Chapter 67

I pulled Vincent along, making my way to the cafeteria.

As soon as we passed through the entrance, a murmur arose for some reason, and even Alf, the young boy standing at the serving counter, greeted us with a startled expression.

I looked around, wondering if something was wrong, but there was nothing out of the ordinary except for us. Tilting my head, I looked up at Vincent, who was smiling strangely.

"Vincent, is something weird?"

"No, you're as cute as always."

I asked just to be sure, but apparently, there was nothing odd about Vincent. Still, I blushed at the cool older man's casual compliment.

"Let's go get some food, shall we?"

"Food!"

"You need to eat properly."

While I was blushing, Vincent urged me to eat. Of course, that's why we rushed to the cafeteria. Breakfast!

"Brother, give me some food!"

"Yuri..."

When I called out to Alf, who was just in front of the serving counter, he called my name in a tired voice.

"Brother, are you not feeling well?"

"No, I'm fine."

"Brother, are you hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty hungry."

I was worried, so I asked, and Alf replied with a wry smile. Then he started preparing the food, but he seemed to bow slightly to Vincent? I wonder if I did something wrong after all.

"You really don't need to make that face. It's just that it's unusual to see someone being dragged along like that... Yuri, you have a good older brother."

"Brother, I love you!"

I thought about it, and Vincent patted my head lightly. ...Well, if I think about it calmly, it's hard to imagine Vincent being dragged along and laughing. Rather, I can imagine him dragging someone along with a smile. Hmm? Something's off?

Thinking about it, I must have done something really bad. Vincent forgave me, but that seems to be an exception. That's why Alf bowed and said sorry.

Alf, despite being the youngest and somewhat unreliable, has been doing his best as an older brother. I'm sorry. I'm looking forward to seeing how you grow up.

"Alf has been promoted to 'love' by Yuri...!?"

"Damn you, Alf..."

"To surpass us, what guts!"

...On the other hand, the Three Idiots' disappointment stood out even more, I don't think it was just my imagination.

"Three Idiots, use your hands, not your mouths."

"Sorry!"

When I gave the Three Idiots a warm look, the rest of the kitchen staff directed their anger at them. Ignoring the surroundings, Alf efficiently prepared breakfast, showing that he's growing up strong without me worrying.

I had Vincent carry the breakfast Alf prepared to an empty table.

"Yuri"

"Captain"

When I handed the breakfast to Vincent again and he placed it on the table, Dillnan's voice came from behind. He was holding a simple chair for me, which he had brought specially.

"Sorry, Vincent. I'm causing you trouble."

"This kid doesn't require much effort, though?"

"Maybe not, but when it comes to food, it's a different story. You probably dragged him here out of hunger, right?"

"I can't deny that."

Dillnan bowed as he set up the chair and exchanged a few words with Vincent.

"Really. Changing your attitude when it comes to food is a bad habit. Try to be more careful."

"...Sorry."

Ugh. Even Alf bowed, and I can't deny his words.

"Well, it's not bad to have a strong person who can handle Vincent once in a while."

"Huh?"

"Providing good material for the guard team's gossip. In return, make sure to study and apply first aid properly."

"Dillnan, you're quite something."

When I was reflecting sadly, Dillnan suddenly gave me a strange encouragement that seemed to be mixed with personal feelings. Vincent was smiling.

"Don't worry. If the medical team takes care of her, they'll raise her to be a proper nurse."

"You've already declared you'll make her a cook in the kitchen!"

"Does the captain have time to play around? Get back to the kitchen."

"You're really a pain, you know."

I already know they get along well.

Squish, squish...

I understand, so please let me eat now. I'm begging for my stomach's sake too.

Still, my stomach seems to be calmer when I'm with Vincent.

"Fine. Just go back, will you?"

Even as he sighed and cursed, Dillnan made sure to seat me properly. He really is like a mother.

"Huh?"

"Snap!?"

"...Did you just think something inappropriate?"

When I was lost in thought, Dillnan suddenly gave me a sharp look. I frantically shook my head, but Dillnan is sharp.

"Let's eat!"

"Let's eat."

Dillnan returned to the kitchen, and we finally got our breakfast.

Today's menu includes German-style potatoes with cheese and three types of sausages, a creamy egg soup, and a side dish of quickly stir-fried vegetables with anchovies, garlic, and chili. It's like a vegetable penne without pasta. This goes perfectly with bread. The leftover oil on the plate is also great with bread!

This breakfast makes me happy from the start of the day. So delicious.

To have such a breakfast without saying anything, this cafeteria really feels like heaven.

I need to charge up with energy and work hard today!