This House Has A Delicious Restaurant - Chapter 7 - Helper (1) - Part 1
07. Helper (1)
“I thought I must have seen it wrong… but I guess not.”
“I didn’t expect to see you in a place like this either. Did you hear my name from Luke?”
I didn’t remember telling her my name. At my question, Anise blushed slightly and nodded.
She seemed hesitant to reveal her face in such a crowded place but also reluctant to let me go without taking the opportunity to meet. Since I had no other plans, I suggested to her first.
“It’s nice to see you again, and if you’d like, we could chat some more. By the way, I’m short on cash, so if you could buy me a drink as a way to repay for the last time, I’d be grateful.”
“Oh, of course! Thank you for letting me treat you! Let me find a good place. There should be some decent spots around here…”
Despite my cheeky comment, Anise didn’t seem put off at all; instead, she hurriedly looked around, making it seem like she was about to take me to a fancy restaurant. After a moment of consideration, both of us recommended a familiar restaurant.
“We could go to a more expensive place… but of course, I didn’t mean to disparage Luke’s place.”
“No, it’s fine. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to enjoy the food here last time. And I wanted to see Luke too.”
I said as we entered the restaurant where we had first met. The place was run by Luke’s mother. As we walked in and took off our hats, Luke’s mother greeted Anise warmly, recognizing her.
She then glanced at me and, after seeming to recall my face, smiled.
“Oh, I remember now, you’re the girl who came to get information from Luke! Welcome. Last time, you both left suddenly, and I didn’t even get to collect the bill. It was quite a hassle.”
“I’m sorry about that. I’ll cover the cost of the meal for both of us today.”
“Well, thank you. I figured that since it was Anise, she’d come back and pay eventually.”
Is this what they call the credit of a regular customer?
Smiling at Anise, she soon went to prepare the ordered dishes.
Anise pointed to a nearby table and, with a smile, pulled out the chair for me in a gentlemanly manner.
“I should be the one pulling out the chair. If Anise’s fans saw this, they might curse me out.”
“Of course not. I’m doing this because I want to. By the way, how have you been? I wanted to treat you as a token of my gratitude, but since Luke didn’t have your contact information, I thought I might never see you again.”
Anise, sitting across from me, spoke shyly. As she tilted her head slightly and spoke softly, her hair cascading down and being tucked behind her ear added to her beauty.
Her appearance suited her nickname of ‘Queen,’ but her actions in front of me felt more like those of a girl with a secret crush.
Perhaps because of the help she received last time, Anise seemed to view me in a somewhat special light.
“I’ve been doing well. Besides, I didn’t do anything significant, so you don’t need to thank me so much.”
“Maybe not to Moa Ablon, but it was a big deal for me. I wouldn’t have managed on my own.”
That’s probably true.
Given her useful ability, she might have been drained by the demanding situations. So, I couldn’t deny Anise’s response and took a sip of the water in front of me.
“Were you on your way somewhere?”
Changing the subject naturally, Anise nodded. It seemed she didn’t find it odd to switch topics; she simply continued smiling at me with her pretty face and said.
“Do you remember what I mentioned before? About someone who gave me advice on my ability?”
“I remember. You said that because controlling your ability was difficult, it would activate even with a signed document, and that person gave you advice about that. Were you on your way to meet them?”
“Not exactly, but I was heading to a place where I had a higher chance of meeting them. It’s a place where I used to volunteer. It’s a facility that takes care of orphans and I sponsor it. I had once signed something for the children there, and it seems that person saw that. I’m not entirely sure, but… they gave me advice without showing their face and then disappeared suddenly. I’ve wanted to meet them since then, but I haven’t had the chance.”
So, Anise’s ability was noticed from the signing she did for the children?
Given its unique power to amplify abilities, it might be easier for other ability users to notice. But to detect it from something used casually without intention is impressive.
“What exactly did they say?”
“They advised me to be careful since my ability can also cling to objects and amplify the abilities of other users.”
“Was there anything else?”
“No. So, I wanted to meet them in person, but I haven’t been able to since then. I’m curious to learn more about my ability and to find out who they are.”
If an ability user noticed Anise’s ability, they might have been tempted, yet they chose to give her advice and remain hidden.
They sounded like an intriguing person.
It felt a bit apologetic to have possibly interrupted someone so important on their way.
It seemed Anise read that from my expression and waved her hand.
“Don’t worry about it. There will be other opportunities, and right now, being here with Moa Ablon is more important to me.”
“Well, I’m relieved. I was worried that I might be bothering you during a busy time.”
“The food’s here.”
Just as Anise was about to reply to me, Luke’s mother arrived with the food. It was the same food we hadn’t had a chance to eat last time.
Though I had eaten something light at Bella’s, I usually relieve stress by eating. Since I was stressed because of Terisier, it was time to enjoy some delicious food and unwind.
“Thank you. By the way, is Luke not home? I don’t see him around.”
“Luke hasn’t come back yet. It seems like something exciting happened. He’ll come back when he gets hungry from playing, I guess.”
Anise received a casual answer in response to her question.
Is this the cool demeanor of a mother with a son?
Anise awkwardly smiled at the lack of concern. Then, speaking softly so Luke’s mother wouldn’t hear, she said to me.
“I was hoping to meet Luke while I was here, but it’s a pity. She answered so decisively that I didn’t get to ask when he might return.”
“It can’t be helped. If we’re lucky, he might come back before we finish eating. I’ll enjoy the meal, Anise.”
“Sure, enjoy your meal.”
Anise had said that eating here would give her strength, and it didn’t seem like an exaggeration. Eating delicious food does make a person feel better.
My mood, which had been low because of Terisier, seemed to lift slightly.
As I ate, I glanced at Anise.
She must have earned quite a bit if she’s famous enough to be called the Queen of Opera, right? Her home must be big and nice. It would be nice if she lived alone, but she wouldn’t be living with a partner, would she?
“…Anise.”
“Yes?”
“Is your home far from here?”
“No, it’s nearby. It’s just a short walk away.”
“If you get home late, won’t your family worry?”
“I live alone, so it’s fine. I live separately from my parents.”
Her home is nearby, she lives alone, and she seems to have a fondness for me. She’d be perfect for a one-night stay.
It might sound like a misunderstanding if someone heard it, but it didn’t matter since no one would hear it.
I made a pitiful expression as if I had been in front of Terisier.
“Anise… I don’t have a place to go right now due to some circumstances, and if it’s not too much trouble…”
“Are you thinking of coming to my place? You’re welcome to!”
“…Really?”
“Of course! Moa Ablon, you’re always welcome! Shall I buy some essentials for you to use when you go home later today?”
Seeing her look so pleased, I almost said something but then kept quiet.
I wanted to tell her to be a bit more cautious…
It’s a pity I’m not in a position to say that. Still, I’m relieved to have a place to stay for tonight.
I should let Zerdan know later that I won’t be able to act as a spy. I hope he doesn’t kill me, though. I hope not.
Oh, and I left my underwear in Terisier’s room. I hope Bella doesn’t notice and embarrass me.
Realizing this, I suddenly noticed I was still missing some underwear.
I guess I should ask her to buy me some on the way.
As I continued eating and we exchanged a few more words, I heard the sound of the door opening.