Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 110 – I found myself alone
“Don’t worry, Gai-san won’t leave you and go far away. He’ll definitely come back.” [Cecilia]
I slipped out of the room after confirming that Tiel-chan had calmed down thanks to Cecilia’s soothing and headed towards the guild where Clayman was. Gai was probably taking on quests from the guild, so I thought I’d be able to catch him if I waited there.
“Excuse me, is Clayman here?” [Youki]
“Y-Yes. Assistant Guildmaster, you have a visitor!” [Sierra]
Even though he said his shift was over earlier, it was probably a lie to shake me off. The female staff, Sierra-san, disappeared behind the counter. After a while, Clayman appeared with a reluctant expression as Sierra-san shoved him from behind.
“Hey, quit shovin’! Besides, it’s already quitting time for me. Let me go home.” [Clayman]
“Oh, come on. Besides, Clayman-san, you still have work left to do.” [Sierra]
“Tsk… fine.” [Clayman]
Clayman grumbled as Sierra-san persuaded him.
What’s with this scene? A subordinate is persuading her boss. Maybe I should tell Sophia-san about this.
“Yo.” [Youki]
“Yo, my ass! What do you want?” [Clayman]
“I have something to ask. Let’s talk in the back.” [Youki]
“Is it about that stuff? Got it, follow me.” [Clayman]
I stood up from my chair and followed Clayman. Our destination was the back door from the other day. We left the guild and checked to make sure no one was around. There was probably no one who’d be interested in eavesdropping on our conversation, but it would never hurt to be careful.
“So, what is it?” [Clayman]
“Has Gai come back? I haven’t heard from him.” [Youki]
“Hey, isn’t he a companion of yours? Haven’t you heard anything from him?” [Clayman]
“I don’t know when he’ll be back or where he’s staying.” [Youki]
“…Good grief, you should’ve at least asked about those things if you’re close.” [Clayman]
Clayman sighed deeply. I was in Magic Knight of Black Lightning mode when I parted with Gai. At that time, I was too preoccupied in my role that I wasn’t thinking straight. Looking back now, I realized how foolish I was.
“Well, I was kind of caught up in the moment. When we parted, I impulsively saw him off without asking anything.” [Youki]
“Are you an idiot?” [Clayman]
He snapped at me bluntly. It was clear that acting in the role of Magic Knight of Black Lightning was a mistake.
“I admit I was a fool. So, if Gai comes to take on a request, could you ask him to come to the inn where I’m staying?” [Youki]
“Sure, that’s fine. But make sure to ask him yourself next time. He’s pretty noticeable after all.” [Clayman]
“I’m ashamed… By the way, do you know when he might be back?” [Youki]
“He can only accept low-rank requests. So, he comes back every day to report the completion and takes on a new mission. He should be back tomorrow.” [Clayman]
“Got it. Then, please relay the message.” [Youki]
“Yeah, sure. See you.” [Clayman]
With this, I will be able to meet Gai by tomorrow at the latest. If only I had coordinated with Gai in the first place, then this wouldn’t have happened. There probably won’t be a next time, but I need to pull myself together.
As I reflected upon my own actions, I went back to the inn where Cecilia and Tiel-chan were.
♦♦♦
Read the chapters at rinkagetranslation.com.
“Ah, Youki-san. Where did you go? You left without saying anything.” [Cecilia]
“Yeah, I slipped out secretly.” [Youki]
“Why? If you were going out, you could’ve let us know.” [Cecilia]
It was because I didn’t want to interrupt Cecilia’s persuasion.
“Well, I went to do what I could.” [Youki]
“Huh?” [Cecilia]
A question mark floated above her head. She probably couldn’t understand what I just said. In the first place, it wasn’t actually a proper explanation.
On that note, Tiel-chan was unusually quiet. Before I left, she was so distraught that she was turning into a yandere, but she stayed seated on a chair in silence at that moment. She appeared expectant as she gazed at me. I couldn’t sense any pressure from her at all. All I saw in her eyes was a feeling of pure hope. It made me wonder what the two of them were talking about while I was gone.
Right now, what I need to do is to reassure her.
“I asked an acquaintance at the guild to tell Gai to come here if he shows up. He’ll probably come as early as tomorrow.” [Youki]
“Is it true!?” [Tiel]
Her voice sounded forceful. She was probably restraining herself earlier.
“Yeah, I’ll contact you right away when he comes.” [Youki]
“Ugh, I really want to wait for Guardian Deity here, but…” [Tiel]
Tiel-chan gave Cecilia’s face a probing glance. The latter was smiling kindly, but her body language suggested authority. There was no winning against her in this state.
That said, if she stays here, it’ll be a problem for me too. Has everyone forgotten that this is my room?
“If it gets any later, mother and Sheik-kun will be worried about you.” [Cecilia]
Why was Sheik’s name mentioned? Is it because he’s akin to her personal doctor?
“I understand. I’ll go home for today. Youki-san, please let me know when Guardian Deity comes.” [Tiel]
“Got it. Leave it to me.” [Youki]
“Please do. Well then, please excuse us. Youki-san, I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow?” [Cecilia]
The two of them waved and left the room after seeing the manly side of me. Cecilia’s farewell was playful and cute.
“No wait, it’s late. I’ll walk you home!” [Youki]
The two of them were startled when they saw me bolt out of the room.
There is no way I’m letting two girls walk home by themselves at this hour. It’s normally my duty to escort Cecilia home. Cecilia certainly looked cute when she waved earlier, but that’s not the point! If I’m going to act like a man, I should see it through to the end.
“Fufufu, then I’ll take you up on your offer.” [Cecilia]
Did I look funny when I bolted out of the room? Throughout the journey, as I escorted them back, Cecilia couldn’t stop smiling.
♦♦♦
Read the chapters at rinkagetranslation.com.
“Hey, kiddo. Are you here? I heard from the guild guy and came back.” [Gai]
The next day, since I had no idea when Gai would return, I just waited in the room … and waited … and—suddenly the door burst open! There he was, earlier than I had expected. It wasn’t even noon yet.
“Ah, welcome back…” [Youki]
“What’s wrong? You look exhausted. Did something happen?” [Gai]
“I just don’t have the energy to raise my voice today.” [Youki]
I had the urge to shout at him and change his shape into something unrecognizable, however, since it was my fault for not having a proper plan in the first place, I held back. Although, it was also true that I was exhausted.
“Oh? That’s rare. Normally, you’d be screaming and attacking… Oh, by the way, since it could cause some complications if people manage to link your relationship to me, I cast ‘Illusion Eyes’ on the innkeeper. They shouldn’t realize that anyone has entered the inn.” [Gai]
“It’s rare of you to think things through.” [Youki]
Since it would be troublesome if people discovered our relationship, Cecilia and I took precautions. She put on a disguise while I participated in the quest with Gai as Magic Knight of Black Lightning.
“Hmph… Don’t underestimate me. So, you called me here for a reason? What happened?” [Gai]
“Just look at those bags filled with a huge amount of magic ores and you’ll understand.” [Youki]
Gai looked around the room and noticed the mentioned bags. Then, as if he came to an understanding, he turned to me to confirm.
“…it’s about Tiel, right?” [Gai]
“Bingo. You disappeared without saying anything, and I was away for three days as well. When we got back, it was intense. Her eyes were devoid of light, and she started saying that she wanted to register with the guild so she could work with you.” [Youki]
“…I see. So that happened. Considering Tiel, I should have discussed things with her before acting.” [Gai]
“Given her personality, you should have known what would happen if you suddenly disappeared.” [Youki]
She had been clingy with Gai all this time and it was likely that they would continue being affectionate with each other. It was a bit too much from where I stand.
“Got it. Let me handle it. Actually, I’ve rented a room myself nearby here. It’s an inn called the Beast’s Den. Please tell Tiel to go there. I’ll attract too much attention if I were to go to the mansion myself.” [Gai]
“Well, it could turn into a hassle.” [Youki]
He might get turned away at the gate. I was turned away the first time. The current gatekeeper is a nice person, but considering Gai’s appearance, it might be difficult.
“All right. She did say she wanted to be notified right away, so I’ll go.” [Youki]
“Please do. I’ll be waiting at that inn. Also, I’ll take these with me. I feel bad leaving them with you.” [Gai]
Gai lifted the bags full of magic ores and left the room. His conspicuous appearance made him stand out even more. There were five bags of magic ores, each big enough for a small child to fit in. If a huge man with his entire body covered was seen carrying such bags, it would surely cause misunderstandings.
“I’ll erase your presence so please leave through the window. You’re really standing out right now.” [Youki]
“With ‘Illusion Eyes’, it should be fine, right?” [Gai]
“The innkeeper isn’t the only one around. Are you planning to cast illusions on everyone you meet?” [Youki]
“That’s true. Then, tell her I’ll be waiting at the inn.” [Gai]
I had conveyed everything I needed to, and all I needed to do was to deliver Gai’s message to Tiel-chan. As such, after casting ‘Vanishing Wave’ on Gai, I made my way to the mansion.
♦♦♦
Read the chapters at rinkagetranslation.com.
“So, Gai is staying at an inn called the ‘Beast’s Den’. It’s near the inn where I’m staying.” [Youki]
“Understood. I’ll get permission from the head maid for a lunch break.” [Tiel]
As soon as she heard my explanation, Tiel-chan dashed off as fast as she appeared, leaving me surprised. When I arrived earlier, she came to me immediately as if sensing that I was around as well.
I was left alone in the garden after that.
I haven’t made any appointment with Cecilia so I guess I’ll head back.
“Ah! Captain~ Yoo~” [Sheik]
“Oh, Sheik. Is that you? You’ve been through a lot, huh?” [Youki]
“Hmm?” [Sheik]
That head-tilting gesture reminded me of an innocent boy who knew no dirt. I don’t want this kid to know about all the strange worlds out there.
“Sheik, please remain pure and untainted. Whatever you do, don’t absorb too much from your surroundings.” [Youki]
“I don’t really get what you’re saying, Captain, but okay~ See you later~” [Sheik]
As I watched Sheik’s departing figure, I couldn’t help but compare him to Tiel-chan from earlier. They were about the same age. It was no doubt that Gai had done something to Tiel-chan.
While I was pondering this suspicion, Tiel-chan, now changed into casual clothes, came rushing out of the mansion.
“Ah, Youki-san. The head maid gave me the green light, so I’m going to visit Guardian Deity-sama now.” [Tiel]
“Got it. Careful there. Take care not to trip while rushing. Gai won’t be going anywhere. He’s waiting for you.” [Youki]
“Yes! Thank you. Well then, I’m off.” [Tiel]
With a beaming smile and a skip in her step, she headed towards Gai.
…Seeing that smile, any suspicions about Gai soon disappeared.
“Guess I’ll head back.” [Youki]
I decided to return to the inn after leaving the mansion.
As I walked back, it soon dawned on me that Gai had rented his own room. In other words, I was alone at the inn.
“At first, there were Duke, Happiness, and Sheik…” [Youki]
I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of loneliness at the thought of having this once lively room all to myself.
RinkageTranslation 
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