Kays Translations

Chapter 26

After an enjoyable time with Tinameril, I returned home.

When I was summoned, I thought it might be some kind of lecture and felt a bit down, but as it turned out, it was a grand revelation of the elves' secrets.

I'm undoubtedly the only human in this world who knows. Yes... it's a secret shared only between her and me.

And to be told, "I wanted to talk to you..." If there's a man who wouldn't be overjoyed by that, bring him here.

Just thinking about it makes me grin—♪ I can't help it.

While standing by the window, I took a break and cast my eyes on a weathered book placed on the desk.

It's quite surprising that Tinameril is the "Forgetful Granny."

I've been curious about the way she talks about the Elven forest as if it were someone else's story, but now I understand the reason.

However, such matters are trivial—

"Tinameril-san is the best!"

I couldn't help but say it.

Tinameril-san, looking straight ahead across the table, is just too fantastic.

Her emerald-colored eyes are beautiful, but honestly, they were a bit intimidating at first.

But once you get used to it, you just want to keep looking at her. She has a charm that draws people in. I finally understand the meaning of being "captivated." 

I have zero immunity, so I easily get shy and end up burying my face—pathetic.

If I were to enter a safety zone, I'd probably stiffen up and be unable to move... well, not that such a situation would happen.

But I still can't believe it.

She's supposedly over a thousand years old. You'd never guess from her appearance.

Age unknown—initially, I thought she looked around my age, but maybe because she's my superior, her way of speaking gave off a vibe of someone in their thirties... and with that, a strange sensation that she seemed older.

The room was dimly lit, adding a moody atmosphere.

If that had been alcohol instead of tea... it might have created a bit more of a, you know, intimate atmosphere—

"No, no, no!"

I instinctively waved my hand, as if trying to dispel impure thoughts.

I'll probably just keep quiet and not say anything anyway... I will.

The guild is apparently closed tomorrow, and since we got paid today, everyone is probably out for a drink.

I was thinking of going shopping again tomorrow, but unexpectedly, I received a precious book.

Since I have it, I might as well stay in and give it a read.

And then I realize something important—

"Come to think of it, this is 'Tinameril-san's diary,' right?"

I unconsciously gulp. And I can't help but let my imagination run wild about the meaning of receiving it—

A woman told me she's giving me her diary... a woman! That's a pretty significant thing, isn't it?

Of course, I'm well aware she doesn't have feelings for me.

I think it's more like, "Since you can read Elvish, why don't you give it a read?"... that kind of understanding.

No doubt about it... I get it.

But the Elf-loving samurai interprets the meaning she gave it in a positive light.

"Maybe she wants to get closer or something... is that possible?"

I ponder the meaning behind her sharing the secret of the elves.

It's not like knowing it would change anything for humans, and it's not something that necessarily needs to be discussed.

In fact, the discussion about the "Art of Oblivion" is an extremely confidential matter. It doesn't seem like something you should share with humans.

"Oh, by the way, there's a pure-blooded Elf living with people. There's a possibility she might know about it."

The human living with that Elf comes to mind.

"That would be nice..."

And my imagination starts to run wild.

"Maybe she was subtly suggesting, 'Won't you live together with me?'... because you know my secret..."

I can't stop grinning.

"...No, no, no, no, no! What am I thinking?! Get a hold of yourself, idiot! That would be so disrespectful to Tinameril-san!"

I vigorously shake the hand holding the cigarette over my head.

Come to think of it, she never mentioned living alone. She might already be married.

"...I wonder if she's living with someone now."

As I contemplate this, I feel a bit down.

"I hope she's living alone..."

The image of a character from manga or anime, someone like the "Too Beautiful to Approach" archetype, comes to mind.

A character who wants to get close to others but struggles with how to do it. Somehow, her situation feels similar... or so I've convinced myself. I'm confident it's true.

Reaching a convenient conclusion, scenes from anime flash in my mind.

"Living under the same roof with an Elf... sounds nice, doesn't it?"

Japanese people do seem to have a real fascination with living with elves. (*Note: This is a generalization and may vary from person to person.)

"No, no! She's my boss, the company boss! Such thoughts are absolutely not okay!"

The last image of her radiant smile lingers in my mind, and I'm completely enchanted by Tinameril-san.

"...Alright, food! I'll go eat something for now! I'm hungry, so that's necessary. If I satisfy my appetite, I'll calm down!"

I put out the cigarette and leave the room.

It was a night when I was reminded that there's a final boss waiting in Tiara.

The next morning, I wake up to my smartphone's alarm at 8 o'clock.

Heading outside for a meal, I notice the guild, usually bustling during the day, is closed.

"Hmm... so this is what it's like when the company is off."

It feels strange to see my usual workplace closed with no one around, considering it's my first job.

I've been living in this otherworld for about a month, and it seems attachment is starting to grow... I wonder if that's how it goes.

I wander around for about two hours and then head home.

I've gotten used to skipping lunch, but I bought some snacks for munching.

Today, I plan to spend my time reading in my room.

Unlike last night when I got carried away, today I'll focus on seriously studying the content.

In the bright daylight, I notice that the book I received is indeed quite worn. The leather-bound cover has several scratches, and some pages seem like they could come loose.

"Come to think of it, she mentioned it had a 'preservation spell' on it..."

I pick it up and examine it, but I can't see or feel anything. It just feels like leather and paper. It seems like it's not the kind of coating or enchantment that I can discern.

"Well, it is several hundred years old."

I place it carefully on the desk and slowly open the book.

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