Percy POV
“I’m nineteen now, and apparently it’s about time I settled down or I’ll start looking bad in society.
Could you recommend any single guys from the barracks or among your male acquaintances?”
What did Nico-sama just say?
“Are you listening?”
“Y-yes.”
Damn it, I’m flustered.
Still, I never realized Nico-sama and I were the same age.
Somehow, that makes me happy.
……No, this isn’t the time for such thoughts.
If things continue like this, Nico-sama will end up with some man.
Hating that idea is my selfishness.
Even if I have no chance with her, I’d at least want to entrust her to a trustworthy man I know.
“Having no luck with men until this age means I’m not attractive enough.
So, I’d want someone who isn’t too picky.”
“Not attractive? Absolutely not!
Nico-sama is a sincere and wonderful person!
You continue your research for the country every night until late, and on your days off, you write books for future scholars!
You develop alchemical medicines until your hands crack, and your alchemy lectures draw so many alchemists from across the nation that they fill the room!
And there’s more…”
“Ah, ah. Thank you.
Even if it’s flattery, it makes me happy… Well then, I’m busy, so I’ll be going.”
Despite my rant, Nico-sama abruptly stood up and hurriedly left.
Ugh… Did I make her dislike me?
Nah, it’s fine.
I hated seeing Nico-sama looking so lonely and putting herself down like that.
I stood up and decided to leave the shop too.
My heart felt unsettled.
Times like this, I should just go back to the castle and train.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
Tomita (Cat) POV
“Ah, Nico! Welcome back!
You know what? That traveling merchant guy gave me a huge discount on pepper earlier!
So tonight’s dinner is Killer Boa Salt and Pepper Grill!
It’s so good!”
“Ah, sorry, Nell-chan.
I ate out already.”
Nell’s face falls. She really wanted to share the joy.
Still, Mac-kun’s face looks red.
Is it a cold?
He… I mean, she is always pulling all-nighters.
Maybe she’s just worn out.
Just in case, I’ll cast [Heal] on her.
I cast [Heal] several times, but it had no effect. Since I couldn’t figure out why, I used [Appraisal].
But I couldn’t find anything that looked like an illness.
It’s concerning, but it’s fine if it’s not an illness.
“…Heh heh.”
Mac-kun suddenly laughs for some reason.
That’s creepy.
What on earth is going on?
Mac-kun was like this the entire day today.