Chapter 74 (1/2)

Summary of the last chapter in three lines

Meals at the inn.

Shy Miri.

Miri’s sorrow.

Satisfied with the meal, the two spend some time relaxing while enjoying after meal tea.

「Hmmm, the main dish, the dessert, and even this black tea are all very satisfying.」

She enjoys the scent of the black tea, the sweetness of the accompanying cookies, as well as the slight bitterness of the tea.

「I’m not that good with tea, so I was worried when I was served tea with different leaves.」

Souta talks about when he mentioned his dislike of black tea when he stayed at the inn before; since then, the tea served to him all are similar to j.a.panese tea.

After the customers settle down, and the seats gradually empty, Gordon comes out to meet Souta and Dina.

「It’s unusual for you, who's always secluding yourself in the kitchen, to come out.」

He approaches the table without changing his expression, despite what Souta says.

「You are the chef here, right? Today’s meals were very delicious. Thank you very much.」

While staying seated, Dina bows courteously and thanks Gordon.

「A-Ah, no, it’s fine. As this is my job, it’s good as long as you’re satisfied.」

Facing Dina’s frankness, Gordon replies despite being fl.u.s.tered

「It’s great that I can eat this for the first time after a while. I can have peace of mind with your skills. Today’s food was also very delicious.」

「Ou, I added my own flare to the meat-softening technique that Souta taught me, and it went unexpectedly well. Thanks.」

Gordon doesn’t take the credit for himself. He thought from the bottom of his heart that it was due to Souta's advice instead of his hands, as he wants to tell it to Souta straight from his mouth, he especially came out of the kitchen to meet Souta.

「Well then, I will go back.」

Because that’s all he wants to do, Gordon, whose face has remained the same from beginning to end, leaves.

「Is chef-san angry or something?」

Looking back, Dina mutters anxiously.

「No…… That’s a delighted expression. That he came out here personally is proof. His tail was also swaying slightly.」

「That is, I didn’t notice……. But, if so, then that’s good.」

After Souta says that, Dina shows a relieved expression.

「Now then, our stomachs are filled and we have rested well enough…… Let’s go home.」

As they took their time, it’s already become late. All the shops, other than eating places, have all closed already.

「Right, and the investigation will finally start tomorrow! What kind of information can we find I wonder……」

「When I went to the library before, I was looking into the basics of each countries description and current condition. After that, I found a book about the battle with Demon King a thousand years ago, so I read that.」

「Because the purpose is different this time, you may find something if you look from a different perspective. Besides, I will be with you this time.」

Dina makes a fist and getting fired up.

「I have high expectation on you. After all, you're the only one that can see eye to eye with me right now, it'd be great if we could find something, but…… Ohh right, Miri, I’m going to pay.」

Souta calls their server, Miri, and pays for the food.

「Yes…… It’s the exact change. Thank you very much.」

While she works, she has been watching the two. Various thoughts come to mind, but she answers Souta with a smile without letting her thoughts show on her face.

「I said it to Gordon earlier, but it was delicious. Thank you, I will come again.」