Chapter 22

Then, we decided to have an early lunch at a diner located in a corner of the shopping district.

With a group this large, it would be too late to find a table once the place gets crowded.

We entered the large, two-story diner. It’s a popular spot, bustling as a tavern at night. Luckily, there were still open seats.

The children were curiously looking around. It was likely their first time seeing a diner larger than the orphanage.

The most interested, however, was Gloza.

Unlike his usual calm demeanor, he was intensely observing the menu and the other tables. He didn’t seem to care when someone tried to speak to him. Even when the first dish arrived, he thoroughly inspected it before slowly taking small bites, savoring the taste and texture.

He looked just like a chef on a reconnaissance mission at a rival restaurant.

“Gloza, are you interested in the food here?”

“Ngk!?”

Startled by the sudden question, he choked a little. I handed him some water.

After taking a breath, Gloza shyly admitted, “Well, I do want to become a chef.”

“I see. That’s great. I’m sure you’ll succeed. I guarantee it.”

“Sensei…”

“After all, your skills are the real deal.”

—Actually, before we entered the diner, I had used 【Awakening Appraisal】 to check Gloza’s skills. He had been more engrossed in the street food than even Miti, so I had a hunch.

The result of my ‘monitoring’ showed Gloza’s skills as 【Taste】 and 【Knife Handling】. Both are general skills, but perfect for someone aiming to be a chef.

Just then, a lively voice came from beside me.

“That’s awesome! Gloza would totally suit that.”

It was Sutei, twirling a fork between her fingers.

This girl had casually taken the seat next to me. Well, more like she was practically glued to me.

Apparently, there had been a quiet battle over who would sit next to me, and the older ones had settled it in a very unsportsmanlike ‘first come, first served’ kind of way.

…Well, since they’re not adults, I guess it’s fine?

By the way, Filoé had firmly secured the seat on my other side and refused to budge. And sitting on my lap was Miti, happily munching away on some mushrooms.

Seriously, what is this?

“Mufufu, Sensei! You must be so happy, surrounded by flowers on both sides, right?”

Sutei teased me, pressing her chest against me.

I wanted to tell her not to cling so much—but with Miti on my lap, engrossed in her food, I couldn’t move too much. If I scold Sutei too harshly, I’d end up scaring Miti.

—She probably calculated that too.

The truth is, Sutei was the one who had suggested Miti sit on my lap in the first place.

“Hey, miss! Can we order?”

Ever since we entered the diner, Sutei had been in high spirits. Unlike Gloza, who was quietly focused, she was like ‘a fish in water.’

At first, the waitress had maintained her professional smile while taking the order, but as Sutei kept chatting with her, they started getting along more naturally.

“Wow, miss, you’re amazing! Tell me more! Our cool Sensei is treating us, you know.”

“Haha, you’re a funny one. But no can do—I’m on the clock. If you want to chat, why not work here? I’ll put in a good word for you.”

“Really? Awesome! I’ll totally do it!”

“Come on, come on! Especially at night in the tavern, we’d love a cute young thing like you.”

“Yep! I’m 13!”

“Eh!?”

The waitress was speechless.

She had definitely—without a doubt—thought Sutei was much older.

Maybe even second only to Mitera in terms of perceived age…

Seeing the waitress hastily retreat, I gave Sutei a light smack. Since she was clinging tightly to my arm, it ended up being more of a tap on her leg.

“Hey, the night shift’s too early for you.”

“Eek!”

Don’t make weird noises.

But still, Sutei really is good at talking. She closes the gap with people so easily.

For now, I can only say no because of her age, but when she grows up, I think working in a diner or tavern would really suit her.

I try to imagine it.

A charismatic tavern mistress, charming every customer in a packed establishment.

…Yeah, that’s way too easy to imagine. It’s almost scary.

I’d better check something, just in case.

“Sutei, let go for a moment.”

“What is it, Sensei?”

I used 【Awakening Appraisal】 on Sutei’s ‘Fate Drop.’

And—

《’Monitoring Lv1’ activated. Displaying target’s skills.

Skill: 【Charm Voice】》

Yep, that’s very Sutei-like.

…But doesn’t this scream ‘dangerous woman’ already?

“Sutei, I’m telling you for your own good—if you work in a restaurant, make sure it’s with Gloza.”

“Oh, true! With the two of us, the restaurant would be unbeatable! I’d draw in the customers, and Gloza’s cooking would finish them off!”

Well… That’s not quite what I meant, but close enough, I guess.

When I glanced at Gloza, he just shrugged as if to say, ‘I get it.’

“Ahh, I’m such a lucky girl. Having Sensei care about me like this…”

Sutei smiled radiantly, her expression full of warmth and innocence.

When she gets older, a lot of men are going to be fooled by that smile.

I took a sip of water, reflecting on that not-so-distant future.

—By the way, I chose to ignore Filoé’s growling beside me and Mitera’s silent smile across the table as best I could.

Peace is nice.

Both mentally and emotionally.