The Guy Who Doesn't Want to Be Found vs. The Girls Who Want to Know Who He Is - Chapter 25: Bedtime

Chapter 25: Bedtime

“It was delicious, thank you.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

After finishing our lunch, we boarded the carriage to continue our journey. I’m pleased it was tasty, especially since I made it to suit my own taste, which might not be everyone’s preference.

“By the way… Liz?”

“W-What?”

“Nothing major, but have you been avoiding me?”

“No need to worry about it, Glenn.”

“Yeah? Ok.”

Well, everyone has their thoughts, and it’s probably best to leave it at that. I’ll enjoy the scenery for now.

“Liz, is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just my feelings, so Carla, you don’t need to worry.”

“Okay, if you say so.”

Carla and Liz are whispering about something. I’m not clueless enough to intrude on a private conversation between girls.

“It’s getting dark; maybe we should stop the carriage here.”

“I agree.”

“I think that’s a good idea.”

“Me too.”

“Glenn, is that okay with you?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, that’s fine.”

I didn’t expect they’d ask me, but indeed, it’s getting dark and it seems safe to stop here for the night.

“Shall I make dinner then?”

“Are you going to cook something?”

As I thought about what to cook, Carla spoke up.

“Well, I can pretty much guess what’ll happen if I just make it for myself.”

“Thank you.”

Carla thanked me with a bow.

“Don’t mention it.”

“Fufu, you really are an odd one.”

“I’m just normal.”

While we chatted about trivial things, I thought about what to cook. Curry seemed like a good choice for now. 

I pulled out the ingredients and tools from my familiar magic bag and started cooking. Today, it’s a simple curry with potatoes, carrots, onions, and meat.

“It smells good.”

“Is it ready?”

“I’ve sorted out my feelings for now.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Liz seems to be feeling much better compared to lunch. She’s drawn by the delicious smell. Just need to cook the rice, then it’ll be all done. I’ll make extra just in case.

“Okay, it’s ready. Liz, please take it over to everyone.”

“Got it.”

Good, she’s cooperative. Liz takes the curry I served and starts handing it out to everyone.

“Yeah, it tastes good.”

“Do you cook often, Glenn?”

“Well, it’s a mix. Sometimes I cook, and other times I eat out.”

I answer Alice’s question. If I’m craving something specific, I’ll cook, but if it feels like too much hassle, I just eat out.

“How about you cook for us sometimes, and we’ll pay?”

“I don’t mind doing it occasionally.”

“Every day is a no-go?”

“That would be too much for me.”

“That’s too bad.”

Liz looked a bit down as she murmured, apparently she was serious.

“Alright, we’ve eaten, so how about a bath?”

“”Eh…?””

“Huh?”

Why are they surprised? It’s normal to take a bath after eating, right? Or did they get the order wrong? Are they the type who cares about that?

“Do you actually have a bath prepared, Glenn?”

“Huh? Well, it’s a makeshift one.”

“How do you manage that?”

“Just normally.”

Alice kept asking me questions. It seems like she wanted to get into the bath quickly.

“Well, first, I set up this drum underneath by placing some items to lift it slightly and then fill it with water.”

“Huh, that’s an interesting setup.”

Somehow, I ended up explaining everything to everyone. It’s no hassle since I’m setting up the drum bath anyway.

“Then, I light a fire underneath to heat it up. I put this wooden grid in to prevent burns if you get in while it’s too hot.”

“That’s really innovative.”

“After it gets warm, you can hop in.”

“Glenn… can we all use it too?”

“I thought you’d ask. I’ll set up the tent, so you guys go ahead and use it first.”

“Thank you.”

“Really appreciate it.”

“We owe you one.”

“Glenn is always so kind.”

“Well, you’re welcome.”

Then, I start setting up the tent. I’d prefer to be the first to bathe, but it’s okay to wait sometimes. Sometimes giving up is also important.

“The tent is set up, and I’ve laid out the futons and pillows. We’re all set for sleep.”

“Glenn, everyone’s done with the bath.”

“Ah, then maybe I’ll go in now.”

So, I go to soak in the bath to ease the day’s fatigue. It’s a simple setup, but just being in the water makes a big difference in how relaxed I feel.

“Ah, I should definitely go on a hot spring tour someday.”

After the bath, all that’s left is to sleep. There’s nothing else to do today, so I can sleep without a worry.

“Looks like I’ll sleep well tonight.”

“Um, Glenn.”

“…”

“Hey, I’m talking to you.”

“What is it, Liz?”

I had a bad feeling and tried to ignore her at first, but since she grabbed my clothes, I decided to ask what she needed. I just want to sleep.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s about the futon. It’s so fluffy. Where did you buy it?”

“I made it myself.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Wait a minute. Did you just enter someone’s tent without permission? Hey, what about my privacy?

“I want to sleep here.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Yes, it’s a problem. This is my tent. Yours is over there, right?”

“But it’s too hard over there, and I can’t sleep well.”

“Hmm.”

Well, it’s hard to outright refuse a friend’s request. But if I let Liz stay in my tent, the other members might kill me.

What should I do?

“Why don’t you all use this tent then?”

“Really? Is that okay?”

“But make sure you ask the other members if it’s okay.”

“Alright. I’ll go ask them.”

After a while, Liz came back with the other party members.

“They said it’s okay.”

“Are you sure we can sleep here?”

“Wow, it’s so fluffy!”

Stella touched the futon and looked surprised.

“Thank you for everything.”

“It’s no big deal. I’m used to taking care of troublesome people, thanks to my sister.”

“Sister?”

“Hm? Liz, is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

Her face says otherwise; she looks really upset. What’s the problem? Did she not like being treated like a younger sister?

“Well, I’ll sleep in the other tent then. Goodnight.”

“”Goodnight”” 

“Goodnight.”

I went to the other tent, took out a sleeping bag from my magic bag, and went to sleep.