After finishing the grand (or rather, one-sided) argument in front of the guild, I quickly left the main street with Lilia in tow.
If I stood there any longer, I'd attract even more attention, and I didn't want some weird rumors spreading among the other adventurers because of it.
As a result, Lilia, panting and saying, "Wait for me!" followed closely behind.
"You're walking awfully slow. At this speed, there's no way we'll finish all the requests in one day, you know."
"...Seriously, just don't follow me."
I brushed off Lilia's provocation and continued down the cobblestone path.
Lilia seemed irritated at first glance, but she was actually watching her surroundings warily. I guess she was wary of me using some strange magic to move at high speed. But I had no intention of doing that.
"Seriously, are you really going to work walking like this? When does your gutter cleaning start?"
"Well, I'll do the job, but there's a place I want to stop by first. ...Oh, we're here."
Lilia tilted her head with a puzzled look, asking, "Is this the first place we're going for a request?"
Well, yeah, that's right. Where I stopped, there was a cute antique-style sign hanging.
On top of that, a sweet scent wafted from inside the store—in other words, it was a sweets shop.
"This is...where you're going for a request?"
"No, it's unrelated to work. It's a sweets shop I frequent."
"Huh!? Wait, aren't you supposed to be going to slay slimes? Why are you stopping by a confectionery store!"
Ignoring Lilia's grumbling, I pushed the door open and entered the store. The sweet scent of vanilla and baked goods tickled my nose, and I couldn't help but smile.
Colorful cakes and baked goods lined the shelves along the wall, and delicate cream-decorated tarts and macarons sparkled brightly in the display case. It was the kind of moment that made you think heaven might be like this.
"Welcome—oh, it's Setsu. Thanks for always coming."
Greeting me from behind the counter was the owner of this store—Silvie. Her gentle smile and sincere customer service were very comforting.
"Hey, Silvie. I heard a rumor that you had a new creation. I thought I'd stop by since I was in the area."
"Oh, your information is fast. I just started it yesterday. It's called 'Early Summer Fruit Mille Crepe,' would you like to try it?"
Silvie pointed to the display case.
When I looked, there were layers of crepe dough with custard cream and colorful fruits sandwiched between them. A thin, clear jelly was drizzled on top, and sparkling herbal syrup reflected the light on the surface. It was a visual masterpiece.
"Wow...that looks delicious. I think I'll order that. And can I also get a cup of herbal tea?"
"Of course. How about the blend? There's the relaxing type I recommended last time, or a bitter spice herb."
"Then, I'll go with the relaxing type today. I want to avoid anything too stimulating before work."
"I see. So, you're eating here instead of taking it to go today."
"Yes, please."
As I sat down in a chair, Lilia, who was next to me, asked with a stunned look, "Eh...are you serious about eating here?"
This place also had a cafe space, and I didn't feel the need to go to work right away. I had secured the gutter cleaning request, and if I finished it today, no one would complain.
"Alright, one 'Early Summer Fruit Mille Crepe' and 'Relaxing Herbal Tea' for Setsu! Please wait a moment!"
Silvie happily returned to the back of the counter.
Watching her go, I spoke to Lilia.
"Hey, why don't you eat something since we're here? This mille crepe is incredibly delicious, just like it looks."
"...I, I don't need anything. I don't really like sweets."
As she said that, she glanced at the display case.
No, no, her eyes were completely saying, "That looks delicious..." Immediately after, Lilia cleared her throat and turned away.
"Could it be that you don't have any money? If so, I could treat you."
"Guh...! Well, I won't deny that... But no way, I would never want to be treated by someone as shady as you!"
"Is that so? Then do as you please."
I didn't want to force her, so I decided to wait quietly.
During that time, Lilia was clearly restless.
"Sorry to keep you waiting—here's the Fruit Mille Crepe! It has a layer of custard with a modest sweetness, and it's filled with sliced berries and kiwi. I've sprinkled citrus jelly on top. It has a refreshing look, doesn't it?"
The mille crepe that Silvie brought to the table with a smile was truly a work of art.
The layers of thin crepe dough seemed to promise a light and airy texture with each bite. The vibrant colors of the sandwiched fruits were eye-catching and delicious.
"Wow... Just hearing the word 'mille crepe' gets me excited. Let's dig in!"
When I scooped it up with a fork, the dough swayed gracefully, and the cross-section revealed a glimpse of light yellow cream and bright red berries. When I put it in my mouth, the soft texture of the crepe dough and the moderately sour berries exquisitely complemented the sweetness of the custard...
"U-umai... This is a little dangerous. Not too sweet, with a refreshing acidity, and a clean aftertaste... gulp. This is good."
"Hehe, do you like it? The citrus jelly topping is an accent that makes it easy to eat. Also, please try the herbal tea."
The herbal tea in the glass cup that was offered was a bright amber color. It seemed to be a blend of rose hips, chamomile, mint, and other herbs, and the sweet and refreshing scent of herbs wafted through my nose.
"Yeah, this is the best too. It goes perfectly with the sweet sweets. It feels relaxing."
I thought it was truly delicious and savored it slowly.
...Next to me, Lilia was crossing her arms with a sulky expression. I could see her glancing at the sweets out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't say anything.
Well, since she said she wouldn't eat it, there was nothing I could do.
"Thank you for the meal. As always, I'm very satisfied. Thanks, Silvie."
"Hehe, I'm glad you enjoyed it."
While having that conversation, I paid Silvie.
Phew, I'm satisfied. I reaffirmed that I was working for these little luxuries.
"Well... I guess it's about time to go."
As I stood up from the chair, Lilia leaned forward eagerly, saying, "Finally!"
"You're really going to the gutter cleaning request next, right? If you're going to use some kind of trick, I won't miss it!"
"Alright, alright. Well, before we go—can I borrow the restroom, Silvie?"
"Oh, of course. The restroom is through the door in the back."
"Thank you."
As I nodded slightly, Lilia glared at me.
"Even if I'm watching you, you wouldn't go into the restroom with me, would you?"
"T-that's obvious!"
Lilia's cheeks flushed slightly as she glared at me.
Seriously... I can't let my guard down with her around.
Well, stopping by the sweets shop wasn't just because I wanted to eat something sweet, but also because I was looking for a chance to be alone.
After all, it would be a problem if I was followed around all the time.
The magic I use isn't that great, but if someone saw it, there was a chance they'd make a fuss about it.
Absolutely not.
For that reason, I've learned in my previous life that "being noticed" is the root of all trouble.
To avoid that, I'll use any means necessary.
...While recalling the scent of the mille crepe and herbal tea from earlier, I quietly placed my hand on the wall that should have no exit and secretly activated the magic.
◇ ◇ ◇
"Haa... I wonder how long it's been. Even if his stomach is upset, isn't this too long?"
Irritated, I—Lilia=Velt—stared at the door. But there wasn't a sound. This was definitely strange.
I knocked once, twice, but there was no response at all. It was as quiet as if it were uninhabited.
"Hey, at least answer me!"
...Silence.
I had an even worse premonition.
Becoming impatient, I turned the doorknob, and the door was unlocked. In other words, it had been unlocked the whole time.
So, I decided to open the door roughly.
"Ha...?"
At that moment, the words froze in the back of my throat.
Faced with the scene unfolding beyond the door, my thoughts stopped for a moment. Only my heavy breath weighed on my chest.
—I would be made aware.
Of how small I was.
And that the human being named Setsu was far more terrifying than I imagined.
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