Chapter 553 (1/2)

Mogu mogu…」

「Momu… Momu momu」

(*munching SFX)

Fran still looked in low spirits when we returned to the inn at night.

She wasn’t visibly depressed, but she didn’t look like her usual self. Her smile was somewhat weak, even though she was eating.

The menu consisted of stew with lots of meat and potatoes with red bean paste. With the addition of three kinds of bread which were, black bread, rye bread, and butter rolls. A salad with fish in oil, homemade pickled vegetables, and cheese pasta. Considering what they had the other day, the meal tasted perfect.

However, Fran’s eating speed did not increase much. It was about the same speed as when she was at the cafeteria of the academy. This was quite unusual for her to be like this. If it were the usual Fran, she would forget most of her worries if she ate a good meal.

Urushi, who was eating next to her, was not as energetic as usual because he was worried about Fran. He was eating his meal while glancing sideways at Fran from time to time.

『Fran, are you still worried about Romio?』

「Nn…」

Yikes. As soon as she heard Romio’s name, Fran’s expression became visibly clouded over. It seemed that she was still worried about hurting Romio. I think that no matter how much I said that it was unavoidable, she didn’t seem to be able to get over it.

Her spoon had stopped, but then an old lady, the innkeeper spoke out to Fran.

「Did something happen today, young miss?」

「Nn…」

「Don’t worry, I won’t ask for the details, but… Is that something you need to worry about this late?」

「That is…」

「There is this Elven saying… “New shoots come from the ashes of the deep forest”」

「??」

An Elven saying?

「Even if the forest you live in burns down, one day the trees will grow back and a new forest will be born. In other words, anything can happen as long as you’re alive, but it’s what happens after that that counts. Some things are irreversible. You may not be able to get back what you have lost. But we have to live with them as our strength」

Maybe it was an Elf-like outlook considering their long lifespan. They lived much longer than humans, and I’m sure their lives would be filled with many incidents and events. If they were to worry about all of them and regret them, their heart would probably be overwhelmed.

「…Hmm?」

Fran seemed to be trying to understand the words. However, she immediately crossed her arms and tilted her head. I can grasp the meaning of the words, but to be honest, I’m not sure if I understand them.

So that might be a little difficult for Fran, who has only lived for thirteen years, to understand.

「Hmm… You don’t get it, do you, young miss? Well, it’s a phrase that has finally sunk in for us old Elves at this age」

「…I’m sorry」

「I’m sorry too. I didn’t mean to pester you. But can I tell you something?」

「Nn」

「A good meal tastes even better when you put your mind to it, right?」

「!! Certainly!」

The old lady had said many words to try to comfort her, but in the end, the last one seemed to impress her the most.

And it seemed that the two of them were on the same page. They then stared at each other for a moment and then nodded at each other.

「Eating while thinking about other things is disrespectful to the meal」

「Yup, you’re right」

「Nn」

Then Fran began to shovel in her meal steadily.

She was not fully cheered up, but she was getting back in shape. And I could see a slight smile on her face. I hope this can help her regain her usual self…

However, when I thought so, Fran’s hand stopped again.