An Edinburgh Travelogue, Part Two

Wait here, Yukino. I'm going to use the restroom.

Huh? Dango felt completely out of place in this foreign country. With the two people she could rely on nowhere to be seen, she had no choice but to watch over Komachi and Rumi by herself, worrying inwardly.

Where's Hachiman? Yukino came over and asked Yui in confusion.

He went to the restroom.

Yui immediately relaxed and moved closer to Yukino.

I see. Then let's wait a while.

I checked just now. We can take the tram directly to Yokplace. The hotel is at the foot of Carlton Hill.

Yukino said this.

I don't understand any of this, so I'll just listen to you two.

Yui beamed.

You really are hopeless. Someone could sell you off and you wouldn't even realize it.

Yukino tapped Yui on the forehead, exasperated.

Hehehe~ But I've got Hikki and Little Snow.

Yui giggled foolishly.

Thanks to Hachiman and Yukino's careful planning, the group boarded a plane at Tokyo Airport at around ten that night. After more than ten hours of flight, they arrived in Amsterdam.

After fully charging their phones with a universal travel adapter at Amsterdam Airport, they wandered around the shopping area for a while before transferring to a plane bound for Edinburgh.

On the plane, they opened the toiletry kits provided by Holland Airlines and put on the eye masks inside. Then, they took a short nap amid the plane's gentle rocking.

All of this had been carefully calculated by the two of them. The group would arrive in the morning, and after getting plenty of rest on the plane, they would not feel sleepy.

After spending the entire day sightseeing in Edinburgh, they would naturally be exhausted enough to sleep soundly that night. The minor time difference would not be a problem at all.

What's wrong? After washing his hands and leaving the restroom, Hachiman saw Yui fawning over Yukino like a lackey.

Ah~ It's nothing, nothing.

Yui waved her hands.

Let's hurry. We can leave our luggage at the hotel and then go sightseeing.

Yukino pulled Yui forward.

Hachiman smiled, picked up Little Rumi, and followed them, leaving Komachi trailing behind alone with an aggrieved look.

After walking a short distance, Yukino led them to turn right and brought everyone to the ticket machines.

Where's the change I asked you to bring? Give me some.

Yukino held out her hand toward Hachiman.

Um, how much? Hachiman asked while looking at his wallet full of small-denomination bills.

Twenty-seven pounds and five pence.

Hachiman counted out fourteen bills from his wallet and handed them over.

This isn't convenient for the public at all. What if I only had large bills? Hachiman complained.

Everyone else buys tickets online. You just insert your bank card and collect the tickets, and it's a pound cheaper too.

Yukino rolled her eyes at Hachiman, distributed the tickets among everyone, and put the receipt away in her bag.

Is that so? It's not like I know much about this. Hachiman gave an awkward smile, only to realize that no one was paying him any attention. He pursed his lips, then went silent, bored.

He boarded the tram slowly and casually watched the scenery outside.

The tram rolled along, and distinctive examples of Victorian architecture appeared one after another before Hachiman's eyes.

An elderly woman sitting beside Hachiman tried to strike up a conversation in English. Is this your first time in Edinburgh?

Yes. How could you tell?

Hachiman turned around and responded warmly.

Because you've been staring curiously out the window ever since we started, so I asked on a whim. I hope you don't mind.

Although her hair was completely silver, the old woman's eyes were still bright as she spoke in a clear voice.

Not at all. It really is my first time in Edinburgh, and it's also the first time I've truly seen such elegant architecture.

But you didn't come at the right time.

The old woman shook her head.

What do you mean?

I mean, if you came in August, Edinburgh would be much livelier than it is now. The Military Tattoo and all the other art festivals attract many tourists.

That's a real shame.

Hachiman sighed.

Well~ Even so, there are plenty of places to visit in Edinburgh. Whether it's the Royal Mile or Princes Street, they're both wonderful destinations. So don't worry that this trip will be dull. Edinburgh has a very captivating charm.

There's no denying that.

Hachiman praised the city in agreement, and it was clear that the old woman was pleased by his compliment about her hometown.

Did you come alone?

No, I came with my family. They're over there.

He pointed toward the four people chatting and laughing.

That's my younger sister, daughter, wife, and her best friend.

Hachiman introduced them one by one.

I thought you came alone, but I didn't expect you to have a daughter that old already.

The old woman looked at Rumi in astonishment.

After that, the old woman continued introducing Hachiman to Edinburgh's famous sights. Perhaps because of her age, she kept repeating things she had already mentioned.

Yet there was not the slightest trace of impatience on Hachiman's face. Instead, he kept smiling, nodding along, and listening patiently to her introductions.

Only after the old woman got off did Hachiman continue watching the scenery outside.

The group slowly made their way to the Radisson Edinburgh Hotel. After completing the check-in procedures at the front desk, Yukino handed one of the room key cards to Hachiman.

You, Rumi, and Komachi will stay together.

Yukino paused, then continued speaking to Komachi. Is it all right for you to share a room with your brother?

I don't mind where I stay.

Komachi said indifferently.

Good.

Yukino turned around and pulled Yui forward.

Komachi, left behind, nudged Hachiman in the ribs with her elbow and asked with a wicked grin, Brother~ Did you make Sister Yukino angry?

No. You're overthinking it.

Hachiman coldly picked up the luggage and led the two troublesome girls toward their room.

Chapter 69: An Edinburgh Travelogue, Part Two

After putting away his and the girls' luggage, Hachiman went out to meet up with Yukino and Yui.

When the five of them reached the elevator, they encountered a middle-aged man dressed as a server. His brown hair had been meticulously smoothed down with gel and tied into a ponytail at the back of his head. His carefully groomed face was completely free of stubble.

Unlike ordinary Western men, he had a sturdy build but none of that presumptuous roughness. Instead, he exuded a hint of elegance from the inside out.

Are you heading to the restaurant? the man asked with a smile in his deep voice.

Yes.

For some reason, Hachiman immediately took a liking to the man and answered him.

Then follow me. This way, please.

He made a welcoming gesture with his hand.

Once Hachiman and the others filed into the elevator, the man pressed the button and stood quietly to one side.

The elevator chimed, and the doors slowly opened. The server led them toward the restaurant.

Let me see your room key cards. I'll register you.

Hachiman and Yukino took out their room key cards and showed them to him. The man thanked them, then went over to a colleague and said a few words.

He quickly returned to the group and led them to a window seat. After everyone sat down, he brought over five fruit tarts on a tray and placed one in front of each person.

These are only for looking at, not eating. I'll bring the meal over shortly.

The man said this with a serious expression.

What did he say about looking and eating? Yui asked Yukino. The man's speech had been so fast that she had only caught a few words, and her English was not very good.

Yukino repeated it, immediately making Yui unhappy.

What~ We can't eat them? I'm practically starving! Yui flopped onto the table and gazed pitifully at the fruit tart in front of her.

Just as Yui was suffering from being able to look but not eat, the man brought over breakfast and set it in front of everyone. Seeing that no one had touched the fruit tarts, he smiled.

These can be eaten. I was only joking. You actually believed me? The man could no longer keep a straight face and laughed heartily.

Morrison, are you joking around with tourists again?

Apparently a friend of the man, Jeton looked over at them with a laugh.

Shut up, Jeton. Be careful, or I won't let you come in here for free food anymore.

Morrison glared at Jeton, who was eating a fried sausage.

Ahem, I paid for it... Jeton awkwardly stopped talking after receiving another glare and lowered his head to wrestle with the breakfast in front of him.

The fruit tarts here are made with fresh fruit every day. If any are left after three hours, we take them back and send them to a modern fertilizer plant.

Morrison said this.

Today's breakfast is bacon and eggs, along with a fried sausage and a small serving of baked mushrooms.

If you don't want milk, you can change it for orange juice.

The clock tower outside is on Princes Street. If you're interested, you can go have a look after breakfast. But if you don't return to the hotel until after two, all we can offer you is afternoon tea.

Morrison noticed that Yukino had been staring out the window and introduced the sights to her.

As for dinner, it's served here from five-thirty to eight. We'll provide a buffet for our guests throughout that time.

Well, I'll be going now. If you need anything, just call me. I hope you enjoy your meal.

Mm~ Let's eat! Yui said softly before eagerly devouring the food in front of her.

Do you really eat this much meat in the morning...? Yukino looked disgusted.

I think it's pretty good.

Hachiman, who had been raised as a herbivore by Yukino, had not eaten until his mouth was dripping with grease in a long time. At that moment, he felt especially satisfied.

Tch. What's so good about it?

After finishing the baked mushrooms and fried eggs, Yukino put down her knife and fork and only took small sips of her orange juice.

Hachiman did not say anything else to provoke her. Otherwise, Yukino definitely would not mind letting him experience what aikido was all about.

As if sensing his thoughts, Yukino suddenly reached beneath the table and secretly rubbed Hachiman.

Eek~ Yukino made a disgusted sound. I'm telling you, once we get back, you have to start exercising. You're as skinny as a monkey.

What? Hachiman was stunned, not knowing why Yukino had suddenly said that.

Here, I don't need the papaya. You eat more.

Hachiman said this gently, completely ignoring Yukino's murderous glare.

Yui, save the papaya for Yukino. If you keep eating that, you'll change shape.