* * *

“You’ve never thought about it?”

Was it because he liked everything, so he didn’t need to pick a favorite?

But he definitely liked sweets.

When I gave him cream bread, he devoured it so enthusiastically that he got crumbs all over his face.

He also scarfed down cookies bigger than his hand in two bites.

And this time, the sweetest thing—the tart—got the biggest reaction.

Maybe he’s embarrassed about liking sweets?

They could come off as indulgent and might not match his austere demeanor.

Growing up in a temple that valued frugality, he might have developed an aversion to extravagance.

It made sense, but I still wanted to confirm his preferences.

“But you like sweets, right? Like cream bread or tarts?”

“If I have a choice, I’d go for something with sugar in it.”

Zerbin answered.

Sugar meant sweetness, so this was a yes, right?

“Because it keeps me full longer.”

“…”

Oh.

“Uh….”

So that’s why?

It wasn’t that he enjoyed sweets—it was because sugary foods were efficient at keeping him satiated.

Aha. Sugar really is nutrient-dense, huh?

Worth the price, I guess!

‘But that’s not what I meant!’

I was shocked.

So Zerbin wasn’t particularly fond of food; he just ate pragmatically.

Choosing sweets wasn’t about taste but practicality.

I had completely misunderstood.

Before the regression, the quiet and reserved Zerbin’s only active pursuit had seemed to be eating.

Naturally, I assumed he had a passion for food.

When he discovered rations, especially sweets, his reaction always changed.

How could I not jump to conclusions?

Even knowing his physiology, it didn’t occur to me that his choices were purely for efficiency.

Ugh. So my attempts to tempt him with delicious restaurants were utterly pointless?

How embarrassing.

“Then… you’re not really into tasty food?”

Zerbin nodded, leaving me feeling downhearted.

The part of him I’d thought was so human turned out to be just another calculated move.

It was disheartening to realize how rigidly this hero lived his life.

Was there really nothing he enjoyed?

How could someone save the world so passionately without any joy in life?

I was truly discouraged.

“Sorry for bothering you. I must’ve been annoying, going on about this and that when you don’t even care much for food. I just thought you were interested because you seemed to enjoy eating.”

I thought I’d earned some points, but what if I actually lost some instead?

I can’t figure out what Zerbin sees in me that makes him treat me so kindly.

I’m such a mess, always making mistakes.

How could I possibly be any help to the hero’s party?

Zerbin shook his head.

“Really?”

Startled, I asked.

He wasn’t just saying that to console me because I looked so dejected, was he?

The thought slipped into my mind, and I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.

Why would Zerbin, of all people, go out of his way to say something uncharacteristically nice just because I felt a little down?

The hero being a bit nice to me has gone straight to my head.

“I wouldn’t say I like gourmet food, but I don’t dislike it either,” Zerbin said calmly.

The dry tone of his voice was oddly reassuring.

To him, the little misunderstanding I had was no big deal, nothing to even stir his emotions.

“I just don’t see the point in wasting time on a meal when I can eat something cheap and filling instead.”

Cheap and filling.

It’s a practical mindset if you’re trying to save money.

But you’re the king of adventurers!

That’s not an official title, of course, but everyone agrees you’re the best of the best.

Even nobles drop their pride and call on you when they have a problem that absolutely must be solved.

With that level of renown and reward money, you’re really skimping on food expenses?

Then what are you spending your money on?

“But doesn’t eating something delicious make you feel happy?” I ventured carefully.

“……”

Zerbin stared at me.

His lack of response made me nervous.

“It takes time,” he finally said, as if dropping the words without care.

Again with the abrupt, context-free statements.

I wanted to pester him to explain more, but who am I to demand that?

‘But he didn’t deny it, did he?’

That means eating something delicious does make him feel happy.

At least, that’s a relief.

It takes time… So, he means it’s too much effort to find and eat something tasty?

Finding food that suits your palate does require trying a lot of different things.

Wandering around multiple restaurants just for one satisfying meal is admittedly troublesome.

Maybe, for Zerbin, the time wasted outweighs the joy of eating something delicious.

But!

That means!

“So, what you’re saying is, while you don’t want to waste your time hunting down good food, you’d eat it if I bought it for you, right?”

“……”

“You didn’t deny that eating something tasty makes you feel good, so you do feel happier eating something better than just cheap, filling food, right? Isn’t that it?”

Ah, thank goodness!

No wonder he always followed me whenever I introduced a restaurant!

It seems like taking him to good places wasn’t entirely off the mark after all.

A smile finally crept back onto my face.

I heard a faint chuckle.

Was that laughter…?

‘Did he just laugh? Or am I imagining things?’

It was the same last time.

Zerbin’s expressions hardly ever change, so it’s hard to tell if he’s smiling or not.

I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

Besides, there’s no reason for him to be laughing in the first place.

“Yeah.”

Yes! Permission granted!

I felt incredibly happy.

“Thanks!”

“You’re grateful for the strangest things,” Zerbin said with a hint of disdain, but I couldn’t help but feel good.

I mean, it’s just that…

“I feel happy if I can be of any help to you.”

“……”

I can’t presume to know how satisfied Zerbin is with his life, but based on what I’ve observed since my return, his life revolves around training, maintaining his gear, and fulfilling requests.

Even though he must be swimming in money, he doesn’t indulge in any luxuries.

It’s beyond strict—borderline excessive, even for someone raised in a temple that values frugality.

Living without any leisure like that…

How could he ever realize what love is?

I can’t help but think that Zerbin needs to slow down and enjoy life more.

Maybe then he’d soften up, even just a little.

Not that it’s all about love, but he’d definitely be happier.

I just wish I could help Zerbin in some way, even if only a little.

* * *