The royal capital Chloe is dyed madder red at the day's end.
I walked back to the inn after passing the exam.
Then I noticed a signboard [Reserved Today] put in the front.
I thought it was strange, when I went inside, it had become a party venue.
Tables are put in the center of the tavern forming a big one.
Many dishes on large platters are put on them. A one meter long fish, butter roasted shellfish, chicken karage, unknown meat on skewers with vegetables.
Appetizing steams are rising from every one of them.
The tavern old man who came out bringing a large platter filled with meatballs glazed with sweet sauce laughed heartily when he saw me.
"Oh, you're back! Everyone, here comes the leading actor!"
Celica smiled.
"Welcome back, Keika-sama."
"Keika Onii-chan... welcome back."
Minya was expressionless, but I'd like to think that she was smiling in her heart.
The other guests also congratulated me. A pair of man and woman who look like adventurers approach.
"Congratulations."
"Coming at third, you're amazing."
"Thank you."
For some reason being congratulated by people who don't know the truth feel embarrassing.
Celica comes to my side while swaying her hair. A white blouse and a red skirt. Since she's not wearing her armor, her breasts shake just from her walking.
She puts her hands on her big breast and sighs in admiration.
"Keika-sama is really amazing to come in third for the written exam."
Celica's smile was full of sense of respect.
The third place is a result of a fixed exam though, I thought as I scratched my head.
"It's thanks to Celica's support."
"No such thing, I only helped a little. The actual study time was only two days."
I wonder what my actual ranking is.
When I have some free time someday, I'll threaten the bald old man to tell me.
Celica's sparkling blue eyes are looking straight at me.
"Let's keep this up. I will lend Keika-sama as much power as possible."
"You've been quite the help already. Thank you."
I pat her head. Feeling her pleasant blond hair.
She smiled like she was about to cry, 'hauu', her whole face to her ears is red in embarrassment.
The old man raises his voice while smiling broadly.
"Now, eat eat! We still have many dishes! Drink all you want!"
WAAA~, the tavern is full of shouts of joy.
The old man goes in and out of the kitchen busily. I want to talk to him, but it seems he can't afford to.
I call the old man when he passes me once.
"Let's have a talk later."
"Got it."
After affirming that, the old man went into the kitchen once again.
In his place, Minya came out with some fruits and went to my side. She presents a red fruit that looks like plum to me.
"This... tasty. For onii-chan."
"Thanks. --Hm, is this sweet?"
Minya nodded. Her ears are standing upright, paying attention.
I took a bite. Fruit juice overflows. It's sweet yet the citrus-like fragrance that spreads in my mouth quenches my throat.
"It's really tasty."
"Red juice, stain on cloth is bad.... watch out."
"Got it. It tastes good, but the color sure looks odious."
According to Truth Sight, this seems to be 【Rubera Fruit】. There's no particular effect. Besides its producing area and price, it's only written that it's tasty and juicy.
I bite it once again in relief. While being careful with the red juice.
"....Keika Onii-chan."
"Hm? What is it?"
Minya stares up with her big black eyes while keeping silent. Her ears twitched. Her black tail is shaking like it's undulating.
And then she speaks up.
"Become a hero, beat, bad people."
"Is that your wish?"
"Un."
Her tail flexibly stood up. As if showing her determination, it's slightly shaking.
"Understood. In my name, I will grant thee thine wish."
"....Thank you, onii-chan."
With slightly reddened cheeks, she went back to the kitchen with her tail still standing up.
And the buffet party continued.
The other guests are eating and drinking while having pleasant chats. I listened to various useful stories about monsters, dungeons and the hero exams that come after this from many adventurers.
The sweet fruit wine I drink at times pleasantly pervades my body.
Celica keeps accompanying me and diligently brings me alcohol and dishes.
"I've brought some Fido Grill."
"Oh. Thanks. ....Om...yup, this nostalgic taste is good. --Rather, Celica, you won't be able to eat if you keep serving me."
"It's alright, there's so much food, I can eat later...."
"These Takoyaki and Fido Grill won't taste as good when they're cold--here."
"He!?"
I push the bitten Fido grill in front of Celica.
Her eyes are wide open.
"What's wrong? Look, the inside is the tastiest."
"No, well... um."
Her shapely eyebrows are lowered, she looks troubled.
I move the Fido Grill closer to her cute mouth.
"Here, aan."
"Au.... A-aan."
She closes her eyes with the long eyelashes.
She opens her red lips elegantly and takes a bite.
And then, her moist blue eyes look up at me while her small mouth is chewing.
The gently-sloping cheeks are tinged with red as if she's just taken a bath.
....I wonder why.
It felt like I was bullying her even though I was just feeding her.
But, since I want her to eat them before they're cold, I push another dish after tasting it once. She groaned, "Uu", like she was about to cry.
We ate one Fido Grill together alternately.
However, she declined the last bite shaking her head and crouched down on the floor. Her blond hair is spread on her thin back.
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