Chapter 8

"Hey! Good morning."

As soon as Teresa saw me, she sighed and made an obviously displeased expression.

After completing the request from the other day, we returned to the town of Capsa, reported to the Adventurers' Guild, divided the reward, and dispersed on the spot.

Two days have passed since then, so after finishing my rest, I waited in the cafeteria to invite Teresa again.

Seeing the breakfast and coffee on my table, Teresa approached and sat down opposite me.

After placing her order, she glared at me with a look of exasperation.

"By the way, you're not in your pajamas today, huh?"

"……"

At my comment, she turned her face away.

"Ever since a customer saw her, she's been making sure to change into proper clothes before coming out."

It was the server who answered my question.

After placing the morning meal Teresa ordered on the table, she explained the situation.

"I see, that's how it is..."

Teresa's shoulders were trembling. She must be embarrassed that her living habits were revealed by the server.

Pretending to be calm, Teresa started eating her breakfast in silence.

"Actually, I had a question too?"

The server, who had just finished serving the meal, stayed and leaned in to look at my face.

"Go ahead and ask."

"Teresa... um?"

"My name is Galion."

"What kind of relationship do you have with Teresa?"

The server, with curiosity in her eyes, waited for an answer.

Teresa was sipping her coffee, seemingly indifferent. She seemed to have given up on paying attention to me.

"My relationship with Teresa? Of course, we're lovers!"

"Spit!"

I crossed my arms and answered solemnly, and a pleasant sound came from Teresa, who was covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

"I knew it! Teresa, why didn't you tell me!"

Teresa shook her head vigorously in denial. The server, saying "Oh, oh, you're blushing," seemed to be having a hard time listening.

I watched her while sipping my coffee...

"Whoa, careful there."

I caught the cup that flew at me. Teresa, who threw it, was glaring at me with a fierce look, her breathing heavy.

"Sorry, just kidding."

I corrected my prank because I thought she might cast a spell next if I didn't.

"Teresa's reaction is just so amusing. I can't help but tease her."

The sound of "Bang!" echoed as Teresa slammed the table and stood up. She stormed out of the cafeteria, her shoulders tense.

It seems I've really made her angry.

The server was cleaning up the coffee and dishes scattered on the table...

"Did you do that on purpose?"

The server looked at me inquisitively. I was wondering why she was making that face...

"Teresa hasn't been herself these past few days. It seems some bad rumors have been spreading because of that incident..."

I had heard those rumors enough over the past few days.

Thanks to Lux and the others spreading them intentionally, she must have been feeling even more depressed.

"Please take care of Teresa."

"But I said we're not dating, right?"

The server, looking like a concerned guardian, bowed seriously.

"But you care about her, don't you? When you tease Teresa, your eyes are very gentle."

"So, you're saying I was trying to cheer her up?" I said, and the server leaned in to look at me.

"Another cup of coffee, please."

"Sure, sure," the server left with a sigh.

"I have to do something about this..."

I started thinking of a plan to deal with Lux.