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 35: A Slightly Old-fashioned Approach

Chapter 35: A Slightly Old-fashioned Approach

“Welcome… how wonderful, what a remarkable gathering we have today…”

As we left the Imperial Academy and immediately opened the door to the Information Guild and Dining Hall, the lady behind the counter widened her eyes upon seeing us. 

However, judging from her demeanor, it seemed like she knew about Ophelia and the Saint as well.

She even saw through my thin disguise, but that’s to be expected in the Information Guild.

“Oh… I didn’t know there was a place like this here.”

“Ufufu, that’s right.”

While Ophelia and the sly saint casually chatted while surveying the interior of the establishment, Clarice, who seemed to have inferred various things from the atmosphere, apologized profusely to us with her hands clasped together.

Hmm… it seems like Clarice is the only one who can read the atmosphere here. 

On the other hand, the sly saint seems to be enjoying the fact that she could disrupt us.

But putting that aside…

“…What is it?”

“Oh, nothing.”

I couldn’t hide my frustration at how effortlessly Batista behaved without seeming to care, even in such a fancy diner.

Can’t he at least show some signs of being unsettled or act a little nervous?

Is it because he’s used to going on dates to places like this?

Listen here, all you handsome guys are enemies to an ugly orc-like me, a forever alone guy. Remember that well.

“So, what would you like to order?”

Without paying any attention to my dark emotions, the lady nonchalantly placed the water on the table, revealing her cleavage once again today. 

I almost stole a glance, but with my previous record, Ilse has been intensely monitoring me, so I’ve been staring at the table since earlier. Is there something wrong?

“Then, I’ll have the ‘Seasonal Fruit Frappuccino’ in Tall size.”

“Very well.”

As I uttered the passphrase called an order, the lady entered the counter with a smile. 

However, perhaps because there are four of us today, she didn’t guide us to the back of the shop.

…It seems like we should come back another time. Ilse seemed to be thinking the same thing as she nodded while looking at me.

And then…

“Sorry for the wait! Here’s your ‘Seasonal Fruit Frappuccino’ in Tall size.”

“Huh!?”

As I looked at the Frappuccinos placed on the table, my eyes widened involuntarily.

There were four Frappuccinos with only one straw each, and one with two straws.

Moreover, the considerate one with two straws was placed in front of me and Ilse…

“Nfufu. This was meant for the two of you, right?”

—Leave it to me! The lady came up with a big, suggestive smile and a thumbs-up. 

Well, of course, I had high expectations for this. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said I’ve been looking forward to today just for this.

But seriously, is it okay to do this when there are other people around?

Especially when Ilse is already labeled as my consolation prize, and if Ophelia and the others misunderstand something, it would be unbearable.

Now, you might think I should ask for a replacement, saying, “This is a mistake.” But I don’t feel like doing that. I was so excited about sharing the Frappuccino with Ilse.

So… I hate Ophelia and the others!

“Mm… I-I see… I have done something unforgivable…”

“Ufufu, that’s right.”

Ophelia finally realized and scratched her head with an apologetic look, while the sly saint smiled as if she knew it from the beginning. If that’s the case, then she should have refrained from the beginning. Clarice seems even more embarrassed, and it makes me feel apologetic in return.

“…If we leave it like this, it will melt, so let’s go ahead and enjoy it.”

Ilse, who seems to have made up her mind, reaches for the straw of the Frappuccino while looking at me with a serious expression.

B-But, it’s so embarrassing to drink together in front of acquaintances…

“That, um, the distance is quite far, isn’t it?”

“Ah… yes, it is.”

“In that case, let’s switch seats.”

Ophelia, who was sitting next to me, suddenly stood up as if being considerate and swapped seats with Ilse, sitting directly in front of me. Now, Ilse and I were seated next to each other, making it easier to drink the Frappuccino, but…

“”…””

The four of them were staring at us intensely, almost as if urging us to drink.

“Louie-sama.”

Calling my name, Ilse nodded with determination. 

Uh… I guess I have to make up my mind.

Ilse and I leaned closer to each other, just like before, and brought the straw close to our mouths. 

Her beautiful face was so close, and at the corner of my vision, the three girls were looking at us with great interest. 

Even the mob Holy Knight, who seemed uninterested, kept glancing at us while trying to act nonchalant, which was annoying.

But…

“…”

I just couldn’t take my eyes off Ilse. 

After all, I was doing something like this with such a wonderful girl.

While gazing into each other’s eyes, Ilse and I took a sip of the Frappuccino…

“I-Ilse!”

“Yes…!”

We accidentally forgot to drink the Frappuccino and instead focused on the coaster that was placed on the table.

There, it said:

[We have accepted your request.]