GalaxyTL
About five days after visiting the grave with Ludo-sensei. Just as the sun was starting to set and work was about to end for the day, Dad returned to the guild after a long time.
“Welcome back, Daaaad!”
“Hey, Meg! I’m back. …Ah, this heals me. My daughter’s the best.”
I was working at my reception desk as usual, and as soon as I spotted Dad, I ran over and did a jumping dive. Dad effortlessly caught me and lifted me up high. Then he spun around once and hugged me tightly. This is our “welcome back” ritual.
We started doing it at some point, and it became a regular thing. I’m honestly happy to be babied like this. I wonder how long we’ll be able to do this. Right now, I don’t think it’s embarrassing! But will that time, that so-called “that age,” ever come for me? I’m sure I used to be embarrassed when I was Megu, but now it’s hard to even recall how I felt then.
“How long… will you be here this time?”
And then I asked the usual question. Because Dad’s always so busy, he often comes back and leaves immediately. Especially recently, he’s been busier than ever, and even when I do see him, we can’t even have a meal together. The feeling of loneliness must have shown on my face, and I’m sure I’m teary-eyed now. I-I don’t mean to trouble him, but I’m still at that age where I have trouble controlling my emotions. Please forgive me.
“Ah, don’t make that face, Meg.”
Dad, seeing that I’m about to cry, patted my head, looking troubled. Sorry. But I don’t ever want to go through that again. Waiting day after day, thinking you might be dead, but also that you might come back, I don’t want to do that anymore.
“It’s okay. I’ll be here until tomorrow morning this time. And you know what?”
Dad lifted my head up and grinned mischievously. He also seemed happy about something. What could it be?
“Starting tomorrow, we’re going to Demon Castle. Meg, you’re coming with me.”
“Eh, I can go too!?”
Hearing this unexpected plan, I couldn’t help but beam. An outing with Dad! And to Demon Castle! I’ll get to see Father-sama, Licht, and even Kron-san! My mood instantly lifted. I’m so simple-minded.
“Don, are you two going alone?”
Then Gil-san, appearing from behind, joined the conversation. When did he get back? For now, I just greeted him with a “welcome back.” Gil-san, smiling slightly, replied, “I’m back.” Hmm, he’s handsome even after work.
“Yeah, this time… Should I ask Schlie to come too? I want to hold a meeting because we’re planning a big event.”
“Event? Meeting?”
So you’re going to Demon Castle for work. Wait, is it okay for me to come along? Dad must have noticed the question on my face, because he chuckled. Ugh, I want to do something about my habit of wearing my heart on my sleeve…!
“If it’s Ash, it doesn’t matter, and Meg, you want to see Ash and Licht again, right? And I’m at my limit. I’m running low on Meg.”
Running low on Meg, huh. Well, I understand how he feels. When I don’t see Dad or Gil-san for a long time, I start running low too. Mainly on energy, so I need a regular dose.
But it really has been a while. We exchange letters frequently, but it’s been a long time since we met in person. The last time was… five or six years ago? Licht was already in his early thirties and an adult then, right? But he said his growth is a bit slower than normal humans because he has a lot of magic power. I think he’s in his mid-thirties now, but I wonder if his appearance has changed.
The previous time was also a reunion after a long time. And I remember being surprised at how much Licht had grown… and feeling a bit sad. Because time flows slowly for me.
From my perspective, it felt like an acquaintance I hadn’t seen in a few months had suddenly grown up. I mean, he was still a boy when we got lost! The fact that I hadn’t grown much made the difference even more shocking.
What should I do if he’s become an old man? I mean, he is that age for a human. I’m a bit worried… it might throw me off again.
“About the event, I’ll let you know as soon as it’s decided. It’ll probably be right after we return from Demon Castle. So keep that in mind when making plans.”
“…As always, it’s sudden.”
“Sorry, sorry, but you can handle that level of adjustment, right?”
“Haa… fine.”
An Ortus meeting right after we get back? It really is too sudden! Everyone’s busy with their own work, so let us know earlier!
“Geez! If that’s the case, you could at least contact us! Don’t trouble everyone!”
It’s not very convincing, scolding Dad while being carried by him. But someone has to point it out. Dad tends to do things on the fly, which is really troublesome. It might be fine for him, but he needs to think about the people around him!
“I get it, I get it, Meg, you’re so cute. There, there.”
“Hmph! You’re not reflecting on it at all, are you!?”
Even though I’m so upset, he’s patting my head with a grin. People have always said I’m not very intimidating when I’m angry, and maybe it’s even more so in this form.
“It’s okay, Meg. Saura will scold the Don.”
“Ugh… I’m going to get another long, long lecture.”
I see, a lecture from Saura-san. She’s definitely more intimidating and persuasive than me. Saura-san’s so strong, even though she’s so small and cute. I admire her!
Dad’s shoulders slumped, probably thinking about getting scolded. Just accept it and reflect on it!
I moved from Dad’s arms into Gil-san’s and headed to the cafeteria with him. I thought, I’m not a little kid anymore, I can walk on my own, you know? But since I get carried a lot less often than when I was younger, I decided to stay quiet. Ehehe, being carried by Gil-san is still so comfortable.
What about Dad? He was dragged away by Saura-san, who had apparently overheard our conversation. I shuddered a bit when I realized she heard us even though she was at the reception desk. Saura-san, you have superhuman hearing…!
“…Shall we eat together when the Don comes back?”
“Yeah! It’s been a while. I want to eat together!”
“You’re right. Then I’ll save us some seats.”
Gil-san’s so considerate. We arrived at the cafeteria first, but he noticed me fidgeting. I really, really, really love him! I rubbed against his chest to show my gratitude. Rub rub.
“…It’s been a while since I’ve held Meg like this.”
Gil-san said that while slightly tightening his hold on me to match my movement. So Gil-san also thought it’s been a while. Then I’ll honestly say what I’m thinking.
“Yeah! Ehehe, I love being carried by Gil-san, so I’m happy!”
“…Is that so? Then I’ll do it more often from now on.”
“Eh? You were holding back?”
Surprised, I looked up at Gil-san’s face. He averted his gaze slightly and said, somewhat embarrassed,
“…Well. I thought Meg might be at the age where you start to mind it.”
I can’t help but be surprised. So he was thinking that, and also, am I at that age? I mean, around 7 years old in human terms is indeed an age where you mature a lot on the inside. Even if you’re still a child… It seems like I’m still quite childish on the inside, compared to others, because I grow more slowly.
Huh? I’m starting to feel a bit embarrassed? But I definitely want to be spoiled by Gil-san more! Not just Gil-san, but Dad and everyone else too.
…This is something I shouldn’t think about. It’s making me feel uneasy. Yeah, I’ll try not to think about it. For now, it’s okay to stay like this. I’m going to be honest with my feelings and let myself be completely spoiled. Because someday, embarrassment will win out and I won’t be able to be spoiled anymore. While I still can, I’m going to get spoiled as much as I can, so I won’t have any regrets!
“I still want to be spoiled by everyone!”
So I honestly declared that and hugged Gil-san’s neck. See, I don’t feel embarrassed or awkward hugging him like this. Even though Gil-san hasn’t changed in appearance since then, I’ve grown a little, so I can’t call him “Papa” anymore, but my feelings of him being an important family member haven’t changed.
“I understand. …To be honest, I was also holding back.”
I could feel a sense of relief from Gil-san as he hugged me back. I knew it, Gil-san was lonely too! This high-spec handsome guy is hard to read because he doesn’t show it in his expressions or attitude, but I know he’s actually lonely!
“But I’m so happy that you were thinking about me! Thank you, Gil-san!”
We were confirming our love and familial affection in the cafeteria. Yes, the cafeteria. At dinnertime.
Noticing the lukewarm gazes gathering on us, I gently pulled away. Th-This is a bit embarrassing after all!!