Nagai Koto c4

「Velt, what is it, ew! W-what is this, this disgusting smell?」 (Forna)

We found the restaurant. The exterior didn’t look any different from a restaurant or bar. The problem was the smell. More than that, hot air was coming out of the building.

「Wait a moment, is this place really a restaurant? Even though there isn’t a pleasant smell coming from it...」 (Forna)

I’m sure it’s disgusting for her, but I couldn’t feel the same way. It was a really appetizing smell. No, it wasn’t just that, it was something that I remembered I dearly missed.

「Let’s try going in.」 (Velt)

「Yes, two orders of Tonkotu Ramen for table six.」(Employee)

「*Hiii-* but manager, it’s difficult to pronounce. Even the customers said so.」 (Employee)

The man was this establishment’s owner. He had a small figure, but surprised the guests seated in his store with his scary face and strong voice.

「Manager, umm, there’s another customer requesting for a fork.」 (Employee)

「Manager, here as well. This 『chopstick』 seems to be impossible to eat with.」 (Employee

This is the first time I have been shocked since I was reborn as Velt Jeeha. Having another country brought to ruin by the demons was a small matter for me. My entire body was swaying and trembling.

「You kids, for two? By the way, you’re from Jeeha-san’s place right? And with the princess! Are you by any chance here from an errand by your mother? Or rather, intimate as usual aren’t you two?」 (Employee)

It was one of the shop employees, a young woman, an acquaintance we had passed by many times on the streets.

「Yes, obasama said that there was a request for wheat flour. Are you helping out this place?」 (Forna)

「It seems difficult, doesn’t it?」 (Forna)

「It certainly seems that he is a rather loud cook. Is he from another country?」 (Forna)

「*Hiiiii* I-I’m sorry, manager. But, look, it’s the Jeeha’s boy!」 (Employee → Milfa)

「Thank you very much, we will wait for you to come again!」 (Manager)

The manager spoke as he bowed his head to the customer, and promptly cleaned up the empty bowl. Afterwards, he looked over his shoulder and gave us a smile.

「Oi, kid, little girl, you have my gratitude. It’ll be this man’s treat, go ahead and eat.」 (Manager)

Since two seats opened up right then, the manager wanted to give his thanks by having us eat.

「Gratitude you say, what will you do? Hey, Velt? Velt?? Are you listening??」 (Forna)

「Ah, those are called 『chopsticks』, they’re eating utensils. Actually, they’re exciting to use but the most difficult to use to eat.」 (Manager)

「Hahaha, I’ll bring out a fork. Whenever you get used to it, it’ll be good to try eating with them. Here.」 (Manager)

He presented two bowls for Forna and I. Within the soup-filled bowl, long, narrow strings-like things were submerged underneath and clumped together, while above the soup were pieces of meat used as a topping.

「I certainly have not seen something like this before. Velt, you will also need a fork.」 (Forna)

I didn’t take a fork. I took two of the so called chopsticks from the large quantity within the round cylindrical container on top of the table, and ate the Tonkotu Ramen. I thought it would be vulgar, but I ate it with a slurping noise.

「Velt, how come you are using a chopst...... Hey, your manners are bad! You’re eating it while making a slurping noise!」 (Forna)

I didn’t mind. I couldn’t stop my hands from bringing the food to my mouth.

「*Uu, uuuuuuu*」 (Velt)

「Hm!?」 (Manager)

Today, with this, the shop had no choice and closed down. It was because the store was simply not in a situation where it could continue as it was. The manager fell onto his knees and let out his tears, and before I knew it we tightly held onto each other.

Chapter end