落とし穴４５堀：魔女の知らない世界 (Part2)
Schans is breathing softly in my arms as she sleeps.
"Oh my, did she fall asleep in the middle of the book?"
"Mm. Sleeping is a child's job. It’s a good thing."
Schans had drifted off just as we were starting the third picture book. Since there was no particular reason to wake her, I let her be.
"Also, these are the picture books. You should take them home and read them to the children."
"I see. Thank you very much. Sakura, Sumire, Eria, Yuyu, and Shael will be delighted."
"Mm. It’s getting late. Let’s head home together."
"Indeed."
With that, Ratz gathers up the picture books.
Why is it, though? Ratz is supposed to be holding Schans, but she can't do that while carrying all these books.
"I will carry the books."
"It’s quite alright. Schans is fast asleep, and it makes no difference whether you hold her or I do. In fact, if we wake her, she might start crying. Would you mind leaving her as she is?"
"Mm. Understood."
When put that way, I have no objections. I stand up slowly so as not to disturb Schans. Once we step out of the library, the sky is dyed red by the setting sun.
"Mmm, for some reason, I always want to stretch when I step outside."
"I understand that."
Beside me, Ratz is stretching to loosen her body. Perhaps it’s because she keeps her body still while reading, so she feels the need to relax once she’s out in the open.
"Well then, shall we head back? Dinner should be ready by now."
"Mm."
The two of us make our way home at a leisurely pace. This library and our inn are located in the same place—the dungeon—and are situated right next to each other. That said, there are hardly any other buildings in this area. Since only Yuki and we ourselves live here, there’s no one to manage any other structures. If one wants to enjoy various things, the town of Weed is the place to go.
"I wonder what’s for dinner tonight."
"I’m looking forward to it. But I was surprised when I first came here."
"Ahaha, I bet. After all, the young master himself is the one cooking."
"Mm. And it’s delicious."
I was surprised that Yuki was the one cooking, but the food is truly exquisite. Even potatoes, which are treated as meager fare in our country, are transformed into something incredibly tasty—and he knows how to prepare them so they don't make you sick. To think that just butter, salt, and pepper could change them so much. I will never forget the shock of that moment. It was so delicious that Samantha and I gorged ourselves on the potatoes until we were full, and we couldn't eat any of the other dishes.
"Oh, you’ve returned."
"Ah, you’re right! Big Sister Ratz! Big Sister Cleena!"
At the entrance of the inn, Samantha and Aslin were waving at us as if they had been waiting for our return.
"Oh? Did something happen?"
"No, I haven't heard anything."
Usually, when people wait at the entrance for your return, it means something important has occurred, but neither Ratz nor I could think of anything.
"What’s the matter?"
"Was there some kind of problem?"
Regardless, we both jogged toward the entrance.
"Oh, no. It’s not a problem, but..."
"Well, dinner is almost ready, so we were talking about going to meet you two with Samantha."
"I see."
"Understood."
In our family, it is the standard to eat dinner together. Until now, I had always eaten alone at my own pace, but eating while chatting with Yuki and the others is wonderful. For someone like me who never had friends, this is a source of great joy.
"Then, let’s go inside and have dinner."
"Mm."
As the four of us entered the foyer, Yuki, Ria, Jessica, Firia, and Labyris were passing by, carrying dishes one after another. Due to the inn's layout, it seems the kitchen is designed so that you have to pass through the entrance. The idea is that by intentionally walking through the foyer, the aroma will stimulate the appetites of other guests. I don't just understand it—I’m experiencing it. This scent is making me hungry.
"Oh, welcome back. For dinner tonight, I made the dishes you two couldn't eat last time because you filled up on potatoes."
"That’s right. Yuki-sama made them specifically for us, so we were thinking of going to call you."
"...I won't make the same mistake today."
Yuki made this for me. I won't repeat the same blunder as before.
"Oh, is Schans with you?"
"Yes. We went to the library and had Cleena pick out some picture books."
"Ah, I see. Thank you, Cleena."
"Mm. Don't worry about it. I am a mother to the children, too."
As we were talking, Schans stirred in my arms. Did she wake up?
"Auh?"
"Oh, you’re up, Schans? Did Mama Cleena read you some picture books?"
"Uu."
"I see, that’s good. Now, it’s time for dinner with Papa, Mama, and everyone."
"Auh!!"
I carry the excited Schans and head to the banquet hall with everyone else.
"...Mm. Happiness."
I will do my best to ensure this happiness continues. For the sake of the beloved people who pulled me out of a world of magic and books.
The trap this time was Cleena. Well, they say the world changes depending on your perspective, or perhaps that there are many things we don't know.
Anyway, it’s finally 8 days until the release of Volume 2.
Also, the long weekend is finally coming to an end.
Don't get sick from playing too hard or staying up too late.
See you next time.