This House Has A Delicious Restaurant - Chapter 10 - Operation To Recapture Diswen (1) - Part 1

10. Operation To Recapture Diswen (1)

“Is it true that Diswen is here?”

“Yes.”

When I explained the location to Obella, he fell silent.

Well, it’s not too surprising, considering it’s not that far from here.

As the saying goes, ‘It’s dark right under the lamp,’ including Obella, Terisier, and Phel frowned at the information I brought.

Next to Terisier was an unfamiliar person. The man with his face wrapped in bandages had a very small stature.

Though his limbs were long, he was about the same size as Terisier, so I suppose he could be described as skinny. He had bandages not just on his face but all over his arms and legs as well.

With that appearance, isn’t he a patient?

The sight of the man, which immediately caught our attention, made Anise and I keep glancing in his direction, and it seemed Obella noticed. He pointed to the man and spoke.

“This is our teammate, the only long-range specialist among us.”

“As for his name, we don’t know either. He’s quite reticent and claims he doesn’t have a name. It doesn’t look like he plans to make one either… So I call him ‘Mummy Man.’”

“Mummy Man…”

“Uh… He’s not ill, is he?”

Hearing Phel’s explanation, I murmured the name ‘Mummy Man,’ and Anise, looking at the man’s bandages, spoke with concern.

“He’s not currently in pain… Or, well, maybe he is. He tends to be in pain often. His power is a bit difficult to control, so he gets hurt a lot.”

“His ability seems to be related to that egg next to him?”

On the man’s lap was a carton of eggs, something that seemed out of place in this setting.

If he carries something so incongruous with him, it probably means it’s related to his ability.

It seems my guess was correct, as Phel nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. Mummy Man’s ability causes a tremendous explosion when he throws an egg. It’s a fearsome power, strong enough to shatter large rocks. However, there’s a tricky part: eggs are prone to breaking easily.”

“Could those bandages be…?”

“If the egg he’s holding breaks, it causes an explosion. If the thrown egg accidentally drops right in front of him or nearby, it explodes. The worst case is when he accidentally detonates the egg he’s holding while extending his arm overhead to throw it… That’s why he often injures his arms and face. He’s more injured now than when we last saw him.”

Obella and Terisier fell silent at Phel’s words.

This… Well, what should I say?

Should I say it’s helpful or does it feel like a landmine? It’s an ability that could harm allies if used carelessly.

“It would be great if we had a healer among us. It would be useful not just in daily life but also in battles.”

Terisier said, looking at the assembled group with a hint of regret.

Certainly, although they had a solid mix of defensive, offensive (both close and long-range), and mental abilities (including the absent Diswen), it was unfortunate that they lacked a healing ability.

“The number of ability users is fewer than ordinary people. So let’s stop complaining and start planning how to efficiently bring Diswen back.”

“If the information that woman provided is accurate, we might be able to launch a surprise attack tomorrow and take Diswen while they’re disoriented. Or, I could use Anise’s abilities and go in alone.”

Phel said confidently. Seeing her embrace Anise, it was clear she was quite fond of her abilities.

Well, considering Anise’s abilities had allowed her to perform well as a tank, it’s understandable she’d be pleased.

“If Anise’s abilities are added, Phel might be able to handle it alone.”

“Right?! This time, just leave it to me and take it easy at home!”

Phel’s confident tone and laughter made Obella look thoughtful.

Is he planning this?

I wanted to comment on the absurdity right away, but I had already stated that I wouldn’t be directly participating in this battle.

My abilities are suited for one-on-one situations rather than large-scale combat. Therefore, I was present only as Anise’s protector and information provider. While I was seated cross-legged next to the silent Mummy Man, Terisier turned to me with a question.

“…What do you think?”

Everyone’s attention shifted to me with Terisier’s sudden question. Obella’s gaze was as serious as Terisier’s, which made me feel flustered.

The others seemed surprised by Terisier asking me for an opinion.

“Wow, I’ve never seen Terisier use ‘you’ like that before… He usually calls me ‘hey’…”

A slip of the tongue.

Phel was surprised by the unexpectedly polite address from Terisier and seemed somewhat betrayed.

“Right. I’d also like to hear Moa Ablon’s opinion.”

“…There’s nothing special about my opinion. I think the people who are directly involved should decide.”

“Seeing how you used your abilities in the previous fight, it seems you have a sharp mind. Since you’re here to help us, why not give us your input?”

Though Terisier’s tone remained arrogant, it seemed my actions in the previous fight had left an impression. Or perhaps there was another motive?

“Did the great Terisier just use a tone of recognition…? He’s always used dismissive or condescending tones with me!”

“……”

Mummy Man glanced at Phel’s commotion. Although only his eyes were visible, there was a clear sense of disdain.

“Why would asking me be any different? Anyway, I’m the only one with defensive abilities going into enemy territory. Of course, I should lead the charge!”

“I’m against Phel going alone.”

“Why not?!”

When I opposed Phel’s suggestion, she jumped up from her seat, visibly agitated. However, after a moment of Anise’s gaze, she shrank back and sat down again.

“Our objective is to rescue Diswen, who has been kidnapped by Zerdan, right?”

“Yes.”

“Diswen isn’t just kidnapped. She’s currently under Zerdan’s control.”

“But we’ve heard she’s alive. So, we can just bring her back…”

“It’s not just about being alive. The problem is that she’s Zerdan’s puppet.”

I cut off Phel’s attempt to rebut and continued.

“That means Diswen, under control, could either obstruct us or attack us. From what I know, Diswen can brainwash up to two people if she makes eye contact with them.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Other offensive ability users might handle it, but what if Diswen directly attacks Phel mentally? It doesn’t have to be a physical attack; brainwashing could easily neutralize her. It’s even possible that Phel could end up under Zerdan’s control.”

Zerdan might be planning this.

If Phel falls, we’ll be at a disadvantage in numbers and could easily collapse, especially with the many puppets and organization members under Zerdan’s control.

Phel fell silent at my words, having not considered this aspect.

“Moa Ablon’s point is valid. Zerdan could indeed execute such a plan.”

“So, what do we do? We don’t have any ability users skilled in stealth.”

“I don’t guarantee that my suggestion will succeed, but I think the contribution of that person could be crucial.”

I looked at the bandaged man across from me. He pointed to himself with a finger, seeming to ask if I was referring to him. I nodded.

“He should create a distraction outside. That way, some of them will come out due to the commotion. Then Phel can reveal herself openly. Anise’s abilities shouldn’t be used in this part.”

“What? If we cause such a commotion at the entrance, it’ll be hard to get in.”

“Phel won’t be the one entering. It’s better if Terisier goes in. Terisier, can you transform into insects as well as animals?”

“If I’m sure of it.”

“Then something like ants or spiders would be ideal. The goal is to avoid drawing attention.”

Diswen’s ability only works on up to two people with whom she makes eye contact. It’s an ability that’s difficult to use against many or to approach from behind.

Thus, it would be better for Terisier, who can freely change his form, to handle it rather than Phel. He could avoid being noticed by the organization members and get closer to Diswen while avoiding her ability.

“So, we’ll draw attention outside while Terisier retrieves Diswen.”

“Our goal isn’t to win the fight but to rescue Diswen.”

“That’s a good idea. I hope we proceed as per her suggestion. Is there anyone opposed?”

When Obella asked, everyone shook their heads. It seemed they considered my plan more feasible than Phel’s.

I was concerned that Phel might be offended and cause a commotion, but she looked at me with an unexpectedly straightforward or cool demeanor, as if she saw me differently.

Next to her, Anise watched with a gleaming gaze.

“Then we’ll proceed with Moa Ablon’s plan. We’ll withdraw once we’ve achieved our objective with minimal damage, and Anise will support us from the rear to ensure no one gets hurt. Remember, this operation isn’t about fighting; it’s a mission to retrieve Diswen.”