166-Episode 145. Their thoughts.




'Well, just take a look at our new product.

Norma places a 50cm square box on the table.
This is a 'refrigerator (for the 42nd district)' that can be immersed in a well to cool its contents.
Recently, the refrigerator has been modified so that when it is immersed in a well, cold water flows through thin tubes around the box, further cooling the contents.

'This improved version is amazing. What!The door can be opened from either side!

...... I wonder if the evolution of refrigerators follows the same route in other worlds.

'...... This is interesting.
'Why doesn't it just pop off?

Magda and Loretta are tilting their heads curiously as they open and close the refrigerator door from both sides.

Having seen off all the lunch customers, the Sunlit Pavilion is now taking a short break.
That's when Norma arrived with this huge box: ......

'What do you think?Interesting, isn't it?'
'Yeah, it is.

I'm not sure if this refrigerator is technologically advanced or technologically backward.
The way to cool it is as simple as soaking it in cold water in a well. ...... Double-sided door.

'What is it?That's not a very good response.
'No, it's just that ...... it's getting more and more advanced.'
'That's you, .......'

Norma paused once as she tried to say something briskly.
Then, after a short exhale, he regains his composure and speaks.

'It's because you haven't come up with any interesting new product ideas lately.

Well, a while ago, I used to ask you to make molds for various things frequently.

'You'd better ask me for something interesting again. Otherwise, I'll make a refrigerator that can cool things without being immersed in a well, you know.
'No, if you can do that, that would be super.

The day when a real refrigerator is born may not be far off. ......?

'Mr. Yashiro!I have something to ask you, that I do!

Shouting loudly, Bekko walked into the sunlit pavilion.
And when he saw Norma, his face lit up.

'Oh!Isn't that the cheerleader leader?

Before Bekko could finish his sentence, Norma threw a smoke pipe at him with uncanny speed, causing severe damage to Bekko's forehead.

'Gosh!............, my skull is dented, that it is. ......'
'Don't you dare mention that name.

In fact, after the gluttony contest, an organization was born in this city.
Its name is "Cheerleader Fan Club", or "CGL-FC". It seems to be an organization that mainly engages in heated discussions about Norma's cleavage and raw legs.

I've been a fan of flat-chested girls to the point of gouging ......, but I was so impressed by the passion and raging boobs of the cheerleaders who cheered that tense game that I decided to devote myself to the boobs camp, even though I'm still inexperienced, that I am. ......'
'Don't do it anywhere else!Don't drag me into this!
I'm not a fan of this kind of thing, but I think it's a great idea.
'So, don't call me by that name!

He threw a cigarette from his pocket and did a lot of damage to the same point as before.
Bekko falls on his back and hits the back of his head on the floor. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.
...... Hey, Norma. How many cigarettes do you carry around with you? .......

I'm not sure if you're a member of the ...... Yashiro fan club or not.
I'm not in it.

I'm not going to hang out with others in the boobies. I'm not going to hang out with others when it comes to boobs. Boobs are something to be enjoyed by stealing them alone.

'...... Why aren't you in there?
'No, why not? ......'

I was really disappointed.
I mean, they're staring at me like I'm crazy. ...... What did I do? I'm not even in the fan club.

'So, that you are. What did you want me to ask you?'
'Oh, that's right!

Because of Loretta's unnecessary pass, Becco's expression shines again.

'I!I'm going to try my hand at making stone statues, that I am!
'Heh...'
'Not much response, that it is, Mr. Yashiro!

But what else can I say? ...... I'm not terribly interested.

'I got my wish, that I got a stone for my statue!I'm excited about what I'm going to carve now, that I am!I'm excited about what I'm going to carve now! ...... So I'd like to talk to you about it. ......'
'Rejected.'
'You haven't said anything yet, that you haven't!
'You are not allowed to use me as a motif. If you carve a statue of me, I'll go to the ...... lord and issue a ban on cleavage in all forty-two districts.''
'My brother has gone crazy!
'......Yashiro is in trouble.'


'Do you even know what you're talking about?

Huh?
Why am I being worried to the hilt?
This is a sanction against Bekko. ......

'If the ...... cleavage ban is issued, the ...... boob lover Yashiro will die, that he will!I'm going to change the motif with all my heart, that I am!

Why not?
I'm not sure what to make of that.

'Oh, it's so crowded.
'Please excuse me.

Theron and Wendy arrive at the Sunken Pavilion together.
They're together again today. ...... I wish they'd explode.

'Hero-sama. Please listen to me!Our glowing bricks have been installed along the streets, and orders are pouring in from all over the city!
'It's all thanks to you, Hero-sama. Thank you once again.

Theron and Wendy bowed together.
The glowing bricks are placed at even intervals along the large road that runs from District 42 through District 41 to District 40.
In the 41st district, where there have been no streetlights until now, they have become a very popular topic and orders are pouring in.

'And so, Mr. Hero!I'd really like to thank you for your help, and I'd like to ask you for a convenient date.

Theron approached me nervously.

'Why are you thanking me?It's none of your business.'
'No!It's thanks to you, Hero-sama, that these glowing bricks are complete!Without Hero-sama, we wouldn't be here today!
'That's right, Hero-sama. If it weren't for Hero-sama, ...... we'd probably be separated by now. ......'
'Oh, Wendy......, I'm so happy to be around you.'
'Me too, Theron......'

The two of them stared at each other.
They stare at each other for a full minute.
They stared at each other for another thirty seconds, oblivious to the flames of jealousy, almost murderous, emanating from Norma behind them.

'Hero-sama!
'Please!
'Ours.
''Our''
''Please come to our thank you party!
''Yes . No!

Who would go to a party where they can see us making out like this!
I firmly refuse!

''This~day~......?What?Why are there so many people here?

Surprised by the acquaintances hanging out near the entrance, Paula, who had just entered the store, shouted.

'What is it, Paula? What do you want too?
'Oh, yeah. I've been thinking about the new menu, and I'd like your opinion.
'Why don't you ask your own father about that?
'We cooked together in the tournament, didn't we?
'Then ask Jeannette.
'What?You've been cold lately!

He's getting angry, and is closing in on me.
With a slightly tearful face and an air of impatience, ......

I'm not sure what to say. Have you been feeling a little strange lately?I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll be able to do it. ......

And then Norma covered Paula's mouth and forcibly pulled her away from me.

'There's a certain order to things, you know. It's not polite to impose your own thoughts on others.
'But come on, ......!
'Look, if you're done, I'm leaving.
'Hey, I'm still at ......!Hey!Don't pull me!

Norma half-heartedly dragged Paula out of the store.

...... Ahhh.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it.

............ Ahh, right. I don't know.

'Jeannette~'
'Oh, yes!

I call out, and Jeannette comes out of the kitchen.

'I'm going to go to Regina's to get some spices.
'Yes, sir. Take care.'


'Hmm. Oh, Magda. I'm sorry, but can you take that fridge to Norma's?'
'...... Got it. I'll return it after I've had some fun.
'Don't break it.
'...... I'll do my best.'
'I'll play with it too, hoping not to break it!

I have a feeling I'm going to break a lot of things. ...... Well, they said it was a prototype, so I guess it's okay.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.
There was no one chasing me.

Oh, no.
I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.

...... makes it hard to breathe.
It's hard to be cared for.






This is the best place to escape from reality.
You open the door of a familiar, shady store.
There's a creaking sound, and at the same time the scent of chemicals wafts through the air.

'Hey, Dusty. You're in my way.'
'Wait a minute. Why are you greeting Dusty in the landlord's house?'

Regina appears from behind the counter. The only difference is that it's not 'from behind'.

'...... What were you doing in that damp shade that mushrooms like?
'You're an idiot. I'm sure you'll find it relaxing.

Isn't this thing actually a kind of mushroom?

'So, what's going on today?Did you run out of spices?
'No, ......, just give me a cup of tea.'
'What the hell. We're not a coffee shop, are we?...... Well, okay. Just sit down.'

Regina disappears behind the counter.
She grabs a chair from the side of the counter, goes to the wall, and puts it there.
Nearby is a large table with a wooden bowl filled with powder and other ingredients.

As I sat down on the chair, a sigh escaped my lips.
It seems I'm pretty tired, I guess.
Mainly on the mental side.

'Do you know yourself?

Regina appears with tea. She places a fresh cup of tea by my side, smirks and says this.

'When you sigh, your tits shrink.
'Tell that to Estella.

My boobs can't shrink. ...... doesn't have any tits.

'You're tired, aren't you?

Regina leaves my side and sits in a chair in front of the counter.
I can hear her voice, but not her whisper. That's the perfect distance for my current state of mind.

'I've been getting a lot of visitors lately.
'Your business is booming. Isn't that a good thing?
'No, it's not.

Lately, a lot of people have been coming to visit me.
Yesterday, Umaro came to me with a proposal for the development of District 42 after the completion of the city gate.
Before that, Yap Rock came to ask me about improving popcorn varieties, and Mo Mat came to discuss how to grow sweet tomatoes.
Millie has also started to bring flowers from time to time, and Delia spends all her time in the sunny pavilion when she's not fishing.

'So, I guess I'm getting tired.

I found myself complaining to Regina.
It's a great way to get the most out of your time and money.

I know what they're trying to say. ......

They always make up some random reason to come and see me.
And then they'd look at me with that 'I have no intentions' look, but with a strange anxious look in their eyes.


"Yashiro. You're not going anywhere, are you?


That's what I'm thinking.

...... Honestly, give me a break.

They're looking for the superhero Obayashi, the one who helps the weak and saves the day.
That's not me.

I'm a swindler, a small-time crook who fled the city after arriving here on the wanted list, a cunning man who is trying to make a living in this city by taking advantage of the good-natured people,......, but I promised to pay back the money for the food I lost. ......That's why I'm still here. ..................

'Seriously,............, you've got it all wrong.

It's quiet, it's dark, there are signs of people, but they don't talk to you for nothing. ...... There is a guy by your side who may or may not be listening. ...... So you're not alone. ............
I'm not sure what it is, but I feel strangely relaxed when I'm at Regina's.
That's probably why I'm letting my weaknesses slip out.
It's annoying. Sorry.

I'm sorry ......, but I just want to say one more thing .................. ......


'I'm not that great of a guy. ............ Realize that, you idiots.




It's foolish to be fooled.
I was completely fooled into thinking that I was a good person. ...... I spent a lot of time desperately trying to ...... keep it together. ...... ......They're all idiots, aren't they?

............ Well, there's no one as stupid as me anywhere.

I'm not sure what to do with it.
...... bitter.
But strangely enough, it didn't make me uncomfortable.
I thought to myself, "This is the perfect amount of bitterness for me right now,......," like an idiot.

'Hey, myself ......'.

Sitting on a chair and leaning her elbows on the counter, Regina says in a relaxed tone.

'It's one thing to just throw everything away and run away with your tail between your legs.

Their gazes crossed.
Regina was smiling, somewhat sadly.

She seemed to have given up on everything, and her smile was ...... empty, as if she was in a panic.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

When I heard these words, ...... I was strangely convinced by the expression on Regina's face. ......
It may be because I was convinced that the things that I had always been a little curious about but never asked were probably not that far off the mark.

Regina had run away from Baokri Air.
And she did it for a reason that she had to,......, otherwise she wouldn't be able to be herself.

If we take into account his way of life, his way of thinking, his skills, his knowledge, and his standard of living, and make an inference, ......

Regina is a powerful person or a member of Baocliere's family, and a skilled pharmacist herself.
Before I came, Regina had been confined to a house in a remote place like this, and she hadn't done much business, but she wasn't in need of any money. On top of that, she buys spices from Bao Kri Air through her own channels, and even gets spices that are used by the nobility in All Bloom.
The money has to come from somewhere. Or maybe he's already amassed a fortune that he can't spend. ......
Either way, the teenage Regina is able to act like this because of her family background or because her skills have earned her a position.
As a result, the current Regina must be in a good position in Baokri Air.

And Regina accomplished some feats at a very young age, like ...... inventing an infectious disease potion that saved the church's children, just to give you an idea.
He may have set a record for being the youngest person ever to do so.
Those who are in the spotlight will be swept up in a whirlpool of speculation.
There are those who come after you, those who malign you, and those who try to take advantage of you. ......

This may be the reason why he was extremely shy, positive and negative thinking.

I think he got fed up with those people and left Baokri Air and came to All Bloom.
To a city where you can't tell a lie.
To keep those shallow, authoritarian bastards away from him.

Because once you're in the city, you can't tell a lie.
It'll be hard to win Regina over.

'...... What do you want?'

I wobbled to my feet and Regina slowly approached me.
She walks past me and around to the back.

Then she gently ...... puts her hand on my shoulder.

'If you ...... feel lonely going by yourself, ............ I can come with you.'

The voice that shook my eardrums was like sweet honey, numbing my spine and tingling my ............ brain.
I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be able to ...... think of Regina as a good woman, even if only for a moment.

It must be easy to be with this guy.
She's very perceptive, but doesn't ask any questions.
And she never talks about herself.

You can just look at what's in front of you right now and enjoy the day and the day.

If you have this guy,......, you will never feel lonely,............, but...

'......I'll think about it.
'Hmm ............ I see.'

The hand on my shoulder left my hand and lightly slapped me on the head.
'You're an idiot. You've wasted your chance,' I thought he said.

Regina walked back to the counter.
As I stared at her back, I tried to imagine what was in her mind when she said, 'It's one thing to run away.

Maybe she still hasn't forgiven herself for what she did.
That he abandoned his home.
Maybe even the fact that he's smoking indoors right now. ......

You have no way of knowing Regina's true intentions. Nor do I have the right to.
But I'm sure I can do something to help Regina feel better.

'Regina.
'Hmm?Are you leaving?
'...... Oh. Yeah, I guess.'

That's probably a 'should we go home now? That's a concern.
She's trying not to worry me. You're a great woman, you know that?

'Thanks for the tea. It was really bitter.'
'Your cheeks fell all over the place, didn't they?"Roll, roll, roll, roll! Yeah.'
'My cheeks are rolling around so much. ......'

Omusubi Kororin.

I put the cup on the counter and head for the exit.
Regina follows me in a natural motion. I guess she's seeing me off.

Before I open the door and walk out ......, I look back.

'Regina. Thank you.'



I looked at her face and thanked her sincerely.
Then Regina opened her eyes wide, as if a little surprised, then blew out a troubled face and smiled nastily.

'What's with the change? It's creepy. ...... You're overreacting over tea.
'No, it's not tea.
'I'll listen to you complain all you want. You don't have to thank me every time. You're so watery.
'It's not about complaining.
'Then what is it?

There was a hint of embarrassment in her voice. Regina is smiling teasingly and speaking in a light tone.
As I stared at her, I saw her dark brown eyes tremble slightly. You will find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their lives.
It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how you're going to get there.


'I'm glad I met you. Thank you for being here.


Regina's eyes flicker wide and then begin to moisten.

'E.............'

The smile fades from her face, and she turns serious, large droplets forming in the corners of her eyes.

'A............!'

He hurriedly turned around, showed his back to us, and wiped his face with his sleeve. She wiped her face twice, three times, and many times.

I'm not sure if it's ...... ...... or what, but it's ......!

On the way, his voice trembled several times and he choked up.

'I like it here. I don't care what anyone says, I'm here. I don't care what anyone says, I'm here. Dusty is here, too, and I have to be here. ......'

He shook his shoulders, looked up a little, and repeatedly took rough breaths in an attempt to calm his heart.
Even so, his voice was cheerful and light-hearted, as usual.

'I'm really annoyed. I'm really bummed that I got caught up in this stupid prank. ...... Oh, my God, I think I'll get even!That's right, I'll make a really funny face and make you laugh!

He covered his face with his hands as he said this. Her fingertips wiped the corners of her eyes repeatedly and busily.

'If I see this face, I'll get sick to my stomach and suffer!If you want to run away, now is the time to do it!

He doesn't want her to see his crying face, so he wants her to go back to ...... as soon as possible.

'Well, I guess I'll just tuck my tail and run. It seems that even an uncool loser has the right to live.
'Oh, come on, come on. So, hurry up and run.

I stare at the back of Regina's head for a moment, and then I leave the store.

'Oh, no.'

I stopped and looked back at the voice that seemed to be remembering something.

'Well, I'm sure you have a lot on your mind, so you don't have to answer.

With my hand behind my back, I grab the doorknob and slowly close the door.
All the while, Regina never looks at you.
She didn't turn her head, and finally said to me.


'Come again.


The door slammed shut.
After that, I stood in front of the store for a while.
I didn't hear a single sound from inside the store, as if I was not home.

Come again .......

'Well, I'll hold off on ............ for now.

I muttered to myself that no one could hear, and decided to return to the sunlit pavilion.
...... Ah, spices,.................., well, whatever.






I'm sure you'll be glad you did.

When I opened the door to the sunlit pavilion, I was greeted by Ginette.

Norma's refrigerator was missing, and Magda and Loretta were nowhere to be found.
They must have gone to deliver it together.

And Ginette didn't say a word when she saw me back.
She didn't say anything to me when I came back empty-handed, saying I had to get some spices.

Oh, ...... he's being careful.

This may be ...... the end of the line for me.
You can't stay here any longer. ............

'Yashiro is at home, isn't he?

Suddenly, the door behind me was thrown open with great force, and my heart skipped a beat. My heart skipped a beat.

'Oh, you're here.
'......, why don't you come in a little more quietly?
'I don't care about such trivial matters!

No, it's not trivial, and you don't get to decide if it's good or bad.

'Hey, Imelda!Don't do anything too strange to Yashiro right now!

Imelda was a few minutes behind.
Estella also came to the sunlit pavilion.
...... I can already smell trouble. ............

'Anyway, can you leave?
'That's not going to happen!You know, manager!
'Huh?Uh, sir?I don't know what's going on. ......


'Look!You're talking so fast, Ginette must be confused!I'm sorry, both of you. Don't worry about Imelda.

I don't care what you say, I can't be bothered with Imelda.
Just get rid of her and I'll gather my thoughts and go to ......

''I measured you yesterday, and you've gone up one breast size.
''I'm curious!What do you mean?Tell me more!
''Oh, that ...... is not to say that Yashiro-san, but Estella-san is not allowed to say such a thing .......''

Hey, Jeannette.
I'm not sure what you mean by Yashiro-san, but what do you mean?
I'll only talk about boobs from now on, you bastard.
What do you mean?

'Yashiro-san. That's good news.
'Are they tits?'
'No, sir. We've just completed a branch of the Lumberjack Guild.'
'............, huh?
'Please be more pleased!

No, I'm more interested in seeing if Imelda, with her big tits, will push the limits further and evolve into a bombshell.
She's an F-cup, so she's a ......A,B,C............G-cup!
I'm with Norma!
And with ........................ Medora... ...Huh.

'Congratulations, G-cup!
'The Lumberjack Guild branch is complete!
'The 'G' in guild is the 'G' in G-cup!
'No, it's not!

But, there's no particular benefit to me in having a branch of the Lumberjack Guild. ......
I'm not sure what to do, but I'm not sure what to do.

'So, please hold a party in five days to celebrate the completion of the lumberjack guild branch!

............ Hmm?

'You know what, Imelda?
'What is it?
'Don't they usually say, "We're throwing a party, so please come"?
'I want to be entertained, so please open it, Yashiro-san.
'Well, ............ are you an idiot?

Why do I have to host the completion party of the Lumberjack Guild?

'Oh, I'd like a surprise gift!

If you propose it yourself, you'll never get a surprise, right?
You know that, right?
The surprise is when you don't even know it's there and you're like, 'Wow, what a surprise! That's what a surprise is, right?

'Please prepare the most wonderful present for me. I won't accept anything half-hearted.'
'Shall I wait a moment?
'No, thank you. So, please take care of the food, manager.'
'What?Oh, yes. I'll leave it to you.
Wait, wait, wait!Wait, wait, wait!What are you just letting it go so smoothly!
'What is it?

It's not 'what is it'!

Imelda crosses her arms with a slightly annoyed expression.
Why does she have such a big attitude?

'First of all, why do we have to do that?
'Because it's what I asked you to do.

...... This guy.

'No.'
'Yashiro-san.'

A sharp gaze stares at me.
What is it?Are you trying to put pressure on me?
Go ahead. No matter what you do, do you think you can beat me in negotiations?

Let's see what you can do!

'I'm going to cry, aren't I?
'What's with the pressure?It's not fair!
'.................. mii'
'The way you're crying, it's so cute!

Holding her eyes with both hands, Imelda began to cry bitterly.

'......Yashiro won't congratulate me on my once-in-a-lifetime performance. ............Does he not like me? ............ ouch ouch ouch. Oh, God.

...... This is ............

'Yashiro took away my first time, and my life is ruined!I'm going to go to ...... and tell them all about it!


'Wait here!

She's so scary!
What is this girl!

'Yashiro ...... you ......'
'Why do you have that look on your face, Estella?You've seen the whole thing, right?

d*mn ......, this is completely away from home.
What, I'm in the sunlit pavilion and I'm away?

'Um, Yashiro-san.'

Tugging at my clothes in a cute way, Jeannette asks me a question.

'I'll help you as much as I can.
'I don't want to spoil you too much, .......'
'But it's one of Imelda's dreams come true. Besides, we'll be part of the same ward.

I'm sure Ginette will follow through with any denials.
Oh, .........
I guess I'll just have to do it. ......

'All right. I'll do my best.'
'Are you sure?

I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know more about this.
............ Oh, so that's what it is.

'Imelda.
'What is it?'

I hurriedly put on my high-flying mask again.
With a clear face, the selfish young lady stares at me with cool eyes.

'Look forward to five days from now.

For a moment, Imelda's expression brightens up, and then her clear face immediately returns.

'Then, I'll make sure you're on time.

Saying this in a dignified manner, Imelda walked out of the Sunlit Pavilion.
The open door slowly closes,......, but it is almost stopped.
She then opened the door ~~~~ quietly so as not to make a sound and peeked outside.

...... and.

'I was so nervous ...... that I was afraid of upsetting Mr. Yashiro .......... ...but this will keep Yashiro-san in place for five days. ............ Once this is done, the city gate will be complete... ...and then ..................'.

I pulled my head back and gently closed the door.

You've been trying to keep me in line with all this monkey business? ...... Well, if you're going to do that, you might as well do it without being noticed. ......... I'm sure you've been thinking about it for a while.
Oh, shit!You can't say no to me now, getting ready for the party.




Ginette and Estella are watching my every move.
I declare to them.

'Imelda's party. I'll make sure it's a success!
'Yes!
'Oh well, ...... I'll help too.

d*mn, these guys, Imelda, and ...... this city are ............



This city is so full of sycophants that it's ridiculous.