NOVEL WEB Ch. 205
Chapter 205
The place Erika had made a reservation at was a well-known restaurant in the royal capital called 'Mercure'.
(Doesn't that mean... 'Mercury'? Probably French, right?)
You could just chalk it up to being a game world, but why is there a French-named restaurant in an English-speaking setting?
Then again, this is a world where you can find Maritozzo and Kebab, so it's a little late to be surprised.
"You really booked a fancy place. Is it some kind of anniversary or something?"
"......Not really. Just felt like it."
Erika replied curtly.
She still seemed to be in a bad mood from earlier.
Clael tilted his head, wondering if he had done something, but truly had no idea.
"Since we left before dinner, I'm starving. Let's head in already."
"......Fine."
Since Erika had the reservation, it would be a problem if she didn't go in first.
When Clael prompted her, Erika sluggishly walked into the restaurant.
As soon as the two stepped inside, a waiter approached to greet them.
"Welcome. Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes, for two under the name Jermie."
"Very well. Let me show you to your table."
The waiter led them to a window-side seat on the second floor.
Through the large glass window, they could look down over the town—it was quite a nice spot.
"Wow... this place looks expensive. As expected of an A-rank adventurer."
"Yeah. Just the cover charge alone cost a fair bit."
"Hmmm..."
Clael gave a meaningful, ambiguous smile.
It was clear this wasn't the kind of place friends usually came to.
It was the kind of romantic spot meant for couples or married partners in a special relationship.
(To book a place like this on purpose... Could it be she invited a guy and got stood up?)
If that were the case, a lot of things would start to make sense.
For example... maybe Erika had a boyfriend and made the reservation to go on a date with him.
(And then, after being stood up, she invited me—someone she knows in the royal capital—out of spite...)
"......What's with that pitying look?"
"No, I mean... if something's bothering you, I'll listen. Let's both hang in there, okay?"
Clael offered his friend a heartfelt cheer.
Clael himself was in the midst of a string of failed matchmaking attempts.
He'd been stood up for arranged meetings numerous times. He could truly relate to how Erika felt.
(We're both at the age to settle down! Let's do our best!)
"Have you decided on your order?"
Just as Clael was holding back tears, a young waiter came to take their order.
"Um... two of the chef's special courses. You're fine with that too, right, Clael?"
"Yeah, I'll leave it to you."
"Very well. And for drinks?"
"Wine for me. I'll leave the brand to you."
"Same for me."
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
The waiter gave a refined bow and left the table.
"............"
"............"
Once the waiter was gone... an awkward silence fell between them.
Erika radiated an odd tension, and Clael found himself feeling uncomfortable too.
(Ah... so Erika's not used to places like this either. I get why she's nervous.)
Both Clael and Erika were born into noble families, but one was a cleric, the other an adventurer—they led lives far removed from luxury.
It was only natural to feel nervous when visiting such an upscale restaurant for the first time in a while.
(The last time I came to a place like this was when my dad brought me as a kid... Damn, now I'm getting nervous too.)
"Hey, sorry..."
"Um, Cla—"
Just as Clael stood up to go to the restroom, Erika opened her mouth at the worst timing.
"Hm? What is it?"
"Huh? Ah... N-Nothing! If you're going to the toilet, then just hurry up and go already!"
"......Don't say 'toilet' at the dinner table."
There were other customers around, and it was simply bad manners.
Clael gave a slight bow of apology to the other guests watching them, then headed for the restroom.
"Seriously... she forgets she's a noble lady. Not that I'm much better."
Clael finished his business and washed his hands at the sink.
He understood being unfamiliar with formal settings, but if that were the case, she shouldn't have come to a place beyond her means.
Erika was acting different today, and it was starting to make Clael feel strange too.
(Or maybe... she was planning to come here with someone really important to her...?)
Thinking that, Clael took out his handkerchief and looked up.
"Wha!?"
And then... he accidentally let out a shout.
When he looked up from the sink mirror... there was a silver-haired woman standing behind him.
"W-Who are you!?"
Clael turned around... but no one was there.
Even when he looked back at the mirror, there was no sign of anything unusual.
"W-Was it just my imagination...?"
It had happened in an instant, and her face had been hidden by long hair, but he felt like it was a young woman glaring at him.
"What is this, a horror movie... That scared the hell out of me..."
Maybe it was lingering trauma from the recent incident with the Seven Wonders.
It seemed he had just seen some kind of strange illusion.
"Seriously... something's not right with me."
Clael chuckled bitterly and left the restroom to return to the table.
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This work won the Grand Prize in the Romantic Comedy category at Kakuyomu Contest 9!
A novelization and manga adaptation have also been decided.
Immense and heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support!