Chapter 48. Grandma’s Candy Tray

First off, I decided to ask how I was found out so quickly.

“People from another world are foreign and unnatural to this one. No matter how necessary they are, they are dangerous to the world if left as they are.”

“Foreign and dangerous…”

I echoed Kaen-san’s words. I mean, she wasn’t wrong—I am a foreign object here.

“That’s why, when an otherworlder comes, the world itself has to respond flexibly to try and incorporate them. Does that sound familiar?”

That made me think of my “Adaptation Skill.”

Wait—wasn’t that skill supposed to help me adapt to this world? But maybe… it’s actually the other way around?

That’s to say it wasn’t a skill to help me fit into this world but a skill that helps this world adapt to something alien like me?

Or maybe it’s both. That would make sense…

And when I was wondering how my driver’s license could be read—maybe the IC chip was adapted to this world, too?

Kaen-san must’ve seen the recognition dawning on my face because she continued explaining.

“It seems that when people from another world are incorporated into this world, their own perception is strongly reflected. For example, the perception-blocking magic used by elves doesn’t work on people from another world.”

???

Sorry, what?

She must’ve seen the confusion written all over my face, because she rephrased.

“You see, otherworlders seem to have this strong, almost unshakable belief that elves are beautiful. So the recognition-blocking magic to make ourselves less noticeable just doesn’t work on them.”

Ahhh—

Okay, I kind of get it now.

Yeah, it is true that the idea that elves are beautiful is a strongly held consensus among Earthlings —or at least Japanese people.

We unconsciously think elves = beautiful.

So… the world accommodates that belief?

Basically, our collective Japanese subconscious refuses to accept an elf disguised as some generic old man or woman.

Though… maybe if they disguised themselves as a beautiful elderly person, we’d fall for it no problems.

I was starting to feel the weight of my own biases.

“Among us elves, there’s a saying: ‘If your perception-impairing magic doesn’t work on someone at all, they’re probably from another world.’”

“Makes sense.”

So that’s why she pegged me as an otherworlder right away.

A little depressing to know how easy it is to identify me…

Wait—maybe…

The reason summoned heroes from another world are able to seal Demon kings is because of a strong cultural belief back in Japan that heroes from other worlds can do that?

Is that why my sealing ability is kinda weak?

Are high schoolers always summoned because their imagination is strong and beliefs are firm?

Though if that’s the case, why not summon middle schoolers instead? Then again, I guess at that stage they’re still developing physically?

And that skill you get when you’re summoned—that “one thing you wish for most”—is essentially “the strongest ability you can imagine yourself having.” Of course it would be overpowered…

I’d been talking in a hushed tone until this point.

But then—

“We heard what you said,”

“We heard it!”

It seems the sharp-eared siblings picked up on everything.

Mimi, sitting on my shoulder, was nodding along like, “Yeah, I was listening too.”

And then there was the glittering tree spirit, pouting, saying:

“Pay attention to me too…”

Doesn’t seem like she was listening that closely, though.

Things are getting a bit chaotic; I’d really like to reset the mood.

I’m also really worried about Luna standing this whole time.

It was a tight squeeze, but I suggested we talk in the shed. 

We moved to the shed and managed to cobble together a seating area using wooden crates, blue tarps, cushions, and fur rugs.

Now, what to serve for drinks?

Since Luna is here, juice would be fine.

Kaen-san already knew my secret, and Luna had overheard everything too.

When I asked the sparkly tree if she’d prefer liquid fertilizer again, she trembled tearfully. There’s no need to be shy.

Alright, everyone’s getting the same drink.

I used my usual cup. For the others, I poured Yotsuya Cider into paper cups I bought using 1,000 yen repeat and handed them around. Carbonated drinks are perfect for kids!

I was glad to see that I had a record of buying 1.5 liters for 89 yen

Ramune bottles were tempting too, but a bit pricey. I remembered how stores used to give you 5 or 10 yen back when you returned the empty bottles. And how we’d always try to get the marble out of them… So nostalgic.

I poured a little cider into a plastic bottle cap that I had kept from the front because I couldn’t throw it away and placed it in front of Mimi, who’d hopped off my shoulder. Didn’t want anyone to feel left out.

Now we needed something to snack on.

How about that treat , from a certain manufacturer with a name reminiscent of a French royal dynasty —Lu○○do?

They’re absolutely delicious.

I have no idea how they make those thin layers of crisp crepe stacked together, but they’re incredible. I love them.

I once tried the more expensive “Luxury Lu○○do,” but I guess my peasant tongue prefers the standard version. The mini “Lu○○do Bites” are nice too, but a bit lacking.

So I brought out the regular ones. I once bought them for just 76 yen at a discount store. I got so excited I bought five bags.

The only problem is that the packaging is very, very difficult to open…

I always end up crushing them and eating the crumbs, or tipping the bag over my mouth to pour the bits in.

Predicting everyone would struggle, I used scissors to open all the packs and served them on a plate. Added some finger biscuits too. Should I bring out some raisins?

I wish I had a proper Japanese-style snack tray.

the kind at my grandma’s house, with jelly wrapped in wafer paper, Lu○○do, and chestnut buns all laid out.

I had been worried in the back of my mind about whether it was okay to feed Japanese food to people here, but after listening to Kaen-san’s explanation, that worry has vanished. It seems that world auto-adjusts things so there’s no issue.

I explained to the surprised Kaen-san that the snacks were from another world, summoned using a special skill.

I had a lot of things I wanted to ask her, and I didn’t think it was fair to keep my situation a secret.

“It’s sweet and fizzy!”

Luna’s surprised expression is adorable.

I’m glad you liked it. Strawberry daifuku sometimes fizz like that too, you know.

Even the sparkly tree spirit, supposedly full from earlier, was thrilled:

“So crispy and delicious!”

Guess she has a separate dessert stomach. Or maybe Lu○○do is just too good.

“Delicious.”

“This stuff’s amazing.”

Both Jude-san and Kaen-san seemed to approve.

Mimi licked at the cider with his little tongue. Is that okay? It’s basically sugar water, so it’s probably safe, right?

Anyway, I briefly explained my side of things and asked Kaen-san for information on the sparkly tree and Luna.

She nodded and began.

“First of all, us elves don’t usually leave the Elven Forest. That’s …”

I really like Legend of Lu〇〇do because it’s so interesting.

I laugh every time I read the story about how sales were so high that wholesaler trucks lined up at the Lu〇〇do factory because they couldn’t wait to deliver the product.

If you are interested, please search for “Legendary Product Lu〇〇do.”

I also write activity reports, so I hope you click on the author’s name to read them when you have time. 

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