Chapter 97

Summary of the previous chapter:

Rose finally moves...!?

8 ～Rose's Perspective～

One morning, at Mina's suggestion, we decided to walk around the town of Diospiro together.

We were hit with a bit of trouble.

"I'm sorry, senpai. I suggested it, but it ended up like this..."

Mina complained of feeling unwell.

"It's just a bit of nausea, so please don't worry too much."

In fact, her complexion wasn't that bad.

Probably, the fatigue from the journey had caught up with her.

Mina, who had gotten out of bed, made a smile with her eyebrows lowered.

"However, I can't risk worsening my condition by going out. So, for today..."

"Ah, it's a shame, but we'll have to cancel today's plans."

"That won't do!"

Upon hearing her master's words, Mina called out in a flustered manner.

Despite her claimed illness, her voice was sharp and clear.

Seeing her master's puzzled face, Mina's cheeks turned slightly red, and she coughed lightly.

"I feel bad that my condition is causing the plans to be canceled. Senpai, please go see the town."

"Huh...? But, I..."

Her master spoke in confusion, but Mina continued, pressing on.

"You don't need to worry about me. I've asked Kei to look after me just in case."

"Sure! I've been asked!"

Kei raised her hand energetically.

...I thought Mina had been with me all morning, but when did she ask Kei? I hadn't noticed at all.

As expected of Mina, she's efficient.

It's as if she had foreseen this would happen.

Still, Kei is surprisingly considerate for her age.

If I can rely on her, I can feel at ease.

...Just as I was thinking that, Hato and I tilted our heads.

Mina said she wanted me to go out without worrying about her.

Mina is down.

Kei is tasked with her care, and Shiran is going on a separate mission.

So, could it be...

As if answering my inner question, Mina smiled and said,

"Senpai, please enjoy yourself with Rose."

***

Before I knew it, Mina had convinced her master and sent him out of the room, telling him to go downstairs first.

I was more concerned about Mina's condition than confused.

"Are you really okay, Mina?"

When I spoke, Mina's eyes widened.

Then, she met Kei's gaze, the only other person left in the room.

Her eyes returned to me.

"Huh? Could it be that Rose didn't realize?"

"What do you mean?"

"Didn't you hear me suggest that senpai and you go on a date?"

"What about it?"

It's true that we had such a conversation, but Mina had proposed that we all go out together yesterday.

Without this coincidence, it would have been impossible for us to be alone.

"No, I planned it this way from the beginning. I even did some groundwork with Kei."

"Huh?"

"You didn't notice, did you? That's so like Rose."

Mina chuckled.

"Well, it's not a complete lie. I really am tired from the long journey. I need to rest when I can."

"Then, why didn't you suggest that I and senpai go out together from the start?"

"Hmm. I thought if I did, Rose would have hesitated. I heard that senpai planned to practice sword skills during the break, so I had to take him by surprise."

As expected, Mina understands my character well.

I couldn't say anything in response.

"I feel bad about putting Kei in this position."

Mina shifted her gaze from me to Kei.

"That's fine! I support Rose too!"

Kei shook her head vigorously.

"But, is it really okay for you, Mina?"

"What do you mean?"

"Given the chance to play with Takahiro-san."

"Oh, you mean that. It's fine, really."

Mina smiled softly and shook her head.

At such times, Mina looks even more charming.

"This is necessary time for Rose."

"Mina..."

Necessary time. Indeed, it is.

There are many things I don't understand.

The initial impulse to be embraced by senpai is no longer enough.

When I realized that there could be more, why did I feel so shaken?

What kind of relationship do I want with the most important person, senpai?

This isn't something that can be answered easily.

But, today's events will surely be a step forward.

That's what Mina is saying.

If so, I want to respond to her consideration.

The purpose of this date, planned by Mina, is to make senpai more aware of my existence, so that he might think of hugging me.

To achieve this, I must first make the date a success...

"...But, how do I do that?"

"Don't worry."

Seeing my realization, Mina smiled gently.

"I have a plan."

It was a truly gentle smile.

...But, it was also a smile that taught me that kindness and sweetness are different things.

***

It happened right after that.

"Y-You want me to do that...!?"

I was cornered.

Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, I couldn't even respond properly.

"M-Mina, t-that's impossible..."

"Come on, come on. Senpai is waiting."

Pushed by Mina, who had gotten out of bed, I stepped out into the inn's corridor.

"Mina—..."

"Please do your best."

The face I saw through the closing door was Mina's characteristic reserved smile.

Reserved, but unshakeable.

More than that, it was a smile that seemed to show no mercy.

What would they call this in the language of the other world where senpai lived?

I think it was something about a lion on a cliff.

...The door closed with a click.

I stood alone in the empty corridor.

For a few seconds, I was stunned.

Looking at my palm, I saw the translation magic stone.

I had trained to use it for such moments.

The timing was unexpected, but I had everything I needed.

The preparations were in place.

The situation was set.

Most importantly, I couldn't keep senpai waiting.

With a determined heart, I headed downstairs.

***

"I-I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, senpai."

"Ah, Rose. You're here."

Senpai, who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, looked a bit troubled.

I wondered if he was uncomfortable. I felt a bit worried.

"Then, Takahiro-sama. I'll be going now."

"I'm sorry for keeping you."

Shiran, who had been talking with senpai, left the inn when she saw me.

She was probably going to check on the military facilities.

Now, it's just the two of us.

"S-Senpai."

I stumbled.

Technically, it's because our vocal organs are different, but it's similar.

I was so focused that I couldn't even do this simple thing.

The tension felt like it was cutting the strings that controlled my puppet body.

"Senpai."

Suppressing my agitation, I said again,

"Is it a bother for you to go out with just the two of us?"

"No, not at all. I was a bit confused because it's different from the plan... but why are you apologizing, Rose?"

Senpai chuckled.

"But, if we're going out together, we can't just stand here. Let's go."

"Yes."

I nodded.

—The date begins.

***

Diospiro, though a small country, supports the logistics of the eastern region of Akel.

The main street was bustling with people, and many shops lined the road.

I followed a step behind senpai in the crowd.

—Listen, Rose.

Mina's voice naturally echoed in my mind.

—Senpai isn't aware that this is a date. First, we need to make him more aware of you. For that...

I clenched my hand, covered in a long white glove.

I slowly raised it.

"Rose."

Senpai turned around at that moment.

I quickly lowered my hand.

"W-What is it?"

"I was thinking we should get something to eat... but we haven't had breakfast yet."

Senpai froze as he spoke.

He looked like he had realized something was wrong.

"Is there a problem?"

"It's not really a problem..."

Senpai looked uncomfortable.

"I thought about going to a restaurant, but Rose can't eat, right?"

"Yes."

I don't have the function to eat.

"But, you don't need to worry. I'll wait until you finish eating."

"It feels a bit odd to go into a restaurant and only order for myself, leaving you waiting."

"Is that not acceptable?"

He must be concerned about other people's gazes.

I can understand that.

At least, it wouldn't be a 'meal together'...

...Wait.

Could this be a stumbling block right from the start?

"..."

I thought it was a bad sign.

Anxiety welled up inside me.

I need to do something, but what can I do?

Thinking about it, I can't do a 'meal date' as I've heard about.

From the start, one option is already eliminated.

This is quite inconvenient, isn't it?

To be honest... as a date partner, am I defective?

"..."

The realization hit me hard.

What a mess.

What should I do?

Is this what it feels like to want to cry?

Of course, I don't have the function to cry.

"It's not that it's not acceptable..."

Senpai's words moved me from my frozen state.

"It would be boring for you to just wait."

"..."

"Let's get some street food. I heard there are stalls a bit further down the road. Let's go there."

"...Understood."

Senpai led the way, and I followed.

...It seems I was overthinking things just now.

Maybe my lack of confidence made me think the worst.

This is bad.

But, I think senpai is also at fault.

...Being with senpai, I wouldn't be bored.

Senpai seems to have misunderstood this.

Still, I felt a bit light-hearted knowing he was considerate.

It was a simple thing, but the feeling of wanting to cry had disappeared.

We turned down a narrow alley and came to a slightly wider street.

Many stalls lined the road, selling various items.

Twisted potatoes piled up like mountains.

Colorful vegetables.

Meat dishes drenched in sauce.

Worn-out clothes.

Tired weapons and armor.

"Then, I'll go get something."

"Ah, senpai."

I stopped him as he casually went to buy something to eat.

"What is it?"

"Can I go get it?"

His eyes widened slightly.

"It's fine, but why?"

"I want to try using money."

Senpai frowned.

"Is that not allowed?"

"No, it's fine."

Senpai took out a small coin purse from his pocket.

"I think it's a good idea. You should gain such experiences. Though, I'm still not fully used to the money system here..."

He handed me the coin purse.

"Then, I'll leave it to you."

"Thank you. I'll be right back."

I headed to the stalls, feeling senpai's gaze on my back.

I joined the line of people waiting.

Waiting in line was a new experience for me.

While waiting, I glanced back and met senpai's slightly uneasy gaze.

Senpai can be overprotective at times.

If I faltered, he would probably help me, but that would be a bit embarrassing.

Fortunately, I had studied the value of currency, so my first shopping experience went smoothly.

I ran back to senpai.

"I've bought it, senpai."

"Ah."

I handed him the coin purse and the meat bun he had bought.

While walking, senpai took a bite of the meat bun.

"Is it good?"

"The texture is unique and not what I'm used to, but it's not bad. After that survival life, anything tastes good, though."

The meat bun, which wasn't very big, was quickly finished in a few bites.

"It's like a solid cake wrapped in meat... but you probably don't understand that."

"The dough was similar to what we had at the inn last night. The meat wasn't wrapped, though."

"That was more like bread. The main ingredient is the same potato, but in Akel, this is the staple food. If we settle here, we'll have to learn how to cook it."

"Lily and Mina would probably learn it enthusiastically. They might even say they don't want to take the job from us."

"Ah, I can't compete with their cooking skills. It might be better to leave it to them..."

Senpai fell silent for a few seconds.

"Rose, what will you do if we settle here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Will you open a shop or something?"

While browsing the stalls, senpai's eyes fell on a stall with many metal items.

"Wooden magic tools might stand out too much, but with your dexterity, you could learn the skills and do a lot. I just thought it might be an option."

"..."

I couldn't answer immediately.

I hadn't thought about it before.

So, instead of answering, I asked,

"What do you plan to do, senpai?"

"..."

Senpai's pace slowed as he thought.

"I haven't really thought about it properly, but..."

His steps slowed even more.

"I can swing a sword a bit, but that's only for self-defense. I'd like to find a place that accepts us and live a simple life, maybe farming..."

His voice had a prayer-like quality, reflecting a simple life that seemed far from a grand dream.

With us, the monster servants, it's uncertain if there's a peaceful place in this world.

Even coming to the former leader's homeland, there's no guarantee of a secure life.

Perhaps the various unsettling situations surrounding the transfer also crossed his mind.

Still, senpai wouldn't give up on everything.

His presence is strong, even without the powerful combat abilities that many cheaters possess...

That's why I feel a strong urge to protect him.

"When the time comes..."

I spoke without thinking, and senpai turned to me.

"When the time comes, can I help you with the farm work?"

Senpai, who looked taken aback, smiled slightly.

"...Sure. I'll ask you."

We both knew this future might not come to be.

Still, putting aside the difficulties and hardships, we imagined our future life.

I felt that such moments are also necessary.

I smiled awkwardly at senpai's smile, and it felt as if a calm and peaceful atmosphere enveloped us amidst the crowd.

"...Senpai."

I felt I could do it now.

So, I opened my mouth.

"Can I hold your hand?"

"Huh? What is it?"

Senpai stopped, looking puzzled but not suspicious, and offered his right hand.

"Excuse me."

I took his right hand.

"Is this a handshake?"

"I made a mistake."

How do I hold his hand back with my right hand?

No, I need to calm down...

I told myself and let go of his hand.

Then, I embraced his arm, just like Lily often does.

"O-Oh."

I could hear his slightly high-pitched voice and was aware of my own awkward movements.

Just like Lily often does.

This was the task Mina had given me.

For a moment, I felt a sense of accomplishment.

"...Rose?"

But, this isn't the end.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"No, not at all... but why suddenly?"

"I'm your guard today."

It might be a bit uncomfortable.

But, remembering Gerbera's posture, I decided to push through.

"Let's go."

Senpai didn't push me away.

We became part of the crowd again.

"..."

We managed to reach our destination as planned, despite a few failures.

But, from