Chapter 50 – Words of Gratitude

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Honestly, I’d felt a bit uneasy before arriving at the café.

Even after the two of them reached the café, I’d worried the chilly atmosphere might persist. 

Of course, recalling our conversation before setting out made it seem like a needless concern—but who knew how things would unfold upon arrival?

So when Yuika joined us midway, I felt secretly relieved. At the very least, I thought she’d mediate better than I could in a pinch.

But now, it was clear my worries had been unfounded.

“…I just can’t ignore it. Last time, something like this—”

“Huh?! Really?!”

At first, their conversation seemed politely formal, but soon enough, they relaxed and chatted comfortably. Somehow, the topic shifted to stories about me, and that’s when the mood among the three of them began to change.

Sure, listening to my embarrassing exploits being passed around made me want to faint from shame, but seeing them get along so warmly put me at ease—even if my dignity was collateral damage.

Still, Andreina… You really didn’t need to share that ‘fasting’ incident. The moment Yuika heard it, her eyes lit up, and she kept trying to force-feed me—

“Um, Yuika… I’m full now…”

“Full? You’ve barely eaten two plates!”

‘Barely’ two plates?! The pancakes were stacked three layers high, each one bigger than my face—how is that ‘barely’?!

Besides, we’d already eaten at home before coming here. My stomach was at its limit. If I ate any more, everything inside would stage a jailbreak.

Luckily, my pale face must’ve clued her in, because she finally backed off—though her expression screamed, “This isn’t over!” 

I made a mental note to avoid her for a while. Getting caught meant being dragged somewhere and stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Anyway, the three of them continued chatting cheerfully, mostly about me. Not that they had much else in common besides yours truly.

Meanwhile, I was too busy digesting my food mountain to contribute. Jumping in risked more embarrassing revelations, and honestly, I was too full to move.

By the time the conversation wound down, I’d recovered enough to walk home—a small miracle, considering I’d almost needed a piggyback ride.

Our group’s steps were in sync as we left, a far cry from our stiff arrival. Hosanna kept a polite distance, but Yuika had warmed up to Andreina, sticking close. Andreina didn’t seem to mind, smiling faintly.

Watching them, it hit me: beneath the maturity she showed at the cathedral, Andreina was likely around Yuika’s age. Maybe even close to my past self. The thought made my gaze linger wistfully.

We disbanded in the central district. After seeing off Hosanna and Yuika (headed to U.P.), Andreina suggested I stay over.

But I refused. I’d already been enough of a nuisance today. Her surprised expression stung me with guilt, but I couldn’t accept.

Being near Andreina was comforting—too comforting. She might indulge my clinginess, but I’d stagnate if I gave in.

Not that I didn’t want to stay. But the time I’d wasted left me buried under obligations: hunting rabbits for money and magic stones, crafting Cores, expanding the doll’s body… Thinking about starting over from scratch felt overwhelming.

“Ugh, I’ll figure it out!”

I shook off the negativity, showered quickly, and collapsed into bed—an emergency sleep attack to shut down overthinking.

Unlike the restless past three days, I drifted off easily, finally at peace.

–

I woke up and immediately prepped for the dungeon. Normally, I wouldn’t rush, but I needed momentum before my resolve wavered. Plus, I had lost days to make up for.

Thankfully, yesterday’s lethargy was gone. My body felt light, energy buzzing—I could’ve even order at the café alone today!

…Or so I thought, until reality struck.

“Hey, kid. Up early, huh?”
“Ah, u-uh… Ulrika-ssi… Good morning.”

Crossing the central district, Ulrika popped up out of nowhere. My confidence vanished; my voice trembled as I shrank into myself.

Of all people to run into. Not that I disliked him—we were just still awkward, and his sharp features (those slit pupils, those fangs) made me feel like prey under a predator’s gaze.

But beyond appearances, he wasn’t a bad person. In fact, I owed him thanks. Steadying my pounding heart, I bowed.

“Th-Thank you, Ulrika-ssi…”

“Huh? What’s this sudden gratitude?”

“I heard… you were the one who carried me to the cathedral when I passed out on the street last time.”

“Last time?”

Ulrika looked puzzled, then smacked his fist lightly into his palm.

“Oh, right. That. But why thank me now? It’s ancient history.”

“Ah…”

He had a point—it had been over a week. But unlike Yuika (who I saw often), Ulrika was hard to bump into. Not that I frequented U.P. much…

Wait. That’s my fault. I bowed again, apologizing.

“S-Sorry. This is too late, isn’t it? I should’ve said it sooner…”

“Nah, wasn’t scolding you. Just didn’t think it was a big deal. Someone else would’ve helped if I hadn’t.”

“B-But you did help first…”

Hypotheticals didn’t change facts. Ulrika scratched his head, looking sheepish.

“Well, if you insist… Anyway, let’s drop it. Didn’t stop you for this.”

“Huh? You didn’t just say hi?”

“That too, but I was actually planning to swing by your place.”

“My place?”

Ulrika continued:

“Got anything urgent right now?”

“Uh, I was heading to the dungeon, but it’s not urgent…”

“Then mind tagging along to U.P.? The President wants to see you.”

“The President… Hosanna?”

We’d just parted ways yesterday after hours of chatting (well, I mostly listened). What could they want now?

Ulrika shrugged at my confusion.

“Dunno why. Just relaying the request.”

“I see…”

“The president is not the cryptic type—just ask directly when we get there.”

“Hmm…”

I tugged my hood, debating. Detouring to U.P. probably wouldn’t derail my resolve, but my willpower was notoriously flimsy.

Still, Hosanna wouldn’t summon me for nothing. Might as well go.

Author Note

A/N (Author’s note):
This… This… I’ve done my best…

Translator Note

T/N (Translator’s note):
No clue what to insult today, so here’s a picture of a discord member being noob:

Join the server so you can get humiliated!

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