Chapter 22: Reunion
After a few days, I explained the situation to the diner couple. When I deliver bento to the magic inst.i.tute, I would like to have three extra bento prepare.
I don’t want to create more work but I want the other chefs like Rick to do their best. I think it’s also ideal if we can build a reasonable relationship with the royal palace’s dining hall.
So.
When I went to deliver to the magic inst.i.tute, Luna stared at the basket that still contains the three bentos. I start to make my way to the kitchen.
I have a rough idea as to where the kitchen is located. While I worry about people watching me, I’ve arrived at the kitchen. It is a little far from the center of the palace. If I get caught, I’ll use Senna’s tactic and say I got lost.
I can see the entrance of the dining hall.
I looked inside and sigh.
As expected. The facility within the royal palace is very good. The stained gla.s.s window is large and the area is decorated with ceramic tiles.
But…
Even though it is the busiest time of the day, half of the seats are left open.
This is a serious situation.
“Hey, there’s someone from the diner here.”
“Oh, it’s true. It’s a dreadful scout.”
I was standing by the entrance of the dining hall and heard a hurried voice.
It was a bad idea to wander into the dining hall with such a large basket because I’m causing a disturbance.
“I’m sorry. Do you know where I can find Rick?” (Haruka)
I ask the staff member who made those remarks. It seems to be better to have Rick come over to where I am instead.
“Oh, you know Rick? Do you want me to call for him?”
“Yes, please. Thank you!” (Haruka)
I thought I was saved by a nice guy until he walked into the kitchen and in a loud voice said “Rick! The enemy has come to declare war with you.”
I wonder what the customers thought when they look over. I didn’t want to stand out…
Rick came out quickly and was surprised to see me.
“What’s wrong?” (Rick)
“Umm… I brought some bento. If you’d like, please have them.”
I lift the top of the basket to show him.
It was only three bento but Rick showed me a happy face that came from the bottom of his heart.
“Wow! Thank you! I’m sorry I forced you to do this.” (Rick)
“No, I should be sorry.” (Haruka)
“No way! I’ll get the money right away. How much is it?” (Rick)
“I don’t want any money. I hope this helps you.” (Haruka)
As expected, Rick firmly declined. I didn’t try to push it so I accepted the money. The diner couple seemed to be somewhat bothered by the fact that some people were inconvenienced by their bento delivery business. We hope that we can help inspire Rick and the others to do their best.
At the entrance of the dining hall, he kept asking questions and talking about old enemies, forbidden love, and lover’s quarrel. The old man continued to talk until Rick interrupted him.
“Thank you very much for this. We will enjoy this in the kitchen. I’ll see you again soon.” (Rick)
“No, if it’s okay please let me know what you of the taste. Goodbye.” (Haruka)
I’m happy that he’s pleased.
I went back to the diner in a good mood.
That night, some unexpected event was waiting for me.
・ ・ ・ ・
There was a round moon in the deep dark sky of the night.
Outside the window, there was the sound of insects.
I’m lying in bed and I couldn’t fall asleep.
Sometimes I feel like this.
It’s about the things that happened during the year I was the Priestess, my original world, and the new world I’m living in now.
Where and how will I live my life in the future?
The night air makes me feel uneasy.
However, at the same time, there is a type of kindness in it.
That’s why I’m sad.
Ahhh…this is painful. It’s very painful.
I turned over in the bed without sleeping.
I looked over to the window and closed my eyes.
I’m scared of complete darkness. I always have the curtains open.
The moonlight is dazzling with the full moon, but it’s better than the darkness.
Suddenly a shadow appeared in the moonlight.
My bed is next to the window so the unfamiliar shadow appears over my bed from the outside.
I carefully open my eyes.
–What’s going on?
I held my breath and slowly look back at the window.
The window was opening quietly.
How am I supposed to express my surprise right now?
I couldn’t say anything.
Aside from that, I couldn’t even breath.
I could only watch the intruder climb over the window frame.
The face of the intruder wasn’t visible because of the moonlight shining over his back, but I quickly understood who it was.
“…Noel?” (Haruka)
I wasn’t sure, but at the same time, I knew it was him.
The two contradicting speculations are starting to hurt my head.
There was no reply from the other party. He quickly closed the window instead of answering.
The sound of the insect could be heard from the distant again.
“Haruka.” (Noel)
A low voice tickled my ear.
I can’t believe this. What’s going on?
I stay motionless while pulling on the quilt.
I noticed my hands were sweaty.
Noel, on the other hand, didn’t move after he got onto the bed.
We stayed strangely quiet for a while.
It was Noel who eventually broke the silence.
“Long time no see.” (Noel)
It was a something that was unsuitable in the situation we’re in.
“No, not really. I met you in the hallway in the royal palace the other day.” (Haruka)
“What are you doing in this place?” (Noel)
After he said that, I remember running away after seeing him.
This is crazy and too funny.
What a splendid trespa.s.s.
A man who is also an escort knight to the Priestess, who in the middle of the night, trespa.s.sed into a young lady’s bedroom.
What are you going to do?
“What did you come here for?” (Haruka)
“I came to talk to you.” (Noel)
“No, no. This is completely illegal, right?” (Haruka)
“It’s because you ran away to avoid people.” (Noel)
He said it as if I caused this situation, but I don’t want to be blamed for this. It’s true that I was avoiding Noel, but there’s plenty of other ways to approach me. You chose the worst way amongst all the other choices.
“What would you do if you were seen by someone?” I whisper-yell at him.
“Yeah…that would’ve been a problem.” (Noel)
After saying that, Noel pulls the curtains to close it.
It’s not funny being in a dark room with Noel so I hurriedly light a lamp.
“I really can’t believe this. Is this what the Priestess’s escort knights do?” (Haruka)
I made sure the flame within the lamp was stable before placing it on a side table near my bed.
Meanwhile, Noel seems to have gotten closer to me and I saw his hand reach out to touch my cheeks.
“It’s really you. You’re back.” (Noel)
I lean away to create some distance from Noel. This is bad for my heart!
“You knew I came back! Or rather…how much do you know?” (Haruka)
“I know almost everything. I saw you walking down the hall with Ordias-sama. He had to do a variety of investigations for him.” (Noel)
“…Well, I knew about that.” (Haruka)
One of the reasons why it’s difficult to face Noel was because I didn’t want him to see how I am now. I know this is my original appearance, but it’s not as good looking as before.
“The color of your hair has changed.” (Noel)
“No, I think I’ve changed a lot.” (Haruka)
Do you really think there’s no other difference? Or are you just being careful?
Well… now is not the time for this.
“You know…” I somehow managed to collect myself. “As you can see, I’m doing well. I have no intention of disturbing the current Priestess. I intend to spend my time quietly until I return to my original world. In the meantime, please never repeat such a thing again. You don’t have to worry about me.” (Haruka)
“You’re the one who is worry about it.” (Noel)
In the dark, Noel’s eyes shine a little.
In the dark, his eyes are a very beautiful emerald green.
It is his usual handsome face that hasn’t change at all.
While I feel like I’m a completely different person in this world.
“The country is already investigating as to why I was summoned back. Until the result is found, you don’t have a choice but to be quiet about it anyway. The owners of the diner are very kind and gentle, and I’m having fun every day.” (Haruka)
“You don’t know anything.” (Noel)
Even though I tried my best, Noel mercilessly cut off my words.
As expected.
“I don’t understand…?” (Haruka)
“Everything. You don’t understand about the dangerous situation you are in.” (Noel)
“Danger…” (Haruka)
Isn’t this a little too exaggerated?
Certainly, I have no idea who summoned me back and that’s already an unsettling situation. However, the country already knows who did it and they’re gathering evidence.
Moreover, in the current situation, there isn’t any feeling of imminent danger.
In contrast to me, Noel didn’t break his serious expression.
“Haruka.” (Noel)
“Yes?” (Haruka)
This is making me nervous.
“You’re going back with me.” (Noel)
・ ・ ・ ・
Translator’s note:
(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ I wasn’t exactly sure how their reunion would play out but I definitely didn’t expect him to sneak into her bedroom in the middle of the night to tell her to go back with him. Luckily she was already awake. Otherwise, I wonder what Noel would do to wake her up~ (⁄ ⁄>⁄ ▽ ⁄