Chapter 32
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Did You Eat Something Delicious Alone?
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Essentially an adventurer at heart, I had nothing keeping me busy unless I took on a commission.
Even academy classes were just once a week right now.
At most, if some instructor's class fell through, I might get asked to fill in for a demo session twice.
Rike, as a cadet, had plenty on her plate already—her attendance was probably hanging by a thread, and her schedule packed tight.
"Oppa! I'm heading out."
I gave Rike a hug at the door and sent her off.
Yep, nothing beats sharing love to heal a wounded heart.
A hurt from people is best mended by people.
Rike had gotten up at dawn, declaring she'd head to the academy today. She'd even prepared breakfast for me before leaving.
Watching her brighten up in an instant as our relationship deepened brought a smile to my face without fail.
Even facing a mental crisis, she could make snap decisions—her resolve had to surpass steel, right?
...No need to overthink it.
Among all the heroines, there probably wasn't another with Rike's steel nerves and quick recovery.
I ate the simple meal she'd prepared, shaking off my hazy, half-asleep daze.
It was a cream stew, impressions strong from the clumsily chopped ingredients.
...Did we even have stuff like this at home? Guess I really haven't paid attention.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd cooked something proper here, even if it was basic.
(If you just keep taking without giving back, my conscience won't stand it... At least let me handle cooking and cleaning. Don't try to stop me for real.)
There was no talking her out of taking over the housework.
Maybe slipping her an allowance befitting the labor was the best I could do.
I polished off the stew and stood in the living room, lost in thought.
Today's to-do list...
More than I'd realized.
Without a habit of jotting notes, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling I'd forgotten something.
Time to hustle.
Screeech—
I stepped out the front door into the sunlight, strolling along.
After yesterday's downpour, the sun blazed high today.
Eating a proper breakfast really does fill you with energy.
The warmth in my belly invigorated me.
A guy living solo—how well does he even keep his meals regular?
If anything, I ate better on commissions away from home.
Having someone look after you isn't half bad...
Still rumpled from sleep, scratching my belly, I headed to the Adventurer's Guild.
—
"Here's the fee—commission's not fully wrapped up yet, but pausing it for now. Paying ahead so I don't forget."
"Thank you."
Clink—
I handed over the gold coins I'd prepped yesterday from my pouch to the counter.
Basically, guild fees scaled by rank.
Whether you charged ten grand gold by name or did it pro bono for goodwill, completing a commission meant paying up.
Gold rank this much, Sapphire that much, Platinum the other—fixed rates per rank meant adventurers just had to settle that and call it done.
Life got easier for adventurers once these clear standards were set.
Barter commissions used to make fees a gray area.
Not my money, so no sting.
This batch came courtesy of Groto and Hell Broom's pockets.
"Take care~"
Knocking out one easy-to-forget chore kept my mind sharp. I left the guild without a backward glance and kept moving.
Step—step—step—
Moving a notch quicker than average folk, weaving through alleys.
Visited so often now, I could probably navigate blindfolded.
This place's stench never gets easier.
Right before the capital's notorious slums, I halted.
Right turn: slums.
Left alley...
—Caw! Caaaaw!!
—Squeak! Squeak squeak!
—Grrr...
A dingy alley cramming animals into cages for sale.
Mostly edible, some pets too.
I headed for the shop stacked with bird cages like a boulevard.
—Tweet! Peep! Pip pip peep!
Pushing past the ear-piercing chirps, I delved inside.
The shopkeeper glanced my way, then back to his book.
This one's the pick today.
Cage with a green water dish smack in the middle.
I stopped there, pulling a paper from my pocket.
A tiny bird inside hopped over on both feet.
—Peep! Tweet!
Thud!
Slipping the paper through the bars, it snatched it with its beak and retreated to its nest.
Once confirmed tucked away, I exited the alley.
Info guild's squared away... Next, academy...
—
The academy buzzed with classes in session—scarce souls wandering outside.
I bypassed the main gate straight to the library.
No sign of the curator; just a few librarians on ladders sorting books.
The scent of books soothed my mind as I scoured the shelves again for Episode 1-related tomes.
"...Still not returned?"
This spelled trouble either way. Book here or not, problems loomed.
Could the episode just stall out?
I couldn't swear no, but banking on that and lounging wasn't an option.
With Rike at the academy, casualties needed watching.
Episode 1's difficulty seemed fine for her, but...
The world had its "just in case."
'Maybe Robert checked it out?'
Even on no-class days, I'd keep showing up for a bit.
*****
"Wh-whoa!! Rike, you're finally back! You're not hurt or anything, right? All good?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Seria spotted Rike entering history class and rushed over without hesitation.
She claimed the empty seat beside her.
Seria snuck a peek at Rike's face as she read the history textbook.
What is it? Something... changed!
Still expressionless, but subtly off.
Hard to pin down exactly... abstract, yeah.
Not blankly staring into space like before—her gaze was sharp now.
...Her skin's practically glowing?
Something good happen?
Or—
Did she eat something delicious without me?
Definite change, but Seria couldn't quite nail what.
At least it didn't feel negative—small mercy.
"Oh yeah! Listen to this—my sister told me yesterday—"
*****
...Rike! You're finally back!
Robert entered the hellish Empire History class and spotted Rike seated. Internally, he showered confetti in celebration.
His focus, frayed for days, snapped back into place.
"Robert!! Hurry over here~"
"Coming right now."
Even setting his book down at the back, Robert's eyes stayed glued to Rike.
Time to pitch it today...
While she'd been absent, he'd prepped ways to close the gap.
The red twerp beside her was annoying, but a chance for them alone would come.
—
"...We'll wrap here today."
"""Thank you for your hard work."""
The history instructor, whose droning voice rivaled sleeping pills, ended the lecture-torture and exited.
Cadets poured out, but Rike and Redhead lingered seated.
Waiting for the crowd to thin before leaving leisurely?
—
Robert sent his group ahead, biding time till Rike and Seria rose.
This is driving me nuts... Why does that brat talk so damn much?
Rike barely responded, yet she kept yapping solo.
At this rate, no shot at a private word. Robert stood and approached.
"Excuse—"
Both Rike and Seria turned, eyes locking on him.
...What happened while she was out?
Light shone in Rike's eyes unlike before.
No longer a bud—full bloom.
"...Rike. Mind a quick chat?"
"What is it?"
Rike replied in her flat tone.
Seria gauged the mood, subtly shifting to block in front of Rike.
Like a pup guarding its owner.
"Just a minute, I swear! It's definitely something useful for you."
"...Understood."
Seria chatted briefly with Rike, then stepped aside.
Now the classroom held only Robert and Rike.
"Your absences dragged on—I was worried."
"...?"
No reaction, unlike other girls.
Like eyes saying so what?
A tad embarrassed, Robert pivoted topics.
"Ahem. As you know, our house has tight ties with the Church."
"I see."
"Ran into some priests recently—mentioned it. They might erase that scar on your face... Wanna head there together today?"
"..."
"Ah! Busy? We can pick a day. Kinda sudden, yeah."
As he spoke, Robert sensed something off.
Should be a joyful offer, but her mood soured—he felt it.
Face unchanged, yet the air chilled.
"...Pretend you never said that."
Rike brushed past swiftly.
This would widen the rift, kill chances—panic gripped him.
"W-wait! This isn't about payback or anything... Just the bare minimum courtesy as your fiancé!"
To my words, Rike halted and turned back.
She nodded slightly, as if finally grasping.
"Bare minimum courtesy... Understood."
"...Then!"
"I only understand. For starters, I'm not Skadi anymore. Engagement's off the table, naturally. Well then..."
Robert watched her leave without a glance back, mouth agape.
"Wha... huh...?"