ch41-ch60 · 055-ch54

Chapter 54: Encounter

Chartreuse walked through the Fushikinano Shopping District, a mince katsu in her right hand and a crepe in her left, thoroughly enjoying every moment.

The people of the shopping district, assuming she was just a tourist, watched her progress with warm, fond smiles.

"Now then, for the grand finale—the 'kitchen car' we were told about!"

"C-can you really still eat more?"

Though she was following Chartreuse, Fuchsia wore an expression of something beyond mere astonishment—more like she was witnessing something terrifying. But Chartreuse paid her no mind.

"But of course. It would be terribly rude not to visit when someone went to the trouble of recommending such a delicious shop, wouldn't it?"

"I suppose that might be true, but in that case, we could have gone a bit earlier..."

Even though Fuchsia was accompanying Chartreuse, she had only eaten about half as much and was already nearing her limit.

She couldn't help but think that if they were going to the food truck anyway, Chartreuse could have held back on everything else a little...

"But everything smelled so wonderfully tempting from both directions. It couldn't be helped."

Though whether it truly couldn't be helped was debatable.

While Fuchsia harbored such doubts, Chartreuse had already polished off both treats in her hands.

"Perfect! Now, let us go!"

Fuchsia grew concerned that Chartreuse might have forgotten their original mission as she strode forward with such vigor.

But then.

Chartreuse, who had been marching steadily ahead, came to a halt near the edge of the shopping district.

"What is it?―――!!"

When Fuchsia caught up and peered at her face, it had transformed from that of a young woman enjoying gourmet food into the stern countenance of a knight.

"――He's there!"

"Huh?... Ah, Chartreuse-sama!"

Chartreuse strode forward with sudden urgency.

Ahead of her, a food truck came into view.

　　―　◆　―

...Huh, so Papa and that beauty knew each other!?

And wait, that beauty just said "Rock," didn't she? Which means, could she be――

"Pa――mmph!"

Just as I was about to call out to Papa, a fluffy hand shot out from the nap sack and covered my mouth. What are you doing, Melkid? If you move, people will notice!

I looked over to see Papa staring at the beauty with a serious expression. Ah, he glanced over here for just a second.

"――Let's move elsewhere."

"Very well."

Papa quickly locked up the truck and turned to face us.

It felt like he was looking at all of us, not just me.

"Sorry everyone, but I'm closing up shop for today. You can take your time finishing your meals. I'll be stepping away for a bit, but just leave the tables and everything as they are."

Ah, this seems to be directed at me. Maybe he's telling me to leave without cleaning up and head home quickly.

While everyone fell silent, somehow overwhelmed by the atmosphere, Papa and the beauty walked off together.

"...What what what was that!? Who was she, and why were they acting so friendly!"

"Hey, Sumi, calm down. It's probably not the kind of romantic thing you're thinking of."

Kiriko comforted Sumi, who had suddenly started making a fuss once the two were out of sight. And while comforting her, she looked over at me and nodded.

Yeah, I understand too. Papa was worried and pretended we weren't involved.

Melkid stopped me because he thought if they found out I was Papa's daughter, I'd be taken hostage again. As expected, he knows a thing or two about kidnapping.

"Um, what should we do about this?"

"For now, I suppose we should just enjoy our meal as instructed."

Rei-chan looked flustered, unable to process the situation. Well, it would be troubling if the shop owner disappeared and left his customers behind. Sorry for inviting you here only to do this.

On the other hand, Shudo-san seemed incredibly calm. Maybe because he'd already paid, it felt no different from a takeout order.

The one who looked disappointed was Kan-na-kun.

"Ugh, I wanted another helping..."

"You're always so focused on eating when it's not judo. ...Ai, what should we do?"

"Hmm, honestly I'm curious, but..."

If I secretly followed them, I'd probably just get in the way, but I was still curious. ...Somehow, that beauty seemed way stronger than Melkid and the others when I imagined her as an enemy.

But I couldn't drag Rei-chan and the others, who knew nothing about this, into it. I guess it would be better to just go home quietly.

"Phew, that was delicious. Well then, once everyone has finished eating, shall we go?"

Shudo-san said this while elegantly finishing his panini and sipping his coffee.

"Go where?"

"Hmm? To your father's location, of course. It should be safer than staying here, at the very least."

He said the last part in a whisper, just loud enough for me to hear.

...Huh? Isn't it more dangerous near Papa? ...Wait, who is this guy? Does he know something?

"I'm goin' too! I'm definitely goin'!"

I get the feeling Sumi's misunderstanding all sorts of things. Hey, did you forget about the other world?

"Um, might I accompany you as well...?"

"I've got the afternoon off, so I'm stickin' with Ai-san!"

Rei-chan seems to be misunderstanding things in a Sumi-like way too. Um, this isn't the setup of a daughter worried about her father's new lover, okay?

Kan-na-kun seems to be tagging along simply because he's free. There's something refreshing about his easygoing nature.

"Ai, let's go. I feel like we should. ...Melkid's not acting up either."

"...Ah."

Kiriko patted the nap sack on my back.

She's right—if we shouldn't go, he would have signaled by hitting or kicking like before.

But Melkid staying quiet... or rather, is he trembling?

"Maybe we should hurry?"

When I spoke aloud, not really asking anyone in particular, Melkid pressed against me twice as if in agreement. Ah, looks like we should go.

"Then let's go!"

"Yes, let's do that. Take care not to trip, and go slowly."

He spoke as if cautioning a small child.

When Shudo-san stood up from his seat, I thought I saw him glare toward the shopping district for a moment, not in the direction Papa had gone. ...Though he immediately returned to his usual refreshing smile.