Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage
Character page: Here
Chapter 211 – I went on a normal date with my girlfriend
“Honestly, at this point, those two can just do whatever they want.” [Youki]
They should just get married already, have a bunch of kids, and live happily ever after. With the way they are, they’d probably end up being the most admired couple in the kingdom.
“I’ve been rooting for Mikana, so… I’m sure things will get tougher from here, but she really does look happy now.” [Cecilia]
“Yeah, no doubt about that…” [Youki]
“By the way, Youki-san. The ‘friend’ Hero-sama mentioned earlier, that was you, wasn’t it? That pillow… what exactly is it made of?” [Cecilia]
Yeah, she definitely already knows. Cecilia’s the one who helped me get Mikana’s old clothes in the first place. And that idiot Yuuga went and dropped the hint about the materials in front of everyone. Damn it. This is definitely heading towards lecture territory. At least let us get to the restaurant first… please.
“How about we save that conversation for inside the restaurant… somewhere quiet? Seriously, I’m really sorry. Please go easy on me.” [Youki]
“I’m joking. There’s no need to panic like that. Still, I do think you should explain it to Mikana properly at some point. You can’t just leave it all to Hero-sama, especially since you’re involved too, Youki-san.” [Cecilia]
Huh. That… wasn’t what I expected. So I just have to explain the whole body pillow incident to Yuuga and Mikana later? Which means, no more interrogation today? Wait, seriously?
“Come on, let’s go, Youki-san. I’m feeling a bit hungry now.” [Cecilia]
“Ah, yeah. Same here. Now that I’ve relaxed a little, I’m suddenly starving.” [Youki]
For now, all I needed to do was concentrate on the date. Focus with everything I’ve got!
We eventually arrived at the restaurant I’d scoped out for today’s outing with Cecilia. I had been bracing myself for a long line, but, for the better or worse, there wasn’t one. In fact, only a handful of customers were inside, which made me wonder what was going on. It was past noon, prime lunchtime.
“This should be the place…” [Youki]
“Then let’s go in.” [Cecilia]
Cecilia took my hand and led me inside.
Yeah, there’s no mistake about it. This is the place.
“Why’s it so…?” [Youki]
As I puzzled over the emptiness, I overheard a couple chatting at a nearby table, and their conversation answered my question.
“There were a ton of people here just a little while ago.”
“Yeah, but they all went to check out Hero-sama. You know, to see if those rumours were true.”
“Ohhh, the cheating thing, right?”
“Come on, it’s Hero-sama. Of course people would believe it. He’s handsome, handsome, and, oh yeah, handsome.”
“Hey, hey, enough with the sulking. You know you’re my number one, okay?”
…So basically, everyone ditched lunch to chase after Yuuga and Mikana? Can’t say I’m surprised. Those two really do have insane influence. The Hero and his practically official wife? Yeah, of course people would flock to that drama.
Well, thanks to that, Cecilia and I had a nice, quiet lunch together. The food was just as amazing as when I scouted the place, maybe even better since I could actually relax this time. Last time, coming here alone was brutal as I was literally the only solo customer surrounded by couples. I’m pretty sure the staff thought I’d been stood up.
We eventually finished our meal in peace.
“That was wonderful. I’d love to come again.” [Cecilia]
“Yeah, if it’s with you, Cecilia, I’d come here any time.” [Youki]
As long as I don’t have to come here by myself!
After paying the bill, we stepped out of the restaurant. The plan was to move on to the next part of my carefully crafted date: a casual stroll through the shopping district. But then-
“Uwooooaaahhh, outta the wayyyy!”
A vegetable-loaded handcart came barreling down the slope at breakneck speed.
What the- was someone in the middle of a delivery? No, wait, what kind of delivery looks like this!?
“Aaaaghh, who the hell pushed meeeeee!?”
“Ah, so someone shoved him from behind…” [Youki]
Among the crowd gathering to watch, I spotted a panicked adventurer staring at the runaway cart with a pale face. Judging by his wobbling, he was probably drunk and had stumbled into the poor guy by accident. Just a guess, but either way, he was definitely part of the problem. And at this rate, things were about to end in a disaster.
Looks like this is my cue—
“Cecilia, I’m going to—” [Youki]
—go, is what I was about to say, when a flash of light zipped right past me.
“It’s all right now.”
“Whoaaa, Hero-sama, thank you! If you hadn’t stopped it, I don’t even want to think what would’ve happened!”
The man who had been racing down the street with the runaway handcart kept bowing his head over and over, thanking Yuuga profusely.
I thought this was supposed to be my time to shine… Wasn’t Yuuga’s turn already over with the last one? Oh, it looks like the commotion drew some knights. They’re heading this way now. Once they question him, that should wrap everything up.
“Shall we go? Let’s leave it to Yuuga.” [Youki]
No harm in letting the hardworking hero handle it.
“…Hmm.” [Youki]
“Is something wrong?” [Cecilia]
“Nah, it’s just…” [Youki]
Things had been going way too conveniently for me since earlier. We’d run into plenty of people who needed help, but almost every situation resolved itself without me lifting a finger. That housewife screaming about her missing pet? Yuuga found it. That old lady struggling with heavy bags? Yuuga carried them. That little girl crying after being separated from her mother? Yuuga again.
…Does he usually work this much? And more than that, why is every single problem popping up right in front of Cecilia and me, only for Yuuga to solve it? What’s going on today? Well… I guess if it means I can enjoy this date with Cecilia in peace, I shouldn’t complain.
“Hero-sama’s been quite the star today, hasn’t he?” [Cecilia]
“…Yeah, you could say that.” [Youki]
Cecilia had been acting a little strange, too. Normally, if she saw someone in trouble, she’d be the first to rush in and help. But today, she just let Yuuga swoop in without a word. Could it be… Yuuga’s hero skills are influencing things somehow?
“Just strolling through the shopping district like this is really fun. When we were traveling, we had to think about medicine, food, supplies… and how to stretch our funds while shopping.” [Cecilia]
“Sounds like you went through a lot.” [Youki]
“I’ll never forget those days.” [Cecilia]
It was experiences like that that shaped the person Cecilia is now. Apparently, Yuuga was the one who started that ‘Holy Mother’ moniker, but honestly… even if he hadn’t said a thing, she’d have earned the title anyway.
“…Is something the matter?” [Cecilia]
“Eh? N-No, nothing at all.” [Youki]
She caught me staring at her. There was no way I could actually admit I’d been thinking about her potential sore spots. If I did, this date might not end right away… but I’d definitely get dragged into a cramped room for a ‘little talk’.
“Hm? Looks like there’s a crowd over there.” [Youki]
In the plaza, a cluster of people had gathered, cheers rising from the center. Maybe some celebrity was around. It wouldn’t surprise me if it were Yuuga.
I peered into the crowd and saw a match with wooden swords underway. It looked a lot like they were gambling, but I was pretty sure betting matches were banned in this country.
“Cecilia, are gambling matches even legal?” [Youki]
“Of course they’re prohibited. But if you apply and get permission, they’re allowed. There are limits on the stakes, and the organizers are thoroughly vetted to prevent cheating.” [Cecilia]
“Huh, so this one’s above board then.” [Youki]
Looking more closely, I saw that some challengers were volunteers from the audience. Sometimes the organizers even picked people on the spot.
…That’s not good. I should probably get out of here before—
“Our next challenger is… that gentleman over there!”
Why is he pointing at me!?
I’d had a bad feeling when I noticed the organizer glancing between Cecilia and me with a sour look earlier. Jealousy? Is this the sort of trouble you get for having a girlfriend?
I hadn’t intended to join, but the crowd started pressing me forward. It looked like the organizer wasn’t my only enemy here. Refusing would only ruin the mood and draw the wrong kind of attention. I didn’t mind being called a coward, but I wasn’t going to drag Cecilia into that.
“Guess I’ve got no choice.” [Youki]
“Now then! Here are the tough opponents we’ve lined up! How many can he defeat in a row? Ladies and gentlemen, especially our challenger’s lovely girlfriend, keep your eyes peeled!”
Oh, come on! Why does this sound like a hundred-man battle? This is supposed to be the finale, so why am I doing it? Fine… if that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll make sure every single one of them gets intimately acquainted with the ground.
“Wait, I’ll do it.”
That voice… no way…
The crowd buzzed as a gap opened in the ring of spectators.
“…Seems like things are getting lively. I heard this event was meant to stir up the town a bit. Let me lend a hand.”
The one who stepped forward was Raven.
Why?! He hates stuff like this! And this is a gambling match, so naturally, everyone would bet on him!
“C-Captain Raven-sama… um, well, if you’re really joining in, then, uh, match schedule…”
“…Judging by the approved paperwork, this event should still be in its mid-phase. Let me help make it even more exciting. Or… do you find me unsuitable?” [Raven]
“N-No, of course not! E-Everyone, please welcome Captain Raven-sama of the Knights as a walk-on participant! Due to circumstances, this round will be non-betting. Thank you for your understanding!”
Yeah, figures.
Raven’s eyes met mine as he walked into the ring. His look said it all: Leave this to me. Get going.
Thanks, Raven. I’ll pay you for this someday.
While the crowd roared over Raven’s sudden appearance, Cecilia and I quietly slipped away.
RinkageTranslation 