Chapter 54: Important Things
Nelfie pulled out the Paralyze Dagger stuck in Lucas’ neck, stored it in her magic bag, and returned from the ring.
「Great work out there! Nelfie is really strong, after all.」
「Even if I may look like this, I have acquired quite a lot of combat experience.
…But I am probably the weakest in this party. More importantly, regarding Madas…」
「Yeah, I heard it. It is natural to think that his mind was hijacked by the magic sword Flam and he went on a rampage.
Bride retrieved the magic sword from Madas and stabbed it into Drake.
But I don’t understand his purpose. What did he stand to gain by making Drake go berserk in his dragon state…?」
「I don’t know either. Perhaps his goal was simply to destroy the surroundings?」Drake.
「Well, even if we think about it now, we won’t understand it. When the time comes, I’ll ask him directly.」
After that, we collected our betting payout and headed out onto the main street.
The dividend was 9,000 gold coins, but on the way back, a staff member said, “The tournament management committee has decided on the upper limit for betting from next time onwards.” It seems that 2,000 gold coins will be the upper limit from now on. Did I make a little too much money?
Well, I’ll just keep betting as much as I can!
In order to develop the beastfolk village, money is also needed in addition to dungeon points.
Considering that weapons, armor, and accessories will be sold at auction during times like these, it would be better to have as much money as possible.
But to be honest, I have absolutely no attachment to money, social status, or prestige.
My friends are the most precious things to me.
I want to spend every day happily with my friends.
I don’t want to see my friends in trouble.
I don’t want my current happiness to be destroyed.
That’s why I aim to be the strongest!
I’ll collect all the money I need and get the necessary status!
It seems like a contradiction, but money and status are nothing more than a means to an end.
Perhaps everyone at Star Supremacy is thinking the same thing.
Oops, overthinking is my bad habit!
Okay, our next plan is… well, we haven’t decided anything yet.
「Aun-sama, do you have a minute?」
「Hmm? What is it, Shinku?」
「I would like to practice using the deformed giant ax, so could I perhaps ask for some free time until evening? I heard that the adventurer’s guild has a training center, so I am thinking of going there.」
「Sure, I don’t mind at all. What is everyone else going to do?」
「I’m going to the training grounds with Shinku-neesan!」
「I will accompany them.」
So Shinku, Drake, and Nelfie are going to the training ground, huh.
「What about you, Kinu?」
「Kinu-sama, didn’t you say you wanted to eat cake before?」
When Shinku said so, Kinu made a surprised expression.
「…I’ve never eaten a cake. I want to try it.」
「Come to think of it, you’re right! Then Kinu and I will go to a cafe! If we have extra time, let’s take a walk around there.」
「Nn. Thank you, Aun.」
「Okay, it’s decided then! Dinner will be at 19:00. We’ll be free until then.」
And so, after a long time, I decided to walk the streets with just Kinu.
Kinu was relaxed and looked quite happy.
If she wanted to try a cake that badly… then she should have let me know.
Kinu and I walked down the main street, found a stylish cafe, and took a seat by the window.
The aroma of tea and cake tickled my nostrils. I’m getting hungry too.
How many years has it been since I ate a cake?
「Kinu, would you like a set of tea and cake?」
「Nn. I’m looking forward to it…」
「I wonder if I should do the same. Oh? Kinu, there are many types of cakes! Which one do you want? Hmm, I’m not sure which to choose either…」
「I’m eating cake for the first time… so I’ll take a normal one.」
「Hmm, then I’ll take a tart with five types of berries!」
The waiter came at the right time, so I placed an order.
The waiter brought the cakes and tea I ordered in about 5 minutes.
Kinu intently peered at the cake and sniffed it…
–Bite!!
「!! Aun, it’s delicious! It’s the first time I’ve eaten something this delicious…」
She’s really surprised. This is the first time I’ve seen Kinu with such an expression.
I’m glad she liked it!
「Kinu, this cake is delicious too. Come on, have a bite.」
Saying that, I cut a piece of the berry tart and held it to Kinu’s mouth.
……Bite!!
「Nmmmmmm!! Sweet, sour, crunchy…my number one has changed again!」
She’s super cuteeeee!! She looks so happy!
After eating the cake, I slowly sipped tea while looking out the window.
It’s nice to have a leisurely time like this.
Besides, it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve spent some alone time with Kinu except when we’re sleeping. I’ve been busy ever since we opened the Plainevelt Dungeon…
Come to think of it, Kinu’s favorite food is… the cake she had today. But I’ve never asked her about the things she likes or what she wants to do.
「Kinu, you don’t talk much about yourself, do you? Is there anything you want to do?」
「…Something I want to do… Anything is fun with Aun. I want to become stronger so that I can help Aun.」
「You have already helped me plenty. I’m always counting on you. Hmm, so is there anything you like?」
「…The number one thing I like is Aun.」
Bufu! Kinu-san… that’s cheating!
She looks too cute and too happy!
Oh no, my face is definitely red…
「Ah, that’s not what I meant… I feel kind of shy. I’m happy to hear that. Thank you.」
「Also… I like flowers and grass. They’re cute and smell good.」
「I see! In that case, let’s increase the flowers in Foret Noir! It would be nice to make a room filled with Kinu’s favorite things!」
「Nn. Sounds like fun.」
Our conversation was something really trivial.
However, the conversation flowed naturally like a river.
The same distance as usual. But the atmosphere was different than usual.
Even if we’re always together, even if we always trust each other, it’s very important to try to get to know each other better…
After leaving the café, we walked towards the inn while talking under the twilight.
While naturally holding hands.
Shinku is the bestest wing-woman. ❤️