Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 45: That Summer (1)
“None of the Lightning fang members have a relic?”
“But Ax’s mother is a famous explorer, right?”
“Yes, yes. She possesses a rare type of relic that surrounds her.”
“And yet, her son doesn’t have one?”
“That’s right. But it’s not uncommon. Relics aren’t inherited, you know.”
So they aren’t genetic?
If that’s the case, then what about the Edda, a species that always has two relics?
What does that make me?
“But all of them?”
“That’s extremely rare, indeed.”
“I thought so.”
“Well, well, there are many explorers who work without relics. However, most of them form parties where at least one member has a relic.”
Then why? Oh, I see.
“It’s a complex, isn’t it?”
“A complex, you say?”
“I think their lack of relics is a psychological issue.”
“Hmm, go on.”
“If your parents have relics, but you don’t, it would be impossible not to feel self-conscious about it.”
“Oh, absolutely. Perhaps they avoid including relic holders in their party because of that.”
“It’s likely a matter of pride. Especially when your parents are well-known.”
“I see, I see. So it’s not that they dislike relic holders?”
“Who knows?”
There’s probably jealousy and envy toward relics. Maybe even admiration.
But that’s just speculation.
How Ax truly feels about relics is something only he knows.
“Impressive, Wof. Then I don’t even need to say it.”
“You mean keeping it a secret that I’m a relic holder?”
“That’s right. Still, don’t underestimate them. They’re certified grade 4 explorers. Their skills are real.”
“I don’t mind, but what about the apprentice?”
Since she became an explorer under special circumstances, she must have a relic.
The witch swished her tail and hummed thoughtfully.
“That’s exactly the issue. I wonder what Amy is thinking.”
“Amy? Ax’s mother?”
“Yes, yes. She must be aware of Lightning fang’s situation.”
Which means she knows none of them have relics.
“I’ll subtly ask the apprentice about it.”
“Good, good. I’m counting on you. Oh, by the way, Wof.”
“What is it?”
“How’s that thing going? You know, the potion you can make even at your current level?”
“Oh, well… I haven’t tried it yet.”
After what happened in that village, I’ve lost motivation.
Even with the materials ready, I haven’t felt like starting.
The witch looked genuinely surprised.
“My, my. That’s unusual for you.”
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“I’m sorry.”
“No, no, no need to apologize. Just let me know when it works out.”
“Of course. I promise.”
I felt a slight pang of guilt as I left her house.
On the way home, I bought some cucumbers and lemons from a vegetable stall.
“…”
The conversation about complexes reminded me of something.
A memory from my previous life. Back in school.
There was someone I desperately didn’t want to lose to.
But they were better than me in every way.
So I worked hard.
I thought that if I gave it my all, I could surpass them.
That summer.
During summer break.
It was hot, and the cicadas were deafening.
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Around noon, I sat in the living room drinking barley tea.
The ice had melted, leaving the flavor a bit weak.
The TV was on, but nothing interesting was on.
I turned it off halfway through a paranormal special.
I was bored out of my mind.
And hungry.
But I was tired of somen noodles.
What should I do?
“Oh, right. Cucumbers. There were cucumbers in the fridge.”
I decided to make what I’d seen on TV yesterday.
It was simple enough, even for me.
It happened then.
Ding-dong! The doorbell rang.
I wasn’t expecting anyone.
During summer break, no one was home but me.
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Thinking it might be a salesperson, I reluctantly went to the front door.
I was surprised.
It was the person I had secretly considered my rival.
Short black hair. A straw hat to block the sun.
A pure white sundress.
Her skin, slightly tanned from the sun.
Her jet-black eyes stared directly at me.
As always, those eyes were filled with unwavering determination.
She was standing there.
Even now, I don’t know why she came to my house that day.
For the time being, I invited her inside.
I led her to the living room and prepared barley tea with ice.
I didn’t ask why she came.
She sat there, silently drinking the tea.
I tried to start a conversation a few times.
But for some reason, the words wouldn’t come out.
We weren’t strangers.
As classmates, we had talked on occasion, though not much.
I saw her as a rival, though she had no idea.
I was the one envying her, admiring her, and working hard to catch up to her.
Looking back now, I realize it.
I liked her.
That’s why I didn’t want to lose to her.
Feeling uncomfortable in the silence, I turned on the TV.
The paranormal special had ended.
The news was now covering a convenience store robbery.
She quietly watched the TV.
And I quietly watched her.
It was unconscious at first.
Then I noticed her cheeks turning slightly red.
She must have realized I was staring at her.
But she didn’t say anything.
She noticed, felt embarrassed, and yet, remained silent, letting me look at her.
When I became aware of that, it gave me an odd sense of comfort.
What was that feeling?
It felt as though she accepted everything about me.
That if I reached out, I could have all of her.
That’s the impression I got.
Why I thought that, I didn’t know at the time.
Now, I understand.
But back then, I was just young.
“Hey… are you hungry?”
“Huh?”
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to try.”
“What is it?”
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“That thing… from that summer.”
Thinking back, that was the moment.
The bravest thing I could muster at the time.