The next day.
" Ah, I see. So you're telling me you were on a cafe date with Papivrana? "
" Yeah... Wait, I didn't even tell you her name? How do you know her? "
" I've been following you ever since you saw the book yesterday. I knew you'd find it someday. However, I didn't expect you to discover it this early. "
" Did you think putting it in a conspicuous place would make it unobvious? I'm sincerely concerned about you, Hravati. Anyways, why hide it, and what do you know about it? "
" Sorry, I can't tell you. Though, I will say that I know Papivrana for the sole reason that I give her allowance. "
It makes sense. Two crazy people I'm acquainted with knew each other beforehand. No wonder. I'm a bit pissed right now, but seeing as how there's a bigger problem at hand, it's no use to be angry at this.
I can see why Papivrana wanted to keep quiet about Hravati. She's loaded.
What is this so-called problem, you might ask?
They won't tell me anything about my father and Demon Lord Tanirava. Maybe it's not that they won't, but something prevents them from doing so.
Odd, no? What exactly are these two trying to hide from me.
Right, typical story, yeah?
Never mind. I've made up my mind that I will get my answers today. I have the right to know as the righteous heir of the Silverwood family.
What is hidden shall be revealed to me at my command!
Whew! That's another line down in the checklist.
" Am I cool or what? "
" Ars, your thoughts are coming out. I'm a bit concerned for you. "
" Oh, shut it- OW! "
My ear! My ear is burning! Please, not this again!
" My beloved! Please let go! I'm in the middle of cooking breakfast and would not want to make this worse for the both of us! "
" Fine. Next time you speak like that will be your last. And it will be my turn to cook. "
" UNDERSTOOD! "
Dangit! Now I'm limited to sweet talk until I find a bargaining chip. Life is cruel with women.
" Ah, but if you come with me today for a date, I might be willing to let you off the hook. "
" UNDERSTOOD! "
" Alright, the chad strikes once more! "
Ah.
" GYAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH "
A few hours pass, as we're currently going to our date location by car.
Again, I'm not familiarized with every place around here yet, so I can't choose. Hra, on the other hand, is a local.
She has slick driving skills. I should get her to teach me. It might be the only thing I can learn from her, haha. Much better than learning how to take hours to put on makeup and only then drive for our date, right?
I say that, but I turn to her and see an ominous look. So I'll pretend I didn't see anything and take another look. It's even worse this time! Why do women have this superstitious intuition of people thinking badly of them!
" Get out. "
" No, please! Forgive me! "
" We're here already. "
" ...Oh. "
I really shouldn't do this to myself, huh. But man, I've got to say. This building is massive. Right before my eyes, a tower pierced even the sky appeared. Superb, this is. How much more when I get to see the view from the top?
" We're going here? I love you, Hra. "
" Thank you. I love you too. Although, the place we're hanging out at is the one beside it. "
She points at the ramen shop.
" You're kidding. "
" Not at all. I wanted to be honest with you. The best place to tell you is here. Besides, this tower is the Adventurer's Agency. Even with my status, I can only do so little to get ourselves a private place to chat. "
" Yeah, and this ramen shop can provide that? "
" Indeed. I'm confused, though. When was this a ramen shop? " She says. I am also confused by her words. She brought us to a place she doesn't even remember being a shop?
" Huh? It has a signboard saying that it is. "
" Don't judge by appearance. I'm telling you it's not. "
But isn't that the purpose of signboards? Why else would the owner put it there? Such nonsense this woman spreads.
" Whatever, let's go in. I also have something to tell you, Hravati. "
She nods. With her confirmation, we proceed to enter the shabby-looking shop.
Well, look at what we have here.
" Another non-ordinary event has appeared! A white room with chairs, Papivrana, a table, and food. Wait, Papivrana? This has to be a joke."
" I told you it isn't a ramen shop. If you learned how to trust me, maybe I'd open up to you more. "
" Alright, I'm sorry. I'll abide by the rules and come home earlier. "
" Good, as long as you understand. "
" So, what's Papivrana doing here? "
" I contacted her yesterday when you were asleep. You'd want it that way for sure. "
You read my mind. My woman and my slave. What's better than that? But, of course, it would be even more if Bastia were here.
I hope they didn't read my mind this time. Or else I'd be in big trouble.
" Here's your ramen, Sir. "
I turn around and see Bastia behind me. And the other woman I bumped into at the guild is behind her! The best day of my life, this is!
I'm kidding. It's another average waitress you see every day. Hey. Before you think I objectify women and judge them by appearance, I don't.
It's just a matter of preference. This waitress is quite beautiful after all. Long silky black hair, deep brown eyes, but I can't chase every skirt I see. I'd turn into a monkey if that time were to come.
Ok, fine. I do judge, but you all can't blame me, right? I'm a person in my teenage years.
I need some leisure. I'll lose that eventually when I become an adult unless I'm still the chad I am now.
I also need to save face. I've been humiliated today way too many times this day.
I hold my grudges dearly. I'm sure I'll get my payback one day.
" Thank you. I apologize for taking too long to appreciate your effort. Might I ask for your number to give you my thanks at a later date? "
" Sir, you are such a sweet talker. As tempting as it might sound, I'm not sure you're ready yet. "
" Ready how? "
" Ready for Miss Hravati's wrath. "
I won't even bother looking at Hra. I know what face she's putting on, but how about we check on Papivrana.
She's unlikely to be affected.
I turn towards Papi, and like I expected. She seems fine! That is until she saw me looking.
She's on the verge of crying!
What did I do wrong!? Also, her snot is running pretty fast. Better do something fast.
" Ah. Excuse us, Miss Waitress. We'll settle this another time, wait for me later. "
" Affirmative, Sir~, "
She winks at me as she leaves. Hoho, she's interesting after all.
Wait, no!
" I can explain, Hra! Papi, help me convince her, please! "
" You've crossed the line. It's about time I show you my new wrestling move. "
" GAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! "
Ten long minutes break time!
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Please, someone, help me.
After my well-deserved beating, we are now at a standpoint on the table. There is nothing but absolute silence. Pretty awkward if I do say so myself. Being in this white room with two people makes it weird.
I mean, one guy and two girls? You would think something good would be happening, but no.
" So um, Ars. Sorry about earlier. But I need to tell you this now. "
" Yuh- what ith it? "
Damn, I can't speak properly. My lips are way too swollen. I also received two black eyes. This harsh world, why do I exist in it?
" Your father is dead. "
...
" WHATTTTTTTTTTTTT!?! "