NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17 - The Idol-like Elf
The Idol-like Elf
So, Schlie-san took my hand, and we left the guild. We were currently walking through town, attracting an incredible amount of attention. How did this happen?
I mean, I expected it, to a certain extent. Schlie-san’s beauty was the real deal, and I could tell he was famous in this town. But I never thought it would cause this much of a commotion!
Everyone we passed did a double-take and then froze. Then, as if they’d been alerted, more people started gathering, falling into the same stunned state. Then, those who recovered began whispering among themselves.
It wasn’t like people were yelling or trying to talk to us directly, but it was a quiet commotion, a strange contradiction. Schlie-san… just how much of an idol are you?
“We could have had a delicious meal inside the guild. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for that later. Since you and I are together, I’d like to take you to one of my favorite places. This is the first time I’ve brought anyone with me.”
Seemingly oblivious to the reactions of those around him, Schlie-san said this in a casual tone, with a smile. Earlier, Saura-san had mentioned that Kei-san was the most handsome man in the guild, but more than Schlie-san? That was a bit scary to think about. Schlie-san’s escort was incredibly smooth and polished.
Though I felt nothing from Schlie-san but a protective instinct, like that of a guardian towards a small child, especially one from his own rare race, so there was no sense of danger, like him being a playboy or a lolicon. In fact, it felt more like special treatment, which made me happy! It was a feeling I could wholeheartedly indulge in. My body seemed to be rejoicing in being pampered by a big brother from her own race.
“Ehehe, I can’t wait!”
“Yes, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
We smiled at each other, chatting happily. The occasional gasps and groans of “Gohuu…!” or “Guahh…!” I heard were probably from people succumbing to Schlie-san’s smile. Must be nice, must be nice! But I’m not giving up this little sister position!
I decided to follow Schlie-san’s lead and ignore everyone around us!
“Welcome. Schlie-san, is this your first time bringing a companion? The usual table, then?”
It took us about twenty minutes to walk here. It would have been a ten-minute walk if we hadn’t been matching my pace. I apologized for taking so long, and he gave me an angelic reply, saying he enjoyed the walk, so it was fine. We arrived at a beautiful restaurant. As soon as Schlie-san stepped inside, a waiter greeted us.
“Yes, that would be fine. But I have someone with me today. Could you prepare a high chair for her?”
The waiter’s eyes widened slightly as he turned his gaze towards me. However, he was a professional. Immediately composing himself, he gave a slight bow and greeted me.
“My apologies, young lady. Please, make yourself comfortable.”
“Ah, th-thank you…”
I stammered a reply, flustered by his polite demeanor. The waiter and Schlie-san smiled warmly. I-It’s just, I’m not used to these fancy-looking restaurants! I was more of a 750-yen set meal or ramen kind of girl!
“Right this way.”
We followed the waiter, and a high chair was already set up at a sunny table by the window. Talk about efficiency!
Schlie-san gently placed me on the chair. Maybe this was better than having me climb up onto a tall chair myself. I accepted it meekly.
Once Schlie-san was seated as well, the waiter poured water into our glasses.
“Please call me when you’re ready to order.”
Despite having a celebrity like Schlie-san with a child, the waiter refrained from any unnecessary prying and left us gracefully. Impressive.
I took a sip of the water, and a refreshing lemon scent filled my nose.
“It’s Limone water. You don’t like it?”
“No! I was just surprised it wasn’t plain water. It’s refreshing and delicious!”
Schlie-san smiled and said, “That’s good.” So, lemons are called Limone, huh? It was the same with the mandarin oranges; there must be a lot of different names for things. I’d have to learn them little by little.
“Now then, what shall we have? Meg, are there any foods you don’t like?”
“Nothing in particular. Ah, but I don’t like spicy food…”
Schlie-san opened the menu for me. What a gentleman! He seemed to be asking about my preferences, so I told him I couldn’t handle spicy things. I’m sorry for my childish palate, but hey, I’m a child right now, so it’s fine!
I glanced at the menu… The words weren’t in Japanese. Well, that was to be expected, but for some reason, I could read them just fine. It was probably either an isekai transfer bonus or this body’s memories. Whatever the reason, I was just glad I could read! I breathed a sigh of relief and pointed at a mushroom risotto that caught my eye.
“Mushroom risotto. That’s one of my favorites too. You have excellent taste, Meg.”
This guy really knows how to sweet-talk! Sorry, that you’re stuck with a little shrimp like me instead of a beautiful, mature woman…
Schlie-san chose a green salad, minestrone soup, beef stew with bread, and then called the waiter and ordered them effortlessly. It seemed he ordered the salad and soup for both of us. He told me it was important to eat my vegetables, like a mother, which I found a bit amusing.
Even after our meal arrived, he continued to fuss over me, serving me salad, cooling down the soup, serving the risotto onto a separate plate for me, and generally taking good care of me. He was like Gil-san; did they just like taking care of people? Perhaps they were delighted to be around a child again or worried about whether I could eat properly. Probably both.
It was embarrassing to be pampered, and as someone mentally an adult, I felt a little guilty, but I couldn’t deny I enjoyed it. It seemed like they were happy to dote on me, so I let them. Of course, I made sure to thank them properly!
Though I was afraid I might get used to relying on others. I’d have to be careful to draw a line and make sure I pulled my own weight.
And so, I thoroughly enjoyed a lovely lunchtime with Schlie-san.