Chapter 275 I Wonder How This Side Is Doing？
I sat with my back resting against Centrena. Maya-chan was using my leg as a pillow, her head on my thigh.
I stroked her hair gently. After a while, I stopped without thinking. She noticed right away.
"Hey, your hand stopped," she said, lightly.
I smiled and started petting her head again. Her eyes closed, slow and soft.
Before the Arlheave incident, I never spent time like this. But since then, we've shared moments like this more often. Maya-chan once said, "Compared to when we got here, this is nothing, right? Look at Mahiru-chan and the others." She was right. Their public displays were way more intense.
Still, Maya-chan never asks for more than this. If she did, I wouldn't know what to do. It's sad to admit, but I'm not used to that kind of thing. I'm a coward when it comes to feelings.
Centrena and Wilshion don't seem to care. Neither does Ensgard. Even Rosalier-san, Berberi-san, and Neta-san—no one seems to mind.
Maybe they just see us as close little siblings. That wouldn't be wrong. In this world, we might really be like young siblings, age-wise.
"By the way, big brother, are we going back to Watterhill?"
"Yeah, that's the plan. But I want to check something on the way, so I'm thinking of returning through Swiglefen."
"Okay. Your hand stopped again."
"Yes, yes. I got it, milady."
"Mmm. Do as you like."
Her head was warm on my leg. Her hair was soft, like Centrena's feathers. It smelled faintly of soap. If I told my past self about this scene, he'd think I'd become one of those "popular boys" from real life.
This world has 26 hours in a day. But the 'Self-Status Display System' fixes it to show 24. I don't mind either way. I guess 24 hours is easier to read.
Even now, if I focus, the status screen appears in my head. It says the time is just past 11. The date is about to change. Ah, that makes sense now.
"──Zzz..."
Maya-chan had fallen asleep. I lifted her gently. Wilshion stood up with me. Centrena opened the door with quiet skill.
"I'll put her to bed."
'Kuu,' Centrena replied.
She even closed the door after us. Her helpfulness still amazes me.
Just next door was Maya-chan's room. Wilshion opened that door too. He was just as skilled.
I laid Maya-chan on the bed. Wilshion curled up nearby like a guard dog.
"Well then, Wilshion. Neta-san, could you help with her change of clothes?"
"Understood."
Neta-san had appeared without a sound. Times like this made me glad to have her around.
"Thanks, as always. Good night, Wilshion."
'Guu.'
I returned to the next room. Centrena was already lying down. That was just like her. She could sleep anywhere.
"Good night, Centrena."
There was no answer. She must already be asleep. I slipped into bed beside her and lay down in a star shape. In my old world, I never slept this early. But here, without the internet, I guess I've gotten used to it. I closed my eyes, and sleep came quickly.
---
The next morning, after breakfast, we went to the Adventurers' Guild. It was time to say a short goodbye to His Highness Stein in the manager's office.
"I plan to visit again. If anything happens, please let me know."
Soon, a new trade route with running dragons from Arlheave would open in this country. At that time, I'd send letters too.
"Thank you for everything. Please give my regards to Her Majesty the Queen."
Not Risleyria-san from Swiglefen—but my real mother.
"Understood. I'll pass that on. Well then."
"Good day, Your Highness Stein."
Maya-chan and I gave our farewells and headed straight to Swiglefen.
* * *
We arrived in Swiglefen.
Back in the Daioraden days, this building was the Adventurers' Guild—the place that once sheltered me. Now, it was our mansion.
The rooftop made it easy for Centrena and the others to come and go. It was built that way so Mother could travel back and forth from Alesion, but she rarely used it.
After returning from the Myradern Dukedom, we came straight here. I didn't even stop at the Swiglefen castle. I could've returned to Watterhill, but I had something I wanted to check first.
I brought Centrena and Wilshion to the first floor. While I was doing that, Maya-chan made tea and brought it in. Not two cups, but four—one for Berberi-san and one for Neta-san too.
Two cups disappeared instantly. But Maya-chan didn't look surprised. She just sat down on the sofa. That meant both of them were already here. As usual.
"Brother, what did you want to check here?"
"Well... Seteas-san said something in his report."
It seems Seteas-san noticed something while reading the reports and papers to become the Guild's manager. It had to do with the magic users who helped when we moved from Daioraden to Swiglefen.
Notes:
• Stein - 25-year-old prince of the Dukedom, serving as the branch manager of the Adventurer’s Guild; next-in-line for the throne.
• Seteas-san - The inn owner/receptionist who teases MC about 'last night'.
• Seteas - The inn owner/receptionist who teases MC about 'last night'.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!