136: Keeping promises is a friend’s duty, right?

Since Golden Dune became the headquarters of the Production Guild, talented individuals from the capital and各地 have been moving in by the dozens, led by Syndery, the right-hand man of the Grand Master.

The upper floors of the guild grew busier by the day.

And since it’s the headquarters, information poured in from all over every single day.

I was shown some documents. Apparently, only Golden Dune Production Guild and the Gandar Production Guild under Grand Master Grim were pulling ahead with staggering sales.

Beyond sales, there were also documents summarizing requests from craftsmen.

It seems skilled artisans from various regions are actively requesting to relocate to Golden Dune, while guild masters across the land are desperately trying to keep them from leaving.

From my point of view, there are plenty of skilled craftsmen coming in, but the locals are gonna have a rough time.

Those adjustments sound like a nightmare, but that’s not my job. Good luck, Grim and Sindery.

Thanks to Sindery’s efforts, the tricky negotiations with the merchant guilds smoothed out, production of alchemical potions got back on track, and just like he promised, me and Professor Javir finally got to take a normal vacation.

Back in the alchemy chamber deep underground, me and Professor Javir carried on with our daily routine.

Finished the scheduled alchemy right on time, and Professor Javir sat down, rolling his shoulders.

"Really. If it were just stamina potions, I could work forever. But my mind’s starting to crack."

"Tomorrow’s our day off. Let’s take it easy."

"Hmm. Maybe I’ll just do some slow research."

"...So that’s really a vacation?"

"Doing what you like is the best kind of rest."

"Huh. I see."

Well, what should I do then?

Good thing I don’t have to slave away at laundry thanks to maid Ryuuko—today’s a free day, no chores.

I was just thinking I’d invite Jitarou over for a bit when I remember I already made plans.

"Right. I gotta treat Eva to something."

Had no choice, really. Gotta make up for grabbing her chest like that.

Where’s Raidock now? Probably still at Goldendawn.

He’s always so busy, sometimes gone for days.

It’s dinner time now—should be easy to find out where he is. Just hit up the adventurer’s guild or a tavern.

Adventurer’s guild says he’s not on any long-term job.

After checking a few taverns, I found Raidock’s party all eating together.

Flanked by the silver-haired Raidock, Solar and Eva were glaring at each other.

…They’ve already been together, so Eva could just give up already.

Raidock spotted me and dashed over, shouting.

Got away, huh.

“Hey! Craft! Dinner? Join us. I’m buying!”

He slaps my shoulder hard, but I’m not playing shield for the two of them.

“Nah, just gotta talk to Eva for a sec… Hey, you guys got work tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow’s rest day. Been too busy lately—only taking small jobs these days. Though, honestly, high-rank jobs don’t come our way much these days…”

“Classic problem for high-rank parties.”

I shrug, and Raidock does the same, chuckling.

If you don’t have work tomorrow, perfect. I’m standing by Eva’s side.

Same old mage look—pointy hat, wand worn down from years of use.

Old-school style, rare these days. Maybe he’s into fashion.

……what?

He’s glaring at me like I’m about to pull a trick. But I’m a man of my word!

“Eva. I wanna ask you out for dinner. You free tomorrow?”

A proper apology meal, promised long ago. I figured she’d say yes right away. But she just stared, wide-eyed.

“Eh?”

Why’s Solar, Raidock, Camille, and Marilyn all shocked?

Camille and Marilyn are her sisters, so I figured they’d know. Maybe they haven’t talked?

Then it’d seem out of nowhere, yeah.

I clarify, just to be sure there’s no misunderstanding.

"Didn’t we make a deal? Going out to eat?"

That should do it.

Everyone went quiet. They had to be convinced now.

"Wait—!?"

Eva scrambles to her feet.

She grabs my arm and drags me out of the tavern.

"What are you even thinking!? Why do I have to go out to eat with someone like you!?"

Inside, I’m thinking “huh?” but the promise is the promise, even if she forgot.

"Back then, on the bridge, I caused trouble, right? I mean, I totally grabbed you."

"I don’t need to remember it, okay!?"

Eva yells, face burning red.

"Didn’t you say I should treat you to dinner as an apology?"

Her eyebrows knit together.

"...I did say that, but..."

She hasn’t forgotten, then.

"So I came to keep my promise. You got something else going on?"

"No, I’m free tomorrow... but, just the two of us?"

"Since Eva’s the one causing the trouble, I don’t think it’s right to treat the others to something special…"

I could easily treat the whole Raidock party, or even all three sisters, to a meal. But wouldn’t that just make Eva seem like she’s being ignored?

"Yeah, I guess…"

He looked like he wasn’t fully convinced, but no one called him out on it.

"Dinner, then?"

"Can’t really pass it off as breakfast for adventurers or merchants, can we?"

Usually, places that serve food in the morning or noon are for busy people.

If you’re lucky, you get bread and soup. At a midday tavern, maybe you can get meat. But it’d be rough-and-tumble food—nothing you’d bring a lady for apologies.

Dinner’s different. That’s when the fancy restaurants start opening up, aimed at the wealthy.

Golden Dune’s got plenty of good food, so lots of promising young chefs and seasoned pros are opening shops there. Rumor is, there’s some real eats to be had.

Honestly, if you think about it, the places you’d treat someone to make up for it would be these.

Thinking about it, inviting him home might be an option, but I don’t want people to think I’m skimping on expenses.

Truth is, Ryuuko’s a top-tier maid—give her a budget, and she’ll serve any full course you want.

Yeah, I guess so...

Evah nodded, face still looking unconvinced.

"Or are you just not keen on the shop? I can always invite you to my place instead."

Then Eva blinked in shock, her face turning red as she shouted.

Hah!? There’s no way I’m going!? What are you even thinking!?

I guess meals at home just don’t feel sincere, huh.

Lucky’s food’s tasty, though.

"Sorry, sorry. I’ll take you to a proper place—don’t be mad."

"Actually, I already forgot about it, you know."

"No way! I don’t wanna break my promise to Eva!"

Not just Eva. Not just Leifan. Not just Kyle. Not just Maina. I don’t wanna be the guy who breaks promises with friends.

Eva’s eyes go wide. Her mouth flaps like a fish.

Is she a carp?

"…Well, I did bring it up myself…"

Seems she’s finally convinced.

"Then tomorrow, let’s meet a little earlier at the central fountain."

"At the central fountain?!?"

Did I say something surprising?

I figured a fancy restaurant would be easier to find since they’re mostly near the city center.

"Want a different spot?"

I don’t mind meeting in front of the Adventurer’s Guild. Or the Production Guild. Either’s fine.

"…Well, I guess it’s fine?"

Why’s she phrasing it like a question?

Eva’s eyes darted around, restless and unsettled.

Ah, right. You're hungry, huh.

You wanna go back 'cause you ruined dinner.

Let's cut this short.

Evie probably wants to get back quick, so I’ll head out now. See you tomorrow—looking forward to it.

I raised my hand quick and left the spot.

Didn’t look back, not even to see Eva’s grumpy face from hunger.

Am I not flawless today?

I gave myself a mental pat on the back and went home, satisfied.

It's a promise, so there's no way around it. \^(^o^)/