TCMED 07

Chapter 07

I opened and closed my mouth a few times, then finally nodded with a small sigh.

It wasn’t like I had any particular aversion to sharing one meal, and having lunch as the commission fee wasn’t a bad deal either.

Jun’s attitude seemed firm, so it might be better to eat quickly and send him off.

“…Alright.”

Upon my agreement, he smiled more brightly than anything I’d seen so far. I unconsciously held my breath for a moment.

“Good. Then get some rest, Thetis. I hope you have sweet dreams.”

As he murmured softly, Jun’s eyes suddenly sank deeply. At the same time, I felt an inexplicable weight emanating from him.

What is this.

But it vanished like a mirage while I was still puzzled.

With my hand on the doorknob, I blankly watched Jun’s retreating back.

Then, realizing I had almost forgotten something, I called out to him.

“Jun.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for carrying my luggage all the way here.”

I had almost broken my principle of always making sure to give thanks.

While I was relieved, Jun’s eyes widened, then gently curved. Instead of a reply, he gave a cute wave of his hand and left.

I also entered my assigned room.

At the same time, the fatigue accumulated until now weighed down on my entire body. Without resisting gravity, I collapsed onto the bed, and my eyelids closed on their own.

For the first time in a while, I slept soundly without any dreams.

The next morning.

After stopping by the Magic Science Society headquarters to get my entry pass and returning, I met Jun on the first floor, where he was talking with the innkeeper.

“Thetis.”

As soon as Jun saw me, he strode over with a look of delight.

The innkeeper, whose conversation partner had suddenly disappeared, stared at the back of his head in disbelief.

“Good morning.”

But Jun seemed completely unaware.

“Yes, good morning, Jun.”

When I also greeted the innkeeper, he gave me a friendly look with his eyes, as if he had never worn such a harsh expression.

“Where did you go?”

“Yes, I had a quick errand… But that’s all I have to do today.”

“I see. If you’re alright, would you like to go now? There’s a decent brunch café nearby.”

I checked the cuckoo clock on the wall.

10:30. A little early, but since I had been walking around without breakfast, I was hungry.

I readily nodded.

“I’ll just drop off my things.”

“Yes, I’ll wait.”

As I headed to my room, leaving him behind, I pondered.

‘Why does looking at Jun keep making me feel like I’m about to remember something.’

His build, which seemed considerably larger than average, his finely featured face that didn’t match his size, the corners of his mouth that reflexively rose when he saw me… Ah.

‘A puppy?’

“I’m saying nonsense…”

I shook my head vigorously, dispelling the lingering image of a large dog I had once followed.

“…Thetis? What’s wrong?”

But unfortunately, Jun witnessed that scene.

Seeing his genuinely worried face made me feel even more embarrassed.

“It’s nothing.”

“Are you sure you’re alright? If you’re feeling unwell, you don’t have to push yourself.”

“Of course not. I was just trying to wake myself up because I was sleepy.”

“If that’s the case, you could sleep more and we could meet in the afternoon—”

“Jun, I haven’t eaten breakfast and I’m hungry. Let’s go quickly.”

Before my embarrassment could grow beyond what I could handle, I grabbed Jun’s wrist and pulled him out of the inn.

Even though it was still early spring, the air wasn’t that cold as it hit my face.

Under the warm sunlight, the square was full of vitality. Since coming to this world, I had always stayed in quiet and modest places, so this bustle was somewhat welcome.

I boldly took my first step into it, then stopped abruptly.

“But where is that brunch café?”

I almost led the way without knowing the most important thing. I turned around and looked at Jun.

And I was a little flustered.

Jun, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, was blankly staring at his wrist, which I had grabbed.

“Oh.”

Realizing I had been rude, I quickly released his wrist.

“I’m sorry for grabbing you without permission. Were you surprised?”

“…No.”

Jun smiled at me with a face that somehow seemed regretful.

“You said you were hungry, right? I’ll guide you right away.”

Saying that, he gestured this way. I quietly followed him.

Feeling awkward for no reason, I kept my eyes on his feet as he matched his stride to mine, then I glanced up at him. His ears were still red.

“Special hand-pulled noodles! Only 10 nyang today, a special offer!”

“Ah, citizens of Miret! The end of this world is approaching soon. To receive salvation—!”

“Shut up, you heretic! Get lost!”

“Your egg salad is ready!”

“There are so many people. Thetis, this way.”

The square, preparing for lunch, was crowded with people.

Jun pulled me toward the less crowded edge. Not only that, he even used his own body to shield me from bumping into people.

I looked up at him from the close distance.

How long has it been since this person first saw me to act like this? Could I have really seen him somewhere I don’t remember?

While making such guesses, I spoke in a slightly choked voice.

“Thank you.”

At my words, Jun lowered his head toward me and smiled brightly.

“Don’t mention it.”

Even though he was backlit and shadowed, it was radiant.

The crowd didn’t seem to thin out, so we had to keep walking in that position for a while.

Not quite touching, but a strange distance where I could feel the other’s body heat. Wherever the warmth—the same color as his flushed face—reached, my fine hairs stood on end.

The brunch café appeared after about another 15 minutes of walking. Since it was a shop in an alley, it was quieter than the square, which was nice.

The weather was pleasant, so we took a seat on the outdoor terrace.

We ordered a nut salad, eggs Benedict, potato soup, and French toast (which was cutely called ‘box toast’ here).

After the employee who diligently wrote down our order left, it was Jun who started the conversation first.

“May I ask what brought you to the capital?”

“Ah, they’re having a telescope demonstration at the Miret Academy tomorrow. I came to travel and also attend that.”

Since that was my only purpose, it felt awkward to say I was attending the general assembly even though I had already gotten my entry pass from the Magic Science Society headquarters.

Hearing my answer, Jun made an ‘oh’ shape with his mouth.

“I thought astronomy was a field of study for the temples. That’s interesting.”

“I found that aspect interesting too. If you’re interested, you could apply now. I stopped by there this morning, and it seemed like you could get an entry pass if you go before the end of today.”

When I went to the academy earlier, they were issuing entry passes to anyone who wanted one, even without a promotional flyer.

I had overheard some staff talking, and apparently the Crown Prince was keeping an eye on this general assembly. Perhaps that’s why the academy seemed to be trying to expand its scale somehow.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think I can attend.”

Then, Jun politely declined my suggestion.

I realized then that my suggestion might have been burdensome to him.

“…I guess I got carried away because it’s a field I like.”

He shook his head at my words.

“It’s not because of that… I’m not from here.”

What does that mean all of a sudden?

“Pardon?”

“Due to circumstances, I’ve been working at a different branch and came here on a temporary assignment. I have to leave again tonight. I truly meant it when I said it’s a shame.”

“Ah.”

One can never predict meetings and partings when traveling, but I never thought we’d part right after meeting.

While I hesitated, unable to find the right words, the employee approached and set down our ordered food. But it didn’t really catch my attention.

“You’re leaving today.”

Jun smiled wryly.

“Actually, my younger sibling is sick. The only medicine that works for them can only be obtained here, so I came combining it with this assignment. I heard the medicine will be ready by this evening.”

“Ah… I’m sorry to hear about your sibling.”

“Thank you. But they’ll get better quickly once they take it, so it’s fine.”

“Then that’s truly a relief.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

Jun pushed the open toast he had been cutting toward me.

“I’m sorry for bringing up heavy topics while eating. Please, eat up.”

“No, it was worth discussing.”

Not wanting Jun to feel more sorry, I stabbed the eggs Benedict with my fork and took a bite.

“Wow…”

And I was surprised. It was so delicious that I fully understood why he had guaranteed it.

Thanks to that, I momentarily lost composure, and Jun, having observed that, laughed out loud.

“…”

Quickly composing himself, he apologized, and not wanting to show my embarrassment, I quickly said it was fine. Then Jun pressed his lips inward this time.

Hmm. I decided it was better to change the subject.

“So, since we’ve come this far, can you finally answer me?”

“What do you mean?”

“The reason you specifically asked for lunch as the commission fee—in other words, why I seem familiar to you.”