“Since we’re in the capital, would it be okay if we throw a party with our friends before we head back?”
After completing the job with the artifact Dieter had given me in advance, I received a generous reward in gold.
Although “generous” is a noble’s term—it was actually nearly half of what I’d saved up my entire life.
With that kind of money, I couldn’t help but want to splurge a little!
I mean, I can save the rest for saving the world later.
“If it’s just for a day.”
“Thank you, I love you!”
Even Bati, who usually preferred being alone, must’ve wanted to show appreciation to the friends who helped him this time.
One day was more than enough.
I wasn’t planning to stay in leisure mode too long, either.
This job had brought us many gains, but it also took a lot of time.
Now, only three months remained until the Demon King’s invasion.
As monsters grew more aggressive, people were beginning to feel uneasy, unsure of what might happen.
Once I returned to Swindlin, I planned to regroup with the adventurers I knew and properly prepare for what would come after the invasion.
Even if no one believes I’ve returned from the future, Bati’s with me—so we’ll make it work somehow.
Still, today is a happy day, so I’ll think about all that later!
“Where should we hold the party? Rent out a tavern and go wild drinking and eating? Or hit up a famous high-end restaurant and splurge on something insanely expensive?”
“Do whatever you want.”
A casual response, as if anything was fine. But I know that’s not how he really feels.
Because Bati loves good food, doesn’t he?
Thanks to me, he can’t eat bad food anymore.
He used to eat whatever filled his stomach, but now—definitely because of me—his tastes have leveled up.
How do I know that for sure?
Because when we were sneaking through noble mansions, Bati never once let me cook.
Not once.
Even when I insisted I wanted to, saying practice would help me improve.
Normally, Bati would give in to my puppy-dog eyes if I begged that much…
I even winked, kissed, and did my best cute act!
But he must’ve really not wanted to eat something I might mess up.
Now that I think about it, he eats a lot—it’s only natural he wouldn’t want to eat a huge portion of something terrible.
Realizing that made me a little sad.
Why have I never gotten a chance to cook for him?
“Let’s go to the fancy restaurant, then.”
But that’s fine!
If I can’t cook, I’ll just feed him delicious food made by someone else.
Everyone has their strengths, right? Bati’s the one who taught me that!
“You’ve never been to one of those noble-exclusive restaurants, right? They’re absurdly expensive but also insanely good.”
I’ve only been a couple of times myself when I had jobs from nobles.
It’s a ridiculous world where even a glass of water has a price tag.
They sprinkle gold leaf or decorate with jewels just for a meal—my hands used to shake just cutting the meat.
Naturally, they’re wildly expensive, but the “Today’s Special Course,” made with rare ingredients, was so delicious I kept thinking about it for a whole week afterward.
If Bati’s become a foodie, he has to try it.
Sure, it might seem like a luxury in a world on the brink of destruction—but doesn’t the hero who’ll save everyone deserve a treat like this?
He needs fuel too.
“I haven’t been, but…”
Bati trailed off.
He didn’t say yes outright, but that kind of reaction meant he did want to go.
“Perfect! Then I’ll make a reservation for a big group. If I ask Dieter to recommend a place, we can’t go wrong.”
“Alright. Do that.”
See?
He’s smiling.
A faint smile spread across his stiff lips.
He wants to eat something good, but still can’t bring himself to just say so.
Probably because he’s never directly expressed what he wants—whether to the temple or to Gaspar.
And with someone like him, I don’t really feel like demanding he be more straightforward either.
Even now, conversations with Bati aren’t understood by the words themselves, but by reading between the lines.
Still, it’s not as frustrating as it used to be.
I’ve come to understand him better now… and more importantly, I know that even if I misread him and make a mistake, our relationship won’t fall apart because of it.
Because Bati loves me.
Even if I hadn’t picked a restaurant and had instead rented out a pub, Bati would’ve been happy just to be having a meal together in a cheerful setting.
Because he likes me.
Being with me makes him happy.
Knowing you’re loved by the one you love—that’s something truly joyful.
I can’t help but smile too.
But suddenly, the warmth in his expression vanished.
His gaze, which had been fixed on me, turned away sharply.
Wondering what was going on, I followed his line of sight.
And then I heard it—frantic footsteps rushing toward us.
The distance quickly closed.
“Hahh… haah… p-please, someone… help…”
What the—?
A hoarse voice rasped out a desperate plea.
He must’ve screamed so much his throat was torn up.
A failed adventurer?
Or someone being chased?
A chase—here, in the middle of the city?
“Please… someone… haah, cough!”
As the ragged figure approached, people screamed and jumped out of the way.
Only then could I make out who it was causing all the commotion.
“…Gaspar?”
Even saying his name, I wasn’t sure.
The golden hair, once like threads of spun sunlight, was matted and soaked in blood.
His skin was rough, his once-bright expression completely gone.
His face was haggard beyond recognition.
He limped badly, staggering forward, barely keeping upright.
It was obvious his body had no strength left—like he hadn’t eaten properly in days.
I had hoped for his downfall, sure.
But I never imagined I’d run into him like this, looking so utterly wrecked.
Had he been strutting around relying on noble connections, only to miss a debt payment and get dragged off to some back-alley thugs’ basement?
It’s no secret that the real business in those alleys runs through nobles.
A down-and-out adventurer like him ending up shredded isn’t surprising.
Honestly, I didn’t even feel sorry for him.
What I did worry about was—
“Haah… B-Bati?”
“……”
—Bati’s reaction.
“Bati…! You, you were in the capital…! That’s right!”
At the sight of his former student, a faint light returned to Gaspar’s dim green eyes.
He tried to run toward Bati, only to collapse to the dirt with a twisted knee.
It looked painful, but instead of groaning, he forced himself back up with effort.
“I’m so, so sorry… I was wrong, truly… Bati…”
I thought, ‘Serves you right.’
But what about Bati?
Wouldn’t he feel something, seeing someone he once trusted in this state?
Wouldn’t he pity him?
If Bati still had feelings for Gaspar… if he wanted to help him—
‘What then?’
I suddenly tensed.
I couldn’t see Bati’s face.
If that happens, as his lover, I have to stop him.
Gaspar is toxic—he’d never be good for Bati.
Even if he seems grateful now for being saved, he’ll show his true colors the moment things get better.
Even if he knows Bati doesn’t love him anymore, he’ll exploit the fact that Bati doesn’t want to see him suffer.
Scumbags like him twist people’s kindness and squeeze it dry.
Then, when there’s nothing left, they move on to the next victim.
There’s no way I can let him cling to Bati again.
