GalaxyTL
When I arrived at the cafeteria, I ended up rubbing my eyes repeatedly. Why? Because the person waiting for me was—
“I’m back. …Meg.”
“G-Gil-shan!”
It’s not a dream! It’s really you! I was so happy that I ran towards Gil-san. I thought I’d heard his voice yesterday, but maybe it wasn’t a dream? Or maybe it was one of those dreams that come true. No, it doesn’t matter! Here I come, dive!
“Gil-shan! Welcome back!”
“Yeah. …Have you been a good girl?”
“I have!”
Gil-san effortlessly caught me as I jumped into his arms, and then lifted me up and held me in his left arm. He asked this with a gentle smile on his face. This stable carry, it was definitely the real Gil-san!
I’d gotten a little carried away, but then it hit me. I frantically patted Gil-san’s body. Not because I had any impure thoughts. Though, he did have amazing muscles.
“What…?”
“Um, I was just wondering… if you were hurt.”
That’s right. I was worried that he’d gotten hurt somewhere during his work. Though I knew he was very strong, so I wasn’t that worried. But, you see, as someone who’d lost a parent, I was always worried about the safety of the people I trust.
“Fue?”
I stared up at him, waiting for a reply, when he suddenly pressed the back of my head with his large hand, burying my face in his chest. What’s happening?
“…I’m fine. I’m… not injured.”
“That’s a welief!”
He patted my head gently. Was he embarrassed? Maybe he wasn’t used to being worried about. And by a little shrimp like me, no less.
“Gil-san’s embarrassed…!”
Maryla-san, who was nearby, was staring at him, as if she’d witnessed something rare. It was a rare reaction after all. I had to savor this moment. What a treat!
“You’re about to have breakfast?”
“Yesh! What about you, Gil-shan?”
“I’m about to.”
Then we had to eat together! And so, we decided to have breakfast, the three of us: Maryla-san, Gil-san, and myself! Maryla-san didn’t complain about Gil-san joining us. So, it seemed like she really disliked Juma-kun. Poor Juma-kun.
“Good morning! Oh my, Meg-chan, you’re with Gil-san today?”
“Good mowning! That’s wight!”
“You look so happy. Your guardian is different, as expected.”
Apparently, Gil-san was considered my guardian in the guild. Well, he was the one who brought me here.
“Maryla’s like a maid, and Schlie’s your master, right? I guess I’m more like the cooking lady, huh? Ahaha!”
Tioris-nee-san said this cheerfully. It wasn’t entirely wrong, but Tioris-san wasn’t a “cooking lady!” She was a nee-san, but she’s still young!
“Wh-What? A maid? Onee-chan’s better!”
“Hmm? Isn’t Saura-san the onee-chan?”
“Muu! I’m aiming for the onee-chan position! I won’t give up!”
Maryla-san was burning with a fighting spirit that I don’t really understand. I thought she was a very kind onee-chan… I’d lived far fewer years than her, but if we’re talking about in terms of human years, I do feel like I am older. So, she was more of a younger sister to me, sorry.
“Alright, here you go! Today’s breakfast is consommé soup, salad, sausages, and croissant sandwiches!”
“It looks sho yummy!”
“Meg-chan, I cut yours into bite-sized pieces, so be careful not to spill.”
“Thank you!”
As always, the menu looked delicious! I’d enjoyed all the meals so far, so this one was bound to be good! Wait, weren’t the dishes… child-sized? Until now, they’d given me teaspoons, and the plates were just small dishes, but this was definitely a kids’ plate. The spoon and fork even had cute handles, making it easier for small hands to hold them!
“Did you notice? Fufu, everyone’s just smitten with Meg-chan! Carter, our blacksmith, and Maille, our artisan, prepared tableware, chairs, and other necessities for a child. You used that special chair, right? They made that too.”
What! I had to properly thank them. Apparently, Carter-san and Maille-san were the leaders of their respective departments. It felt luxurious to have those important people make things for me.
“Saura… she’s serious.”
“I agree. She probably wouldn’t settle for anything less, not for Meg-chan.”
Don’t tell me… Saura-san was the one who gave them instructions? …What a worrywart. I’m grateful, though!
The croissant sandwich lived up to expectations; it had a satisfying crunch the moment I took a bite. It was followed by a fluffy texture and a buttery aroma. Happiness! It was filled with lettuce, egg, and cheese, very satisfying! But crumbs were spilling everywhere. Even though they’d cut it into bite-sized pieces! It was amusing to watch Gil-san swiftly clean them up.
“Th-There’s no opportunity for me to help…!”
Maryla-san declared defeat. Gil-san, you’re good at taking care of people!
And then, those plump little sausages! I loved that snapping sound! I wanted more, but there was also soup and salad, so I was full. After enjoying my meal, I was drinking milk when Maryla-san asked me about my plans for today.
“Um, I’m going on a… date with Kei-shan today!”
As I announced this cheerfully, everyone in the cafeteria froze, and a chill filled the air. Wh-What’s going on…?
“Don’t worry. I’ll be going with her as her escort.”
The chill dissipated with Gil-san’s words, and sighs of relief echoed throughout the room. Maryla-san looked like she was about to cry, saying, “Thank goodness.” …Why?
But I had to focus on something far more important!
“Gil-shan, will you come with me!?”
“Yeah. Last night, at the meeting, I heard you needed an escort, so I rushed back.”
He was originally supposed to come back tomorrow, but he finished his work and returned in the middle of the night. …I understood that he was efficient and a hard worker, but this was… a whole new level of overprotectiveness. It was almost admirable.
“But with Gil-san, I feel much better! Have fun today, Meg-chan.”
“Okii! I’m excited!”
But there was no denying I was happy. A date with Kei-san and Gil-san!
Wait… Kei-san and Gil-san…? I couldn’t imagine how those two would interact. Wh-What will happen? Would Kei-san be their usual self, even around Gil-san, who was also handsome? They were on good terms… right?
…I hoped today would go smoothly!