Linkmas V1c23

Volume 1 Chapter 23 The Trial Of The Ruins

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Edited by: Kanaa-senpai

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 The sound of knocking echoed on the door, and when it opened, Ms. Elna smiled gently and said,

 ”Sir Rob, Lady Rumi, dinner is ready.”

 ”Wow, yay! I was super hungry, so I’m going to eat a lot!”

 Rumi exclaimed with a bright voice, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

 ”I’m hungry too. The dungeon exploration and long flight really tired me out.”

 I felt relieved that the adventure was over and looked forward to mealtime.

 Guided by Ms. Elna, we entered the dining hall, where Ms. Alice was already waiting. Rumi and I sat side by side near her.

 ”We have special dishes today. Enjoy!” Ms. Elna said as she began to place the food on the table.

 The first dish that caught my eye was ‘Heartful Grilled Meat.’

 Its bright red color and rich aroma filled the air, and its juicy appearance looked like a gem, making my appetite grow.

 ”This is Heartful Grilled Meat. It’s made from carefully selected meat marinated with special herbs and grilled slowly over charcoal. It’s our pride!”

 Hearing Ms. Elna’s explanation, Rumi’s eyes widened even more.

 Next came the ‘Dreamy Vegetable Platter.’

 Colorful vegetables were beautifully arranged, topped with creamy dressing.

 ”This is the Dreamy Vegetable Platter. It uses fresh seasonal vegetables and is dressed with our special dressing from the Sphere Kingdom. It’s nutritious and delicious!”

 Additionally, the ‘Star Feather Bread,’ with its warm and fluffy aroma, was also served.

 ”Here on this planet, the feather bread has a light texture and puffs up like feathers when baked. It’s super delicious when eaten with soup or meat!”

 Finally, a clear soup was served in a bowl, named “Secret Sauce of the Clear Stream.”

 ”The Secret Sauce of the Clear Stream is a soup made with the pure water from Sphere Kingdom, featuring local mushrooms, herbs, and fish stock. It’s a dish that warms your body.”

 In front of us, a beautiful and rich meal spread out, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow, amazing!”

 ”This delicious-looking food, Rumi, do you think you can eat it all?”

 ”Yeah! I’m so hungry, I could eat it all up! Slurp slurp♪~”

 Rumi clapped her hands, looking excited to eat.

 ”Well then, let’s dig in!”

 ”Let’s dig in!”

 ”Hehe… let’s dig in!”

 The joyful moment of dinner began.

* * *

 After dinner in the cafeteria, Rumi and I visited Ms. Alice’s room.

 Inside the room, there was a soft and fluffy sofa, and we sat side by side on it.

 The conversation about our plans for tomorrow started.

 ”The reason I invited Sir Rob this time is that I want to enjoy tea and snacks together while having casual chats. However, I don’t want to spend all our time just on that. If possible, I would like you to join me in my daily training as well. May I ask about the hopes of Sir Rob and Lady Rumi?”

 ”As for me, I would like to visit any ruins in this town if there are any. Also, I would like to check out a library if there is one.”

 ”Eh~. Rob wants to go to a place that might give him a headache, huh? …I would like to check out the food that can only be eaten here and the interesting places that are unique to this town.”

 (Places that aren’t in other towns… If there are such places, I definitely want to go too.)

 Ms. Alice closed her eyes for a moment to think and then started to speak quietly.

 ”I’ll tell the chef to prepare Lady Rumi’s food for breakfast and dinner tomorrow! The ruins that Sir Rob wants to see are in this town. The writing on those ruins is something I’ve only seen here, and no one has been able to decode it so far. Shall we go check it out?”

 Ms. Alice’s suggestion made my heart race with excitement.

 ”Let’s go! There must be amazing discoveries waiting for us!”

 Rumi’s eyes sparkled, and she waved her hands happily.

 ”Yeah! …Oh, by the way, if it’s just us, can we drop the honorifics? I think it’s a bit strange to use them when we’re friends.”

 When I shared my thoughts, Ms. Alice looked a bit surprised but quickly smiled.

 ”…Y-You’re right! We are friends after all! …R-Rob.”

 Alice shyly said my name.

 Her voice resonated in my heart, and happiness spread within me.

 ”Ah, yeah, Alice…”

 Feeling shy, I tried calling her name too.

 A warm feeling welled up inside me.

 ”Ugh, mmm…”

 At that moment, Rumi puffed up her cheeks, showing her dissatisfaction about something.

 ”Well then, let’s stop here for today and get some sleep. Rob, Rumi, if you want, please join me for my morning training!”

 Alice said this with a soft smile.

 ”Got it, I’ll join you for training! So, Rumi, should we head back to our room and sleep?”

 At my words, Rumi’s eyes brightened for a moment.

 ”Yeah… Rob, I’m really sleepy, so can you carry me on your back?”

 Seeing Rumi ask with a sweet voice made my heart warm.

 ”Ah, okay, I got it.”

 I carried Rumi on my back, feeling her softness, and quietly left Alice’s room, starting to walk toward the guest room.

* * *

 Early the next morning, Alice and I were once again in a fierce sword fight, each holding a wooden sword.

 *Clang! Clang clang! Clang clang clang clang!*

 I was using ‘Time Slow’ to desperately keep up with Alice and not lose.

 ”…Rob, you’re holding back more than yesterday, aren’t you?”

 Alice frowned and asked while getting ready with her sword.

 ”Does it look that way?”

 I couldn’t help but smile a little.

 ”No, for some reason, it actually looks like you’re going all out, which is strange.”

 I was a bit surprised by Alice’s sharp observation.

 ”I’m swinging the sword with all my strength… I’m just using my secret technique less this time.”

 I replied calmly while putting strength into both hands.

 ”Gulp. Your secret technique, huh… Can you tell me about it?”

 Alice looked at me with big eyes, showing deep interest.

 ”Umm… I’ll keep it a secret for now. Next year, when I become an adventurer, I’ll come here to see Alice, and then I’ll tell you.”

 At those words, Alice’s expression brightens a little.

 ”Hehe… I understand. I’m looking forward to it!”

 ”Yawn~… Rob, Alice, good morning!”

 Rumi appears while yawning.

 ”Good morning! Rumi, you’re really not a morning person.”

 I lightly laugh and reply as I see Rumi.

 ”Good morning! Rumi, breakfast will be ready soon. We’re preparing a dish that you can only eat here… maybe!”

 At Alice’s words, Rumi’s eyes instantly sparkle.

 ”Wow, really? I’m so excited!”

 Rumi smiles happily.

* * *

 After finishing breakfast, we walked along the cobblestone path of the calm morning town, guided by Ms. Alice.

 Our destination is a ruin that not many people visit.

 ”This is where the ruins start!”

 Alice declares happily, and Rumi’s eyes shine with excitement.

 ”Wow! I wonder what’s there? Hey, Rob, let’s explore together!”

 Rumi takes my hand, beaming with a big smile.

 ”Yeah, Rumi. I hope we find something interesting.”

 I smile back gently.

 As we move deeper into the ruins, an old door appears.

 In the dim light, strange letters are faintly visible on the door.

 ”I think this door has something special about it…”

 Alice stares intently at the letters.

 Standing next to her, I already knew what the letters were.

 (…It’s written in Japanese.)

 ”‘Those who wish to open this door, answer this: What should a person give up to protect what is most important?’… right?”

 I read the question out loud.

 I wonder what the answer to this question could be?

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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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