Vol 1 Chapter 16 (2/2)

By the way, I had already turned up to Dario-san a while ago.

Since I returned one full day later than planned, in order to relieve their worries, I acted all uppity. Because of that act, there would be a modest celebration with everyone here in the dining area.

When I conveyed to the rest of us three, who were promoted, that Dario-san would be putting all his effort, they were enthusiastic.

They were quite excited.

「Huh? Just Arnold-san? Where’s Lim?」

「She left her seat just now. She’ll probably come back right before it starts.」

「Ah, okay.」

A few minutes later, Dario-san and Flower-san brought the disher over one after another.

All the dishes which Dario-san had made thus far were absolute gems.

However, the items he lined up tonight were so extravagant that they exceeded by far. Although I was feeling sorry for Lim, I couldn’t hold my chopsticks back.

With Sword Arts skill in full throttle, I stabbed the knife I was holding into the meat. After cutting a mouthful, I moved immediately to the next dish.

I shook my fork into the salad, which was lavishly filled with cheese and vegetables, and covered with oil fried flake shaped pastry. Its aroma fragrant and texture mouth watering.

「Kuha! It’s tasty. Pops, another cup of booze.」

While Arnold-san and I were immersed in the gluttonous galore, the lid was blown off something which looked like a dessert.

I remember it……isn’t it the fruits pie from that time?

Disregarding such a concept as ‘after meal dessert’, I tossed it into my mouth.

……N? This is……not bad.

But……why does it taste different?

Did Dario-san meet failure?

「How is it?」

For Dario-san was pressing for my impression with a beaming smile, I gave my honest opinion without reservation.

「Actually, it……doesn’t taste like Dario-san’s usual……oh well. It’s natural to fail once in a while.」

In response, a somewhat puzzled look floated up Dario-san’s face.

Don’t tell me he has the gla.s.s heart of an owner! If that’s the case, then I’ll immediately——

When Dario-san s.h.i.+fted his body with a *sui* swish……there stood……Lim.

Dunno why my body was trembling as I stood up.

「O-Ou. Lim, where were you? Why don’t you have a seat and eat with us?」

「I made……that……」

「……Eh?」

Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

「That fruits pie. It was so delicious……that I had Dario-san teach me and made it myself.」

Wha……t?

As for Lim’s expression, I couldn’t tell for she had her head drooped.

Wait- wait a minute! What did I say earlier!?

When Dario-san solicited my impression……then——

——’It’s natural to fail once in a while,’ is what I said. Teehee *pero*☆

Uoaaaaaaaaaa!!

「No, it’s not like that! Yeah, I thought it was made by Dario-san; hence, I said so. As for general evaluation, it would be ‘delicious’.」

I make excuses, fl.u.s.tered.

While I was speaking, I heard some sound. When I turned to the source of the sound, Arnold-san, who was sitting across from me, stood up with one of his hands on his sword.

「Seiji……Let’s go outside. Since it’s a full moon night, I’ll have to show you my true self.」

「No! No- no- no! I know that Lim put in all her effort to make it. You know it, too, Arnold-san. Please don’t be so angry!」

The dining area was filled with clamor. Amidst the explosive situation——came the sound of the door opening.

「Oh, I came here to congratulate you, but……why is it so noisy inside?」

「Seiji-san, everyone, congratulations on your promotion.」

Bays-san and……Sheena-san!?

「Since it’s time for the change of s.h.i.+fts, we stopped by for a bit……」

「Ah, thank you very much. Both of you, please have a seat. Dario-san, the bill is on me. Please bring the dishes *janjan* non stop.」

I grabbed Lim’s arm, who was still standing, and forced her to sit.

「You, too, Lim. Sit here and eat all you want. It’s okay……Lim, you have reached the level where you can make terrific dishes.」

It wasn’t a lie for she had Cooking skill.

「……Un」

「You, too, Arnold-san. Please sit down. You seem to be pretty drunk because you were downing alcohol *dondon* so quickly.」

When everything somehow calmed down, I finally took a breather and looked around.

Fuu……that was so scary.

——However, I really am indebted to everyone.

The Dario couple needn’t be mentioned. The two guild staff members, the beastkin father and daughter, Batteau-san, who’s not present, and Jig-san who’ll be making me a sword.

Although I have spent but a short time in this world……that I’m able to harbor such feelings is owing to these people around me.

Un, not bad.

Not half bad——this world.

Such were my thoughts while looking at everyone’s jubilant visage.

The dishes were brought over until everyone’s stomach was jampacked as the merrytime continued till late night.

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