NOVEL NEXT Chapter 39 - The Cafeteria Was Momentarily Thrown Into Chaos
The Cafeteria Was Momentarily Thrown Into Chaos
“Meg-chan! Wh-Wh-Wh-What happened to you!?”
As we descended the stairs to head for the cafeteria, we arrived, of course, at the guild reception counter. Saura-san, who was there, saw me, with bandages on my legs and arm and a band-aid on my cheek, and shrieked, attracting everyone’s attention. Hey, Saura-san!
“I fell.”
“Y-You fell…? Reki! Explain yourself!”
“Ugh, shut up. I knew this would happen! What a pain.”
Ah, that’s right. Reki was currently my guardian, so he’d be the one scolded if something happened to me. Why didn’t I realize that? Me! How many years have I been a working adult, you idiot, Megu!
“I-It wash my fault! I ran off, and I fell! Reki didn’t do anyting wrong!”
I hurriedly interjected. I’m telling the truth! As I pleaded with Saura-san with my eyes, she seemed to be at a loss for words, “Uh…” Do your best, beautiful little girl appearance! If I could save Reki from being scolded, I’d use anything I could… I’m sorry for using you, body owner.
“Reki wash sho gentle! The treatment… didn’t hurt at all! It was my fault, I’m shawry.”
“Meg-chan… are you sure? Sorry for getting upset, Reki. But you understand, right?”
“…I understand.”
“Also, I have some opinions about the way you’re carrying her.”
“Hmph…”
Reki gently placed me on the floor and then crossed his arms, falling silent. It seemed my defense of Reki had worked to some extent, but it wasn’t enough. I deeply regretted my actions. But Saura-san simply smiled wryly and didn’t press further.
“So, are you going to have lunch now?”
“I finished giving her a basic overview.”
“Hmm. Then what about the afternoon?”
“…Drill the guild rules into her.”
“Gently, okay?”
“…Hmph.”
Ahh, so afternoon study time. I’d been learning about guild rules this morning too, but the way he said it… It must have been something important. I’d need to take a good nap and clear my head.
Reki’s reply was curt, but I’m sure he’d be gentle. He’d been surprisingly kind this morning, despite his attitude. I wouldn’t tell him that, though, or it might just complicate things.
Ah, that’s right, I had to ask!
“Saura-shan, is Schlie-shan… not here today?”
“Ah, right. You haven’t seen him yet today? He’s out running some errands since this morning. Did you need something? Should I call him?”
He was working, after all. Of course. Didn’t he say something like that when we said goodbye last night…? I was too sleepy to remember.
It would be terrible to make him come back when he was busy! I shook my head vigorously.
“It can wait till next time we meet!”
“Is that so? I’ll tell him you were looking for him.”
“Thank you!”
I asked Saura-san to pass on the message, waved goodbye, and we finally headed for the cafeteria. My legs hurt a bit, but I could walk properly! I felt like all eyes were on us in the guild hall, so as we were leaving, I waved to everyone and gave them a big smile to play it off! Ah, some people even waved back!
“…Charmer.”
Hey, Reki! I heard that! I was just smiling to play it off! So rude!
As we arrived at the cafeteria, a delicious aroma filled the air. Sniff, sniff, was it meat for lunch today?
“Oh my, you’re early! Welcome!”
The lady at the cafeteria saw us and called out cheerfully. I replied energetically.
“Hewwo!”
“Yes, hello. What a good girl, saying hello properly!”
She really was a cheerful and bright person. Having someone like her in the cafeteria would make the place lively, and the food would taste even better!
“Onee-shan… are you… Tiorish… -shan?”
I asked to confirm, but I just couldn’t say it properly!
“That’s right! You can call me Tio-nee! I’m usually the one serving here, so I’m happy if you remember me.”
“Tio-nee! I’m Meg! Nice to meetchu!”
Tio-nee, who gave off a big-sister vibe. She even casually suggested an easier way to address her, as expected of a nee-san!
“It’s Porug sauté today! Meg, yours is cut into bite-sized pieces. And as promised, I made you onigiri with the rice.”
“Whoa! Thanks!”
I’m sure it was extra work to prepare a separate meal just for me, but Tio-nee didn’t show it at all. So wonderful! I’d show my gratitude by enjoying it to the fullest!
“Mmm! So yummy!”
Reki and I sat down at a table, and I dug in! Ah, my chair had been replaced with a special one. Tio-nee had brought it over. A high chair, or what they call a “baby chair…” I don’t know who prepared it, but thank you! It felt a bit complicated, but I didn’t want to impose and sit on someone’s lap. …If it wasn’t for this, I’d probably have to sit on Reki’s lap… But he’d probably refuse!
Haa, a delicious meal truly enriches the soul! Ahh, happiness. I could confidently say that the reason I was able to remain calm and not get overwhelmed by the chaos or fall prey to the darkness in this confusing isekai was thanks to all the kind people and the delicious food!
This pork, Porug, was it? It was so meaty and satisfying! With every bite, the juices filled my mouth. The fat was sweet, not greasy at all, I could probably eat this forever. But even though it had been cut up, the pieces were still a bit big for me. So it took me a while to finish a single piece. My jaw was getting tired.
Reki had already finished his meal, and I was only halfway through. And it was a smaller portion than usual. Mentally, I could have gone for seconds, but it couldn’t be helped. I can’t wait to be an adult!
“You’re really enjoying that, huh, Meg!”
“Nguh, mufa-nii!”
As I was munching on the meat, Juma-kun plopped down beside me. I involuntarily called out his name, but my mouth was full, so it came out all garbled. Sorry.
“…Taking a break from surveillance, are we?”
“Eh, well…”
It was Reki who spoke, arms crossed, his voice laced with annoyance. Juma-kun replied with a smirk, his chin resting on his hand. That’s a mischievous look on your face. As expected of an oni (probably.)
More importantly, what did he just say? Surveillance?
“You should try to be a little more inconspicuous, you know? Oni really are terrible at stealth.”
“It’s pointless to even try. It’s a waste of effort. There’s no need to keep it a secret anyway, and besides…”
Juma-kun narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint in them, and gave a cynical smile. A chill ran down my spine.
“It’s better for them to know I’m watching, keeps them on their toes, right? Reki?”
“…!”
Uu! Juma-kun was scary! When I was little, they’d tell me, “Go to sleep or the oni will come get you,” but I’d secretly stay up late. But if I’d known oni were like this, I’d have gone to bed immediately! His golden eyes were sharp, fixated on Reki, and his red hair was standing on end. Reki had frozen, a tense expression on his face. He was really scary! I couldn’t help but tremble, tears welling up in my eyes.
“Whoops, my bad, Meg. …Did I scare you?”
The air suddenly lightened. That terrifying aura from a moment ago was gone. It seemed like the usual, carefree Juma-kun was back. Haa, that was scary. It’s fine, I get it. This was, you know, a lesson. But my child’s body was honest with its instincts, even though my mind understood…
“Waaah, Juma-nii-cha… th-that wash… shcawy!”
Relieved that he was back to normal, I burst into tears. Sorry, I don’t think I can stop!
“Wh-Wha…? Uwaah!? Reki! Do something!”
“How should I know, you stupid oni! You made her cry, it’s not my problem!”
And the two closest to me were, for better or for worse, a simple-minded oni and a clumsy boy. Could they handle a crying child? No!
I knew it. I’m sorry. My mind was able to view things objectively, but my body was trembling uncontrollably, a mix of fear and relief.
And so, the cafeteria was momentarily thrown into chaos as a little girl’s cries and a wave of panic spread. Stop it, tears and trembling!