Chapter 1: A New Life
“What... what does this mean?”
I can't understand it. Why am I a wanted man? Why am I being treated like a major criminal...? We challenged the world’s worst dungeon at the direct request of the Kingdom.
I was happy to be back. The only thing that kept my will to live alive in the <Abyss Sanctum> was the belief that I could return one day and reunite with everyone.
And yet, this is the treatment waiting for me. I don't get it. Was someone trying to frame me...? Or, could it be that my party members betrayed me? The truth behind it is a mystery to me.
“I’m... just...”
But... I’m tired. I’m completely exhausted. My long hair has turned stark white from the extreme stress. I don't even have the energy left to chase the truth.
Ah—I see.
At that moment, I realized it clearly. Something that had held firm even in that historical nightmare of a labyrinth had finally snapped.
I don't remember what I did after that. I just wandered aimlessly, putting one foot in front of the other.
Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that my appearance had completely changed over these five years. My voice had also become much deeper. No one would look at me now and think I was <Hero Haruto>. Not even my former companions would likely notice.
There was no longer any place for me in this world──.
Before I knew it, I was standing in a back alley of the Royal Capital. Hardly anyone was in the shadows of the stone buildings. But then, a piece of paper caught my eye.
<Apprentice Baker Wanted - Urgent>
On a worn-out bulletin board, several job postings were haphazardly layered. Out of all of them, this one strangely drew my attention.
<Location: Roten Shop: Boulangerie Roten>
<Live-in possible - No experience required - Bread lovers welcome>
Unlike the surrounding posts for mercenary work from the Adventurer's Guild or waitstaff jobs, this particular flyer was oddly eye-catching. On the parchment was a small illustration of freshly baked bread—a plump round roll with lines indicating steam.
The taste of hardtack suddenly comes to mind. The times we laughed about our hunger during our journey. And how that hard bread became my hope for survival in the dungeon. Those small memories were the only certain things left to me now.
“...Roten, huh.”
I slowly peeled off the job posting. As if running away, yet somehow being guided, I began to walk.
“Hey, did you hear about the monster damage lately?”
“A <Named> appeared nearby, right?”
“Yeah. The Guild apparently dubbed it the <Calamity Fang Beast, Olgu>. High-ranking adventurers are supposedly being wiped out by it.”
“...I wonder if the Capital will even stay peaceful.”
I thought I heard such talk, but I headed toward Roten without paying it any mind. Since I had no money for a carriage, I went on foot. It’s a small town located across the hilly region north of the Capital. It takes about three hours by carriage; on foot, it would probably take more than half a day.
I walked on, my mind blank. Believing there was a future for me at the end of this path. This job posting was my final support.
I took a shortcut through the forest, but there, I sensed the presence of a massive monster.
'──Grrrrrrrrrr...'
The monster let out a low growl, glaring intensely at me. A pitch-black beast over five meters in length. It had miasmic bone protrusions on its back and possessed the trait of driving surrounding monsters into a frenzy with a single roar.
This was a monster that existed in the <Abyss Sanctum> too... but why was it here? Because I returned, has the gate not fully closed yet? No, I should stop... thinking deeply about it. I was so worn out that I couldn't even manage deep thought anymore.
Right now, I just needed to remove the obstacle in front of me. I reached out toward the monster charging at me and deployed magic.
In an instant.
A bolt of pure white light pierced the opponent, causing it to vanish completely.
“...Let's go.”
Without a backward glance at the defeated monster, I continued walking. Since I was heading to an interview, I did my best to tidy up my appearance along the way. I washed my clothes in a nearby river, along with my hair and body. I dried everything instantly with magic and used a dagger to cut my long hair, trimming it as best I could.
Yeah. Well, this should be fine for my appearance.
“This is the place...”
Finally, I arrived in Roten. The sound of people's gentle voices and the savory aroma of baking bread drifted through the cobblestone streets. In the central plaza, there was a bell tower acting as a clock tower, ringing with a clear tone. Most of the roofs were made of reddish-brown tiles, and the streets lined with wooden buildings partially covered in moss gave off a sense that time itself flowed slowly here.
Ah. Not bad. This tranquility felt like it could heal my soul.
The place I was looking for was the bakery called <Boulangerie Roten>. It was down a small cobblestone alleyway, one street over from Roten's main thoroughfare. At the end of it stood an old two-story wooden building.
“This is it.”
I open the door and enter the shop. A small bell rings with a gentle tinkle, and a female staff member greets me with a smile. She is a girl with pale chestnut hair cut at the jawline, appearing to be a few years younger than me.
“Welcome!”
On the shelves, freshly baked bread was quietly lined up. Round rolls. Herb-crusted bread sticks. Sweet buns kneaded with berries. Loaves of white bread. Just looking at them, the wonderful aroma assured me they were delicious.
“Excuse me. I actually came after seeing this.”
I take out the job posting and show it to her. Her eyes go wide in surprise.
“One moment, please!”
With that, she disappeared into the back of the shop. I could faintly hear her voice calling out, “Father!”
I see. It’s a family-run business. Then, a man appeared. He looked to be in his fifties. He wasn't very tall, but his shoulders were broad, and he had a lean, solid build. A scar that looked like a burn from a stray ember remained on his left cheek. His gaze was sharp, sending a look my way as if appraising my worth.
“Ho... so you’re the one who wants to work here?”
A low, heavy voice echoed in the shop.
“Yes.”
“Come to the back. I’ll interview you.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
I was guided to the back of the shop. There was a room with a small wooden table and chairs. A small window was on the wall, through which I could see linen sacks and bundles of wheat set out to dry.
“You can sit.”
“Pardon me.”
I wasn't particularly nervous. I just felt that... whatever happens, happens.
“I’ll tell you now, my shop is strict. Someone just ran off recently, too. That’s why I was looking for help.”
“Geez... Father, can't you be a little nicer?”
“Hmph. Making bread isn't some sweet little game.”
“...”
I just sat there, watching their interaction.
“I’m Baran. This is my daughter, Risel. What’s your name?”
“My name is──”
I couldn't honestly say Haruto. <Hero Haruto> was already dead. From here on out, I would walk a path that was not the Hero's.
Well, there’s no point in being so despairing. So, I’ll just forget about the past. I’ll move forward. Right now, I am not <Hero Haruto>.
I am──
“It’s Haru.”
“Haru, huh. And your reason for applying?”
I weave my words as if letting my feelings overflow.
“...I used to be an adventurer. But... I’m tired. I’m exhausted by everything. When I thought about what I should do with the rest of my life, I saw your job posting. When I was diving into dungeons as an adventurer, I always carried hardtack with me. Bread was an essential part of my survival. That’s why—if I’m to choose a new path, I thought a job involving bread would be nice... That's what I thought.”
Those words came out naturally. I felt a slight guilt about hiding my true identity, but it was an honest sentiment.
“Hoh... a former adventurer. Do you have confidence in your stamina?”
“Yes.”
“My teaching is harsh. Can you keep up?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. Haru. I’ll hire you. Listen to Risel about the live-in arrangements. Be here by four-thirty tomorrow morning. Got it?”
“Understood. Baran-san.”
“Call me Boss.”
“Yes, Boss.”
My talk with Baran-san—no, the Boss—ended there. Then, I met eyes with his daughter, Risel.
“So you were an adventurer, Haru-san! You look like you have plenty of stamina, so I’m sure you’ll be a big help. I look forward to working with you!”
As she offered a handshake, I responded in kind. Seeing her incredibly pure smile, I felt as if I were being saved.
And so, the curtain rose on my second life.
“First, I’ll explain the work.”
“Yes.”
“We wake up at four and start the prep at four-thirty. We measure the flour, adjust the yeast, and check the fermentation of the dough prepped the day before. We start shaping around five-thirty. After the secondary fermentation, we bake in order starting at seven. We begin displaying them at seven-thirty for the eight o'clock opening.”
Risel continued her explanation smoothly.
“During business hours, things settle down after the busy morning rush, but we bake and restock as needed. The shop closes at four in the afternoon, and after that, we clean up, maintain the tools, and do light prep for the next day. We usually finish around five, but it can take a bit longer on busy days.”
“I see.”
“Also, please serve customers with a smile!”
I wasn't confident in my smile, but I agreed for the time being. I thought a bakery's schedule was far more jam-packed than I expected. This definitely seemed like it would require stamina.
“That’s everything. Does it sound okay? Oh, and you don't need to use formal language. Haru-san, you’re older than me, right?”
“Yes... no, yeah. It shouldn't be a problem. However, I have no experience making bread. I think that will be the hardest part.”
“Ah...”
Risel’s expression became awkward. Unlike her cheerful explanation just now, she hesitated.
“The thing is... you’ve probably sensed it, but my father is really strict. Of course, he’s not the type to get angry for no reason. But he has more passion for bread-making than anyone. To be honest, a lot of people have quit... but we’re short-staffed. That’s when you applied, Haru-san.”
“I see. So that’s how it was.”
“I’m sure he’ll say some harsh things. Will you be okay...?”
She looked at me with concern, but that wasn't a problem at all. I could tell from our conversation earlier that the Boss was someone with real passion.
“Having been an adventurer, I think my mental state is pretty strong. I’ll be fine.”
“Is that so? If you ever have any trouble, please tell me, okay?”
“Yeah. Once again, I’m in your care, Risel.”
“Yes! Likewise, Haru-san!”
Afterward, I was guided to a vacant house that the Boss owned. It was located past a narrow stone-walled passage behind the bakery. It was a small wooden house partially covered in ivy—or rather, a building that looked like the remains of a shack.
On the floor was a single thin woolen rug, and under the window was a small desk and chair. Beside it sat a well-maintained iron stove.
“My father used to use this place occasionally, but feel free to use it.”
“Just having a roof is enough. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Yeah.”
Things proceeded surprisingly smoothly. Acting really is important. I thought so once again.
“I should sleep. Tomorrow starts early.”
I went to sleep immediately. Being able to sleep lying down in a bed—I savored the realization of how lucky such a normal thing was as I drifted off.
Early morning. I woke up at four. The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room. I felt like I had finally gotten a good night's sleep. In the <Abyss Sanctum>, I couldn't afford to let my guard down for even a second, even while sleeping.
I headed straight to the bakery for work.
“Good morning!”
I made a conscious effort to speak up, and Risel came out to meet me.
“Good morning, Haru-san. Are you ready?”
“Yeah. Of course.”
“Then, this way. Father is waiting.”
“Right.”
Guided by her, I headed to the back. The moment I opened the kitchen door, the atmosphere changed. It was a space filled with heat, flour, and the scent of yeast, different from the cold morning outside. The ceiling was low, and the walls were made of stone and wood.
Sacks of flour were on the shelves. Dried herbs. Various jars and pots were neatly lined up, making it look almost like a wizard's laboratory. In the center was a large prep table. On top of it, several pieces of kneaded dough were already lined up, covered with cloths.
“Oh. You’re here.”
“Good morning, Boss.”
“Haru. I’m going to teach you my bread-making from scratch. Keep up. Don't you dare lose focus.”
“Yes!”
I began learning the basics of bread-making from the Boss, but as I’d heard, the instruction was strict.
“You’re using too much strength! Knead it more gently!”
“Did you check the measurements? I won't allow a single gram of error!”
“Hey! You’re slow! Move faster!”
“──Yes!!”
I desperately hung on. This place was just like a battlefield. It was a constant race against time, and even while teaching me, the Boss was making his own bread. Risel was also steadily going through her tasks.
As for me, since it was my first time, my work was slow.
Dammit...! I guess I can't do it perfectly from the start...
“Alright. That’s the end of the morning basics. Now we move to baking. You can take a break, Haru.”
“If you don't mind, could I watch the baking process?”
“Hmph. Do what you want.”
The Boss silently looked down at the rising dough and gently lined the bread up on the baking stones. His movements were rugged, yet there was no wasted motion. The way his fingertips checked the tension of the surface. The even spacing. His eyes gauging the strength of the fire──So this is a craftsman, I thought in admiration.
The Boss knelt before the oven, watching the baking progress intently at eye level. Sweat beaded slightly on his face. But he didn't even try to wipe it. He was likely focused enough that he didn't even notice.
“Alright, Risel, let's line them up.”
“Got it! Oh, Haru-san, you just watch.”
“Okay.”
They carried the baked bread to the counter, and Risel lined them up with practiced hands. I see. So this is how a baker's day begins.
“And that’s how the morning goes. It’s the busiest time. After this, we handle the customers. Does that sound okay?”
“No problem.”
“I see. But I’m a little surprised.”
“Hm? At what?”
“Father didn't really get that angry.”
“Eh?”
I thought he’d been quite harsh... as I thought that, the Boss snorted.
“It’s not like I want to scold people for no reason. It’s just that he’s got good instincts. Maybe it’s because he was an adventurer, but he seems to have some grit. I’m confident in my eye for people. I could tell immediately if he was serious or not.”
Since I’d been frantic trying to learn the job, I hadn't realized I was being watched that closely.
“Now then, Risel, I’ll leave the rest to you. I’ll do some additional baking and then work on adjusting the new recipe.”
“Honestly, he’s so blunt...”
The Boss went back into the kitchen, while Risel lightly shrugged her shoulders.
“But even from my perspective, I think you have talent, Haru-san. You can correct things once you’re told, and even though standing all day is hard, you seem perfectly energetic.”
“Haha. Well, maybe stamina is my only redeeming quality.”
Evening came. Today's work ended safely, and I managed to hammer the job details into my head. My customer service was still awkward, and people were surprised by my current appearance, but I think I handled at least the minimum of the work myself.
I had started a new life. Being a baker wasn't as bad as I’d expected. The Boss and Risel were both good people, and I had no complaints about the working environment. From now on, I’ll live as <Haru the Baker>. For the first time, I felt like I could be a little positive.
“Haru-san. If you’d like, why don't you have dinner with us? There’s plenty of stew left.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes! You worked really hard for your first day, Haru-san!”
I decided to take Risel up on her offer. The Boss was taciturn, silently eating his stew and bread. Risel was smiling, talking to me.
“Actually, our shop occasionally gets some really famous people. That’s how delicious my father’s bread is!”
“Stop it. It doesn't matter who the customer is.”
“Oh. As expected of the Boss. But really, the bread here is delicious. I’ve never eaten bread like this before.”
“Hmph. Naturally.”
The Boss seemed confident in his bread-making, and with that deliciousness, it was understandable. It wouldn't be strange if famous people came here. However, who those famous people were—I didn't really care, and I had no way of knowing that an unexpected reunion was waiting for me.
A week had passed since I started working at <Boulangerie Roten>. I understood the daily flow and had mostly grown used to it—but I was painfully aware that I was still a complete amateur at bread-making.
Morning light streamed into the shop. During the time when no customers were around, <Boulangerie Roten> was full of energy. Risel divided the dough with fluid movements, and the Boss finely adjusted the oven's temperature. I could only desperately try to keep up with their synchronized actions.
“Haru-san, next is this dough. Shape it, please!”
“Ah... right!”
Risel’s movements were fast. Even when I tried to do as I was told, I’d find she’d already moved on to the next step. I started on the task I was given. The bread I thought I’d shaped was slightly warped. Risel glanced at it and gave me some advice.
“Just a bit more, like you’re rounding the edges. Yes, like that!”
“...Like this?”
“Yep, perfect!”
Beside our exchange, the Boss threw out a low voice.
“Hey, Risel! The second rack of the oven is too hot. It’ll burn!”
“On it!”
Hectic voices flew back and forth, and the sound of iron trays clashing echoed. Without even time to wipe my sweat, I moved my hands to the next step. Knead, roll, line up.
Even though it was a repetition of simple movements, the Boss and Risel’s movements were extremely refined. Mine were still nothing but crude. Risel was good, but the Boss’s movements in particular seemed impossible to imitate. Just how much practice had he put in?
“...Alright.”
To be honest, if I said I didn't have the conceit that I could at least manage a bakery──it would be a lie. I had spent five years in that <Abyss Sanctum>. I thought I could handle any job... but it seems I’m too strong. Strength and stamina aren't everything. I was painfully realizing such an obvious thing.
I managed to get through today’s business, but I still had work to do.
In the flour-dusted night kitchen, the Boss’s low voice echoed after the shop had closed.
“No! Don't use your arm—push with the weight of your palm.”
“Like... this?”
“No! You’re putting too much strength into it! Be more delicate! Control your strength all the way to your fingertips!”
“Yes, sir!”
I was good at gripping a sword. But that didn't work here. Instead of using brute force, delicate control was necessary. I could easily adjust my mana, but adapting my own physical body for bread-making was harder than I’d thought. If I gripped too hard, it would crush; if too weak, the bread wouldn't take shape. It was as if the dough were alive, testing my skill.
“Again. We’ll do it as many times as it takes.”
“...Yes!”
I responded to the Boss’s low, heavy voice. Slam the dough, fold it, and slam it again. In that repetition, I felt like my palms were slowly catching the sensation of the dough. The Boss didn't scold me, and I continued the process──
“That last one wasn't bad.”
“Eh?”
“I’m saying it was better than before. Your hand movements got a bit softer. Keep that in mind. You’ve still got a long way to go, but if you’re motivated, I’ll keep helping you.”
“Thank you very much!”
With every knead of the dough, I felt like something inside me was slowly changing. A world where brute force got me nowhere. But also a world where the effort I piled up took a tangible form. It was the same as a battle. If you put in the right effort, something certain would remain.
“Alright. That’s enough for today.”
“Yes. Thank you very much!”
“...”
When I bowed politely, for some reason, the Boss stared at me.
“? Is something wrong?”
“No. It’s nothing. Keep striving.”
“Understood.”
I was slowly starting to grasp a warmth that I couldn't grasp with a sword. I started getting ready to leave the shop, but as I was about to go, Risel appeared.
“Haru-san. Good work tonight.”
“Yeah. But the Boss stayed with me, too. I’ll work harder.”
“...Actually, it’s a bit unexpected.”
“What is?”
Risel hesitated as if about to say something, pinching the hem of her clothes with her fingertips.
“I thought you were a more skillful person, Haru-san.”
“Skillful?”
“Yes. Like your vibe when you first came to the shop, and your movements. I had the impression you could handle anything effortlessly. But seeing you every night, covered in flour and practicing... it surprised me a bit.”
At those words, I couldn't help but give a wry smile.
“That’s an overestimation. I’m naturally clumsy. I’ve only ever held a sword. Well, I’m good at magic too, but I put in a lot of training for that...”
“Training?”
For a moment, Risel’s eyes went blank. I lightly shrugged and answered jokingly.
“I was an adventurer, after all.”
“I see...”
Risel thought for a moment, then gave a small laugh.
“But I think it’s wonderful that someone like that is making bread.”
“Wonderful?”
“Yes. The way you face bread-making, Haru-san, you’re so serious... Seeing you makes me feel like I have to work hard too!”
A night breeze blew through, making the door rattle slightly. The faint scent of freshly baked bread still drifted from the kitchen.
“But... please don't overdo it. My father is still as scary as ever...”
“Haha, true. But being scolded isn't bad. It just means I still have room to grow, right?”
“That’s──true. I think you’ll be just fine, Haru-san!”
Risel gave me a smile as she said that.
“Well then, see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Haru-san.”
“Yeah. Goodnight, Risel.”
As I walked down the night road, the cool air chilled my flushed skin. I stopped under a dimly lit streetlamp and happened to look at my hands. Traces of flour still remained.
I’ve only ever known how to fight, but can I really make it as a baker? No, don't get weak-minded. The Boss and Risel are doing so much for me. To live up to their expectations, I’ll keep giving it my all from now on──.
Over the past few days, the Boss has been scolding me less frequently.
I’ve grown accustomed to bread-making, and while my work still pales in comparison to the Boss’s, I’ve become capable of shaping the dough into something respectable on my own.
“Haru-san, you really are amazing! It’s quite rare for my father not to get angry this much!”
Risel calls out to me after we finish the morning preparations.
“Is that so?” I ask.
“Yes! It’s the first time I’ve seen it. And from my perspective, you’re very efficient, Haru-san. We used to struggle with the labor shortage, but with you here, the day might soon come when you see bread you’ve baked yourself lined up on the shelves.”
“Hey... don't coddle him,” the Boss interjects. “Haru is efficient, but he’s still got plenty of wasted movement. It’s too early for his bread to be sold in my shop. He needs another year at least.”
“So, after a year, it’ll be okay?” Risel teases.
“...Well, I might consider it. Though the final judgment is mine, of course,” the Boss grumbles.
He’s a strict man, but that’s just proof that he has more passion than anyone else. Risel is always kind and thorough when teaching me the ropes. Lately, I feel like I’ve even started getting along with the regulars.
“Welcome!” I call out with a clear, energetic voice to greet a customer.
It’s an elderly woman who visits the shop frequently.
“Haru-san, I’ll take these today,” she says.
“Yes, ma'am! Let’s see──”
I count the bread on her tray, process the payment, and carefully pack the items into a bag. I’ve always been good at math, and I don't mind the packaging work either. I finish the transaction quickly and hand the bag to her.
“Here you go.”
“Thank you, dear. You’re such a fast worker, Haru-san. I can hardly believe you’re a newcomer.”
“Thank you. But I’m still a novice, so I’ll keep striving to improve,” I reply.
“Yes, yes. It’s good to be ambitious. Well, I’ll be back again.”
“Of course. Thank you for coming!”
I walk out to the front of the shop and bow as I see her off. When I return inside, Risel is there, beaming at me.
“Haru-san, your customer service has really improved too.”
“Yeah. Well, after a week, I’ve finally gotten the hang of it.”
“To tell you the truth... when I first saw you, I thought you were a bit intimidating,” Risel admits.
“No, I can't blame you for that,” I say.
Risel was being tactful, but she must have been scared. My appearance has completely transformed over the last five years. I have scars on my face, and my build has become much larger. My gaze is sharp, and my hair is stark white. Even from my own perspective, I know I look like someone who exerts a heavy pressure on others.
“But you’re a very serious and kind person, Haru-san. Once again, thank you for coming to work for us.”
“I should be the one thanking you for hiring me. To be honest, I had nowhere else to go.”
“Is that so?”
“Well, a lot happened.”
“I see,” she says softly.
Risel didn't pry any further. But the fact remains──I’m here while hiding that I am the arch-criminal <Hero Haruto>. I didn't commit those crimes; it’s a complete false accusation. But if the Boss and Risel ever found out who I really am, what would happen? Would I end up alone again?
I continue my work, nursing that faint anxiety.
“Haru-san, do you have a moment?”
“Hm? Yeah. I was just about to head home.”
“Would you like to go out and grab a bite with me?” Risel asks.
“Is the Boss okay with that?”
“My father is focusing on creating a new type of bread today, so it’s fine.”
“I see.”
I should have known. As expected of the Boss. His dedication to his craft is incredible; his passion is almost terrifying.
“Since you’ve moved here, I thought it would be nice if you got to know the town a bit better,” Risel adds.
“That’s very kind of you. I’d appreciate that.”
“Great! Let’s go then!”
I follow Risel’s lead. On the way up a cobblestone slope, just off Roten’s main street, stands a quiet building. It looks so unassuming that a passerby might only find it by accident. A handwritten sign is nailed to the wooden sliding door: <Tavern Milda>.
“Milda-san! Good evening!”
“Oh, if it isn't Risel! Welcome!”
As soon as we open the door, the aroma of cooking tickles my nose. The scents of herbs, meat stock, browned butter, and spices greet us on the steam. The place is cozy, with four wooden tables and five counter seats along the wall. The walls are lined with handwritten menu boards: <Root Vegetable and Venison Stew>, <Vegetable Soup>, <Cheesy Toasted Black Bread>. Everything sounds mouthwatering.
This actually looks delicious...
“Oh? Who’s this? Ah! Could it be Risel’s boyfriend?”
“It—It’s nothing like that!” Risel lets out a deliberate cough. “Ahem. This is Haru-san. He’s the new guy at our place.”
“I’m Haru. Nice to meet you.”
I shake hands with Milda-san, a stout, cheerful woman.
“Nice to meet you! Haru, huh? Boy, you’ve got quite the frame. Were you an adventurer or something?”
“Yes. Something like that.”
“I see. Well, being an adventurer comes with its share of baggage. They come to my shop a lot, but sometimes they just stop showing up... Anyway, I respect whatever choice you’ve made, Haru.”
“Thank you.”
It isn't uncommon for people to retire from adventuring to start a different life. She likely knows that well. I take a seat at the counter next to Risel. I start with the appetizer, and it is overwhelmingly good.
“This is great...! Seriously delicious!”
“Hehe. Milda-san’s cooking is wonderful. She even uses our bread,” Risel explains.
“I see.”
Roten isn't a very large town. I suppose that leads to close-knit relationships like this.
“You’ve got a healthy appetite! Here, this one’s on the house!” Milda-san says.
Thump! She sets a plate of diced meat in front of me. It’s heavily spiced, and the aroma is incredibly appetizing.
“Thank you! This looks amazing too...!”
I take a bite. It is seriously good. Too good...! In that hell, I only ever ate monster meat that was singed by fire and tasted like bitter bile. This feels like heaven.
“So good...” I mutter to myself.
I’m truly glad Risel brought me here today. On the way back after the meal, I thank her again.
“Thanks for today. I appreciate the invitation.”
“No problem! Our shops have a professional relationship, so you could say it’s part of the job.”
As we walk, Risel brings up a certain topic.
“Oh. That reminds me, I’ve been working on a new bread lately. It’s my own original creation.”
“Oh? A new one from you, Risel?”
“Yes. I haven't been able to get my father’s permission yet, but I’m confident about this one! I added a lot more legs this time!”
Wait... why would you need more legs for bread...? I wonder, but I figure Risel must be going through her own process of trial and error. Her work is always meticulous. I’m sure it’ll turn out to be a wonderful bread.
“I’ll look forward to it, then.”
“We’re having a tasting session soon, so please give me your opinion, Haru-san!”
“Sure.”
I don't know it yet, but I am going to witness something truly outrageous during that tasting session. But that is a story for later.
As I grew more accustomed to the work, I started looking forward to going in. I have no lingering attachments to titles like "Adventurer" or "Hero." I’ve stopped dwelling on the past, and I’m ready to walk this new second life.
Or so... I thought.
“Welcome!”
I greet the customer with my usual loud voice. However... the woman who walks in looks vaguely familiar.
Her long hair is a clear, vibrant blue. She wears it loose, cascading down her back, shimmering as it catches the sunlight with every movement. Her eyes are a pale blue, and she is a beautiful, delicate woman who carries a somewhat fleeting aura.
She looks so much like a grown-up version of the girl I was in a party with five years ago that it’s uncanny.
“──Good morning. Oh, are you the new hire?”
A dignified, yet crystal-clear and beautiful voice reaches my ears. That voice... I know it all too well.
There’s no mistake. She is one of my former party members. The one known as the <Flash Sword>──Felina.
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