When I arrived at [Grand Bahamut], my jacket and pants were already drenched. It was raining heavily, like a downpour.
Ah, just seeing the appearance of the guild brings back memories. It’s a seasoned two-story house where I used to live until recently.
As per my father’s instructions, I’m back here to work again. It seems like he has already informed [Grand Bahamut].
I went around to the back door but I noticed something different from before. There was a lamp by the door. It’s a traditional event in the city to put out lamps at this time of year.
At night, lamps are lit in houses all over the place. By doing so, the city becomes indescribably beautiful at night.
Lamps come in various shapes depending on the house, but the ones here are round and cute.
It’s been a while, so I knocked before opening the door.
Although I hesitated for just a moment about greeting—
“I’m back!” (Wilhelm)
I decided to say it anyways. It’s been a while, but this place is like a second home to me.
On the other side of the door was a big, fluffy white magical beast. The magical beast’s name is Sodane Mew, aka Mew-chan. It feels really nostalgic.
Mew-chan made a disgusted face like it had seen something gross while approaching me.
“Oh, the newspaper’s here on time mew.” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan nudged me a bit and closed the door. Hey, come on.
I opened the door.
“I’m back!” (Wilhelm)
Mew-chan looked annoyed.
“If it’s milk delivery, we didn’t order any mew!” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan tried to close the door. I put my body between the door and resisted. Mew-chan tried to push me out, but I wouldn’t give in.
“I’m. Back.” (Wilhelm)
“We didn’t order any children products either mew!” (Mew-chan)
“It’s me. Me. Be more pleased, Mew-chan.” (Wilhelm)
“This. Guy.” (Mew-chan)
“Do you remember me? It’s been a while!” (Wilhelm)
“You selfishly left, and now you have the nerve to come back? Get lost already!” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan brought its intimidating face closer. Unfortunately, it’s not scary. It’s cute.
“Oh, right. My bad. But I’m back now!” (Wilhelm)
“Psh. Even though I made such a scary face, you’re brushing it off so casually mew!” (Mew-chan)
“Mew-chan, who is it?” (Anya)
A girl peeked out from under Mew-chan’s arm.
It’s Anastasia Milkyway, the cute guildmaster of [Grand Bahamut], with silver-white hair. I call her Anya.
“Wow, it’s Wil-sama! Welcome back!” (Anya)
Her crimson eyes sparkled, and a smile bloomed on her face.
This is it, this is [Grand Bahamut].
“I’m back, Anya. I look forward to being taken care of by you again!” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, leave it to me!” (Anya)
“Ugh, do you have to take care of someone like him?” (Mew-chan)
“Wil-sama… You’re really soaked.” (Anya)
“I gave my umbrella to someone earlier. Sorry, do you have a towel?” (Wilhelm)
“Ah, Wil-sama, the bath is ready, so please go ahead and use it. I’ll bring your change of clothes from upstairs.” (Anya)
Anya trotted upstairs while I silently thanked her back.
It was just me and Mew-chan now. Our gazes met with a click.
Mew-chan turned its back.
“Fuu, well, whatever mew.” (Mew-chan)
“Huh, did something happen again?” (Wilhelm)
I was allowed inside.
There’s a large sword leaning against the table. Whose could it be? It didn’t seem like the kind of sword Anya would use.
“You should ask the ojou directly, mew. It’s a different situation from before.” (Mew-chan)
Before, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. It doesn’t seem to be that serious this time.
“Whose sword is this? Mew-chan’s?” (Wilhelm)
“It’s Ojou’s dad, George’s. She’s determined to become a full-fledged person by being able to wield this big sword.” (Mew-chan)
“…Even adult men would find it difficult to handle this big sword. Isn’t it still too much for Anya?” (Wilhelm)
“Even so, the time for parting will come soon mew.” (Mew-chan)
“Ah, I see. A lantern send-off. The day will come when we send Anya’s dad’s soul to heaven.” (Wilhelm)
“That’s right mew.” (Mew-chan)
Anya’s father passed away last year.
His body rests in the grave, while his soul will be placed on a lantern and sent from the sea to heaven. The day for this send-off shouldn’t be too far away.
Anya probably wants to show her dad’s soul a grown-up version of herself before saying goodbye. What a brave and admirable girl.
“Wil-sama, I’ll leave your change of clothes here.” (Anya)
“Ah, thank you!” (Wilhelm)
When I entered the bath, it was filled with Anya’s scent. She probably had taken a bath a little while ago.
“Could it be that Anya got caught in the rain too?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, it was a really heavy rain.” (Anya)
Too bad… If I had come here a little earlier, maybe we could have bathed together. I wished I could have had her wash my back.
◇
After I got out of the bath,
Anya had made some hot cocoa for me.
She poured it carefully into a ceramic cup for me.
“Wil-sama, please enjoy the cocoa. It’ll warm you up.” (Anya)
“Thank you, Anya.” (Wilhelm)
I decided to drink it at the kitchen table.
Cocoa was originally a luxurious drink reserved for kings and nobility. But now it’s becoming popular among commoners.
It’s a bit pricier than coffee, but it’s sweeter and easier to drink, which makes it quite popular.
When I tasted it, there was a delicious warmth that spread through my body from the inside out.
Cocoa has a high heat retention effect, making it perfect for preventing colds.
“Ah, this is good.” (Wilhelm)
It feels like Anya’s warmth is being conveyed to me as the drink seeps into my cold heart and body.
“Being able to drink something this good… I’m glad I got out once in a while.” (Wilhelm)
“Wil-sama seems to have graduated from being a shut-in. That’s very admirable.” (Anya)
“Anya, you’re admirable too. Weren’t you working despite the rain?” (Wilhelm)
“That’s right! She isn’t a Neet unlike you!” (Mew-chan)
“I haven’t done anything remarkable. I just went to the church to receive some work.” (Anya)
“Oh, so now we’re getting jobs from big organizations like the church?” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, the amount of work has been increasing lately. By the way, there’s something I’d like you to see, Wil-sama.” (Anya)
I wonder what it is. Anya got up and went somewhere. Not long later, she returned with something in her hand.
Anya was holding a stack of documents. She carefully placed them in the middle of the table.
She looked proud.
“We’ve been getting a lot of work done smoothly for the past two weeks. Because of that, [Grand Bahamut] is gradually picking up!” (Anya)
“That’s a lot of work. It feels like a dream compared to how things were just a little while ago.” (Wilhelm)
Before, it was as quiet as a graveyard.
“I’m sure it’s because we won the guild competition during the Spring Festival. Thanks to that, [Grand Bahamut]’s reputation has improved. In other words, the increase in work is all thanks to Wil-sama, who guided me back then!” (Anya)
I see. It was during the guild competition at the Spring Festival.
Certainly, I guided Anya to win at that time.
Anya was someone I raised and I’m proud that my efforts back then have borne fruit.
“Haha, with someone as excellent as me guiding you, achieving these results is easy.” (Wilhelm)
“Yes, indeed. Wil-sama, I’m truly grateful.” (Anya)
I’m glad. Mhmm, it was good that I worked hard back then.
I took another sip of the cocoa. Delicious.
Even the chance to drink this cocoa is because of the effort I put in back then. When I was here before, cocoa was never served.
The fact that Anya can afford to serve cocoa is evidence that her life has become more comfortable. Although, cocoa is still a bit expensive.
Hmm, but Anya’s expression seems a bit cloudy today… Maybe she’s having trouble with something else this time.
Come to think of it, didn’t Mew-chan mention something?
It’s not good to keep things bottled up. Let’s ask.
“Anya, is there something troubling you?” (Wilhelm)
“Um, well… It’s really embarrassing to talk about…” (Anya)
“You can tell me anything. That’s why I’m here. I’ll support you properly, Anya.” (Wilhelm)
Anya hesitated for a moment. Then she started speaking.
“The thing is, because of the increase in work… Even though it’s a good thing, we’re now getting requests that are more difficult than before. Specifically, requests with a difficulty level of C-rank or higher. I’m finding it really difficult to handle them…” (Anya)
I see. Anya can only handle things like herb gathering and simple quests. Even the other guild member, Sofia-san, could only handle tasks up to D rank.
“Anya, then you don’t need to worry about a thing. I’ll take care of all the high-difficulty quests for you.” (Wilhelm)
Anya’s expression brightened.
“Really? That’s very kind of you. But if it’s alright with you, could you teach me as well?” (Anya)
“Teach you? About what?” (Wilhelm)
“I’m the guild master, so I want to be able to handle more difficult quests. I thought it would be great if Wil-sama could teach me how to handle the difficult quests.” (Anya)
“I see. Alright, that sounds good. Indeed, a guild master needs to be able to handle any quest. I’ll support you as much as I can, Anya.” (Wilhelm)
She showed me a smile as if a spring flower had bloomed. Cute. Anya’s smile is really lovely.
“Thank you so much! Then, let’s start…” (Anya)
“Sodane. But wait mew. It’s raining today, so leave those plans for tomorrow mew.” (Mew-chan)
Indeed. Terrains on rainy days can be dangerous.
The damp paths are slippery and can increase the risk of falling. Going out in such weather can also drain you’re stamina. Plus, it’s harder to sense the presence of magical beasts when raining.
So, it’s better not to go on quests on rainy days unless it’s an emergency.
“Mew-chan’s right. Since it’s raining like this today, let’s do it tomorrow.” (Wilhelm)
“Yes. I’ll count on you tomorrow.” (Anya)
Today, I decided to spend my time leisurely with Anya.
We talked for hours about what happened while I was away.
Later in the evening, Anya started cooking.
With a cute apron on, Anya was beyond adorable. Singing and talking to the vegetables only added to her immense cuteness.
I want to keep watching. That cute butt, I mean, the adorable Anya.
…Huh. There’s a bluish fluorescent glow outside the window.
The lower half is wiggly. The upper half is humanoid.
It must be a ghost. It waved its hand from outside the window.
Is it trying to take Anya away? The ghost is semi-materialized, so it has a face. It’s a simple face with just eyes and a mouth.
It pressed its face against the window. Is it trying to enter the house and snatch a child, or just trying to startle someone?
Anya noticed the ghost. She looked at the window and flinched.
“Eek!” (Anya)
She let out a small scream. It was a cute voice.
“Wil-sama, Wil-sama!” (Anya)
Anya came running over at lightning speed and hid behind my back.
“Haha, it seems Anya is scared of ghosts.” (Wilhelm)
“I-I’m not scared! I’m not that much of a child!” (Anya)
“You’re acting just like Clara.” (Wilhelm)
“I-I’m not a tsundere!” (Anya)
The ghost chuckled satisfactorily. It must have been pleased that Anya got scared.
It seems like the ghost just wanted to scare Anya rather than abduct her. Scaring people is the essence of being a ghost, after all.
“Oh, right. The lamp. Mew-chan, can you come here for a moment?” (Anya)
Anya called for Mew-chan, who was cleaning my room upstairs. She responded with “sodane”.
“Could you light up the outdoor lamp for me?” (Anya)
Again, she responded with “sodane.”
Anya probably finds it scary to go outside and light the lamp herself. If the ghost is of that strength, it can’t really snatch children anyway.
I could hear Mew-chan hurriedly cleaning with a “myu myu myu” sound. Then, Mew-chan came rushing into the kitchen.
“Come to think of it, even a neet like you could at least light up the lamp, right mew?” (Mew-chan)
“Yeah, if you think about it, you’re right. Well, Mew-chan, go do you’re thing.” (Wilhelm)
“Sodane. If you understand, then go do it yourself next time. You really are lazy mew. Just as expected from a neet.” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan held a magic match and opened the back door to go outside. The lamp was hung on that door.
By the way, a magic match is an economically convenient tool that can ignite multiple times with a single stick.
Oh, come to think of it, is it safe for Mew-chan to handle fire? Her whole body is fluffy. Her fur might catch fire, but…
“Ahhh, it’s hot mew!” (Mew-chan)
Just as I thought… Sorry about that…
I stepped out to check on Mew-chan. Looks like he had dampened his hands with the rain.
“Are you okay? Did your hand get burnt?” (Wilhelm)
Mew-chan looked extremely embarrassed.
“Heh, not so weak that a neet like you need to worry about me mew.” (Mew-chan)
Guess she’s fine then.
The lamp’s flame was burning steadily.
I saw the ghost fly off somewhere.
As I returned back inside with Mew-chan, Anya let out a sigh of relief.
◇
After a while, dinner was ready.
Anya had prepared beautifully fried croquettes. They were accompanied by a mountain of shredded cabbage, tempting my appetite to its limits.
The pumpkin soup also looked delicious.
Anya placed a plate neatly in front of me. The aroma alone was already delightful. Perhaps it was the affection put into the cooking that made the dishes shine so much.
“Now, Wil-sama, please enjoy it to your heart’s content.” (Anya)
“Ah, I’ll savor every bite! I’ve been looking forward to Anya’s homemade dishes!” (Wilhelm)
I poured Anya’s special sauce over the croquettes and took a bite right away.
“Wow, these are amazing! They’re so fluffy and warm. The depth of flavor from the potatoes is incredible. I could eat these all day!” (Wilhelm)
The coating is crispy and the sauce is rich. The croquette and sauce blend perfectly together on my tongue. It’s a hundred out of a hundred in terms of deliciousness.”
“It’s seriously amazing. You’re incredible, Anya! You’re a cooking genius! You’re even better than a pro!” (Wilhelm)
“You’re too kind.” (Anya)
This is it. This love-filled dish made by Anya is what gives me the motivation to keep going. It’s my vitality for living.
Hmm… Thinking back on the past month and a half of my shut-in life, I feel a few tears welling up. Our meals at home became increasingly devoid of love day by day.
Like when I was served “beef steak” and it turned out to be just vegetables on the plate. That was my father’s doing. It was truly a loveless household.
“Ugh. It’s gross to see a shut-in like you shedding tears mew.” (Mew-chan)
“Don’t say it’s gross. You know, humans tend to get all emotional when they eat warm food. It’s like the tension just melts away, and tears start flowing.” (Wilhelm)
A magical beast like you wouldn’t understand, though.
“Mew? How does a shut-in like you even manage to feel any tension?” (Mew-chan)
The beast hits right where it hurts.
“W-Well, shut-ins have their own struggles, you know.” (Wilhelm)
“You’re just eating and sleeping all day…” (Mew-chan)
“The amount of pressure you have to deal with is tough, you know?” (Wilhelm)
“Well, that’s just how it is mew. If you don’t like people treating you like that, then go get a job, you neet.” (Mew-chan)
Mew-chan is harsh.
But the taste of this dish is gentle. So, I decided to focus on the food instead.
Ah, delicious! The soup seeps deep into my stomach and heart.
Anya picks up her own croquette with a fork and brings it towards my mouth.
“Wil-sama, here you go, ahh…” (Anya)
She’s like a saint. She radiates maternal warmth. There’s no mistaking it.
Anya is starting to look like a real mother. What a warm-hearted girl. I want a mother like her. No, I want her to be my mother. Wait, what am I thinking? Anya is only twelve years old.
Well, I’ll play along.
“Ahh…” (Wilhelm)
With a bit of embarrassment, I let her feed me. It somehow made the food taste a hundred times better.
“This is amazing. It somehow tastes better. But why did you want to feed me like that?” (Wilhelm)
“I thought it would cheer Wil-sama up… Was it not good?” (Anya)
“Nope, it totally cheered me up!” (Wilhelm)
“That’s great to hear! There’s still plenty of croquettes left, so please eat as much as you want!” (Anya)
“Alright! I’ll eat as much as I can!” (Wilhelm)
Anya’s cooking kind of reminds me of my mother’s. That’s how delicious it was.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Oh, ghosts really do exist in their world. I thought it was someone in the window who looked like a ghost but apparently, it’s a real one.
Also, I didn’t know that Anya knew that Clara was a tsundere xD