NOVEL WEB Chapter 11
Gathering for Magical Girls’ Meal
“Damn it, I sincerely apologize!”
Entering the waiting room with a sluggish body, I witness Kaede grabbing Thalagong’s head while they are sitting seiza-style and slamming it onto the floor.
“Ouch!” cries Thalagong, but Kaede ignores them.
(What on earth is going on here?)
“Probably, but you took quite a beating during the battle, right? Isn’t that it?”
(So they’re apologizing for overdoing it?)
“It was too intense for an adult to do against a child.”
Even in a deathmatch, being blown away five times with limbs combined, and ending up without legs at the last moment…
I was hyped during the fight, but now looking back, it was just a splatter show.
“I willingly fought, so it’s fine.”
It was indeed painful and tough, but since I could use magic I usually can’t, I’m relatively satisfied. Still, I never want to fight Thalagong again.
“This hopeless idiot needs a stern reprimand. Are you alright though?”
“My body feels heavy, but aside from that, I’m fine. It’s not like I actually got injured.”
After all, this is far from reality. In real life, we wouldn’t push ourselves recklessly. Even if an opponent as strong as Thalagong came, if there’s no reason, I’d run away.
Still, it’s frustrating that I couldn’t defeat Thalagong even after doing all that. If I could have at least brought it to a mutual destruction, this exhaustion might have felt different.
Since that didn’t work, I’ll need to rethink my magic concepts from scratch. Besides, the Divine Strike should be downgraded to Heavenly Strike.
It seems fulfilling one of the Demon’s contracts will take longer than expected.
“In regards to this incident, this fool will compensate somehow. Could you provide your contact information if it’s convenient for you?”
Personally, I don’t really intend to befriend them….
(What should I do?)
“We have Haruna’s account on Tsunagatta-. You could just give that out?”
Is it the one made for the Demon’s egosurfing? Well, that works then.
“Would a Tsunagatta- account be okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine. The ID is… Thank you very much. I’ll contact you later.”
Not only Kaede, but the other three also exchanged accounts, and finally, I’m free to go. Most of the original objectives are mostly done. Seeing ‘Lind’ in person was good, but what followed was terrible. No curse comes without touching a magical girl.
“Well, I shall take my leave.”
With a polite bow, I leave the simulator. I could just go home, but since I’m here, maybe I’ll grab something to eat first.
(Do you know any good restaurants around here?)
“Haruna doesn’t know anything within her current range. But you can use the teleporter we came through to reach the general commercial district. Why don’t you try going there?”
There’s nothing else to do, so aimlessly wandering and entering a place that catches my eye might be nice.
Despite the Fairy Realm being such a fantastical place, it uses oddly mechanical teleporters to head towards the general commercial district.
This area allows magical girls and related personnel to shop and dine, and a vast space has been allocated for it.
People come not only from Japan but also from the remaining countries, so it’s always bustling.
Languages are unified by fairy magic, so there’s no trouble.
Wandering aimlessly after exiting the teleporter, one issue arises.
“You’re getting more attention than you thought, huh?”
If a small figure walks around with their hood pulled deep over their head, anyone would notice. Though, it might mostly be due to this white robe.
Speaking of which, when I saw my official site profile, I wondered why the inside of my hood was pitch black?
Ordinarily, even with a hood on, your eyes may be hidden, but it’s impossible to conceal your mouth or facial contours.
In situations like these, asking the Demon is best.
(“Can people see my face under this hood?”)
“I wish I could say it’s my magic, but it seems to be the hood’s ability. Since transformation changes how you look due to magical power, it’s probably similar to that.”
(I see. Now I understand that as long as I wear this hood, I won’t have to worry about my face being seen. However, I feel like even if I remove the hood, this gaze won’t change.)
There’s no help for it; I’ll eat something quickly and head home.
“Inny Flowering?”
As I glance around, a familiar voice calls out, so I turn back.
There stands a black-haired girl who looks familiar.
Her upright posture exudes dignity, like a true Japanese beauty. I think I wouldn’t easily forget such a traditional Japanese-looking girl…
(Who is she again?)
“She’s the magical girl we saved from the spider monster with the barrier.”
Ah, the magical girl from the beginning sound event. At that time, I was so fixated on not obtaining a B-rank core that I barely remember anything else.
“That’s correct. It’s been a while.”
Without the Demon, I wouldn’t have remembered, but there’s no need to say anything if it won’t be noticed.
“The other day, you really helped me, thank you so much. What brings you here today?”
At this moment, I had an idea. Just like asking someone when you’re lost, I could ask her where to find good food.
“I was returning from being invited to a tea party, but do you know any good places to eat?”
“Tea party? That tea party!?”
The black-haired girl shouts loudly in surprise, causing the people who were casually observing to start drawing closer, trying to listen in.
I understand her shock, but I wish she could have been quieter so it wouldn’t attract attention.
“Oops, sorry about that. I know a great spot, and if you’d let me, I’d like to treat you. Consider it a thank-you for the other day.”
It would’ve been enough just to get the location, but hmm…
“Why not let her treat you? This might be a good opportunity to get to know a regular magical girl?”
Among the magical girls I’ve interacted with, the only normal ones are Kaede, Glint, and Blade. The others include two who accidentally killed me, one whose interference cost me an arm when helping against a monster, the girl I saved from the spider monster within the barrier, the idiots arguing the night before the tea party, and Thalagong, who I was just simulating battles with moments ago.
At minimum, they’ve all experienced limb loss or worse. How haven’t I had a mental breakdown yet? I wonder myself.
For now, I pray this girl is normal.
Ah, I’ve fully remembered now. She’s from the North Kanto Branch.
“Sure. Please guide me.”
“Thank you. Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Marin from the North Kanto Branch. We’re attracting attention, so let’s head to the restaurant first.”
From the moment my name was mentioned, the crowd started buzzing with phrases like “That’s really her” and “That’s the famous one.” Hey, stop taking pictures. That’s illegal!
Trying to escape the gathering crowd, but being short and weak, I can’t move well. Seeing this, Marin kindly takes my hand.
“Haha, the setup of a 26-year-old man being led by a young girl. That’s funny!”
(Why am I feeling like crying?)
Why must I be led by a young girl?
I miss being a man. Back then, I was usually on the side pulling the girl’s hand, and it wasn’t nearly as heart-wrenching as now.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. After all, I owe you from the other day.”
North Kanto Branch truly has its conscience in Marin.
I’d rather not meet the other two, but this girl is fine.
Continuing to walk for a few minutes, an old-fashioned café comes into view. The weathered sign reads ‘NumaNuma,’ but at first glance, it doesn’t seem like a delicious place. Is it safe?
“It might not look like it, but there’s a variety of food, and it’s tasty.”
Inside, all the seating areas are private rooms, which I personally appreciate.
We’re guided to an available spot and sit down.
“A 26-year-old man being led by a young girl into a private room. Hilarious!”
(Ignore it. I don’t care.)
Or perhaps it’s resignation. Supermarket shopping trips often lead to problems, so I can’t shop peacefully anyway. Such defamation doesn’t bother me anymore.
“Finally, we can relax. Aren’t you going to take off that hood?”
(What should I do? There’s no one else here, and I’d prefer to take it off to eat.)
“If Haruna thinks it’s fine, then it’s okay. Just be careful when leaving.”
Removing my hood, I’m greeted with the same surprised expression as during the tea party. I’d like to ask why, but how should I phrase it?
“Um, this is the menu, but what would you like? I recommend the ‘Jomo Three Mountains Set.'”
Hmm, what a niche-named set.
Half udon and soba noodles, plus one chosen bowl dish. Even though I’m not paying, it’s reasonably priced for the amount provided.
“I’ll go with the recommendation, and seafood donburi please.”
“Got it. Two recommendations and seafood donburi with sauce katsu donburi… Okay!”
Marin deftly touches the panel attached to the seat and finishes placing the order. She must visit here quite often.
“By the way, did you happen to eliminate a monster with ice magic near Myogi Mountain about a month ago?”
Could she mean the first time I defeated a monster? Back then, I thought the magic would disappear on its own, so I didn’t think much of it…
I never imagined that unless I consciously control it, the magic wouldn’t vanish until the infused power dissipated.
They should have explained the mechanics properly… Though, no one ever did explain them to me.
“It’s probably me.”
“Really. I’m not blaming you, but be careful. Some other magical girls have been complaining about having monsters stolen by you lately.”
I’ve heard about that through the Demon’s egosurfing. Although I received clearance to ignore it during the recent meeting, I’d rather not stir up unnecessary trouble.
“Understood. Thank you for the warning.”
“There are some weird ones popping up recently. I think you’ll be fine, but you never know what might happen.”
Stray bullets hitting civilians, nature destruction during fights… If they would just handle things properly instead of leaving them alone, it’d be better. Morals need improvement…
I continue listening to talks unsuitable for a girl her age. After the two from the North Kanto Branch returned, the fighting stopped, but they’re struggling with adjustments. There are many trying to investigate various things about Inny Flowering.
(This girl has her struggles too.)
“One part of the cause lies with Haruna too, though.”
Well, if I hadn’t helped, she wouldn’t have struggled either.
Since starting my activities as a magical girl, I’ve seen news reports of five magical girls being killed by monsters. There are likely more cases the public isn’t aware of.
So I’m not kind-hearted enough to think about saving others or replacing them. First and foremost, I need to avoid dying. If I die, everything disappears.
While listening to her complaints, the ordered ‘Jomo Three Mountains Set’ arrives. I was skeptical about seafood donburi in the Fairy Realm, but it’s fresh and delicious. The udon has a good bite, and the soba has a pleasant throat feel. As Marin said, the store might not look appealing, but the food is truly tasty.
“…You eat slowly, don’t you?”
When I’ve barely finished half, Marin is already sipping post-meal tea.
My smaller mouth compared to before slows down eating. Also, isn’t she eating fast?
Quietly continuing to eat, I finally finish and notice Marin watching me intently while drinking tea, tilting my head in question.
“Do you attend school?”
(Ah, what should I do?)
“Considering your appearance, it looks like you attend school. Plus, the police approached you regarding this matter. It’d be troublesome to answer vaguely, so why not be honest?”
Well, just shake my head sideways. And why does she look so sad about it…?
Ah, the tea is delicious.
“So, how about exchanging contact info? I can offer advice if anything happens.”
Since she recommended a good restaurant, giving her my Tsunagatta- ID would be fine.
Marin wouldn’t misuse it, and I can consult her if I run into trouble.
I’m hesitant to casually contact Kaede and the others, but with Marin, I feel secure. Since it’s a good opportunity, I might call her senior from now on.
“Your contacts are only those people, aren’t they…”
Marin mutters quietly while glancing at the screen when I handed over my ID. Looking so sad…
Being a male stray magical girl with only one month of experience, it’s natural not to have acquaintances. Although I don’t plan to increase them, being looked at this way causes emotional damage.
“Well, I’ve eaten, so I’ll head home now. Let me know immediately if anything happens.”
“Understood, Senior.”
At the parting, calling Marin ‘senior’ as a rare opportunity, she clutches her chest as if damaged.
“Is this what they call a natural pervert…?”
(No, why is this happening?)
Despite some commotion at the farewell, I managed to return home.
The meal was delicious, and with such a realistic simulation, it’s somewhere I’d like to visit again, but dealing with crowds is too troublesome.
(What should I do?)
“Here’s a secret tip for you! Why not go in your second form?”
Ah, that’s right. With that form, my identity isn’t revealed, and I have above-average strength, so it’s good.
(But how does the registration as a magical girl work? It’d be problematic if it stays as Inny Flowering.)
“As long as you’re just entering and exiting the city, my teleportation will suffice. For simulations, contacting Kaede to use theirs should be fine.”
Traveling in the second form and switching back to the first form for simulations should work fine.
(Temporarily, if I want to visit NumaNuma again, I’ll reconsider.)
Next, I want to try the Numata Special. The odd Gunma push from the store is intriguing, but the taste is authentic.