This House Has A Delicious Restaurant - Chapter 7 - Helper (1) - Part 5

I never expected to return here just a day later.

Although I was smiling when I was chased away by Terisier, I had resolved never to come back here due to the unpleasant experience.

Anise, who had gotten dirty, was currently washing up in the bathroom with Obella’s courtesy. Thanks to that, the living room on the first floor had only Obella and me.

I had brought tea but wasn’t drinking it; instead, I was looking at Obella who was sitting across from me. Obella was also facing me.

He looked at me and then seemed to guess something, lowering his head.

“It seems that Terisier acted inappropriately. I apologize.”

“I didn’t say anything. I don’t understand why you think that.”

“You mentioned directly that you would help rescue Diswen. Given that, I should have been suspicious when you left suddenly without properly explaining your reasons. I don’t know what Terisier said, but it’s clear that some inappropriate actions were taken.”

Is this the second time Obella has apologized on Terisier’s behalf? He certainly protects his people well.

But the person who should be apologizing is not Obella, but Terisier.

Since I’m just smiling without saying anything, it seems Obella has picked up on my feelings.

“Moa Ablon.”

“Enough. Apologies should be made directly to the person. And it doesn’t matter whether or not an apology is made. There’s no need to be overly concerned about something that doesn’t involve killing anyone and being wary of strangers can be a good thing. I’m not upset, but I understand Terisier’s actions. However, I can’t understand Obella’s behavior of apologizing on behalf of someone else. It makes me feel worse. So let’s leave it at that. After all, the reason you called us wasn’t to apologize to me, but because of my party’s abilities, right?”

“…So it was indeed the woman’s abilities.”

See? It would have been better if he had been honest from the start; it would have been more comfortable for both sides.

I smiled with a refined expression. Being honest like Zerdan is better; this approach doesn’t feel good.

Of course, it’s true that he probably felt some remorse towards me during our time together, but it didn’t resonate.

“Let’s leave that for when you meet her directly. I believe it’s rude to discuss someone else’s business.”

“I suppose your image is different from when we first met.”

“Is that so?”

Back then, I pretended to be shy and delicate because I didn’t know Obella’s preferences. However, it seemed that this approach didn’t attract much attention from Obella, so I gave up.

Even though I knew what Obella was hinting at, I continued to feign ignorance with a smile.

“It seems your mentioned companions are gathering. Have you gathered any information about Zerdan from Lazis?”

“No. He dislikes being associated with Zerdan and me.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate. But if my party’s ability is available, it would be a great help to Bella.”

Obella did not deny it.

I took a sip of the tea. It had a pleasant aroma.

“This tea smells nice.”

“If we ask that woman for help, would you oppose it?”

“I’m not her parent, so it’s something she should decide and take responsibility for herself. I have no reason to oppose it, so don’t worry. But even if you get a good ally, it would be in vain if you don’t know Zerdan’s whereabouts, right?”

I wondered who would win if Zerdan and Obella were to clash. If Anise cooperates, Zerdan wouldn’t be easy either.

I couldn’t imagine him being flustered, which made me even more curious.

He might even be somewhat cute when flustered.

“I might be able to tell you. Of course, there are conditions. Since I’m providing the information Bella wants, Bella will have to give me what I want in return.”

“Knowing Zerdan’s residence, what method would you use to find out?”

“That’s a secret. So, what will you do? I don’t mind if you refuse.”

“…What do you want from me?”

What I want is to see Zerdan in a difficult situation and…

“I want Bella’s body.”

A relationship with him, which has a different charm from Zerdan.

I was very curious about what it would feel like to be embraced by that solid chest like a knight. Obella, taken aback by the blunt statement, was at a loss for words.

Footsteps were heard coming from the second floor. It seemed Anise was coming out of the bathroom.

“Since you haven’t refused, I’ll take it as a yes, Bella.”

“You seem to have trouble grasping my intentions.”

“It means exactly that. Until I bring the information, Bella should wait demurely in bed. Don’t overthink it. It will be just as you’re imagining.”

Obella’s gaze was fixed on me. Although he seemed to have many things to say, he turned his gaze as Anise came down.

It seemed Anise noticed me sitting and quickly walked over.

Is there no injury?

She looked a bit tired, but her face and exposed limbs were clean and uninjured.

“Moa, are you hurt anywhere? I should have checked first, but I was too disoriented.”

“I’m fine. I didn’t get close at all. More importantly, Anise.”

I gestured towards Obella, and Anise, realizing something, politely bowed her head while standing.

“I apologize for the rudeness during our first meeting. Thank you for lending me the bathroom and clothes… And most importantly, thank you for saving the children earlier. Are they okay?”

“I received word from my party earlier. It’s not critical. I requested treatment and paid for it, so they should recover quickly.”

“That’s a relief. Thank you very much. By the way, how much was the payment? I’ll cover it.”

“It wasn’t a large amount, so don’t worry about it. Just sit down and have some tea.”

As Obella got up from his seat, Anise, observing the situation, sat down next to me. As I watched his retreating back, Anise whispered to me.

“He’s kinder than he looks.”

“Well, he might be acting that way because he wants something.”

“Wants something? Ah, since we owe him, should we perhaps add a bit more to cover the medical expenses?”

It wasn’t about money.

I remained silent at her naive response. I was somewhat envious of her financial capability to easily cover those costs.

“I want to thank Moa too.”

“I didn’t do anything useful. You know my ability is of no help.”

“It’s not about abilities. I heard your voice calling my name in that situation earlier. I was briefly unconscious, but your voice helped me regain my senses. And while these people did help me, it was your ability who come up with a way to save me.”

“That’s an overestimation.”

“That’s not true. And despite my reckless actions, I’m sincerely grateful to Moa for coming to help.”

I wondered how she would react if she knew I had tried to ignore her plight. Even though Anise wouldn’t hold a grudge, she might be disappointed to learn the truth.

Seeing Anise’s increasing trust in me, despite not knowing the full story, made me smile.

“Well, it’s Anise’s business, so it’s different from others.”

“Moa…”

“I’m sorry for interrupting the mood, but may I join in?”

A teacup was placed in front of Anise. It was filled with the same fragrant tea that I had been drinking, emitting steam. It seemed that Obella had brought it.

When Anise expressed her thanks quietly, Obella sat down in the seat opposite, as he had earlier.