Volume 2 Chapter 2 Interception and Guided Missile Fire
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
We received a request to get rid of the horned mole, and we arrived at the hometown of Tifi, the receptionist at the Adventurers’ Guild.
Tifi unexpectedly offered, “Why not stay at my house?” and I gratefully accepted her hospitality.
Normally, I don’t need a place to stay since I have the skill “Love Hotel.”
To be honest, no fancy house can compare to the bed in a Love Hotel.
But it felt wrong to refuse her kindness.
More than anything, I thought I shouldn’t miss the chance to get closer to the beautiful receptionist.
Then, guided by Tifi, we arrived at our destination──
”A church?”
”Yes, it’s actually the attached orphanage.”
I was a bit surprised by the unexpected place, but the next moment, cheerful voices welcomed us.
”Oh, it’s Sister Tifi!”
”Sister Tifi!?”
”Tifi!”
”Tifi!”
Children poured out of the building, surrounding Tifi in no time.
They clearly loved her very much.
”Who’s that, Uncle?”
”There are girls too!”
”Wow, weird ears!”
”She’s an elf!”
Lifia and I suddenly became the center of attention for the kids.
Lifia looked confused as they approached her with shining eyes.
She probably doesn’t have many experiences being adored by such small children.
But I’m not an uncle.
I’m an older brother.
For a while, Tifi enjoyed reuniting with her little siblings, but soon she calmed them down and guided us inside.
”Welcome back, Tifi. How have you been? Was the journey okay?”
”Father! Yes, I’m doing well!”
The one who welcomed us was an elderly priest.
His short hair mixed with gray and his warm smile left a strong impression.
”And who are these?”
”This is Mr. Taro and Ms. Lifia, adventurers. They came to help with the horned mole problem.”
”Thank you for coming. It’s a big help that you’re dealing with these pests.”
We nodded in response.
”Leave it to us!”
In reality, I rely more on Lifia’s magic than my own skills.
A vast field spread out around the church.
Lush crops lined the rows, showing the change of seasons, with some rough patches that seemed the work of horned moles.
In some parts of the field, crops were pulled up, leaving bare soil exposed.
”It’s already late today, so please rest.”
Since they would prepare dinner for us, we gratefully accepted the offer.
The dining table was lively.
The children happily chatted with Tifi, their laughter filling the air.
They were also curious about Lifia, and a few were talking to her.
She shyly smiled and responded softly.
As the meal started, the priest said apologetically.
”I’m sorry I can’t offer something great.”
”No, just having something is appreciated.”
This place is an orphanage run by the church.
Their daily life is simple, but you can feel the warmth in it.
For dinner, they served bread and bean soup.
The seasoning was light.
Indeed, salt seems to be a luxury item in this world too.
It’s a little lacking for me, as I’m used to stronger flavors.
I pulled out some table salt and sprinkled it lightly on the soup.
I had prepared this, just in case, from room service.
”If you’d like, everyone can have some.”
When I offered it to the priest, he replied with a troubled look.
”Oh, that’s very kind. But I can’t accept such a valuable gift…”
”I have a way to get it cheaply. No need to worry.”
The priest looked a bit relieved as he accepted it, smiling quietly.
”Then, I will gratefully accept it.”
The children’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
”What is this?”
”So pretty! Like snow!”
The salt grains danced down onto the surface of the soup, looking like tiny snowflakes, and the children were overjoyed.
Their innocent laughter made me smile too.
Tifi, surrounded by the children, wore a gentle smile and looked my way.
Seeing her made me feel happy too.
I thought about whether teaching children to indulge was a good idea, but this much should be fine.
That night, Tifi, the priest, and I shared some wine and chatted for a while.
Lifia fell asleep early with the children, and I could hear her soft breathing.
”Were you surprised? My family is an orphanage.”
Tifi asked with a smile.
I was surprised, yes.
I didn’t think the beautiful receptionist at the adventurer’s guild in the royal capital grew up in an orphanage.
”Well, yes.”
When I answered honestly, the priest spoke with a gentle expression.
”She was really diligent since she was a child. She read all the books in the church from cover to cover. Now she’s grown up, and she even sends us money. We’re very grateful.”
The priest’s eyes showed deep love and pride for her.
Tifi smiled shyly, picked up her cup, and looked down.
Her humility is just like her.
”About the farm, we were about to give up, but Mr. Taro came, and we’re really saved. Thank you very much.”
I felt uncomfortable being thanked so much.
I only came here for a selfish reason, I didn’t want to touch goblin ears.
After that, I kept hearing the priest brag about Tifi.
How kind, hardworking, and a great deal she is.
It seems the priest is worried about Tifi’s marriage, whom he raised like his own daughter.
”Hey, Father! It’s not like that yet with Mr. Taro!”
Tifi blushed and hurriedly scolded the priest.
That word “yet” bothered me.
”Yet, huh.” I muttered in my heart, and I couldn’t help but smile. I want it to happen someday.
After that, the priest fell asleep.
It seems he was happy that Tifi brought a man home, and he got drunk on the alcohol he doesn’t usually drink.
After taking the priest to his bedroom, Tifi bowed her head, looking a little embarrassed.
”Um, I’m sorry. About Father’s words.”
I smiled at her thoughtfulness.
”No, it’s okay.”
Actually, I think it’s fine if it happens now, but I didn’t say that.
”Father has always been caring and a little nosy.”
Tifi smiled gently and began to tell a story from the past.
Memories of her days in the orphanage, raised by a strict yet warm priest, flowed out one after another.
Sometimes, as I listened, I could almost see her surrounded by little children.
”Oh, I’m sorry! I keep talking about myself.”
”No, it’s my fault. I don’t have much to share.”
I thought about telling her I came from another world and about my skill called “Love Hotel”──but should I?
”You’re not asking anything, are you?”
Tifi smiled a little shyly.
Even though she wasn’t short on money, she was still an adventurer, and there was her relationship with the hero and with Lifia.
There must be so many things she was curious about.
”Everyone has secrets. I don’t want to force you to share.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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