Chapter 686

Let’s make a shaved ice machine! (3)
After that, we wrapped up the meeting by finalizing the general specifications and disbanded.

Galvano Ojisama immediately got started on the blueprints, and Owen-san dashed back to his shop clutching the two magic stones like they were treasure.

Right at that moment, Otousama and Tirie-san returned to the shop.

“… What was that? Did something happen?”

Tirie-san, wearing a blank expression, watched Owen-san rush off before turning a suspicious gaze on us.

“To say ‘nothing happened’ would be a lie, but… well, it’s kind of the usual, you know?”

I chuckled awkwardly while looking away, and Tirie-san nodded as if it all made perfect sense. “Ahh… got it.”

So this really is the usual, huh?

“He’ll probably forget to eat and sleep for a while.”

Galvano Ojisama snorted as he smoothly continued drawing.

“Can’t be helped. I’ll check in on him from time to time.”

Tirie-san shrugged and turned toward me.

“Listen, Cristea-chan. That guy? He’s a total magic tool maniac. If you carelessly hand him high-ranking materials, he’ll abandon all sense of a normal life and dive headfirst into making magic tools.”

“Uh… I see…”

You’re not saying he’ll stop being human entirely… right?

“With the way he was practically glowing, I’d say this is already a severe case of input overload. He might even forget to perform basic survival tasks.”

“Eeep…!?”

That’s not just quitting humanity—that’s potentially ending your life!?

“Well, I’ll take care of that part, so don’t worry. But if you could prepare food that can be stuffed into his mouth, that’d really help.”

… Stuffed in!?

I—I don’t have any recipes for food you can stuff into people!

“Would things like onigiri or sandwiches work? Something he can eat one-handed?”

“Oh, that’s perfect. And if you have soup for when things get really dire, that’d be great too.”

I took out miso soup, consommé soup, tomato soup, and potage from my inventory, and Tirie-san packed them away in his own magic bag.

“There’s plenty for you too, Tirie-san, so please help yourself if you’d like.”

“Well aren’t you a sweetheart. Thanks, Cristea-chan.”

Tirie-san winked and blew me a kiss.

Behind me, I heard Mariel-chan let out a quiet “Whoooa…” as if something had struck her soul. The sheer force of a beautiful elf’s wink seemed to have taken her down.

But honestly, that’s not very ladylike behavior, is it?

Me? Oh, I’m totally used to this.

I’ve been around Otousama too much, so I’m kinda numb to all this sparkly-handsome-man energy.

Everyone around me is outrageously good-looking, so I’ve built up some immunity over time.

And anyway, even though Tirie-san is a beautiful elf, she’s also an onee-san type. The affection she shows me is more big-sisterly—or maybe even motherly.

Her romantic interest mostly points toward men anyway…

Ah, Mariel-chan’s covering her mouth and blushing bright red now.

… That’s totally a failed attempt at hiding a grin, isn’t it?

Geez, if you’re that easy to read, you’ll never survive in high society☆!

I gave her a refined lady’s smile, and the moment she noticed, Mariel-chan went pale and immediately straightened her posture.

Once we’re back at the special dormitory, we’ll be reviewing Lady Letia’s etiquette training, alright?

I won’t let you get a failing grade!

Mariel-chan was trembling like a small animal, clearly sensing something ominous from my smile, but I left her be.

“Well then, Tirie-san, I know it’s a hassle, but thank you for handling this.”

“Of course, leave it to me. Galvano, maybe I’ll come check on you too—make sure you’re not just drinking the whole time.”

“No need. Unlike him, the more booze I’ve got, the better I work.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re on the watchlist too.”

“Hmph.”

They sounded like they were arguing, but it wasn’t unfriendly.

Even in my previous life, dwarves and elves were often described as mortal enemies, but according to them, it’s more of a “can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em” kind of bond.

Tirie-san’s really just a busybody big sis at heart.

With him keeping tabs on the two craftsmen, we decided to return to our estate in the territory.

Since we’d come all the way to the domain via teleportation, Sei and the others planned to stay separately and visit the Bastea Company’s main store.

The next morning, we’d stop by the Bastea Company ourselves and then do a long-awaited tour of the territory’s market before heading home.

“I’ll have escorts shadowing you from a distance, but don’t take any unnecessary risks. If you sense any danger, head straight to the Adventurers’ Guild. If even that’s not possible, use teleportation magic if you must—just get back to the estate no matter what. Understood?”

Otousama had apparently accumulated a backlog of paperwork from taking the day off, and now he was piling on the warnings with extra concern.

“Yes, yes, I understand. We’re only going to stroll through the market—nothing wild, I promise.”

“It’s exactly because you say that that I worry. Norman, I’m counting on you.”

“… I’ll do my best.”

Oniisama responded with a textbook noble’s smile—an arcaic smile, you might say.

“… Somehow, that’s not reassuring. Just be back early tomorrow. That’s all.”

Otousama sighed, deepening the lines between his brows as he entered the teleportation room.

“… Alright! Now we’re free to do as we please!”

“… Tea?”

“… Cristea-san?”

Oops. Both Oniisama and Mariel-chan gave me looks of gentle disapproval.

I mean, come on—having a guardian around makes things so stiff!
Tomorrow, it’s finally time for a market stroll!
I can’t wait!

What do you think about this chapter?