The previous name was Tira it’s now Tirara
……..
“I want to go to the bookstore.”
After settling the bill and exiting the cafeteria, I found Tirara waiting for me.
Come to think of it, the waitress was talking about that to Sutei. She mentioned that there’s an old and intimidating bookstore nearby.
To the waitress, it must have seemed like a bit of a scary spot…
“You seem really eager to go, Tirara.”
“Absolutely!”
Her eyes sparkled as she used difficult words. I wouldn’t say no, but I felt a bit hesitant about letting her go alone.
I asked Mitera to keep an eye on the others. Miti was sulking and insisted, “I want to go together,” but when Mitera gently called to her, she obediently took her hand.
As expected of her.
We decided on a meeting place and time, and then it was free time.
“Alright, let’s go, Tirara… Hm?”
When I turned around, I saw Eiri, who should have been walking with Mitera and the others, standing alone, looking lost.
“What’s wrong, Eiri? Aren’t you going with Narg and the others?”
“Narg got all excited and ran off in no time. With Rigin.”
Oh no…
It’s going to be troublesome if those two hit it off.
Still, is our leader really unable to control herself?
“So… um, I was thinking… I want to go to the bookstore too.”
She fidgeted, looking down and speaking in a voice that seemed to fade away.
I looked at Tirara.
She turned her head away with a huff but didn’t say no. Knowing Tirara, she would have firmly rejected it if she disliked it.
“Then, let’s go together.”
When I called out, Eiri nodded modestly.
Walking through the alley, I recalled what the waitress had said.
Even though we had only stepped one alley deeper, the hustle and bustle of the shopping district vanished, replaced by a quiet atmosphere.
I suppose this is what they call tranquility.
Yeah, taking a leisurely stroll down this path isn’t bad at all.
“I’ve always wanted to visit a big city’s bookstore at least once. I wonder what it’s like.”
Tirara was unusually excited.
—But suddenly, she turned around.
I followed her gaze.
Eiri was walking a little behind us, keeping her distance.
It felt as if she was avoiding us.
Could it be that she’s still worried about when we first met?
Eiri was one of the members who used to bully Filoe with Narg.
“…Honestly. Still hung up on the past.”
Tirara muttered quietly.
Her expression was subtle.
It looked like she was either scolding or worrying about her.
Unlike Grozza and Sutei, she seemed to struggle to find the right words to comfort.
—This is exactly when a teacher should step in.
“Eiri, come over here.”
When I called her, she hesitantly approached, like a puppy bracing itself for a scolding.
“What kind of books do you want, Eiri?”
I asked her in a completely natural tone.
I won’t blame you anymore.
You can feel at ease.
I infused my voice with that sentiment.
After a moment’s hesitation, Eiri began to speak slowly.
“I’d like books on embroidery and decoration.”
“Wow, that sounds nice.”
“I like making things… I experiment with how to sew myself and carve pieces of wood. I really enjoy that.”
That’s impressive.
Since she spends a lot of time with Narg, I thought she preferred physical activities.
“Eiri, you’re still being modest, Isto-sensei.”
Tirara said in her usual blunt tone.
“When something breaks, the first place I take it is to Eiri. Before I know it, she’s fixed it. Seriously, how does she manage to repair things so easily?”
“Intuition…?”
“I just don’t like that. I’m over here desperately researching in books every time something breaks.”
Tirara grumbled.
It was clear she didn’t mean to insult Eiri.
But Eiri showed a slight pout.
“You rely too much on books, Tirara.”
“You rely too much on intuition!”
“Tirara, you already have plenty of knowledge. Do you still want to cram more into your head?”
“Eiri, you already have enough talent, so you should solidify the basics with books.”
“Tirara, you’re so thick-headed.”
“Eiri, you’re so stubborn.”
…Is this a fight?
They seem to be bickering, but it’s subtly complimentary?
I couldn’t help but chuckle as I changed the subject.
“So, Tirara, what kind of books do you want?”
“That’s obviously—”
Oh?
She seemed to light up, about to say something, but then she suddenly fell silent.
She turned slightly red and muttered, “Never mind, it’s a secret.”
I’m curious.
Eiri cast a heavy gaze on Tirara.
“Tirara is the one being stubborn.”
“Shut up. That’s not true.”
The two argued noisily in the quiet alley.
As I tried to calm them down, I thought.
These girls truly have a strong bond.
They are really a close-knit family.
Did Gabby abandon kids like these…?
Since the Elpida Orphanage was attacked by monsters, Gabby has been missing.
I haven’t heard any news about her coming to Wigarlus, so she must have escaped to another city.
—Oh no, oh no.
I should forget about that man already.
Right now, I am their guardian and teacher.
I must not remind them of the times when Gabby was around and make them suffer.
No matter where that man is or what he’s doing now, it’s none of our concern…
Before I knew it, the bookstore in question came into view.
