This House Has A Delicious Restaurant - Chapter 9 - Helper (3) - Part 3

I don’t know who he’s looking for, but it seems Zerdan is on edge.

I expected we would sleep in the same bed, but he guided me to an empty room, saying he had work to do and would be going out. He also mentioned he would be waiting for me to visit on the same day as Bella.

“So, you’ll come tomorrow?”

The next day, when Khan was preparing to send me back using his shadow, surprisingly, Liffree showed up.

I thought Liffree had gone out with Zerdan, as Zerdan had mentioned he had work to do.

“Yes. Bella’s group is taking some time to gather as well.”

“Got it. I probably won’t be here when you arrive. Zerdan will be, since Bella is coming, but most of the key puppets will be moved elsewhere.”

“Are you sure it’s okay to tell me that? If I tell Bella, it could cause trouble.”

“Wouldn’t they suspect you, the one who brought the information? It’s your choice whether to tell or not.”

He’s sharper than I expected.

I nodded. Since Khan had given me the detailed location, it was time to move.

A shadow crept up from under my feet. As I watched, Liffree spoke.

“If possible, you should avoid being seen by Zerdan that day.”

I wanted to ask what he meant by that, but my vision suddenly went black. When I opened my eyes, I found a pair of clear gray eyes staring at me.

It felt like they were too close…

“What on earth is this sudden visit?”

“Lazis?”

“Judging by the ability, this must be Zerdan’s doing.”

It seemed I had been transported to Lazis’s place. And I was sitting on Lazis’s lap.

I thought to myself that Khan had better sense than I gave him credit for, but then Lazis complained about the weight and pushed me off to the side.

“Telling a lady that she’s heavy is impolite.”

“I didn’t know there was a lady in my room. Why are you here all of a sudden?”

“Well, I wasn’t told where I would be sent either. I just arrived where Khan sent me.”

“Khan… you mean the man who was beside Zerdan? He did seem capable of something like spatial movement. But of all places, why here… Is this some sort of revenge for me turning down his offer last time?”

Lazis grumbled in frustration as I smoothed out the crumpled edge of my skirt. He seemed to have some suspicion about what was going on.

“Did Zerdan ask you for something?”

“I’m not obligated to tell you that.”

“Everyone here seems so prickly.”

It’s not like they’re unfamiliar faces, but there’s no warmth at all.

Whether it’s Obella’s people or Zerdan’s, I’m exhausted from asking.

Since he wasn’t obligated to tell, I didn’t press further. I just kept silent and tidied up my clothes, which seemed to strike Lazis as odd, and he looked at me.

“You seem different from last time. Is it because of your outfit? You had a bolder image before, but today you seem quiet.”  

“I’m a bit tired. Doesn’t the calm outfit suit me better?”

“I’m not into such plain clothes, so I wouldn’t know.”

“This is Anise’s outfit that I borrowed…”

“It’s pretty. The outfit, I mean.”

Lazis hastily changed the subject, which made me smile.

Even though he looks mature, he’s still unable to handle Anise’s presence.

“Do you like Anise that much? I suppose you’re keeping the handkerchief I gave you last time in good condition?”

“Oh, that handkerchief! I wanted to ask you about that. What did you do to it? It was damp, so I washed it, but the signature smeared!”

Come to think of it, I had asked Luke to sign with a pen that would wash out easily, and I used the handkerchief to blow my nose. So that’s why it got washed.

“I’m not sure. I borrowed the pen for the signature.”

“And what about the dampness?”

“Well, Anise might have used it.”

“Anise wouldn’t do that!”

“No, so am I the type to do that? Anise is still a person.”

Damn it, Lazis took a deep breath and let it out all at once. He seemed to have strong suspicions but lacked concrete evidence, making it difficult to press further.

He pointed outside.

“Enough. Since you’re tired, go on your way. I’ll forgive you for barging in this time.”

“Lazis.”

“What now?”

“You’re neither on Obella’s side nor Zerdan’s, right?”

Lazis looked at me with a questioning expression.

If he’s neutral, but still a fan of Anise and cares for her…

“I have a request. It’s about Anise.”

* * *

“Moa, over here.”

When I arrived at the clinic Anise had mentioned, she spotted me and smiled.

Despite having spent the night here and not having washed up yet, Anise still looked beautiful, though a bit haggard as she tended to the children.

“How are the children?”

“There are some who inhaled a lot of smoke, but fortunately, they should be fine if they get enough rest. The doctor said it’s a good thing they were rescued quickly from the flames.”

“…I’m glad to hear that.”

“Moa.”

“Yes?”

Anise paused for a moment while stroking the head of a sleeping child. Then she stood up and invited me to talk in private.

“While I was here, Phel visited.”

“Was Phel trying to persuade you?”

“Partly, but she also wanted to explain the situation in more detail. She said that the organization led by Zerdan, the man who kidnapped us, is involved in murder and human trafficking. The members of his organization, including him, view others’ lives very lightly. Phel has a colleague whose younger sibling was killed by that organization…”

It’s about Diswen.

I listened to her without responding. Anise, who was washing her face, looked exhausted but soon met my gaze with sincerity.

“Honestly, I’m scared. But I don’t want innocent people to suffer. I can’t always protect the children, and they might end up being victims of that organization if we’re unlucky.”

“It seems you’ve made a decision.”

“Yes. I plan to fight alongside Phel and her group. I don’t know how much I can help, but they need my strength, so I’ll use it where it’s needed. Maybe I was born with this ability for a reason.”

Anise came closer and took my hand. Her hand was warm. Her gaze held both affection and trust.

“Phel told me that you found out the location of the organization and would let us know, right? I hope you don’t push yourself too hard.”

“It’s okay. Fortunately, I’ve found out the location.”

“Really? Moa, you’re amazing!”

“It’s nothing compared to Anise. My ability is insignificant and not very helpful.”

Yes. The ability to make the hairs on someone’s body stand on end.

It is trivial and useless. And despite this, I’m good at talking about it.

Maybe because I’ve been sidelined recently with Zerdan and Obella. I’m not sure if I’m doing well.

My slightly gloomy mood must have shown on my face. Anise looked concerned.

“Moa, are you okay?”

“…I’m okay.”

“The Moa I know is an extraordinary person. You’re confident, handle dangerous situations without fear, and speak clearly. Thanks to you, I was able to escape from that organization. I’m very grateful for that.”

Anise embraced me. Her hug was warm and comforting, given with no doubt or malice.

“I don’t know what’s making you anxious, but you’re doing well. You’ll continue to do well, and if there’s anything I can do, I’ll help. After this battle, if you’re okay, would you like to stay with me? I’ve been feeling lonely living alone anyway.”

“Anise, it might be inconvenient for you. I don’t have any money right now.”

“I’m offering because I like you.”

After thinking for a moment, I nodded. Anise looked at me with a bright smile.

This battle will be the end. Even if no character succeeds in the end, let’s finish it. After all, it was a game with too high a difficulty from the start.

It’s a pity not to see Zerdan, who is to my taste, but he’s not a real person anyway.

“I hope we win this time.”

“We can do it! Just don’t overdo it, Moa.”

“It’s okay; this will be the last time.”

Anise tilted her head but soon seemed to understand it as a positive sign and smiled brightly.