I Came Back but the World is Still a Fantasy!?

4-41: In the Shadows of Earth and Garesto II (6/6)

Whats with you all of the sudden? Shinichi asked.

Before Frire knew it, she was clinging tightly to the boys hand.

She hadnt rejected him and just let him do as he pleased, so the boy looked at her anxiously, but then Frire smiled.

Because she saw the boys concern for her.

Which part of that is supposed to be the face of a terrorist concerned about others? she thought.

Its nothing. I just wanted to touch your hand, she said.

R-Right Shinichi said.

An excuse that wasnt really an excuse. Was she just wanting for human warmth?

Before long she even started rubbing her cheeks against his hand.

He was supposed to be younger than her, but for some reason, he gave off a feeling that resembled that of a father.

Or perhaps, it would be better to describe the air about him to be that of an older brothers, but regardless, it was so comfortable that Frire let her guard down completely.

It was rare for the boy to be so troubled, but she didnt notice that and just immersed herself in the comfort brought by his warmth.

A strange warmth that was both different and yet reminiscent of the comfort her older brother had given her.

Thats why she found it so nostalgic and came to a conclusion on her own.

I promise you, Nakamura Shinichi.

Huh?

When theyd first met, his wanton display of selfishness had left her at a loss, but after seeing him express her concern for her in the strangest ways, she now wanted to cling to him.

She knew she shouldnt, both as an adult and as a teacher, but she feared losing this warmth even more.

For as long as I live, Ill try to do my best not to become your enemy.

Thats why she imitated him and swore that.

She left it at try because she wasnt bold enough to declare it with certainty, but she also believed that as long as he doesnt choose the wrong path, they would never meet each other as enemies.

It was a small vow compared to his, which was born from an earnest wish and his deep-seated timidity, but regardless, it took the boy by surprise, and he found himself shyly scratching his cheeks.

It was then that she finally realized that a strange expression had found its way on his face.

Youre blushing? I didnt intend anything weird by promising that, but I see, so even you can make a face like that.

Frire nodded as though shed discovered something interesting, but the boy frowned.

Unfortunately for him, his blushing face just made him look adorable.

S-Shut up.

Uwaah!?

Frire laughed all the more at that, and the boy couldnt help himself, but retort by ruffling her hair with his other hand.

H-Hey, stop it!

I feel so embarrassed for misunderstanding

Shinichi hid his true intentions behind that complaint.

He had made a habit of reading in between the lines, so sometimes he would end up reading in between the lines even though there was nothing to read.

Thats why her words resounded in his ears as I will always be your ally, and his thoughts froze there.

When on top of that she even rubbed her cheeks against his hand, there was no way he could remain unaffected.

But of course, the reason behind his blush was actually because he realized he was reading too deeply into her words.

U-Uu, youre such a kid sometimes..

Believing hed ruffled her hair as payback for laughing at him, she glared at the boy, and pushed down on her ruffled hair. Because of that she had to let go of his hand.

His hand free, Shinichi opened and closed it as though he didnt know what to do with it..

I dont want to be told that by someone whos still a kid inside Anyway, go get some sleep already. Youre just too sincere for your own good. You didnt even sleep when I carried you because you didnt want me to carry you while youre just sleeping, right?

Shinichi said as he hit her lightly on the head to hide his own embarrassment.

He was right, so she didnt have any words to rebut with, but wasnt he the same?

Apparently, that showed on her face, as Shinichi sighed, but this time he gently caressed her head.

Ive been getting more sleep than you at least Ill wake you up at lunchtime, so just treat me then. I need a ton of calories to make up for all that sweat, Shinichi childishly said in a spoiled and innocent manner.

Frire opened her eyes wide at that, but she immediately frowned and wryly smiled.

Youre a kid only when its convenient for you, huh Fine, fine, Ill treat you. Theres a steak house I frequent, how about eating there?

Sure, Ill eat until your wallets empty.

Sounds promising, Frire smiled at that, and bid him goodnight, then she closed her eyes.

As soon as she did, all strength left her body, and she started breathing in a regulated manner.

Wow, that was quick, almost as quick as a certain primary school student that wears glasses.

Was she just that tired or was she just the sort who could sleep easily?

As an expert whod tricked his own servant by feigning sleep, she was definitely asleep this time.

Hmm But this time she left herself defenseless on her own volition. If she trusts me that much, I wont feel like playing a prank on her anymore

How annoying, his expression seemed to say, but he watched over her sleeping face with a smile nonetheless.

Judging from the tone of your voice being gentler than usual, it can be inferred that you initially didnt intend for this.

Hey, dont start analyzing people on your own now.

But of course that was until an unassuming artificial intelligence interrupted him.

Shinichi glared at the terminal equipped on Frires arm, but of course, it wouldnt care, it was a machine.

I beg your pardon.

The AI said that, but it was clearly just an apology programmed into it for the sake of being diplomatic.

Whats the point of an AI being so glib? Ah, whatever More importantly, does this girl even have any money on her?

The change in topic is too abrupt. Moreover, the intentions are unknown. Please make your objectives clearer.

I need to adjust my appetite according to the size of her wallet. Wouldnt actually want to make her broke, now, would I?

I finally understand what the master meant. There is indeed a discrepancy in your mental age and actual age.

To be precise, its all over the place.

Just awhile ago hed declared that hed eat enough to empty her wallet, but evidently, there was a big difference between his conduct and other children his age.

But of course the person himself was aware of that, and he even provided more information to the AIs judgment.

Regardless, the AI had judged his reason to be proper, so she went ahead and explained.

The master receives a pension as a member of the ten great nobles, but it is limited by the operating funds of the territory. On the other hand, roughly 90% of her earnings from the army are still with her. Even if you eat every menu from all of Kutoria, you wont even be able to knock 5% off that, so please feel free to order what you want.

So in other words, she had a huge salary, but never used it, and it just piled up?

As it turns out, that was the only part about her that looked exactly as her image suggested a private life thats all work and no play.

Yes. It is a virtue, a lifestyle with zero financial problems.

Thats definitely an answer you were programmed to give.

Shinichi noticed that Shirayukis response was a little off, so a certain possibility popped up in his head.

Yes. I have been programmed to try and appeal should a male that meets certain criteria appear.

What in the world was your developer thinking?

Frires friend was jut too playful with her, Shinichi frowned.

Though if Frire were awake, she would have surely retorted, saying, I dont want to hear that from you!

The developers comment was recorded; allow me to play it for you. We have some tier-1 goods right here, but its pathetic how no one makes a move because its too good and overpriced. None of the men that approach even dare take a look whats inside, and even when they do, they cant see anything anyway. Its sooo annoying. Is what she said.

For a moment, Shinichi found himself blinking when the lively words of a woman suddenly resounded, but immediately after, a gentle smile appeared on him.

Thats a good friend she has there But no, Im sure it goes both ways, being a good friend, that is.

Impressions and aspirations, huh.

As Shinichi gently muttered that to himself, he combed Frires messy hair.

It mightve been his imagination, but for some reason, the expression on her sleeping face became happier.

Hmm, to both thank and apologize her for this incident, maybe I should come up with a fitting prank? Fu fu fu.

Without anyone knowing it, a boy laughing like a villain started his schemes.

The only thing certain was that this would later become a story that would make someones stomach hurt.