Kays Translations

Chapter 11: A Brilliant Proposal

"Um, maybe it would be better to discuss this with Rolo-san first... don't you think?"

"Yeah, you're right... Saran really doesn't pay attention to those kinds of things. Sorry about that."

While I wonder why I'm the one apologizing, I nod slightly to Fimia. I understand that Saran is trying to use us for something, but until I see the whole picture, it might be necessary to act reasonably.

I have no intention of getting involved with Fimia romantically, but if I don't consult Rolo beforehand, it might become an awkward situation. I can't allow myself to interfere with Rolo's happiness.

"Traditions like 'hero' and 'saint' don't bother me because of the Church. Let's just keep doing what we've been doing, okay?"

"Y-Yes! Then, I'll excuse myself for today. Good night!"

"Yeah, good night. Don't catch a cold."

Fimia, still blushing, rushes up the stairs with an oddly suspicious demeanor.

Looks like I really startled her.

But that innocent reaction... Could it be that she's still quite inexperienced?

Jeez. What is Rolo doing so leisurely?

No, it's because it’s Rolo.

Given his straightforward and serious nature, it would make more sense for him to consider refraining from any premarital relationship with a clergy member.

I feel disgusted with myself for even briefly entertaining inappropriate thoughts about Fimia.

I'll end up causing trouble for both Rolo and Fimia.

Saran's machinations aside, I need to be reliable for the two of them. Even if it's necessary to maintain good relations with Fimia externally, I can handle it as part of the job.

If things were going to end up like this, the "courage-inducing magic" should have been used on Rolo. I do feel that thanks to that magic, things have been going smoothly. However, I feel a bit uneasy about dragging the two of them into this troublesome situation.

Right... Maybe Rolo should just move in here?

There's a room for him here, and he initially said he would live in this house.

It might be a good idea.

Since this is also a base for our party, it wouldn't be strange for Rolo to be here. Even though Rolo trusts me, it's better to minimize any concerns.

As for Saran... Let's keep quiet about it. He told me to avoid philandering, but he didn't say anything about not letting my best friend live with me. It's his unreasonable demand.

I'll deal with it, even if there are some disagreements.

"Alright, no time like the present."

Alone in the living room, I speak to myself, then gulp down the now cold coffee and stand up feeling refreshed.

***

"Moving?"

After leaving home for a while, I happened to run into Rolo walking in the new town, so I immediately told him about the plan.

"Oh, I see. Well, there are some circumstances... Fimia's base of operations will be my house."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. And... I was wondering if you wanted to come over too."

At my suggestion, Rolo tilts his head.

I know I'm making an outlandish proposal, but if he doesn't agree, the plan itself will fail.

"I've been thinking about moving anyway... Why the sudden proposal?"

"Well, you see..."

In response to Rolo's question, I explain briefly what Saran said.

Nodding along, Rolo lets out a small sigh and smiles wryly.

"I understand what you're saying, but did you consult Saran?"

"I didn't. He said something absurd, so I just shrugged and came back."

"Well, it's a bit disappointing how you handle things sometimes."

With a slight frown and a small laugh, Rolo lightly pats my shoulder.

What's disappointing, huh? What's disappointing!

I'm thinking about various things too!

"But, okay. If that's the case, I'll move over there too. I don't have much stuff anyway, and I was thinking of getting new furniture, so maybe I'll just buy new ones."

"Great!"

Feeling relieved that the plan went well, I exhale.

Now Fimia will surely feel at ease too.

Indeed, Rolo and Fimia need to be together.

"It's like what I said a little while ago has come true."

"Yeah, remembering that... I thought it would be a good opportunity to invite you, Rolo."

"At that time, I was assuming that Jurg and I would live together..."

At Rolo's words, I groan softly.

Indeed, suggesting it as an offhand idea might not have been the best move.

Can't I be a little more considerate?

"Haha, don't make that face. I'm not blaming you."

"No, it's okay to blame me. I'll always be like a kid..."

With a light tap on my lowered shoulders, Rolo laughs.

"Could the Adventure Guild Master's 'Crushing Heaven Strike' not be so small? I'm happy about it, you know."

"Happy?"

"Yeah. At that time, you still seemed sulky and uncomfortable in the village. So I thought that if we lived together, it might alleviate that loneliness."

"I'm not sulky...!"

Rolo's words of rebuttal gradually resonate with me.

This childhood friend and best friend of mine has always been concerned about me.

"But, now you're in Malhas, and it's natural to think that way. It's kinda cute, isn't it? You don't want to live with a girl because it's awkward, so you want to stay with me... Isn't that cute?"

"You're the cute one! As for me--"

"In the old days, you would've said something like 'If you don't like it, get out' or 'If you don't want to get violated, leave,' right?"

"Guh..."

Certainly, I feel like I might have said something like that. If anything, there's a possibility I'd take advantage of the situation and end up doing something to Fimia.

Now that I think about it, maybe the gods are indeed somewhat thoughtless to make someone like me a hero.

"That's why I'm happy. Knowing that you're here with me as a matter of course."

Rolo smiles softly and looks at me.

"I know that you care about me. That's why I want to cherish you just as much, Jurg."

"Hey, hey, it's a little embarrassing to hear you say that. Tone it down a bit."

"I've told you many times, it's Jurg's fault for not understanding!"

With a slight raise of his eyebrows, Rolo chuckles.

Seeing Rolo like that, I can't help but smile lightly.

Of course, I understand.

That's why I want to cherish you even more.

Because your dreams and happiness are the places I aim for.

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