NABC Chapter 238
Chapter 238
Lunchtime with Reki
“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?”
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!