GalaxyTL
“Hello! I brought the new books!”
And here we are at the library. It’s a small, separate building behind Ortus’ courtyard. As usual, it’s a magically enhanced building, so it’s surprisingly spacious inside.
It’s set up so that even non-Ortus people can borrow books, like a city library. But honestly, not many people come. There’s a strange custom that stories are mainly for children to read, and there aren’t many people who think they need to look things up for their daily lives.
Reading stories is fun, you know? In the world Megu lived in, it was common for adults to get absorbed in them. So I think it’s such a waste, but of course, there are adults who love books and read a lot of stories.
For example, the person in charge of managing this place, and the guy who just came to deliver the books. But they’re treated as oddballs. I’ll probably be called an oddball in the future too. Right now, people still see me as a child who reads, but…
“Hmm, it looks like no one’s here?”
『It seems so!』
I looked around, searching for any presence. If Shou-chan says so too, it must be true. Did they go out? That’s rare.
『Master, where should I put these?』
“Ah, sorry, sorry. Could you put them on the counter for now?”
When I hurriedly gave Fuu-chan instructions, she happily did the job, being used to it. I’ve thoroughly instilled in her that books are precious, so she gently placed them down without a sound using her wind magic. Good job!
“Thank you, Fuu-chan!”
『Fufu, you’re welcome!』
When I extended my index finger to show my gratitude, Fuu-chan pecked at the magic power emitted from it. It’s so cute, like feeding a pet. I give them more than enough stored magic power, but this is just a little treat. Like a small snack. Being able to do this is thanks to my magic power increasing too much. I have so much stored magic power for the spirits that it just keeps accumulating. It’s like me getting too many clothes and sweets from everyone.
By the way, according to Schlie-san, there aren’t many users who give magic power this frequently. It’s common to give enough so they don’t run out when needed, and give more on the spot if it’s not enough.
But I like this feeding style, so I’m not going to change it. Because it’s so cute how happy they are to receive the magic power! It’s a bit of a waste for the user’s magic power, but it seems there’s no problem with this method. It’s different from when I used to feel it was a waste and saved it…! Or rather, I think of it as paying back the favor for how much they helped me when I was little.
“I guess I’ll leave a note since there’s no other choice. I can’t just put them away on my own.”
I know where to put them away, but I hesitate to do this on my own without the manager here. There might be things I need to do since they’re new books, and I don’t know about that.
So I decided to leave a note next to the pile of books. Yep yep, my handwriting has gotten much better! I’ve gotten quite used to handling the writing system in this world. Back then, when I could read but couldn’t write well…
And so I left the library. That concludes my morning work for today, so I’ll read a book until lunchtime!
The recommended book this time was a story set in a different world. Rather, this is already a different world for me, but let’s put that aside.
Hmm, I see. So this is the kind of image people in this world have of a different world. The big boxes that run or fly remind me of cars or airplanes, and the matching clothes they wear for work remind me of uniforms. It’s interesting.
Reading stories like this makes me wonder what Japan is like now. It seems like time flows differently, so I don’t know what year it is in that world. But if the same amount of time has passed as I’ve lived, I’m sure various technologies have developed further. I wonder if there are flying cars and such. I chuckle to myself, enjoying my wild imagination.
“…What are you grinning about?”
And at times like this, I always get caught by someone like this. What a mystery!
“Reki! Um, the story was funny, so…”
I can’t tell him I was grinning because of my wild imagination. I mumbled a safe answer.
“…You weren’t even looking at the book. You were having some weird fantasy, weren’t you?”
Gyah! he saw through me! How embarrassing! Why is everyone here so perceptive? Their ability to understand is too high! It’s one of their great qualities, but I wish they’d understand there are things they don’t need to point out.
“Pfft, it’s written all over your face. So I hit the nail on the head.”
“Hwawah!?”
I’m an idiot!? It’s true that I panicked when he guessed correctly, but to think it showed on my face. I’m still a child after all. I’m not good at hiding these things. Sniff.
“Th-That doesn’t matter! Reki, are you done with work?”
At times like these, it’s best to change the subject. I looked up at Reki and asked.
“Yeah. I finished a bit early. Lunch first.”
“Ah, it’s already that time.”
Reki answered my question while taking off his white coat. I heard that the white coat serves as battle attire for people in the medical department. So when they go out to fight, it’s apparently a chaotic scene with everyone in white coats. I kind of want to see it, but I don’t want to be in a situation where we have to fight.
While they’re in the guild, there are many other combatants, and they can put it on in an instant if they want to, so they take it off when they’re not working. Reki looks more grown-up when he’s wearing the white coat though. Especially since he has a baby face.
But looking at him again, Reki has become quite gallant. I mean, when I first met him, he looked like a boy no matter how you looked at him. He said he was already an adult back then. He’s grown much taller since then, and his physique seems a bit more rugged. But the reason he still looks like a boy is probably because of his youthful face. I don’t say it because I know he’s self-conscious about it, but he’s handsome either way. I wonder if Ortus’ handsome ratio has gone up even more.
“Then I’ll eat with you!”
“Eh, you’re eating with me?”
When I said that cheerfully, Reki furrowed his brow as if perplexed. D-Does he not want to? That’s a shock.
“I-Is that… not okay…?”
“…I didn’t say it’s not okay.”
When I timidly asked, he turned his face away and gave that answer. When we first met, I might have thought, “I wonder if he really doesn’t want to?” But Reki and I have known each other for a long time now. Reki’s “I didn’t say it’s not okay” means it’s okay. In other words, lunch together is decided!
“Alright, let’s go quickly then!”
“H-Hey, don’t pull me.”
Because if we don’t hurry, Reki might change his mind. I stood up from the chair, closed the book with a snap, immediately put it in my storage bracelet, and started walking while pulling Reki’s arm. I wonder what’s on the menu today.
When we arrived at the cafeteria, a very nice smell wafted over. Sniff sniff, this smells like something fried. Is it chicken, pork, or beef cutlet? As I was making that prediction, my stomach growled. Oh no, did he hear that?
“That’s quite a stomach bug you have there.”
Yes, he heard it. Of course! Reki’s a wolf, right? He has good ears. Sad.
“I have to eat properly because I have training in the afternoon!”
“You had your usual morning, right? Your stomach conveniently empties to stock up.”
Gnnn, it’s true that my stomach growling has nothing to do with my afternoon plans! I might be destined to be teased by Reki forever. No, someday… when I’m an adult, I’ll say something like, “Oh my, Reki-kun?”
When I’m an adult, Reki might be a grandpa or something. …No, thinking about it makes me sad. I shook my head from side to side to change my train of thought. Food, food!
“Good work, Meg-chan and Reki. Today’s lunch is croquette set meal!”
“Croquette! I thought it would be cutlet, so I was wrong!”
Lunch was croquette. This seems to be another menu item introduced by Dad, and the name of the dish was also decided by Dad, so it’s easy to understand and stays as “croquette”. This is really helpful. It saves me from accidentally saying the wrong thing.
“Did you want cutlet? Sorry, next time, okay?”
“No, I love croquettes! I was just thinking my guess was wrong. Tio-nee’s croquettes are so delicious! Everything’s delicious though!”
“Fufu, of course! Who do you think I am? Now, eat it while it’s hot. I gave Reki a bit extra.”
“Th-Thanks.”
After chatting with Tio-nee for a bit, we received our food trays. Tio-nee’s also developed a real presence as the head of the cafeteria. I can see her apprentices working hard in the back. One joined about 10 years ago, and another about 3 years ago. I haven’t really talked to them much since they’re in training, but I have the impression that they’re both enthusiastic people.
I hope they’ll polish their skills to protect Ortus’ delicious food!
“Thanks for the food!”
“You’re always so energetic. …Thanks for the food.”
Then we sat side by side at an empty seat, and lunchtime finally began. The moderate amount of fat in the croquette tightly seals in the umami flavor, and it’s very delicious. The perfect balance of ground meat, potatoes, and onions, with a crispy coating. After savoring the fluffy texture, the shredded cabbage with a little lemon squeezed on top refreshes the palate.
The fresh tomato is sweet, and the miso soup is consistently delicious… tofu, it’s the best.
“You eat with such a delighted look.”
“‘Cause it’s really delicious!”
“That’s true, but you have sauce around your mouth.”
“Uwah~!?”
I was so engrossed in the croquette set meal that I got my mouth dirty. Guh, even though I’m old enough to be called an onee-chan now! Everyone says I still have a long way to go! I hurriedly wiped around my mouth while Reki silently devoured his croquettes. Tio-nee said “a little extra”, but Reki’s lunch had a mountain of croquettes, rice, and cabbage. Watching Reki easily polish it off is satisfying. How long does his growth spurt last? Or is he just a big eater regardless?
By the way, my appetite is still small, and I’m full with less than the usual amount, so I’m a bit envious. I want to eat a lot more!
But compared to the past, I can eat a lot more now. I’m growing too. I just don’t notice because everyone around me is too amazing!
Alright. To grow in my own way, I’ll do my best in afternoon training! Oh!