Chapter 73

*rumble*

“...Mm?”

I was woken up by a sound coming from inside my body, around my stomach.

Why am I so hungry? Didn't I eat lunch?

...Wait?? I might not have any memory from the middle of lunch. When did I take a nap? And where am I??

*rumble rumble rumble*

I tried to recall my memories, but I still couldn't remember. Meanwhile, my stomach kept growling.

What should I do?

“―――...Yuri, it seems you’ve woken up. Good morning.”

“Fol-chan”

As I rubbed my eyes, I heard Fol, who was sitting a little away from me, call out to me.

“Where are we?”

“In the on-call room of the infirmary. I thought you could take a nice nap since no one would be using it at this time.”

“Thank you”

I got up and asked Fol where we were.

Looking closely, I saw that my apron dress and nurse cap had been taken off to make it easier for me to nap. How thoughtful.

...But, I’m so hungry.

While I was thinking about this and rubbing my growling stomach, Fol chuckled softly.

“Dilnan prepared a snack for you. You should eat it before starting your afternoon work.”

“Snack”

At Fol’s words, my eyes lit up with excitement.

But I feel the call of nature, so can I go pick some flowers first?

Without putting back the accessories that had been removed, I went to the bathroom, making a *pkyu pkyu* sound with my sandals.

Some of the cooking team members peeked out from the cafeteria in response to the sound.

After thanking Dilnan for the snack, I was told to eat it properly while they laughed at the sound of my stomach. Alf fixed the bedhead on the back of my head, and I waved goodbye as I made my way back to the infirmary.

During this time, Sam was being bear-hugged by a smiling Ordima. I wonder why they specifically brought Sam out of the kitchen in such a state. The intense gaze is painful.

After all that, I finally made it back to Fol.

While I was away, Fol had prepared the snack.

On the table were steamed buns with sweet potato and pumpkin, cut fruits, and milk.

“*sigh*”

“Dilnan is as reliable as ever.”

“Yeah, it’s a wonderful snack.”

I proudly boasted about the wonderful snack, which Fol also praised. For some reason, Fol burst out laughing.

“*snort*”

“?”

“...It’s nothing. Come on, let’s eat and then go to work.”

“Aye”

Fol, trying to suppress laughter by covering her mouth, was still shaking her shoulders.

Did I say something that funny?

Still, it’s a wonderful snack for a child, and it’s well-made.

Let’s dig in! *Itadakimasu!*

The sweet potato and pumpkin in the steamed buns were apparently steamed first, making them very sweet and delicious on their own. The steamed bun dough, which is soft and chewy with a mild sweetness, is a perfect match.

Each bun is about half the size of my palm, and the amount is just right.

There are also two slices of rabbit-shaped apples, each cut into eighths.

I drink milk while enjoying the delicious food.

“Oh, right. I need to give this to you, Yuri.”

“Huh?”

While I was chewing the steamed bun, Fol seemed to remember something.

Looking at Fol, I saw her pull out the baked goods Sam gave me at lunch from her pocket.

...When did I actually fall asleep?

“About a third of your lunch? You almost dove into the plate.”

“!”

I didn’t say that out loud, so why did I get an answer? (Cold sweat)

“Fufu. Yuri, your expressions are easy to read. I don’t have any special abilities.”

“Mmm”

Fol’s amused laugh made me touch my cheek with my left hand.

I never really thought about my expressions before.

“Most people find Yuri’s expressions easy to read because the people in the Northern Demon Castle are quite unique.”

“Unique...”

Fol’s words made me think of a few faces among the few people I know.

Elies, Vincent, Lois, and even Fol in front of me.

“I think your imagination is mostly correct. But I’m not sure if I should include myself.”

“...”

I still think Fol has special abilities.

Maybe I should train my facial muscles...

...Still, the snack is so delicious.

After all that, snack time is over.

I put the baked goods from Sam into a subspace pocket.

Following Kalaf’s instructions, I put on my apron dress and nurse cap properly.

Finally, I received the first aid kit from Fol, and I’m ready to go as a pretend nurse.

“Then, I’m heading to the arena now.”

“Aye”

“I’ll give a quick situation update when we arrive and start the treatment. Stay close and hold hands so you don’t get lost.”

“Aye!”

I firmly held Fol’s outstretched left hand (fingertips), and we were ready to go.

Let’s head out!