are weak. That’s why we’ll always be like this… God is truly unfair.”

Although it was a murmuring voice, I could hear every word clearly. I looked closely at the person who spoke. He looked like an artist or something. His long brown hair was curly and messy like a natural perm. He was thin and his appearance was similar to that of his companions, but he seemed to stand out just a little bit. 

“Do you think so too, Miss?”

“Uh, yes, I suppose so.”

I replied instinctively when suddenly asked by him. The man, called Cassini, nodded and smiled at me.

“Don’t worry too much about what he said. Inequality follows you everywhere.”

“Y-Yes.”

I wonder if he was trying to console me.

However, for some reason, I felt a chill down my spine. It was as if he could see through my true identity and I couldn’t help feeling that way.

“So, you came to see Paolo? You just met him, right?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Well then, I’m sorry about that. We don’t often have the chance to drink with a young girl. Hey, you guys, let’s change the venue.”

When Cassini said that, his companions complained one after another. However, the companions who were told things like “Don’t get in the way” and “You understand how It feel, right?” as if they were being chased away obediently stood up and headed for the entrance. In the end, everyone stood up and left, leaving me alone in the silent shop as they headed towards the entrance.

I hurriedly stood up and tried to stop them, but it was too late.

“Sorry to interrupt, now you can get along.”

Leaving behind a completely mistaken line, they left. The shop was quiet as it prepared for the night, and Paolo walked towards me in amazement.

“They didn’t have to leave.”

When I told him that in confusion, Paolo smiled wryly.

“They’re good guys. That’s why I wanted to introduce you to them. There are others besides them, but everyone is busy.”

“Yeah, that’s too bad.”

I said while staring at the entrance with a subtle feeling of wanting to meet them and not wanting to meet them. It still felt like I could hear Cassini’s voice in my ears.

My first impression was that he was an artist, but I changed my mind.

That’s not it.

I feel like he’s someone who is more mentally agile (intelligent person).

He’s not particularly handsome, but he’s someone who leaves an impression, good or bad. As I continued to stare at the entrance, Paolo said hesitantly.

“Did you want to talk more?”

“Huh? No, it’s okay… I think everyone would be uncomfortable if I were there.”

Yes, that’s probably why they changed locations. They probably realized that I was naive about the world. At least, I think they suspect that I’m not above them.

It wouldn’t be relaxing to have someone of a higher class who they don’t like during their leisure time, and I don’t want to be a bother either, so this is for the best.

As I told myself that, Paolo said,

“Well, in a way, I’m also uncomfortable.” 

It was a casual remark, but I was a little shocked. Even Paolo felt that way. However, there was nothing I could do about it. I forced a smile.

“…I see. But, we can’t do anything about our birth.”

“That’s not what I mean, it’s not about that.”

“Huh?”

Before I knew it, Paolo was staring straight at me. He was trying so hard that he could have said it himself. Unlike when I was dressed up, there should be no value in looking at me now, let alone less than the tip of a needle. Why?

Not understanding the meaning, I raised my voice.