Chapter 26: Charlotte and Two Weeks Later

"Welcome! Ah, Riven-san. What brings you here today?"

"Food."

"Got it! Master, one usual coming right up!"

The investigation request had ended, and our relationship had settled back into normalcy.

Just as the contract said, I acted as his assistant—whenever he needed something, he called me over to guide him around. By now, he must have gotten a pretty solid grasp of the town.

Maybe because of that, he’d been a little less stiff lately.

The constant air of wariness around him had eased, like he was finally letting himself relax. Even at the Guild, he was now able to handle things without me mediating for him. The other day, when the receptionist girl tried to hit on him, I wasn’t sure what to think, but… well, that was its own thing.

"You’ve been coming here a lot recently. Did this place grow on you?"

"…I suppose. Out of all the inns around here, this one is the best."

"Hear that, Master? People who know quality, know quality!"

If even someone as polished as him could recognize it, then our cooking really was first-class!

In that case, maybe we could use this more aggressively in promotion? The location wasn’t bad, and if we drew in more outsiders, maybe a second branch wasn’t just a dream…

While I was letting my thoughts run away like that, the food was already ready. Cheap, fast, tasty! A phrase from my previous life, but it really nailed it.

"Here you go. Heh."

"What’s with that sudden smile?"

"Oh, nothing. I just thought—you’ve really gotten used to this place, Riven-san."

When he first came here—well, that was partly my fault—he’d stuck out like a sore thumb.

Now, though, he ate alongside the regulars without anyone thinking twice. Sometimes people came up to him just because he was close to me, but honestly, the fact they even felt comfortable doing that was proof of how much he’d blended in.

It had been, what, about two weeks since the request ended?

Nothing major had happened in the meantime, and our funds were steadily piling up. Riven was also starting to earn the respect of the Guild. Before long, he should be able to accept requests on his own.

Little by little, he was reaching the point where he could manage without me. It was fast, almost too fast—but seeing the end in sight was a good thing.

Of course, from my perspective, this contract had been really profitable, so I’d have liked it to last longer… but the guy was so competent that I was becoming unnecessary way too quickly.

"…What is it. Why are you staring at me?"

"Nooothing at all~."

I wonder what he really thinks of me.

Honestly, he probably just sees me as a convenient tool. He doesn’t seem like the kind of person who’d be swayed by looks.

But thinking about it like this, I realized… I’d grown pretty fond of him.

Sure, our first meeting had been rough, but I figured out early on that he wasn’t actually a bad guy.

Lately, he’d calmed down a lot too—like a weight had lifted off his shoulders. Not so restless anymore. More like he’d decided to stand his ground.

Come to think of it, that tense aura he had at the start was probably because he was desperate to get his hands on a dungeon relic as quickly as possible. What kind of circumstances would make someone seek something like that, I wonder?

He really is a strange guy.

But maybe because he keeps that goal so clear in his mind, he’s never once looked at me in that way. Talking with him had actually become comforting. For me, this was only the fourth man I’d ever felt at ease chatting with.

Honestly, it’s a rare bond.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"What, am I not allowed to come just to eat?"

"Not at all. It’s just, usually when you come here, it’s because you wanted to see me~."

Ah, his eyebrow twitched. Guess I annoyed him a little.

He really doesn’t like it when I act overly cheerful like that.

"…I’ll talk after I finish eating."

"Sure thing. Ah—welcome! Right this way, please!"

So food came before whatever he wanted to tell me. He really must like our cooking.

And honestly, that made me happy.

When he finished, he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. Very refined.

I glanced around at the other customers—most of them were messily scattering crumbs everywhere. Yet even in that crowd, Riven’s neat movements didn’t come off as snobby. They just felt natural, like he belonged.

"…Is there anywhere private around here where we won’t be overheard?"

"A hard-to-talk-about subject, then?"

"Yeah. Somewhat. It concerns what we’ll be doing moving forward."

So it was about our future work together. Definitely important.

Hmm… where could we talk in private?

The back room? The Master might overhear, but if Riven didn’t mind that, it was an option.

Otherwise… my room. But Alice-chan was in there right now.

"Which do you prefer?"

"You don’t mind me going into your room?"

"Eh?"

Well, when he put it that way…

I hadn’t really thought about it, but I guess I just figured it’d be fine with Riven. It’s not like he’d have any ulterior motives. And my room was more secure than the back room anyway.

"…Well, I don’t mind."

The inn got noisy at that. Huh? Was it really that strange for me to say that?

…After a second’s thought, my face went red. Crap. I’d gotten way too comfortable with him. It totally sounded like I was inviting him.

And now Riven was sighing. Loudly.

"Fine. If that’s what you want, then your room is fine. But don’t get the wrong idea—I’ve got no interest in doing anything."

"I wasn’t inviting you! Seriously!"

"I know that much. Still… you really need to fix that careless way you act."

He pressed a hand to his forehead, exasperated.

"I-it’s fine! Let’s just go already! Come on, hurry!"

I wanted to get out of that room before my face overheated any more.

I practically shoved him along and brought him upstairs to my room.

Inside, Alice-chan was sprawled across the bed, looking at a picture book.

Apparently, she’d been studying letters. Working hard to learn how to read on her own—what a good kid. Made the effort of preparing that book worth it.

"Ah, big sis! Oh, and big brother too!"

"Looks like you’ve been keeping yourself well occupied."

"Heh heh. She’s the next poster girl of the inn!"

"Oh? So you’re ready to hand the title over?"

"No way. I’m still number one for now!"

After some lighthearted banter, I asked Alice-chan to step out for a little while.

Riven glanced at the picture book she left behind, looking intrigued.

"I’ve never seen anything like this. With pictures… is it a kind of illustrated reference?"

"That’s actually a learning book I made for Alice-chan. It’s got both words and illustrations, so I figured it’d help her pick up reading."

I’d thought a picture book would be best for teaching a child to read, so I put one together.

Luckily, we had the money and time to spare, so I could make things like this.

As for buying citizenship papers, I’d decided to wait a little longer. Having them wouldn’t immediately change much anyway. For now, it was better to hold onto our money so we’d be ready when it really mattered. Of course, the moment I had enough flexibility, I wanted to convert that cash into citizenship.

"Picture book? You made this? Who?"

"Who else? Me."

"You?"

"Yep."

…What’s with that reaction? Was it really so surprising?

Riven flipped through the pages one after another, scanning the contents carefully.

When he finally finished, he closed the book.

"You were an author, then?"

"No, of course not."

"Then where did you learn the basics of storytelling? Or how to draw? It wasn’t some amateur’s clumsy work."

"…Ah."

The stories came from things I’d seen and heard in my previous life. The drawings too—just a hobby from back then.

All of it was past-life baggage. Nothing I could explain.

Which meant… only one choice here.

"S-so what, that doesn’t matter! More importantly, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Deflect! Deflect with all my might! That’s the only way!

Come on, let’s move on to the main topic already!

"…"

Ugh, that look. The eyes of someone staring at a scammer. Suspicious, probing, heavy.

But if I can’t explain it, then I’ll just have to bluff my way through.

"See? We’re keeping Alice-chan waiting in the hall. Let’s just get this over with quickly, right?"

"…Fine. I’ll let it go for now. But I’ll be asking again later."

Was that forgiveness? Maybe. Barely safe.

Though really, I’d only postponed the problem. But hey, if I can dodge it now, I’ll figure something out later. Maybe he’ll even forget something this trivial.

"So then. Two weeks from now, I’ll be occupied. I may not have the leeway to drag you around with me."

"…That’s what you wanted to say?"

"Yes. You are officially my assistant, after all. I figured I should give you notice."

"Well, that’s true. Hmm…"

Two weeks… Two weeks from now. There was something. What was it again?

Right. The auction.

"Ah, I see. Thing is, there’s an event I was planning to invite you to… but looks like the dates overlap."

"Overlap? You have plans of your own?"

"That’s right. As part of the payment from that last investigation request, I got invited to a certain event."

Someone like Reynard could probably get himself in without trouble, but I’d figured I’d invite Riven along.

Me going alone? Not an option—too risky, given the kind of people who’d be there. If Riven couldn’t make it, then I’d have no choice but to skip too.

"What kind of event?"

"Oh? You’re interested?"

"At least enough to listen."

So he was willing to hear me out, even if he already had plans. Maybe depending on what it was, he’d try to make room.

In that case, I should at least say it. If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll just accept it.

"It’s an auction. Hosted by the Guild."

"An auction? What kind of goods will be up for bid?"

"Curious? I have the catalog of items scheduled for auction. Want to take a look?"

Invited guests were given advance catalogs of the lots to be sold. I’d received one already.

Of course, you might wonder—if it’s just about buying, then couldn’t I sit this out? But no.

Auctions always had unexpected entries. Sudden additions. Rare treasures slipped in without warning.

That’s why you had to be there in person.

While I was thinking this, I noticed Riven staring hard at a certain section.

"Something catch your eye?"

I stretched to peek at the page. Looked like… a sword. Typical warrior.

"…Can I attend this auction too?"

"Eh? If you’re with me, yes—but it’s in two weeks, you know?"

"Then I’ll be there."

"Wait, what about your other plans!? Didn’t you just say you’d be busy!?"

"I’ll make it work. You’ll help."

The tone brooked no refusal. For a moment, it was like he’d reverted to how he’d been when we first met—pressuring, commanding.

What on earth had grabbed his attention so strongly?

"Is there something you want that badly?"

"…Yeah."

The word was heavy, like dragging a weight up from the depths. Not the eagerness of someone excited to obtain something, but something else entirely.

What could possibly draw him like that?

"That sword… you want it that much?"

Riven didn’t lift his gaze from the catalog. He just nodded, slow and grave.

"What is it, exactly?"

He opened his mouth to answer—then closed it again.

He was hesitating. Wrestling with himself. Eyes shut, sinking into thought.

A silence stretched. Then, at last, he opened them a fraction, having reached his conclusion.

"…It’s the relic of a dead friend."