Things were a bit hectic after we arrived at Rei-san and Fia-san’s house, but once dinner was ready, we moved to the Dining Hall. Fia-san was busy arranging an array of dishes, and Rei-san spoke up with a look of pure delight.
"Oh? It’s quite a feast today."
"Yes. Sieg-chan’s voice is back, and Miyama-kun came to visit. I put my heart and soul into making this."
"……It looks delicious."
"Mother was my cooking teacher, so her skills are top-notch," Sieg added.
The table was lined with dishes that exuded a warm, homely atmosphere. They looked so appetizing that I could tell Fia-san was a master in the kitchen just by the sight of them. Rei-san and Sieg took their seats, and Fia-san smiled at me, gesturing toward an empty chair.
"Now, Miyama-kun, you sit down too."
"……"
The moment she said those words, a nostalgic scene flashed through my mind.
—Come on, Kaito. Sit down! Mommy really outdid herself today! —W-W-Wow, this is quite a spread, isn't it? —Of course! It’s Kaito’s birthday! I even baked a cake!
It was a truly precious memory, a fragment of my early childhood filled with simple happiness and love.
—Mom, this cake is... kind of flat? —Ugh, th-that part... I’ll just have to cover it with love... —I hope love can cover a disaster of this magnitude... —Dear? Are you saying something? —My apologies.
Looking back, that cake really had been a mess. The cream was lumpy, and the sponge was a bit burnt... but it had been so delicious.
"……Miyama-kun?"
"Ah, sorry! Excuse me."
This was the first time since coming to this world that I had experienced a proper family dinner, and I had frozen up while lost in the past. Snapping out of it at Rei-san’s voice, I hurriedly took my seat and pressed my hands together.
"Thank you for the food."
"……Oh, Fia, have your skills improved even more?"
"Mmm…… it’s wonderful. As I thought, I still can’t compete with Mother."
"Thank you. I am Sieg-chan’s mother, after all. I won’t let you overtake me that easily."
Listening to their cheerful banter, I took my first bite. Fia-san’s cooking was indeed incredible. It had a simple, rustic quality, but it felt remarkably warm—it was the quintessential taste of home. The seasoning wasn't overpowering; instead, it was a gentle flavor that seemed to seep into my very soul. It was exactly the kind of food I loved.
"Miyama-kun, how do you like it?"
"Yes. It’s very delicious."
"I’m glad to hear—Miyama-kun!?"
"……Eh? Ah, wait..."
When I replied to Fia-san’s gentle smile, she suddenly looked at me with a startled expression. It was only then that I realized tears were streaming down my cheeks.
"S-Sorry! Was it not good?"
"Kaito-san, are you all right? Do you feel sick...?"
"Ah, no, that’s not it. This is, um……"
It seemed that remembering my parents had made my emotions catch up with me. Fia-san and Sieg looked on with concern, as did Rei-san. I hurriedly wiped my eyes and shook my head.
"……I just... remembered my parents for a moment."
"……I see. It’s only natural to worry about your parents back in your Original World."
"……No. My parents…… passed away when I was young."
"……Oh. I’m so sorry."
"No, it was a very long time ago. I’ve mostly come to terms with it."
It would be a lie to say I didn't feel lonely without them. I still remembered my mother and father clearly. However, I had already found my own peace regarding their deaths. I knew that if I stayed trapped in my grief, they wouldn't be able to rest easy. It was thanks to Kuro that I was able to feel that way now.
"……I just... well, seeing everyone eat together like this reminded me of how it used to be."
"Kaito-san’s parents must have been very kind people," Sieg said softly.
"Yes…… they were bright and cheerful, actually a lot like Rei-san and Fia-san."
It was true. My father had been a jovial man who occasionally put his foot in his mouth and got scolded by my mother, but he was a kind, reliable, and wonderful father. My mother was always smiling, and while she was incredibly clumsy and terrible at housework, she was always positive and full of energy.
"……Miyama-kun, would you like seconds?"
"Eh? Ah, yes. Please."
"All right, let me get that for you."
"Thank you very much."
Breaking the somber mood, Fia-san spoke cheerfully and served me another portion.
"Miyama-kun, just like Fia said earlier, please feel free to treat this like your own home," Rei-san added.
"Ah, yes. Thank you."
"Of course, you can even think of me as family. If you and Sieg get married, that’ll be the reality anyway…… so feel free to call me 'Father'—gah!?"
"……Honestly…… you never learn."
"Ahahaha."
Seeing their usual antics, a smile naturally returned to my face. Losing my parents so young was certainly a tragedy... but I had been truly blessed with the people I had met since. There were people who worried about me. People who comforted me when I was down. I felt that was a truly miraculous kind of happiness.
Dear Mother, Father—it might be a lie to say I’ve completely moved on. But you don't have to worry about me. I’m doing okay. I’m happy from the bottom of my heart. I might still have a long way to go before I’m a proper adult, but today, too—I am smiling.
After dinner, we chatted for a while longer. I had finished my bath and was ready to turn in for the night when Sieg spoke to me.
"……Kaito-san, would you like to go for a short walk?"
"A walk?"
"Yes. I’d like to feel the night breeze, if it’s not too much trouble."
"I’d love to. Let’s go."
I had no reason to refuse, so I stepped outside with her. The streets of Rigforresia were silent under the night sky. The stars were brilliant, and the gentle wind made me feel at peace. We began walking without a destination, neither of us saying much. The silence wasn't awkward; instead, it felt strangely reassuring.
As we reached the plaza, I was suddenly enveloped in a gentle embrace from behind.
"……Eh?"
"……"
"E-Eh? Um, S-Sieg-san!?"
Her embrace was soft and warm, and I could catch the faint, pleasant scent of soap from her recent bath. My heart began to pound, and I called her name in a panic. After a moment of silence, still holding me from behind, Sieg spoke.
"……Kaito-san, you are a very strong person. You are always working hard and looking forward…… I truly respect you."
"N-No, I’m not really anyone special……"
"Even if you think that, to me, you are someone I admire from the bottom of my heart. I have always gained courage and strength from seeing how hard you work. That’s why, every now and then, I want to give some of that back to you."
"……Um, I appreciate that, but... what’s going on?"
"……You are strong and wonderful…… and yet, you aren't invincible. I just want to hold you like this for a little while…… Is that okay?"
"N-No, it’s fine!?"
"……I’m glad. Then, let’s stay like this just a little longer……"
What was this feeling? Even though I was incredibly nervous, I felt a deep sense of security. Sieg was always kind, gentle, and dependable—like a reliable older sister. I was an only child, but I wondered if this was what it would feel like to have a sister.
……No, then what was this thumping in my chest? I didn't have an answer yet, but the feeling wasn't unpleasant at all. For some reason, the tears I thought had dried up were threatening to fall again. This was the overwhelming kindness... the enveloping comfort of a mature woman.
~A Certain Bookstore’s Misfortune~
"D-D-D-Death King-sama!? W-W-W-Welcome! Please, c-come in!"
"……I want…… the book with Kaito in it."
"Kaito? Ah, yes! You mean Miyama-sama's Book! Right this way……"
"……I’ll buy…… all of them."
"All of them!? B-But we have about fifty copies of the same volume……"
"……Keep…… the change."
"!? A Platinum Coin!?"
"……If there is a sequel…… I will buy it."
"Eh? Ah, well, as for a sequel……"
"……I want…… the sequel too."
"O-O-Of course! We are already planning the next one! P-P-Please, wait just a little longer!"
"……I see."
It was said that the bookstore owner scrambled the very next day to commission a sequel to the book.