𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫
Serious Rolf drinking alcohol in the daytime is definitely unusual. Even if he thinks he’s hiding it well, he occasionally has a gloomy expression.
I decided to save the dish I got from Edgardo for another time, and opted for a simple meal instead. It’s a piping hot Ajo, which we can only eat on holidays. Garlic is used sparingly, and good olive oil generously. The ingredients are shrimp, mushrooms, thick-cut bacon, and broccoli. I also include some toasted baguette.
The rest is the fried eggplant and rice balls I had saved in the fridge because I wanted to eat them, along with miso soup. I made a lot, so Rolf will probably eat some if he wants to.
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“I brought some snacks, just a little though. Hope you don’t mind me making them.”
“You’re always tasting my cooking, so don’t hesitate to eat.”
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With hands together, I say ‘itadakimasu,’ and start with the onion miso soup. Ah, the warmth melts into my body. The simmered, sweetened onions are delicious. Next, I stuff my cheeks with a simple salted rice ball.
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“Rice is truly delicious. . .Rice is justice.”
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In this world, the staple food is basically bread, so sometimes I crave rice. Rolf is enjoying the Ajo joyfully. He sips wine and takes a bite of thick-cut bacon.
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“Would you like a drink, Alice?”
“No, I’m not good with alcohol.”
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After having the fried eggplant, rice balls, and miso soup, I can’t stop eating. I’m getting full, so I decide to also nibble on the Ajo. The thick-cut bacon is devilish, oozing fat even when just grilled, and now it’s stewed in olive oil. I spread a bit of bacon and garlic on the baguette and take a bite. The oil soaks into the rough baguette, releasing a gentle aroma of garlic.
While we eat in silence, Rolf’s drink is steadily diminishing; already half the bottle is gone. Rolf, who occasionally drinks, always maintains a cool expression no matter how much he drinks. Yet this is the first time I see his face slightly red.
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“Edgardo is an amazing guy. If I were in his position, I couldn’t grow as straightforwardly. He keeps striving without needing praise and doesn’t get disheartened. I was thinking of dealing with anyone who deceives him, even though he doesn’t need it.”
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The wine glass empties and is quickly refilled.
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“Someone who recently became friends with Edgardo easily solved Edgardo’s worries. And here I was, only able to worry and watch from afar. I wanted to see that person’s true colors, but found no faults. He’s a good person. And yet I. . .I who harbored such thoughts am ugly. Knowing Edgardo’s feelings, I still. . .”
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Though the tilted wine glass muffles his voice, it sounds like Rolf also harbors a complex towards Edgardo.
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“Edgardo can use magic too. He’s really incredible.”
“That’s amazing! What kind of magic does he use?”
“Ask him yourself. It’s rude for me to say it here. . .I can’t use magic. Neither can Rene, but he became a knight at the youngest age. Both are amazing.”
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Everyone has magical energy running through specialized circuits in their bodies. Most people only channel it through magical tools, but there are some who can produce fire or ice like in games. These are called magic users and they are few and far between.
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“Swords and shields usually have one attribute imbued into them. If multiple attributes are imbued, the power decreases. Unlike magical tools, magic users can use multiple attributes and their magic is more powerful, so they can single-handedly change the tide of a battle.”
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Magic is filled with mysteries.
Just because the parents can use magic, doesn’t mean their children can. It’s not necessarily linked to the amount of magical power one has, either. Despite ongoing research, there’s so little consistency that it’s even said to be a matter of luck whether one can use magic or not.
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“Compared to that, I’m just a jack of all trades, master of none. Desperately trying not to be more disliked, and not to be a threat. . .I put on a brave face in front of Edgardo. . .It’s all in vain. Haha.”
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As I was about to call out to Rolf, I saw familiar black hair peeking out from the shadows of a tree a little distance away. I gave a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
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“All I can offer is the space. I’ll bring some water.”
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Now it’s all up to how Edgardo will act. As I discreetly move away, I felt Edgardo begin to move. He enters the dorm and closes the door.
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“Rolf. . .Sorry, I overheard a bit of the conversation.”
“Why is Edgardo here. . .! Ah, it must be Alice.”
“Miss Alice has nothing to do with this. I came here on my own. . .I was jealous of Rolf who seemed to be able to do anything. What took me dozens of hours to accomplish, Rolf could do easily. But that’s not true. I should have realized Rolf was just making it look that way. . .I should have.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m jealous of Edgardo. Your brilliance makes my half-hearted efforts and cunning maneuvers feel insignificant. Maybe I thought if you could be loved by the person you love, I could become like you.”
“. . .So, you feel the same, Rolf?”
“Yes. No matter what sparked it, I am attracted to her. I have no intention of easily giving her up to Edgardo.”
“Rolf. . .! Haha, you finally said it. Even though you seemed ready to hand her over to me all this time. I’m glad you said that. From now on, let’s compete fair and square. No hard feelings, whoever gets chosen.”
“Agreed. But it’s not just between the two of us. There must be many others who have noticed Alice’s good qualities.”
“Even so, I’ll do everything I can.”
“So will I.”
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After killing a lot of time in the restroom, I peeked out of the window and saw them shaking hands and laughing. It seems they had been troubled by a mix of friendship, insecurities, and romantic feelings, but it looks like things are moving in a positive direction.
Later, Rene was grumbling, “Rolf and Edgardo keep consulting with me.” It seems they both have been seeking advice from Rene. Consulting with Rene, who gives wonderful advice, is a good thing. Although Rene looked tired, I left some lemonade as a token of appreciation.
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