Chapter 11: The Last Day
“I’m hungry…” (Dorami)
“Me too. Let’s hurry to yesterday’s store!” (Jade)
Garnet-san was the type to enjoy her meal slowly. It’s been a while since the guild closed for the day, but she should still be at the store.
Even though it’s in a case with a magic stone to keep it cool, I need to be careful or the fish will get damaged. I want to hurry and make Garnet-san happy with her favorite fish dishes!
We hurried to the store.
Running into a small street, running past a bakery, a pharmacy, a flower shop—
“—?!” (Jade)
I caught a glimpse of blue hair, so I stopped suddenly and looked back.
Garnet-san was carrying a bouquet from the flower shop.
“Hello, Garnet-san! Good evening! I’m Jade!” (Jade)
“You’re too energetic.” (Garnet)
“Because being energetic is my only good point!” (Jade)
Alright! I managed to get a conversation so naturally!
Until recently, I could only talk to her about work… I’ve grown so much.
“It’s such a coincidence that we met in a place like this! Are you on your way home from work?” (Jade)
“Yes.” (Garnet)
“Thank you for your hard work! I went to the port town to get a fish!” (Jade)
“Dorami also went fishing on a boat! I also caught a magical beast!!” (Dorami)
“You must’ve been so shocked.” (Garnet)
“Dorami was a bit shocked for a second, but I quickly regained my composure and started throwing stones!” (Dorami)
“It’s a good thing you had some stones with you.” (Garnet)
“I always carry them with me so I can fight at any time! The monster was hit by Dorami’s stones and was so flustered that it tried to cut the ship in half with scissors!” (Dorami)
“It must’ve been difficult.” (Garnet)
“Dorami didn’t take a single step back and kept my eyes on the monster…!” (Dorami)
“You’re so brave.” (Garnet)
Dorami looks pretty satisfied.
“Did you defeat the monster?” (Garnet)
“Yes! The threat of the monsters has passed, so fresh fish should start being delivered to the capital from tomorrow!” (Jade)
“That’s good news.” (Garnet)
Alright! With this, my favorability definitely went up!
“Will you come to the guild tomorrow?” (Garnet)
“Of course! I wasn’t able to go today but I’ll definitely come tomorrow…” (Jade)
…AH! I forgot!
Come to think of it, I told her yesterday that I would accept my next request today.
“What’s wrong?” (Garnet)
“No, um… I don’t think Garnet-san remembers but I told you yesterday that I would accept my next request today…” (Jade)
“I remember. I was worried because you didn’t come.” (Garnet)
“E-ehh?! Garnet-san, you’re worried about me?!” (Jade)
“Is it that surprising?” (Garnet)
“Of course I am! I’m a hero! I’m insanely strong, I’m a ten-petal class, you know?!” (Jade)
I don’t like saying it myself, but I’m really strong. That’s why nobody is worried about me.
Even more so Garnet-san. She knows how strong I am because I always report my quests to her.
But Garnet-san told me she was worried about me… Of course, I’d be surprised.
…Can I actually be happy about this, though?
“…Do you think I’m unreliable?” (Jade)
I steeled my resolve and asked.
Garnet-san shook her head and said, “That’s not what I meant”
“You’re not just a hero to me, you’re also like a brother.” (Garnet)
I was taken aback by the words she spoke so casually.
“I’m Garnet-san’s relative?!” (Jade)
“I didn’t say that. I said that you’re *like* a brother.” (Garnet)
“W-why do you think of me like a younger brother?” (Jade)
Garnet onee-chan, I don’t think I’ve ever been spoiled by you, though?!
“I’ve watched you grow since you were 12 years old, so you’re like a little brother to me.” (Garnet)
“A-ahh… So that’s what you meant.” (Jade)
I see. So that’s why Garnet-san doesn’t use formal speech when we’re talking in private.
What should I do? I’m so happy that my mouth is trying to smile by itself.
When everyone treats you like a hero and respects you, they’ll treat you specially. Sometimes, it just feels a little lonely.
It’s the same with Dorami, but I feel really happy to have someone that treats me just like another person and not a hero.
…Hm? Wait a second.
If she thinks of me as her younger brother, that means that…
Do I have no shot at a romance with her?
No, no, no, no! That can’t be true!
“Just like a brother” doesn’t mean that I’m her real brother!
If we’re not blood-related, that means we can be romantically involved!
I can’t exactly ask if she could see me as a love interest but… I decided to believe in it.
“By the way, Garnet-san, where are you going?” (Jade)
“I’m going to eat at my favorite restaurant.” (Garnet)
“The one from yesterday?” (Jade)
“Yes, that’s right.” (Garnet)
“What a coincidence! We were about to go too! Right, Dorami?” (Jade)
“Umu! We’ll have the fish we caught cooked and I’ll let Garnet have a taste too~!” (Dorami)
“Are you sure?” (Garnet)
“Of course! I caught a lot of fish, so please help me eat them!” (Jade)
“Then, I’ll take you up on your offer.” (Garnet)
Let’s go! She’s going to eat it!
Once everything was decided, Garnet-san started walking and I followed her pace.
Garnet-san smells so good… Looking at her from the front is nice but her side profile is also pretty…
Walking side by side likes makes me feel like we’re on a date. I wish this time lasts forever…
“We’re here!” (Dorami)
It was over in 5 seconds.
It’s fine. I’m going to be a regular at this store starting today.
Thinking about how I’ll be eating with Garnet-san in the same place every day from now on makes me feel so happy it’s ridiculous.
The three of us entered the store while grinning.
Like yesterday, there were no other guests besides us.
“We’re here today too~!” (Dorami)
“Good morning, Dorami-chan, welcome. Garnet-chan and Jade-san too.”
“I caught a fish!” (Dorami)
“A fish? Did you go to the sea?”
“Yes, I defeated the monster so it’ll be easier to buy fish now!” (Jade)
“I want it cooked while it’s still fresh!” (Dorami)
Urged by Dorami, the old man smiles.
“At least I’ll be able to put my skills to work and make you a delicious dish one last time.”
…One last time?
Uh, what do you mean?
“Before that, please take this.” (Garnet)
Garnet-san gave the old man the bouquet.
Is it his birthday today?
“Ah, I’m thankful. Is it really okay?”
“It’s my way of thanking you for all the delicious food you’ve made for me until now.” (Garnet)
“Thank you.”
…Strange.
It doesn’t feel like it’s his birthday.
“Umm, what is happening?” (Jade)
“I’m already old. The restaurant has been in business for 50 years and is closing today. I’m going back to the countryside and live with my daughter and her husband.”
No way! What about my idea of eating with Garnet-san every day to get close to her?!
I want to ask Garnet-san about where’s going to eat starting tomorrow but… If I ask her creepy questions like that, I’m no better than a stalker.
“Dorami will also give this to you!” (Dorami)
“It’s a beautiful pebble.”
“Then, this is from me! Think of it as a retirement allowance!” (Jade)
“I’ll just take your feelings.”
He politely refused the 10 million gold as we sat down on the counter seats.
Garnet-san is sitting next to me! My elbow! Garnet-san’s elbow is hitting my elbow!
To experience something this amazing… what a wonderful store!
I really don’t like that the store is closing…
“Why are you crying?” (Garnet)
“I’m sad that the store is going to close…” (Jade)
“This is only the second time I’ve seen you here.” (Garnet)
“I ate the food yesterday and became a fan…” (Jade)
“I’m happy that you like it so much. When I move to the countryside, I’ll make sure to show off to my daughter and her husband.”
The old man cheerfully smiled and made a very delicious herb roast.
