Chapter 3 The Mysterious Beautiful Girl
The large Arcane Art bag, capable of holding almost anything non-living, was the last gift I received from my grandfather.
I reported to him about the military scout that came while I was back home, recuperating from closing my store and returning to my parents' house to rest.
He said it was a celebration, but I think he might have planned to give it to me from the start, even without a reason.
Since then, it has supported me both physically and mentally without breaking, and now I'm able to move out on my own like this.
"This should do."
After dusting the bedroom, I laid out a mat on the bed frame, covered it with sheets, and placed a comforter and pillow, completing my personal base with just that.
During my military service, I got used to sleeping on hard floors and roughing it, which might be an advantage since I don't need luxurious living conditions.
But it did make it hard for me to sleep.
While cleaning and checking the essential areas like the bathroom and toilet, I noticed the sun was setting outside.
"It's getting late. What should I do for dinner..."
Cooking used to be a hobby when I was in the military, but since my taste buds went numb, I stopped doing it, and even kitchen cleaning got put off.
But now that I'll be living here, I need to find a good grocery store and restaurant nearby.
It's a disadvantage that Ms. Kanae's café is far away now.
Exiting through the shop's side entrance, there was a fair amount of foot traffic.
I slowly walked down the road, which was last paved who knows when, past an old man in mended clothes and someone walking a mixed-breed dog without a leash, feeling a more commoner-like atmosphere than where I used to live.
With an industrial area nearby, I even passed a man in an oil-stained work uniform.
"I'm sure it was around here..., ah, there it is."
Remembering the diner my grandfather often took me to for lunch, I decided to look for it and found it still there, in the same spot after nearly ten years.
Feeling relieved, I opened the door and
"Welcome!"
I was greeted by the cheerful voice of a girl.
A lively girl with bright orange hair was moving around a small restaurant without many seats.
I settled into a seat at the end of the counter, where a woman who looked like the girl and a small elderly lady were busy cooking.
"Is this your first time, mister? I recommend the daily special."
"Okay, I'll have that..."
I ordered what the girl suggested, and while I waited, I listened to the radio on the shelf.
Soon, a hearty meal arrived in no time.
No one cared that a heavy-set man was eating unappetizing food.
I was relieved to find a good place, so I felt a bit better.
* * *
A few days passed as I busily set up my living space.
I started taking walks in the quiet mornings to remember the area.
I still had insomnia and bad dreams, but at least I felt better having something to do.
Since my body had gotten sluggish after leaving the military, I switched my walks to light jogging.
When I returned,
"Why! Of all days, there's no one around!"
I saw a figure kneeling in front of my house, dramatically hanging their head.
"Ugh, I heard there were lights on again recently."
The small girl was muttering to herself.
I couldn't see her face since she was facing the house, but her straight silver hair that reached her shoulders and her graceful body suggested she was probably still a teenager.
She had an active style that looked like a mix of traditional western clothes and trendy fashion, with what seemed to be an Arcane Art bag on her back.
She didn't seem to be from around here.
"From what I can see, it looks like the shop isn't open... Is the reopening just a rumor?"
While I was observing her muttering, my old habit kicked in, and I noticed the flow of magic.
I realized she had some magical talent, which made me sense trouble.
I really wanted to avoid her, but she was right in front of the entrance.
Even if I used the back door, I would still have to pass by her, and without some stealth magic, I would definitely be noticed.
"What should I do? If I wait a bit, will someone come? I mean, is it possible no one is here this early in the morning? Maybe they are still sleeping. Excuse me, is anyone there?"
Just as I thought I might understand what was going on by waiting a little longer, the girl suddenly started banging on the door.
I heard a surprisingly strong sound coming from her thin body, and I hurriedly felt the need to call out before the door could break.
"Um, do you need something from here?"
When the girl turned around and saw my face, her expression lit up.
Her silver hair swayed gently, and her golden eyes sparkled as she looked up at me.
She was one of the most amazing beauties I had ever met, and I felt a little scared in her dazzling presence.
"Young man with black hair and tall! Are you Momota Kreis!?"
I tilted my head at her words.
From her tone, I thought she was looking for the general store, but why did she know my grandfather's name when she looked younger than me?
"Momota is my grandfather."
While I wondered what she meant by young man, she stared at me with her mouth slightly open and froze for a moment.
"...I see. To my master, all human men are young."
She mumbled in an unexpectedly low voice.
Then, she looked up again.
"So, where is Mr. Momota now?"
"Um... he passed away 5 years ago."
She gasped as if struck by lightning, her eyes wide with shock.
"No way!!"
She crumpled down again.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)