The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 33: Let's Drink Together Again

Chapter 33: Let’s Drink Together Again

We left the diner (Information Guild) and made our way back to the main street through a narrow alley. The sky was already dyed a deep crimson, and if we didn’t hurry, it might be nighttime by the time we returned to the academy.

However…

“…”

“……”

Ilse and I had been staring at our tall-sized ‘Seasonal Fruit Frappuccinos’ in our hands since earlier.

“Ah, ahaha… I guess having two straws means we should drink it together, right?”

“Yes, I think that’s exactly it. I can’t think of any other reason.”

Ilse, gazing intently at the Frappuccino, seemed slightly excited.

Well, in my past life, Frappuccinos from a famous café chain were popular among girls. Ilse is a girl too, so it’s not surprising she’s curious about it.

“W-Well, um… It’s a bit hard to drink while walking like this, so maybe we should find a place to sit and drink…”

“! Yes, let’s definitely do that!”

And so, as we searched for a suitable place to sit somewhere along the way…

“Oh, how about there?”

“Yes.”

In the middle of the main street, there was a large fountain conveniently placed, so we decided to sit on its edge.

“P-Please, go ahead…”

“Yes… Thank you very much…”

Carefully, I placed a handkerchief on the edge of the fountain for Ilse to sit on, and I sat down next to her.

Although I had zero practical experience, I never neglected studying and simulating for moments like these.

I’m glad the how-to books I read in my past life didn’t go to waste.

“T-Then…”

“Yes…”

Due to nervousness, my throat made a gulp sound even though I hadn’t put my lips on the straw yet. But… that sound just now, did Ilse also swallow her saliva…?

And then…

“”!””

O-Oh, this is delicious! I didn’t expect much from the Information Guild’s Frappuccino, but this is addictive.

“Ilse, it’s delicious, isn’t it?”

“Yes!”

As I conveyed that with a smile, Ilse returned the same smile. 

She looks so beautiful, illuminated by the evening sun, and she’s right here next to me… Is this some kind of miracle?

Even though I’m destined to die as an “ugly orc” if things continue like this, still, I’m glad I was reincarnated into this world. Because, with Ilse being so cute, staying by my side as my attendant…

“U-Um… Louie, sama…?”

“Heh…? Oh, um, sorry…”

Ilse called out to me with a slightly troubled expression, and as soon as I snapped back to reality, I turned my face away, overwhelmed by embarrassment.

Ah, no… My face must be completely red right now…

But… it’s fun. 

For Ilse, it’s probably just part of her duties as an attendant, but it feels like we’re really on a date.

I’ve never actually been on a date before.

W-well, I’ve read a lot of scenes like this in romantic comedy novels and manga, and I’ve even experienced them in anime and games. When it comes to knowledge, I’m not lacking.

“Yeah… It really feels like we’re on a date, doesn’t it?”

Unable to contain my happiness, I let my face bloom with a smile once again… but.

“Um, um… Ilse, what’s wrong?”

“A-a-aah…”

For some reason, Ilse was flustered, her face turning even redder than the evening sun, and her indigo eyes were incredibly moist. 

Dangerous. She’s hundreds of times… no, billions of times cuter than any love comedy heroine in an anime adaptation.

Is this the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional… Wait, Ilse was originally a heroine from a doujin eroge, so she’s two-dimensional… No, no, this is reality, so she’s three-dimensional… Hmm, which is it?

However…

“”Ah…””

Both Ilse and I gazed at the empty bottom of the paper cup and let out a sigh.

The enjoyable time came to an end as soon as the Frappuccino ran out.

“Ahahaha! Since it’s gone, let’s head back to the dormitory!”

To distract from the feeling of loneliness, I put on a bright, exaggerated smile and spoke loudly.

Then…

―Squeeze

“Oh…”

“I-It’s just… until we get back, it’s still a date, so…”

With a bashful expression, Ilse held my hand. 

W-Wait, did she just say ‘date’…?

“A-Alright, let’s go back! If we stay out too late, it’ll affect tomorrow morning’s training!”

“Ah, wait!?”

I was pulled along forcefully, hastily aligning my steps beside her.

I-I think it was probably a misunderstanding, but still… If by some chance, Ilse thought the same way… I-I’d be really happy.

“Ilse.”

“Y-Yes…”

“The next time we go to the Information Guild, let’s have Frappuccinos together again.”

“Yes… definitely. It’s a promise, okay…?”

“Yeah…”

As Ilse and I tightly held each other’s hands, we walked back home a bit slower than usual.