Chapter 90: Who is the One Eating Alone?·A Bad Gift?
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When Ash avoided eye contact and remained silent, Fern, who had initially been worried about Frieren eating alone, momentarily forgot her dissatisfaction. Instead, she turned her attention fully to Ash, leaning closer to him with a suspicious expression and questioning in a low voice:
"Master Ash, what's with the apple smell on you? And why won't you look me in the eye?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Ash didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He paused for a moment before hastily coming up with an excuse.
"After not seeing Fern for a year, she's suddenly grown up to become such a beautiful lady. I guess I'm a little afraid to look at her directly."
"Do I look like a fool to you?" Fern's narrowed eyes and sharp tone cut through his excuse.
"...Nothing."
A moment ago, she had been acting like a bashful girl in love, and now she was utterly unrelenting. Was this a sudden change, or had he misread the situation earlier? Ash sighed inwardly, feeling helpless. He decided to change the topic entirely.
"Speaking of which, Frieren went into that tavern. Shouldn't we go up and take a look?"
"It's not too late to catch up with her later. Answer me now!" Fern's determined gaze left no room for avoidance. Frieren was momentarily forgotten as her curiosity took over.
Ash hesitated and then responded, "...Well, actually, I have an apple orchard in the north. Every year, I separate from you all to take care of it."
"An apple orchard? Really? That sounds... suspicious."
"It's true! I really do have an apple orchard. Next time I head north, I'll take you to see it."
"But if that's the case, why would you hide it?" Her tone softened, but her skeptical expression lingered.
"Well..." Ash scratched his head and offered an exaggerated explanation. "I didn't want you to suddenly find out that you are actually the daughter of a farmer, and your mentality would suffer because I became rich overnight."
"In your mind… am I really that fragile?" Fern looked incredulous at his answer.
"Better safe than sorry, right? But don't worry! After I die, it'll all be yours." Ash smiled and patted her shoulder lightly, attempting to defuse the situation.
"Don't say such unlucky things. I'll get angry!" Fern frowned deeply, clearly displeased.
"Are you angry already?"
"That makes me even angrier!"
"..."
Ash sighed, feeling unsure of what to say next. When he looked ahead, he realized Frieren had disappeared without a trace.
During their prolonged back-and-forth, they had completely lost track of her.
Realizing this, Fern glanced up at him with visible annoyance. "...It's all Master Ash's fault. Lady Frieren must have gone to eat dessert alone! Travel expenses shouldn't be wasted, and I haven't had dessert for several months!"
"Is it really something to be this upset about?" Although he felt a little wronged, Ash decided to avoid arguing. As an adult, he chose to respond calmly, stretching out his hand to her.
"She can eat hers, and I'll treat you to yours."
"Really?" Fern's tone instantly softened, her previous annoyance giving way to cautious hope.
"Why would an adult lie about buying dessert?"
"That's right... I'm sorry, I've been living in poverty with Lady Frieren lately... I didn't mean to doubt you..."
She had initially wanted to complain about Frieren's reckless spending, but the prospect of getting dessert herself brightened her mood considerably. Grabbing Ash's hand eagerly, she smiled happily.
"Thank you, Master Ash! Let's go have dessert together! Before that cunning Lady Frieren comes back!"
"Alright, let's go together."
Ash felt as though he had suddenly been transported back to his childhood. The girl's cheerful expression brought a warm smile to his face. Touching her soft violet hair affectionately, he led her forward, searching for a dessert shop in the lively streets.
---
While they walked, Ash kept a casual eye out, hoping they might encounter Frieren along the way.
It was a shame they didn't run into Frieren, but Ash and Fern soon stumbled upon a bustling dessert shop that seemed to be doing good business.
When Ash generously told Fern she could order anything she wanted, she hesitated for a moment before finally choosing a small cake. Her excitement was palpable as she used a knife and fork to enjoy her treat, her heart brimming with joy.
"Mmm~ So sweet, so delicious~!"
The sheer delight on her face as she took her first bite was unmistakable, her expression practically overflowing with happiness.
Watching her with his chin resting on his hand, Ash couldn't help but feel amused. Smiling, he reached for a napkin and gently wiped a bit of cream from the corner of her mouth.
"Wh-what's the matter? Why are you looking at me like I'm a child?" Fern muttered, her cheeks flushing slightly as she recalled how he had treated her like a kid earlier. She added softly, "...I'm not a child."
"I just want to take care of Fern, that's all. Is that wrong?" Ash replied nonchalantly.
"...It's not wrong, but... I'm just a little shy. Though, I don't hate it..." Fern's voice trailed off as she lowered her head in embarrassment, his casual honesty leaving her flustered.
Ash chuckled and shook his head helplessly. "Didn't I take care of you when you had a fever before? And didn't we even sleep together back then? Why are you still getting shy now?"
"That was years ago! Can you please forget about it already~~!"
The mention of a long-forgotten memory caused Fern's face to turn beet red. She puffed her cheeks in protest, both ashamed and frustrated. Without thinking, she began lightly punching Ash's shoulder repeatedly in mock anger.
Her hits, however, lacked any real strength, making the entire scene endearing rather than intimidating. There was a hint of childishness in her actions, almost coquettish, which only made Ash grin wider. Despite the harmless assault, he smiled apologetically and reached out to pat her head gently.
This only made Fern more exasperated, though a part of her couldn't bring herself to truly dislike his teasing. It reminded her of the helplessness children sometimes felt when faced with doting parents—though her own feelings in this moment were far more complex.
Still, she didn't hate it.
After enduring Ash's playful gaze, she focused on finishing her cake, though her mood remained a mix of irritation and reluctant warmth.
Once they left the dessert shop and stepped outside, the sun was setting on the horizon. The entire city, along with the vast ocean beyond, was bathed in a golden glow, as if painted with delicate layers of gold leaf.
"Oh no, it's already this late... I haven't bought anything!" Fern exclaimed suddenly, freezing in place as the realization struck her.
"It's fine. You can buy everything tomorrow. For now, let's just head back and meet up with Frieren, okay?" Ash suggested, his tone calm and reassuring.
"That's the only option now... I just hope Lady Frieren has finished eating by now," Fern replied with a resigned sigh. For the time being, she decided to set aside her worries. Not wanting to keep Frieren waiting, she quickly took Ash by the arm and led him toward the inn.
---
Before long, they arrived at their accommodations—a cozy inn with a room that boasted a balcony overlooking the ocean. It was a true seaside view, with the sound of gentle waves completing the tranquil atmosphere.
As soon as Fern entered the room, she saw Frieren sitting on the bed, her gaze fixed on the sunset outside the window.
When Fern, leading the way, stepped further in, Fern spoke in a low voice, her face expressionless: "You're so slow."
"Sorry, I ran into someone on the way..." Fern began to explain, intending to mention Ash waiting just outside. She was about to tease Frieren when, unexpectedly, Frieren interrupted, her tone awkward yet unusually soft: "Forget it... How about we go have some dessert together for a change?"
"Eh?" Fern froze, stunned by the sudden offer.
Wait, so she didn't eat alone after all? She wanted to take me with her? But I just...—Fern's thoughts came to a halt as Frieren's words broke through her hesitation.
"Let's go!"
With exaggerated movements and an oddly suspicious demeanor, Frieren didn't wait for Fern to respond. She quickly walked out, a mysterious smile on her face.
'Oh no... It's going to seem like I took Fern to eat alone and left Frieren behind'... Ash thought and ran off before she showed up!—Fern couldn't help but internally panic as she followed Frieren out.
---
In front of a coastal café, the two sat at a seaside dining table. The view was spectacular—the sunset stretching over the ocean, the golden coastline shimmering, and the vibrant city streets visible below.
Frieren, who had been shrouded in mystery all day, leaned back slightly, gazing at the breathtaking scenery. Letting out a deep, satisfied sigh, she remarked, "The view here is really beautiful. Highly recommended."
Fern looked at her, guilt flashing across her face. "...I feel terrible, Lady Frieren. I doubted you earlier, even..."
"Doubted me? About what? Did you do something?" Frieren asked, tilting her head with a genuinely confused expression.
"No... It's nothing. Please don't worry about it." Fern stiffened, awkwardly averting her gaze.
Frieren, noticing her reaction, couldn't help but smile with a hint of nostalgia. "You're really starting to act like Ash. Whenever he doesn't want others to know something, he avoids eye contact just like this."
"Is... is that so?"
"By the way," Frieren said, her tone shifting slightly, "this might seem a bit sudden, but... has Ash ever given you anything before?"
Frieren asked tentatively, as if confirming something in her mind.
Fern blinked, momentarily surprised. "It is a bit sudden... A gift, huh? Well, you've seen it before." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small box containing a silver leaf bookmark. Stroking it fondly, she smiled and murmured,
"When I was little, I saw this and liked it immediately. I only looked at it for a few seconds, but Master Ash bought it for me. It's just a bookmark, but it's so precious to me that I've never actually used it as one."
"Really? I didn't realize he had such a thoughtful side," Frieren remarked with a faint smile.
"Speaking of which," Fern added, curiosity creeping into her voice, "you and Master Ash have known each other for a long time, haven't you? What did he give you?"
"It's been quite some time," Frieren replied, nodding softly. She rummaged through her belongings for a moment before exclaiming, "Ah, found it." She pulled out a gold ring.
"A ring?! And it's gold!" Philen exclaimed, nearly jumping from her seat.
Frieren turned the ring in her fingers, her expression caught somewhere between exasperation and amusement. "That dreadful Ash only gave me this."
"Isn't this gold? What's wrong with it?" Fern asked, astonished. If anything, she felt like offering to trade for it, though she doubted Ash would ever agree.
"You just don't understand..." Frieren sighed briefly, shaking her head as she toyed with the ring.
"A long time ago, he found this in a treasure chest while exploring a dungeon. He forgot to sell it, and when the holidays came around, he realized he didn't have any proper gifts, so he handed this to me... Oh, and when he gave it to me, it was still covered in monster blood he hadn't bothered to clean off."
"...This... this..." Fern stammered, her voice faltering.
'What should I do? I can't think of any way to help Ash! It's too much just imagining it!—'Forget about speaking for Ash, Fern even felt like joining Frieren in lecturing him.
Meanwhile, Ash, who had been hiding behind the wall all this time, found the situation spiraling even further out of control. With the atmosphere and the sudden shift in topic, any chance of slipping away unnoticed vanished entirely.
Crouching down behind the wall, he covered his face with both hands and sighed in deep regret. "I should've wiped the blood off before giving her the ring..."
"—Really? Are you actually reflecting on this?" A sharp voice cut through his self-reprimanding thoughts.
Ash barely had time to react before Fern's angry voice came from behind him. "You should have bought a new gift from the start!"
Before he could even look up, he felt two hands firmly gripping the back of his collar.
"Wait, Fern—!"
Ignoring his protests, Fern started dragging him out of his hiding spot, her steps firm and unrelenting.
---
Still seated at the table, Frieren held the menu in her hand, her eyes drifting toward the setting sun as she pondered her order. She noticed Fern suddenly stepping away from the table, looking determined about something.
"Fern? Where are you—"
Her words were cut short when she caught sight of Fern bending over near the corner of the wall, both hands pulling at something with great effort.
A moment later, to her astonishment, Fern emerged, dragging a very familiar figure into view.
Frieren blinked, doubting her eyes for what felt like the hundredth time that day. "...Ash? Why are you hiding back there?"
"Hey, hey~ Frieren," Ash greeted awkwardly, offering her a sheepish smile. "It's been a while since we last met."
"...What are you doing?"
"What am I doing?" Ash scratched the back of his head, his smile turning stiff. "Uh, just... thinking about life?"
He patted his clothes as he stood up, the ambiguous grin on his face doing little to dispel the awkwardness of the situation.
Fern, still holding his collar moments ago, let out an exasperated sigh. Bowing her head slightly to Frieren, she spoke with a tone of resignation:
"Lady Frieren, this person overheard our conversation earlier. He actually reflected on his actions and thought wiping the blood off in advance was a good idea... I deeply apologize for his behavior."