Chapter 88

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Find the Missing Person on Foot

This greatsword was heavy. I wish I could toss it into the hollow bag, but I was hardly going to survive using it if I didn’t get used to the weight. It was while I was moving my shoulders and trying to get the blood flowing again, that I arrived at the Leaves in Sunlight inn. It was almost time for lunch.

“Now, let’s hope she’s back…”

She wasn’t anywhere near the front. Perhaps the dining hall? She had the most serious stance when it came to dining. She would probably not even wait for me.

I push the door open. The entrance hall of the Leaves in Sunlight inn was always calm, as if time was moving slower. Just like the first day, that was just the kind of place this was. I cross the room as I take this in, and arrive at the counter. Dorothea wasn’t here today, it was some male employee who I had never seen before. I asked for my key and promptly walked up the steps on the left side until I reached the third floor. My room was the first one on the left, 301. The key goes in, the lock is removed, and the forest-like room enters my vision. The green interior was easy on the eyes, and very relaxing.

I drop my belongings onto the bed and change my clothes. The rest of the day would be spent lazily, so I could dress roughly.

“Ahh, I feel so much lighter…might as well go and eat then…”

I put the Schwarz Tempest in my bag. I wasn’t actually expecting it to fit in, so it was a little shocking when it slid in so smoothly. It really did give me the impression that its capacity had increased. I would like to one day meet those palace magician’s that Matsumoto talked about, and have them inspect it.

The waitress greeted me at the entrance of the dining hall. And then she led me to the same table that we sat at the last time. Daniela was not there.

“That’s strange…she’d never miss a meal…”

I decided to wait a while before ordering. The other customers ordered their food, ate and left. Eventually, it was only me and a few others that remained. And there was still no signs of Daniela’s arrival.

It was almost two hours of waiting now. This was not right.

“I’m sorry, but my partner didn’t come today, so I will be leaving.”

I called the waitress and told her why I was leaving. She tilted her head to the side and looked towards the entrance.

“That is strange. Miss Daniela usually comes as soon as we are open…”

“Yes, perhaps something has happened to her. I have to go and take a look. We’ll be back for dinner.”

“Be safe. This is a peaceful town, but you never know.”

“I’m sorry for the trouble, and thank you.”

I felt pretty bad, as we had already paid for our meals, and the ingredients had been prepared. But I wanted to eat with Daniela. There were times when I did eat alone, but I wanted to eat with her at this inn.

I returned to my room and removed my equipment from the bag again. I should train constantly, I think, as I strap the greatsword to my back. The unfamiliar weight was tiresome, and I had to be careful that I didn’t get caught on anything as I navigated my way out and down the steps.

As I was walking down the stairs, a certain thought came to me. ‘What if I carried this like a guitar case?’ I was currently carrying it in the generic diagonal way that characters carried their greatswords. After testing it out, it really was easier. But then I realized…I couldn’t pull the sword out like this. I was disappointed at the level of my own stupidity, but then another idea came to me. I could hang it over my shoulder like those tote bags I used to take on my night shift. It was also easier, but the sword extended both to the front and back, which was dangerous…

I went about testing different styles on the stairs, but the looks I was getting from other customers were not kind, and so I settled with the guitar case style until I reached the first floor.

There, I asked the receptionist if he could tell Daniela to wait in her room if she returned, and left the inn behind be. Man, that was embarrassing.

Enough of that. It was a short walk to the main street. Once I was there, I looked around in hopes of finding her. But of course…

“I don’t see anyone who looks like her…Presence Detection…”

It did not find her either. I tried to cover a wider area, but perhaps I was just not adept enough, because so many other presences came in like noise, and I could not find hers. It looked like I needed more training.

I didn’t think there was any point in running around randomly. After all, the only places I knew were the little shit’s store and Kasil’s. There was also that restaurant. If anyone would find their way there, it was Daniela. But I’d check there last…I didn’t like it, but I would have to check the little shit’s store first. What was his name again?

□ □ □ □

“Hello. I was wondering if you’ve seen my partner? She was here with me yesterday.”

“What? Who do you think I am? Get out of here if you aren’t buying any shoes!”

Tsk. Useless little shit. Is he incapable of having a conversation?

“I can practically hear what you’re saying in your head!”

“Oh, don’t mind me. Good day.”

“Grr…bastard…”

I bought my shoes, so I really had no more business here. I’m never coming back here again!

“Sorry, I was wondering if you saw my partner around here?”

“Well, this is a surprise. Oh, but it suits you well! Yes, they are fine, aren’t they? These greatswords! A man should carry a greatsword!”

“This is not the best time for that. We’ll lose track of time again!”

“Ah, yes, yes. I’m not exactly free either. So, the young lady? Haven’t seen her. Have you two been fighting?”

“No. But she hasn’t been back for lunch, and that has me a little worried.”

“I see. I wish that I could help you, but I’ve only just started the heating the furnace. Sorry.”

“No, no. I hope you make something really good. Excuse me.”

“Aye!”

She hadn’t been there either. Well, my last hope was the Tree Stump Arbor.

Where did Daniela go?

□ □ □ □

“Hm? Oh, it’s you. Here to eat again?”

“Sorry, I’ve come looking for someone.”

“Ah, so you are not a customer then. Leave.”

“Right. Well, I just wanted to ask you if a woman with platinum blonde hair and a healthy appetite came today?”

“That she did. She ate everything that was served and left.”

Daniela! You did come here!

“So, what time was it that she came!?”

“Around nine. She bombarded me with orders, scraped the plates clean and then left for the park over there.”

“Thank you! I’ll go and look! I’ll be back!”

“It better be as a customer. I’ll have some good food prepared for you.”

Damn, as smooth as ever. Even that smile at the end was bound to be effective.

But I needed to find Daniela. I hope it wasn’t something stupid, like she had eaten too much and was unable to move… Anyway, to the park.

□ □ □ □

There was a park just outside of the market area. A small patch of open land with flower beds… A small park. There were several benches in the corner, and I could see children gathering near one. But Daniela was nowhere in sight. I’ll try asking them…

“Hey, you kids. Have you seen a blonde lady around here?”

“Blonde lady? You mean this person?”

“Hm?”

The child who answered me pointed to the bench. My eyes followed the small finger to what was a bloated Daniela lying down.

“Ah, yes. That’s the one.”

“It is! So you found her!”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

I gave them all a pat on the head, and they laughed and ran away. Children were so honest and fun!

“This person on the other hand… Hey, Daniela. Get up. Get up.”

“Uhh…no, I cannot eat anymore…”

“Sleep talk when you’re sleeping, you stupid bastard.”

I try shaking her as stupid words pour out of her mouth until her eyes slowly open.

“Mmm…ahh…it is Asagi…”

“And you are Daniela. What are you doing here?”

“I ate too much and…rested…slept…it would seem.”

“Seem? You were practically passed out!”

So it was overeating. That was embarrassing. But after a calm conversation, I learned that the reason lay with me. Well, I wouldn’t say it was all on me, but it didn’t change that I was in the wrong…

“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to neglect you, Daniela, not at all. Um, it’s just that, the manly part of my soul can misbehave.”

“Well, it is not as if I do not understand it… But I hope you are going to make up for it today?”

“Yeah, definitely. I don’t know if it’ll be much as reparation, but how about we get something to eat!”

It was the best offer I could think of for her. However, something most unimaginable came from her lips.

“No, no more for today…”

Would it rain rocks tomorrow? Voicing my disbelief like that earned me a smack on the head. Now, I was clearly not in the wrong this time. Unfortunately, there was no one around to support me.

That night, we had a light(Daniela not so much) dinner and stayed together in my room until morning. The details of the night will be omitted here, but I will say that Daniela’s mood was much improved on the following morning.