Chapter 4

“Wow, what a coincidence! I never expected to run into you at a time like this. Are you out shopping?”

“Ah, yes. I forgot to buy something for dinner tonight, so…”

Since they weren’t wearing the guild uniforms I usually saw them in, seeing them dressed casually felt rather refreshing.

The brown-haired woman was Imilia, Lilina’s friend. I occasionally talked to her at the reception counter.

She was surprisingly caring and often gave me advice about the requests I took. She was like a kind older sister to me.

…Actually, I’d been trying not to pay attention to it, but…

Was it just my imagination, or was Miss Lilina’s gaze sharper than usual…?

“Hey, Lilina. Stop glaring at Rex and greet him properly. This is a perfect opportunity, you know?”

“Ugh… H-hello, Mr. Rex… Good evening.”

“G-Good evening…”

…Her response was as cold as ever.

Well, at least she greeted me this time. I suppose that was something…?

As I wondered about that while looking at her, she suddenly hid behind Imilia.

“Honestly, this girl… I’m sorry, Rex. She’s not usually like this.”

“N-No, it’s fine. Everyone has their own personality, so please don’t worry about it.”

“…You’re really kind, Rex. Somehow, you’re making me feel guilty.”

Apparently, even Imilia was having trouble dealing with Lilina’s attitude.

“Do you usually finish work around this time?”

“No. I just happened to finish early today. So I thought I’d take the opportunity to go shopping with Lilina.”

“I see… Thank you for your hard work, as always.”

“Ahaha, thank you. But you’re working much harder than I am, Rex. You always take on so many of those requests that nobody else wants. It really helps us out.”

“I have to make a living too, after all. But I’m glad you feel that way.”

Somehow, talking to her really felt like talking to my own older sister. The conversation flowed so naturally.

“…”

…However, was it just my imagination, or had Miss Lilina’s gaze become even sharper than before?

“…Um… Miss Lilina, thank you for your hard work too. You’re wearing casual clothes today.”

“…Yes. I’ve finished work… Is there a problem with that?”

“No, it’s just that I’m so used to seeing you in your uniform that it’s a little unusual… Ah, but you look lovely in your casual clothes too, Miss Lilina!”

“…Thank you.”

U-Ugh…

Miss Lilina turned her face away.

Had I said something unnecessary…? Maybe I shouldn’t have complimented her…

“…I’m really sorry about our Lilina. I’ll make sure to give her a good talking-to later.”

“Y-Yes…”

Seriously, hadn’t I done something wrong?

At this point, it felt like she absolutely despised me.

“Oh, Rex. If you’re free, why don’t you come shopping with us? I’ve got some money to spare, so I’ll treat you today.”

“Ah… Well, I appreciate the offer, but I really can’t keep relying on you like that…”

“It’s fine! Since we’ve already run into each other, you should let me treat you. Right, Lilina?”

“Huh…? Ah, um…”

For once, Miss Lilina seemed unusually flustered.

…Was my presence really such a nuisance to her?

“Thank you, Miss Imilia. But I think I’ll pass after all. I can’t keep letting you take care of me… Besides, I have something I need to do.”

“Ah… Is that so? Alright, then. I’ll invite you another time.”

“Yes, I’d appreciate that… It’s getting rather late, so I should be going now.”

“Of course. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes. Take care, Miss Lilina.”

After confirming that she gave a small nod at my words, I turned my back on the two women and headed home.

“YOU IDIOT!!!!!”

Imilia’s fist came crashing down on Lilina’s head.

The sound echoed throughout the town…

“IT HUUUUURTS!!! WHAT THE HEEEECK!!!???”

…And Lilina’s scream echoed throughout the town just as loudly.

“You! What was with that attitude!? You made Rex uncomfortable!”

“B-B-B-B-BUT! I-I-I-I-I CAN’T DO IT!! I’ve never even managed to look Rex in the eyes properly! H-How am I supposed to t-talk to him like that…?!”

“You talk to him plenty at work, don’t you!? You see him practically every single day!”

“T-That’s because it’s work! I can talk to him when it’s part of my job! B-But talking to him in private… I-I just can’t do it…”

Seeing just how hopelessly shy her friend was, Imilia couldn’t help but press her fingers against the bridge of her nose.

They’d actually had a chance to go on a date with Rex, and this was how things had turned out.

At this rate, she couldn’t imagine Lilina ever getting any closer to him.

“…Anyway, Imilia. Aren’t you a little too close to Rex?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? That’s perfectly normal. Well, I admit I might favor him a little, but that’s all.”

“…Do you like Rex?”

“Why would you interpret it that way…?”

“B-But! You seemed happier than usual when you were talking to him! And you two seemed to get along so well! It’s unfair! I’ve barely even gotten to talk to Rex!”

“…I only made an effort because you couldn’t bring yourself to talk to him!”

Wouldn’t it be better to just cut ties with this girl already?

Imilia couldn’t help thinking that as she silently fumed.

“Ah, but… Ehehe. I was really happy when Rex complimented my casual clothes…! He said I looked lovely!”

“I know. I was standing right next to you, remember…? Sigh… Honestly, I feel so sorry for Rex.”

Watching Lilina go through a roller coaster of emotions—getting embarrassed, jealous, and then happy again—Imilia let out a deep sigh.

She couldn’t help feeling worried about what lay ahead for Rex.