Chapter 9: Regular Customer
Around half a month had passed since I gave Garnet-san the flowers.
We boarded the train and headed back to the capital like we usually do.
By the time we left the train station, it was already getting dark.
The guild is going to close soon. I need to hurry so that I can meet Garnet-san.
I carried Dorami on my back and rushed to the guild.
“Welcome back, Jade-san! Dorami-san!”
“Congratulations on completing your quest!”
“Thank you!” (Jade)
I kept my feet moving while answering and managed to get to the guild.
Phew… I managed to arrive on time.
“I’ll be quick so wait here.” (Jade)
“Okay. Dorami is going to wait while counting the number of insects swarming around the streetlight! I counted until 16 last time and I’m aiming to break that record today!” (Dorami)
“Your eyesight will go bad if you look at it directly so don’t overdo it.” (Jade)
I entered the guild while leaving Dorami who was enthusiastically counting bugs.
The guild barely had any people in it, probably because it was just before closing time. People were getting ready to leave so most of the counters had signs that said “Today’s work is over”.
Fortunately, the 18th counter was still open. Garnet-san was also there.
I made the sharpest face I could and went over to her.
“T-this, I’ve completed it!” (Jade)
“Name?” (Garnet)
“Jade!” (Jade)
“Wait for a bit… It’s the subjugation quest for a Chimera.” (Garnet)
With her milky white hands, Granet-san gripped the magic stone.
At that moment…
Kuuu…
A small sound was heard.
It sounded like someone was hungry but Garnet-san is the only one here…
Then, maybe that cute sound just now came from—!
“…”
Garnet-san’s cheeks were slightly red.
A-ah! It must’ve been from her stomach!
Uwaa, she’s so cute! Even the sound is cute! Garnet-san with blushing cheeks is also really cute!
No, no, no! This isn’t the time to get excited over something like this!
Garnet-san is a shy person so I should try and defuse the situation with a joke!
…What should I say? You sound just like Dorami? Hmm… Would that be difficult to follow?
“I’ve finished confirming it.” (Garnet)
The confirmation ended as I was hesitating.
I wanted to say something at first but… is it actually better if I just pretend not to hear her?
“This is the cheque for the reward of 30 million Gol.” (Garnet)
“Thank you very much! Uh, I’ll get my next quest tomorrow!” (Jade)
If we proceed with the next part, her stomach might growl again.
After receiving the cheque from Garnet-san, I went out to meet Dorami who was waiting there.
“I counted to eighteen!” (Dorami)
“Congratulations on breaking your record!” (Jade)
“Thank you! So, where are we going next?” (Dorami)
“Some things happened so I’m going to get a new request tomorrow instead.” (Jade)
“Then, today is a day off?” (Dorami)
I nodded at Dorami whose expression was filled with anticipation.
“Yeah and since I have nothing else to do today, let’s have a leisurely meal at the restaurant.” (Jade)
“I’m excited! It’s been a while since we ate at a restaurant so I’m really looking forward to it~ So, are we going there?” (Dorami)
“All the shops on the main street should be closed since it’s already this late.” (Jade)
I wasn’t sure because I rarely visit stores.
At some point, whenever I go to a store, so many people storm in to try and say hi to me. It turns into a big fuss with people singing praises about me and drinking.
Of course, it’s alright to have such a lively meal.
However, I don’t want to cause any trouble to the people that are just there to eat.
“It’s a bit far from here, is that okay?” (Jade)
“Is the food there good?” (Dorami)
“Yeah. The last time I ate there was a few years ago but the stew was delicious, and the fish dishes were also pretty exquisite.” (Jade)
“What kind of ingredients are in the stew? Dorami would be happier if it was filled with meat and not vegetables.” (Dorami)
“That’s good! The stew has plenty of soft meat after all!” (Jade)
“It’s decided then!” (Dorami)
I headed to the restaurant while being urged by Dorami.
It’s a small restaurant by the street.
When I entered the restaurant, an appetizing aroma wafted through the air. Maybe it’s cause they mostly operate during the day, I couldn’t see any customers.
“It’s completely ours~!” (Dorami)
The old man behind the counter was surprised by Dorami’s high-pitched voice.
He seemed even more surprised once he saw my face.
“I’m very surprised. Someone like Jade-san would come to a store like ours.”
“You don’t have to be so humble! The shop looks splendid and the smell is delicious!” (Dorami)
“I’m very happy you think that, young lady.”
“You’re welcome! Dorami wants to eat some stew! If you also put more meat, I’ll be very happy!” (Dorami)
“Got it. I’ve received the order. What about you, Jade-san?”
“I’d like some fish. The last time I ate, the herbs made it taste super good.” (Jade)
“Jade-san is very lucky. There’s actually only one left. I’ll have them out in a second so please wait there.”
We wait behind the counter seat.
In front of Dorami, some stew and various breads were brought out.
“Wow! It looks super delicious! Thank you for the meal~!” (Dorami)
It seems her tension rose because she saw the meat.
She dipped the bread into her stew and ate it. She also stuffed some softly stewed meat into her mouth and her cheeks melted in bliss.
As I was looking at her, a grilled fish with herbs came out.
I immediately took a bite.
Yep, it’s delicious!
The flavor of the fish wrapped in the scent of herbs fills the mouth…
“Welcome.”
The old man greeted the person who walked through the door.
When I glanced up from my delicious fish dish—
It was Garnet-san.
Eh?! Why did Garnet-san come to this store?! We’re quite far from the guild!
C-could it be that she followed me here?
“I’ll have the usual, please.” (Garnet)
Not. That’s something that regular customers say.
Huh… So Garnet-san usually goes to this store. I should come back here often too! Dorami seems like she likes the food here too!
But…
What does Garnet-san usually have? I’m really curious…
As I continued eating my meal, I listen in on their conversation.
“I’m sorry, Garnet-chan. The fish with herbs is already sold out.”
So this was it!
What have I done…? I’ve taken away Garnet-san’s enjoyment after work…!
“That’s disappointing…” (Garnet)
How could I disappoint the girl I love…?!
“Hey! Um, should I go and buy some fish?! (Jade)
“Thank you, but I’ll only accept your feelings.” (Garnet)
That’s no good!
Garnet-san won’t be able to fill up her stomach with just my feelings!
“Please don’t be so reserved! I don’t mind paying for it because I really want to buy a fish! So, where can I go buy one?!” (Jade)
“I don’t think it’s possible to buy fish anywhere right now. There have been problems with the supply, you see…”
“Problems with the supply…?” (Jade)
The royal capital is fairly close to the sea.
Fresh fish from the port town should arrive here every day by train, though…
“It seems that some sort of monster appeared in the nearby sea. Fishermen who go fishing have had their boats sunk.”
“Monster, are you planning on monopolizing the fish…? Unforgivable…! Dorami also wanted to eat that fish with herbs!” (Dorami)
Dorami looks angry.
Well, even I’m also pretty mad.
To deprive Garnet-san of her enjoyment…!
“Um, Garnet-san!” (Jade)
“What is it?” (Garnet)
“Is there a request for the subjugation of the monster?” (Jade)
“There’s a subjugation quest for the six-petal class.” (Garnet)
Six-petal class, huh… No wonder I couldn’t find it.
If the subjugation is delayed and it’s judged to be too difficult for the six-petal class, it’ll rank up and become a seven-petal class quest. If the difficulty keeps rising then eventually, it’ll be my turn.
However, it’s only at six petals right now… It’s going to take a while before it becomes my turn.
Each rank is assigned a quest suitable for their level. I, a ten-petal class, can’t break the rules and steal the quests from the lower ranks.
However…
It’s a different story if someone is attacked by monsters while they’re fishing.
If it’s just to defend myself from the monster, it wouldn’t be against the guild’s policies.
It’s decided! Let’s go to the sea and have Garnet-san eat a delicious fish dish!
“I’d like some stew, please.” (Garnet)
“Got it. Here’s your order.”
“The stew here is so delicious that your cheeks will melt!” (Dorami)
“It’s also delicious if you dip your bread in the stew.” (Garnet)
“I already tried it! It was very delicious!” (Dorami)
While feeling a bit envious of Dorami who was happily chatting with Garnet-san, I made up my mind.
