Nagai Koto c5

(TN: There was some ambiguity in the last chapter, the restaurant is closed because of the recent incident concerning Bolbardié, it’ll open again one day... maybe.)

「Velt Jeeha-kun, ten years old eh.」 (Manager)

「Right, even though we’ve exchanged our names, it sounds kind of weird.」 (Manager → Melma)

「It’s true, or rather, who are you?」 (Velt)

「Well, I never thought that I’d be able to eat ramen ever again, and to think you were the one that made it.」 (Velt)

「I don’t get how I ended up like this either.」 (Velt)

「Yeah, I don’t think so either.」 (Velt)

Somehow, the manager’s true identity was my class' homeroom teacher. I remember well. He was a spirited and enthusiastic teacher, and never once faltered against the delinquent that I was. Despite that, I remember him always being concerned for me. Ever since I started going back to school, Kobayakawa seemed happy.

「Is that so. Then as I thought, we’ve all died in that incident and if I’m not mistaken been given life in another world, right?」 (Melma)

「When I was around 20 years old. I was a cook at a restaurant in the Rolvan Empire to the east.」 (Melma)

「32. When I was Kobayakawa I was 51 years old. It feels kind of weird.」 (Melma)

「I see. Which reminds me, I’m sure sensei was also married in our original world.」 (Velt)

「I mean, I didn’t think I’d be able to eat Tonkotsu Ramen either.」 (Velt)

「The internet! Hahaha, I didn’t think I’d miss hearing such an ordinary word.」 (Velt)

For the first time in a while I was able to smile from the bottom of my heart. Thinking about it, of all the things that have happened throughout my rebellious age, today might be the happiest day of my life. Well, Kobayakawa...... No, it’s the same for Melma. Even as the day ended, we would never tire of talking to each other. And after however many hours later, when it would be bad to return any later, there was one last thing I had to confirm.

「Hey, sensei. Do you think we’re the only ones that ended up like this?」 (Velt)

「Right, I’m sure that not everyone died in the accident, but I know at least one other person that did.」 (Velt)

「Before I died, I was conscious for a short time. Just before I lost consciousness, I saw that person had nothing left.」 (Velt)

It wasn’t a pleasant conclusion. In reality, it would have been better if that person didn’t die. However, if she died, is it fine to assume that she was also reborn in this world?

「Kamino Mina.」 (Velt)

「Well, if she survived then everything will be fine. More than that, she wouldn’t have crossed over. But if she was in this world like us......」 (Velt)

I would want to meet her.

No, that’s wrong, it would just be showing off.

I just want to meet her.

「You, it’s thanks to Kamino that you started coming back to school isn’t it?」 (Melma)

「Well, with the exception of you, everyone else had already figured it out.」 (Melma)

「Just looking at you made it obvious. But it’s the truth isn’t it? That girl dragged you back to school, and you changed. You even made friends.」 (Melma)

It wasn’t a lie. Of course, I still kept on getting into fights with bad people. However, I regularly participated in school and class events, and opened myself up to those around me.

「Well, she was someone who helped you, right? Therefore......you’d want to meet her......if she was in this world.」 (Melma)

When I realized it, I saw the one that shouldn’t have ever been there in my mind.

「Sensei, I’ve decided. I’m going to travel around the world, and one day, I’ll find Kamino.」 (Velt)

Why was I reborn?

I’ve finally discovered the answer.

Chapter end