NOVEL WEB Chapter 86 - An Unexpected Visitor
An Unexpected Visitor
Well then, it’s begun. Work!
Gil-san was guarding me from the edge of the cafe area, and Saura-san had gone back to work, so I was sitting alone at this cute counter.
Ooh, the stares are intense. But I couldn’t back down now, not after coming all this way. So, I decided to be proactive.
“Good mornyan! Welcomwe to Ortush!”
I’d given up on properly pronouncing things. I’d make up for it by being energetic!
By the way, everyone’s reactions were positive. They’d say things like, “You’re so cute,” and “Good job greeting people so energetically.” It was like the reaction you’d get if a child from the neighborhood had come to greet you. It’s fine, that’s all I could do right now!
Despite the reactions, I continued greeting people, undeterred. It had been like that all morning, but I’d already learned a lot of things!
Firstly, a lot of people seemed to be interested in my outfit. I’d take the opportunity to promote Ran-chan’s shop, telling them that I’d be wearing a different outfit every day. Some people said they’d come back tomorrow, and some said they’d check out the shop. I’d say the promotion was going well.
And I was starting to understand people’s intentions just by observing them. For example, people who went straight for the request board the moment they entered were usually guild members. You could tell they were capable just by their presence, and since being in human form was the rule for members, it was easy to distinguish them.
And if someone was looking around restlessly, they were probably a client, looking for where to submit their request. And people with documents or packages were probably clients too. Well, they all had obvious differences!
But I could also tell by people’s expressions and movements whether or not they were regulars, so I’d focus on observing them. It was a good way to learn why people came to the guild. Remembering regular customers is important.
Some people even came over and introduced themselves, which was helpful. My special ability, remembering people after exchanging self-introductions, a skill I’d honed in my corporate slave days, was finally being put to good use.
Right! Let’s get to work! I was fired up, now that I finally had a job! Burning with passion!
These days continued, with everyone pampering me as I did my job (which was more like being a greeting girl.) Shou-chan was supposed to return once it gathered some information, so it must not have found anything yet. Hmm, I wish those Nemo people would just talk more! …Though it wasn’t the kind of thing you’d talk about casually!
But I’d gotten used to my poster girl job, and I could now remember the faces and requests of most of the people who came to the guild! No major blunders so far of course.
And so, as usual, after having lunch with Gil-san and taking a nap in my room, I jumped out of bed.
I got ready and then twirled in front of the full-length mirror. Alright, looking good.
I had to admit, this body’s original owner was a really beautiful little girl. As I was staring at myself, it suddenly seemed like the light had vanished from my eyes, my reflection in the mirror.
“Eh…?”
It was just for a moment. Maybe it was just my imagination. But I feel like I’ve seen myself like this before, somewhere.
“Ah… the dweam…”
That’s right. I’d seen it in my dream. My reflection in the dream, there was no light in my eyes, I was expressionless… but I could sense a faint will.
“…The picture!”
The memories of my dream came flooding back. That’s right, how could I have forgotten something so important? I only remembered now!
No, no, this wasn’t the time for that. I had to be happy that I’d remembered. And luckily, I still had some time.
I hurriedly left the room and headed for the hall. I couldn’t run down the stairs, how frustrating! But I couldn’t afford to fall down again. Safely and quickly!
“Gil-shan!!”
I was still on the stairs, but the moment I spotted him, I called out. And everyone, including Gil-san, looked at me. Ah, this is embarrassing!
“What’s wrong?”
Gil-san rushed over. He looked a little worried. He’s so overprotective. But this was an important matter.
“You’re awake. Are you okay? Did you have a bad dream?”
Saura-san, who must have heard my voice, also came over. I guess I’d made them worry. Yeah, I had to be more careful. I’m sorry!
“No, it wasn’t a bad dweam… Well, I did have a dweam… but not now… um…”
I was in such a hurry that I couldn’t even speak properly.
“Why don’t we calm down first? We can talk over tea. It’s okay, I’ll listen carefully.”
As I was panicking, Saura-san smiled and said this. Phew, she’s right. I had to calm down. I might have been a little confused because I’d just woken up.
I nodded, and Saura-san said, “Wait for me here,” and headed for the cafe area. Gil-san took my hand and led me to a table. The warmth of his hand calmed me. It’s okay, it’s okay. I remember. But I decided not to talk about the real “Meg.” It would make things too complicated.
First, I had to tell them about the meaning of the picture Meg had scribbled down in her dream. I organized my thoughts as we walked.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you.”
Saura-san placed a cup of hot apple tea before me. I took a sip, then another. I then placed the cup down.
“You shee…”
As I was about to calmly explain what had happened…
Why? Another event that would shake me to my core.
An unexpected visitor.
I felt like the air was vibrating. Or maybe it actually was.
Everyone in the guild looked towards the entrance.
“Excuse me.”
Even though the voice was spoken in a normal tone, not a shout, everyone in the bustling guild seemed to hear it clearly, and they all looked… afraid.
After a moment of silence, everyone knelt. Ah, not everyone. But even Saura-san and Gil-san had immediately stood up and bowed their heads towards the person. I was the only one who remained seated, tilting my head in confusion. …What’s going on? And who is that!?
I froze, unable to do anything. The only one moving was the visitor. Long, black hair swayed with each step.
Eh, what a handsome man! I thought I’d built up a resistance to handsome men, but this one had a mysterious air that captivated me. Wait, is he walking towards me…?
Maybe I was being rude for not bowing? This person must be very important! I hurriedly stood up and bowed my head, imitating Saura-san and the others.
“Ah, there’s no need for that. That’s not why I’m here. Please, raise your head.”
I could sense that the person was standing before me, saying this. Um, is he talking to me…? I wasn’t sure.
“You’re just a child, aren’t you? And I have something to ask you. Would you show me your face?”
I was the only child here. In other words, this person was definitely talking to me. …Did this body’s original owner know him? With that in mind, I slowly raised my head, as instructed.
“Zahariash-sama, if you don’t lessen your pressure, no one will be able to raise their hea—Eh?”
“Eh?”
When I raised my head, I saw that a petite maid was standing beside him with a flawless posture, not the person who had called out to me. She’d trailed off the moment our eyes met.
“Hmm. Unfazed by my pressure, are you?”
“Th-That can’t be…”
The maid, who had a somewhat cool aura, looked stunned. Pressure? What’s that?
“Um…”
The awkward silence continued for a moment, so I decided to speak up. The maid’s eyes widened even more in surprise. Then, hearing what the visitor said next, it was my turn to widen my eyes.
“Oh my, you can even talk to me. I apologize, I was surprised and forgot my manners. I am Zahariash. I’m the Demon King, you see.”
“Huh…?”
D-Did he just say… Demon King…!?
Eeeeh!? Why!? How!?
I screamed internally, but I guess when humans are surprised, they can’t even speak.
And this incredibly handsome Demon King was smiling gently and offering me his hand, asking for a handshake.