novelzi Chapter 74
Chapter 74
Eavesdropping
When I woke up, the sunlight was still streaming into the room. I probably hadn’t slept that long. But it seemed like I’d had a good quality sleep, because I felt refreshed.
“...Yeah. I’m okay.”
The turmoil I’d felt before going to sleep had subsided. Sleep is important after all! This body might not need much sleep, but I’m sure it’s still good for your mental and emotional well-being! Though being a child, even as an elf I fall asleep easily.
『Good morning, Master!』
『Oh, you’re awake, Master. 』
My spirits greeted me as I sat up and stretched. I greeted them back, then asked what was on my mind,
“Where’s Shou-chan?”
『Shou’s eavesdropping!』
『It went to gather voices, for you! 』
E-Eavesdropping...? It didn’t sound good at all. I hoped it wasn’t doing anything bad, right?...
Speak of the devil, Shou-chan returned.
『Master, you’re awake! I have some information! 』
“Uh-huh, good mornin’. Information...?”@@@@
『It’s probably really important information! But... I don’t really understand. But it’s important, I’m sure of it! 』
Its explanation was a mess, but basically, it had overheard a conversation that seemed important, but it didn’t understand the contents. It could perfectly replicate voices, but it couldn’t analyze the information or think for itself. But in a way, maybe it was for the best. If it could understand and intervene, it would probably just cause confusion. And its lack of understanding was cute.
“Hmm, but if it’s a shecret... I shouldn’t hear it... ah, no, um... but I’m curious... sho... can you tell me...?”
『Leave it to me!』
It was obvious that it would be disappointed if I didn’t want to hear it... I’m such a bad parent. I just don’t want to see Shou-chan looking sad! It was doing this for me, after all! And I could always pretend I didn’t hear if it was something I shouldn’t know.
It’s not like I couldn’t resist Shou-chan’s pleading, how it started jumping around, overjoyed, when I said I wanted to hear it. Not at all.
“I’m okii! But... a wittle hungry...”
Maybe because I’d given away magic power, or because I hadn’t eaten much for lunch. I was incredibly hungry. And my stomach chose that moment to growl. How embarrassing!
“I see. You seem fine. Want a light snack before dinner?”
“I’ll eat!”
A snack! It sounded so divine. I raised my arms in agreement. Gil-san chuckled and patted my head. ...Ehehe.
I thought we were going to the cafeteria, but we ended up in the guild hall. I sat down on one of the chairs in the dining area, ready for snack time. Gil-san gave me a steamed bun, which he’d gotten from somewhere. It was yellow, fluffy, tasted like eggs, and had a gentle sweetness. It melted in my mouth. Ahh, happiness.
“Hmm, you’re really enjoying that, Meg-chan. How are you feeling?”
Kei-san asked as I was happily munching on the steamed bun. I swallowed the food in my mouth.
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I’m okii! I’m just glad... Kei-shan is still here!”
“Eh...?”
I’d figured they were still here, preparing, but I was glad they hadn’t left. There was something I wanted to tell them. Kei-san looked at Gil-san, as if to say, “What’s going on?” and Gil-san shook his head slightly, indicating that he hadn’t said anything. Yay, I was able to read their silent conversation! ...That’s not what I should be focusing on. I had to explain to the two of them, who were looking puzzled.
“Um... you shee...”
Time to reveal everything. I confessed that I’d overheard their conversation, thanks to Shou-chan’s efforts. It didn’t feel right keeping it to myself, pretending I didn’t know. I figured it was okay to talk about Shou-chan’s ability, as long as I didn’t mention the part about it being able to hear thoughts.
It’s not like I couldn’t have kept quiet, but for my own peace of mind... I’m just terrible at lying!
“...And sho... I’m shawry... for eavesdropping.”
I apologized for eavesdropping, even though it wasn’t entirely intentional. It must have been unpleasant, and I was reflecting on my actions. But it wasn’t Shou-chan’s fault!
“I see, you were listening...”
“It’s not your fault, Meg-chan. And neither is the spirit’s. It was just trying to help you, what a kind child.”
That’s right! Kei-san understands! I had decided to confess, and prepared myself for their scolding... but neither of them got angry at all, they just smiled and looked a little embarrassed. I felt relieved from the bottom of my heart and let out a sigh.