It's been over ten days since the mess.
　I came to check on the progress at the Society of Noor and Sevalia again today, but I left the Society as there was nothing to report that was of any concern.

'After all, there have been no reports of the discovery of Diabolus since then, right?

　Not a single report of the discovery of a diabolus has come up since the commotion at the shrine. We have been investigating, but there has been no progress.
　We're also investigating the hunting grounds, but other than the Cancer Cave, there is no sign of any change.
　

　It seems that the other adventurers are still investigating, so I'd like to see what's going on and make some more decisions.
　I've also made plans to visit the temple as promised to Irina-san, and I'm going to continue to focus on Sevalia for a while.

''That was all you were in Sevalia, wasn't it?

I don't know. If all that was all that was going on and the ruckus went away, I'd be happy for me... but I doubt I'll even get an item reward.

In the end, that's what they came up with. Okura-dono should make up a better reason.

"Idiots!　I wouldn't put myself in that kind of danger for justice alone!

　I'm trying to solve an anomaly because I thought I might get an item.
　I don't think I can do this on honor or justice!
　And yet, defeating Grandulis and having no reward is a shame.
　Well, I'm glad that I was able to prevent Sevalia's wards from disappearing and making a big mess.
　I was embarrassed to have Irina-san thank me, but I was also happy.
　........I was afraid of Sisha and Esther sending me strange looks, though.

　As I was thinking about this, Noor, who was walking next to me, suddenly started muttering.

''I, I wasn't able to be of any help at all this time.......''

Hey, what are you doing here?

'Because I didn't find anything in my investigation and only escaped in the fight at the shrine.... At this rate, it's as if I came to Sevalia just to pick crabs. Okura-dono put up such a great body, and even Estelle and the others played an active role.......

　What's the matter with you all of a sudden?　He said it was like he was just here to pick crabs himself.
　It's true that I was happily picking crabs, and although I may not have been as active as Esther and the others, I don't think I was useless.

''Uh, yeah. Don't worry about it so much. The division of labour is important. And you say you only escaped, but it was Nol who allowed Irina and the others to get away safely, right?

That wasn't because of the work I did that the demons didn't attack us.

'That's just the way it turned out. If the Diabolus had ambushed you outside, it would have been a close call if you weren't there, wouldn't it?　I left you to lead the escape with that possibility in mind. That's why I was able to get beaten up in peace, you know!

Oh, I don't know if it's a good idea to be beaten up without worrying about it, but I'm really glad you're safe.

　The only reason I was able to make a quick decision to run away in there was because of Noll.
　If not, everyone might not have escaped safely.
　As a result, the demons didn't attack after escaping, but you can't blame them because you don't know such things beforehand.
　Although I said that, Nol still looks dissatisfied with his mouth agape.

'Well, that's just the way it is, so don't worry about it. Rather, if there's a real battle, Noll will be the one to rely on, so good luck with that.

I understand. When that happens, you will do your best.

Oh, I'm counting on you.

　He replied in passing, but Nol still bristles a bit as if he cares.
　Even though it's better than before, he's still a guy who cares about the details.
　Okay, let's let him have a change of scenery.

So why don't we go out for a meal together? I'll buy everything tonight.

What, just the two of you?　Estelle and the others....

Ah, well, it's nice to have a change of pace. I've been letting you do a lot of things for me lately, and I'm just taking a break.

　He's always relying on Nol to do Freesia's thing, and even though we're helping him, he's always making him meals.
　The previous Nol seemed a bit more easygoing, but I think he's becoming more and more reserved as the number of people in the group increases.
　 I seem to be included, so I'm sorry about that.
　That's why I invited him to dinner as a token of my daily gratitude, but he's reluctant to go alone, as if he's resistant to going.
　But he was reluctant to go alone, so I gave him another push.

You can eat as much as you want today. If you say you don't want to, it's fine...

Go!　You must go, sir!

　You just fell off the face of the earth!　Was it bad to say "to your heart's content"... No, I'd be fine if it was just to eat a meal.
　With that in mind, I went into a restaurant with a bit of anxiety in my heart.

It's delicious! Oh, I'll have another one!

　Nimbly, Noll raised one hand and asked for another.
　The table was filled with empty dishes, and the waitresses hurriedly lowered the plates and brought in new ones.
　The other customers in the restaurant looked at our table in amazement, and some of them were even excited about how much food Noll was going to eat.
　Yeah, it was sweet. I had underestimated Noll's appetite too much. I didn't expect him to devour six or seven plates of food while I finished one bowl of soup.
　Is this guy's stomach a black hole?　I'd like to give them a big eating contest.
　There aren't many customers at this time of day, but if you look at the kitchen, the food comes out one after another in such a hurry that you'd think the place was full.

I said we'd eat as much as we wanted, but we're going to eat this much.... Well, it's fine that I said that, but...

In fact, Okura-dono has a very small appetite. If you don't eat well, you will never be strong enough!

I'm not trying to be strong but this is good enough for me.

　I pick at the roasted fish dish in disgust.
　If you eat the same amount of fish as Noll, your stomach will be destroyed before your body is strong enough.
　I'm sure he's already eaten at least 20 servings.　I don't have a problem with money but I don't know how much I'm going to end up eating.
　I don't mind, though, because you're still a great eater as always.

There are many delicious fish dishes in the port town. It's a good reference.

　As one might expect from a restaurant in a port town, the main dishes on the menu are mostly marine products.
　Shellfish and fish, of course, shrimp and squid, etc. are grilled or stewed in the soup, and there is a wide variety.
　I looked for something raw like sashimi, but apparently this restaurant didn't have it. ........a bit of a shame.
　It's not an expensive restaurant, so the seasoning is rather bland. But for me, the taste is reassuring.
　This kind of store is more familiar to me, or maybe it's just easier to get used to. The food from Gacha is quite good, but the taste of these shops is good too.
　I was worried at first in another world, but this world is rather stable in the level of food. The demonic ingredients are rare and well mixed in, though.
　But I guess I like the flavor of Nole's seasoning better than the restaurant's.

''Sure, I think this seasoning is good, but I like your food at home, too.

'What ... too!　Okura-dono has a great sense of humor, doesn't he!　Today, I'm adding a side dish to the menu.

　Nole is waving one hand in the air, perhaps to hide his embarrassment.
　It's a good idea, every time you praise him, he adds a side dish to his plate.

It's been a long time since you and Okura-dono ate a meal together.

Yes, it's been a long time since the time we stayed at the inn. It's been a long time since then.

It's been a long time since I thought back. It's a long time to be an adventurer, to call Esther and the others, to get a home. The time I was dropped from the tree is also a fond memory now.

"I'm very sorry about that...

Mmmm, I was joking. I don't care about it anymore.

　Noor laughed as he saw me bowing deeply.
　I dropped it from the tree, even though it was an accidental drop.
　Even if it was a joke, I'm sorry to say that was a fond memory.

　We ate for a while while while talking like that, and I let Noor enjoy his meal to his heart's content.

I'm full. Okura-dono, thank you for the meal!

Oh, well I'm glad to hear you're happy with it.

　As we left the restaurant, Noor happily pomped and patted his slightly swollen belly.
　The cost of this meal, this time, has ballooned to nearly 400,000 G. It's not a high class restaurant, but at this price.
　As expected of Noor, I wondered how many servings we ate. I was impressed by the relieved look of the waiter when we left.
　It wasn't surprising that they ran out of food at that pace.... I was underestimating Noll's stomach.
　As soon as I said I was going to buy you a drink, I paid for it out of my own personal pocket money.

''I feel like I've done something wrong to Estelle and the others by being the only one to be treated like this.

'Nole makes me dinner all the time, and sometimes it's okay. I'm sure Estelle and the others don't mind, either.

　I just ate my food while I went to the association, so Esther and the others won't mind so much......maybe.
　When Noll is making his own food, he can't be making this much of a stone.

''How's that, do you feel a little better?

Yes, that's right, I'm completely clear of the cobwebs.

That's good. If we get a chance, we can go out like this again.

Yes, it is. Thank you very much, Okura-dono.

　There was not the slightest trace of the atmosphere before we ate the meal, and it seems to have blown over.
　It wouldn't be a bad idea to go out for dinner together like this in the future.