The Guy Who Doesn't Want to Be Found vs. The Girls Who Want to Know Who He Is - Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Joyful News

“Alright, let’s start with the prep work.”

I took out the shrimp, lotus root, pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, and sweet potatoes I had gathered earlier. First, I peeled the shrimp, removed the vein, washed them under water, and then dried them off.

Next, I made a small cut along the belly of each shrimp and pressed down to stretch them out. This prevents them from curling up when cooked. Then I washed the lotus root, scrubbed off the mud, and peeled it.

I cut off the stems of the shiitake mushrooms, removed the seeds and pulp from the pumpkin and cut it in half. Then I cut it further into quarters, and sliced the lotus root and sweet potatoes about 1 cm thick.

“By the way, we’re now ranked 9.”

“Wow, that’s great. Congratulations!”

“Thanks. We got it yesterday when we went to the guild.”

It seems that while we were messing around yesterday, these guys had moved up to rank 9. Reaching rank 9 almost grants you a free pass in most countries, and you get access to significant national secrets.

Having a rank 9 adventurer in a country brings it closer to the “Five Great United Nations.” As a country, they are a coveted asset.

“So, what will you do now? Serve this country?”

“No, we’re not into formal stuff, so we decided to pass.”

“Huh. But you were approached, right?”

“Well, yes.”

So they did get approached. It seems like reaching rank 9 splits people into those who would serve the country and those who find it too troublesome. It looks like these guys are the latter.

“Well, you guys are going to be busy from now on.”

“Hmm, not really. Adventurers are free to take or not take quests. That doesn’t change no matter who brings the requests.”

I chat while making the batter for tempura. I dip the ingredients into the batter and fry them in oil. Meanwhile, I prepare a sauce using sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and water.

“Glenn, it’s bubbling.”

“Oh? Let’s see… Yes, it looks good.”

I check if the rice is cooked properly and then serve it in bowls. I place the freshly fried tempura on top and drizzle with the sauce.

“Here, my special tempura bowl. It’s hot, so be careful.”

“It’s… incredibly beautiful.”

“Yeah. And it looks really tasty.”

“Thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”

“…”

Everyone shares their thoughts on the tempura bowl. Liz looks like she’s about to drool, hardly able to wait.

“Let’s eat. …Yes! It’s crispy and delicious!”

“…Mmm!! It’s delicious. Really delicious.”

Liz takes a bite and her face shows surprise, but soon she looks blissful and enjoys it eagerly. The others feel the same.

>>>>>>

“Ah, that was filling.”

“It was delicious. Thank you.”

“It was very tasty. Thank you very much.”

“Thanks. I’ll return the favor next time.”

“That was really beautiful. At first, I felt it was almost too good to eat.”

“That’s great. As long as it tasted good, that’s what matters.”

I was eating and cooling off near the river when Alice sat down a little away from me. After a while, she turned to me and spoke.

“By the way, did you know? The country is looking for information on that person with the white mask.”

I felt a jolt in my heart upon hearing Alice’s words, but I managed to keep my cool.

“R-Really? I wonder why.”

“It’s because that person took down a ‘named’ monster. It’s pretty much expected.”

“That sounds serious.”

“I think the guild will announce it to everyone by tomorrow.”

“What if the person with the mask has a reason to hide their identity and doesn’t want to be discovered?”

I asked a more probing question. Alice smiled calmly and replied.

“If that’s the case, I’d definitely give up. I’d even try to cancel the request for information from the country. It’s unfortunate, though.”

I felt relieved to hear that. One of the reasons I hide my identity is to avoid this kind of trouble with the government.

“But, why are you so concerned about this, Glenn?”

“Eh?…”

Alice slowly moved closer. I was frozen, unable to move due to her unexpected question.

“…could it be… you are—”

“—”

I could feel my heart beating faster. What kind of expression was I making? Did she figure it out? Just then.

“…What are you two doing?”

“Nothing… it’s nothing.”

Liz arrived just in time. By the way, Stella and Carla were peacefully napping.

Liz… I’m really grateful.

“I think I’ll take a short nap too.”

Saying that, Alice got up and headed towards where the other two were sleeping.

“Phew, thanks, Liz.”

“Mm, you were so close… what were you talking about?”

“About what we’re going to do tomorrow.”

I decided to lie. Sorry, but I can’t let the truth slip.

“Hmm, okay then.”

“Don’t you want to sleep with everyone else?”

“No, I’m not really sleepy.”

“Is that so? Then let’s cool off here for a bit.”

We decided to relax by the river. The sound of the flowing water was soothing and relaxing. Also, Liz? You’re really close.

“Well, it’s okay.”

“? What is?”

“Never mind, it’s nothing.”

And so, we spent another peaceful day. We returned to town in the evening.