Chapter 46

Using the Points-Exchange Item, "The Door to the Miniature Garden," I connected the store where I made the purchase with my house.

Because of this, I had to go and pick up the luggage I left at the inn and check out... While thinking this, I headed to the inn with Iku.

We parted ways to go to our respective rooms, and it was decided that I would go to Iku's room after I finished tidying up, as it would probably take me longer to prepare.

Why did it end up like this?

"..."

"..."

A slightly heavy atmosphere filled my room.

"Um... What's wrong, all of a sudden?"

I tentatively called out to Tact, who had come to my room and hadn't said a word yet. Although he has a very handsome face, his image isn't very good. I've only seen him in a rather reckless and angry state.

Tact, who I thought was a reckless character, came to my room a few minutes after I entered. Although it seemed a bit too timely, I didn't mind. I thought he must have something to talk about, so I invited him in, but five minutes had passed and he still hadn't said anything. The air was getting a bit tense.

"Um..."

"?"

"...Sorry. I said some terrible things to you, even though you saved me, Hinami."

"Huh?"

In the silence, when Tact finally spoke, it was an apology. A bit surprised, I quickly replied, "It's okay, don't worry about it," and Tact seemed to relax and smiled.

I thought he was a reckless character... but maybe he's a tsundere. I remember Hana saying, "I like tsundere butlers!" with some strange enthusiasm, but I didn't really understand it.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Tact's hair, which was sticking out, fluttered, and the slightly intimidating atmosphere seemed to soften. Maybe he was just irritated at the time, and this is the real Tact.

"I finally became an adventurer... but I'm weak. I'm an elf, but I'm weak at both magic and swordsmanship."

"That's not true. Everyone starts out that way. I'm still level 3... Slimes are scary to me too."

"Ha ha, you're afraid of slimes? You're worse off than me."

"It's fine. I run away when I'm scared!"

I declared I would run away, a bit puffed up, and Tact laughed. It's okay, I'm afraid of monsters. After all, there are no such enemies in Japan. If there were, maybe stray dogs? I would run away immediately if I saw a scary stray dog! Actually, most people would.

"Did you always want to be an adventurer?"

"Yeah. I always wanted to be strong. Milu is actually strong, even though she doesn't look it."

Oh, right, Milu is an adventurer. She tried to hide it at first, but Iku saw through it. It's cute how clumsy Milu is, even though she's strong. When I nodded, Tact started to talk.

"Yeah. Milu tries to hide it from me, but I noticed. I don't know if it's because I'm weak, but I'm actually pretty smart."

"Milu... She doesn't seem to be good at keeping secrets."

"Right? But no one else noticed. I've known her since we were kids, so I noticed pretty quickly."

I thought it was nice that they seemed to get along well. When I asked if they were a couple, Tact's face turned slightly red and he said, "No way!" It seemed that Tact likes Milu, even though I don't know about Milu.

I've never been in love, so I felt a bit envious and hoped they would do well.

"That's great. I think you two look good together."

"What are you saying? Besides, Milu comes from a family that governs the village... I'm too weak for that."

"Eh..."

"Don't look at me like that. Besides, I'll get stronger, so it's not a problem."

Is this a fantasy thing? Is free love not possible in this world? I remember Shia also had a fiancé. Is it a matter of social status? It's very sad, and I can't imagine what I would do if I fell in love like that.

"Hey, cheer up."

"..."

It seems I was deep in thought, and my face showed it. Tact told me not to worry. I always end up worrying and making others worry, which is frustrating.

When I said, "It's okay!" Tact replied with a smile, "Okay!"

"Besides, slimes... next time, they won't be my enemy!"

"Wow! You're really motivated!"

"Of course! Besides, I've studied slime attack patterns, defense patterns, attack motions, and range. The slime's range is a radius of one meter, but the attack motion starts when you get within 30 centimeters. So, I calculate the range to be just 30 centimeters and swing my sword from there. The time it takes to receive the first hit from a slime is 3.5 seconds. So, if I deal damage in 3 seconds and dodge backward, I won't receive an attack from the slime. When a slime receives an attack, it goes into a defensive mode, but it won't attack unless you get within 10 centimeters. So, if I attack once, quickly retreat, and immediately deliver a second hit, I can defeat it! It's perfect, right!?"

"Eh, ah... Yeah, it's perfect!"

I'm sorry, I didn't really understand.

But I couldn't say I didn't understand in front of Tact's smile. So, I just smiled and said it was perfect. Yes, he seems satisfied, so it's probably fine!

However, defeating a slime is tough. If I were to fight alone, how many attacks would I need? With the cheating bow I got from God, it's just one hit, but if I were to fight with a sword, it would be impossible.

"Tact, you seem to be quite a strategist."

"Huh? Yeah, I guess... But, I can't defeat them without strategy."

"Ah, sorry."

"Don't worry. I'll get stronger soon!"

"Yes. As fellow adventurers, let's work hard together!"

When I said, "Let's do our best!" Tact was surprised, "What! You're an adventurer!?"

Well, I'm not really an adventurer. When I told Tact that I registered just to get an ID, he accepted it as a common pattern.

But, I need to think about what I'll do as an adventurer... maybe. After all, I'm going to search for Lady Lethisriel... Yeah, I'll think about it later.

"By the way, are you going to the beginner's training?"

"Ah, yes, yes! Are you going too!?"

"Yes! I've registered for the lecture on the third day."

"Wow! We have the same schedule!"

What a coincidence. I thought it might overlap since Milu said she would make me take the beginner's training. But, it's a bit comforting to have Tact there, as I would feel lonely on my own. The main reason is that I now know he's not scary.

"Milu said she won't take it. She's good with practical training, but the lecture seems boring, so I'm glad I'm not alone."

"Ahaha, I'm also glad Tact is here. I'm only taking the lecture because I'm scared of the practical training, so please take care of me."

"Sure. I'm really good at lectures, so if you have any questions, just ask."

It seems Tact is only interested in the practical training. Indeed, from his analysis of slimes, it seems he has enough knowledge without the beginner's training. But, I think he was probably told to take it by Milu. Thinking about it, a warm scene of the two of them came to mind, making me feel a bit warm.

Knock knock!

"Hinami, you're late. Is something wrong?"

"Oh, Iku! Sorry, sorry."

Suddenly, Iku's knock and question reached my ears.

Right, I was supposed to go to Iku's room after getting ready, but I ended up talking with Tact. I quickly opened the door and invited Iku in, but he looked puzzled when he saw Tact.

"Sorry, I stayed too long."

"Uh, it's okay. By the way, I didn't properly introduce myself. I'm Hinami Kusunoki, nice to meet you."

"Sure. I'm Tact Milfeuille... Just Tact is fine. See you, Hinami."

"Yeah, see you~"

I almost exclaimed at his delicious-sounding name, but I kept it to myself... okay?

Tact left the room without paying any attention to Iku. Was he in tsundere mode with Iku?

Iku immediately asked, "What were you doing?" I told him about Tact's apology and thanks. Iku was a bit surprised but just said, "Hmm."

"Hey, you haven't finished packing yet?"

"Oh, right. Tact came over, so... Sorry, I'll pack quickly."

I started to pack hurriedly, but Iku said, "Take your time." Iku, who had already packed his backpack, sat on the bed and relaxed.

"By the way, you seemed unrepentant despite losing to a slime."

"Yeah... He analyzed the slime's movements and said he would definitely win next time."

"...If you can't defeat a slime without analyzing it, it's hopeless."

"He's trying hard, so I'm sure it'll be fine. Besides, we have the beginner's training together."

I gently defended Tact to prevent Iku from criticizing him too harshly.

"Alright, are you ready to go?"

"Yep!"

I finished packing my backpack and left the room. It was a short stay, but thank you, room!

We said goodbye to the innkeeper and left the inn.

When we get home, we need to prepare for the store opening with the three of us!