Published: July 26, 2025
After leaving Frieda’s house, Lutz and I began our journey home.
Although she had seen us off with a cheerful smile, why did I feel as if I had narrowly escaped with my life? We only ate some sweets and chatted, yet I felt more exhausted than when I went to the forest.
“Oh, have you finally finished your business negotiations?”
“Mark?”
As we were about to pass by Benno’s shop, Mark called out to us.
He had told me to come by tomorrow afternoon to report on today’s meeting, so I intended to go straight home. But Mark smiled warmly and beckoned us into the shop.
“Master has been quite anxious, so although the plan was to report tomorrow, would it be alright to hear your report now?”
“…Yes.”
Just thinking about how he might scold me for unilaterally making the second item half price made my stomach churn. I wanted to get the report over with quickly.
“Master, may I bring Myne and Lutz in?”
“Sure, let them in.”
Beyond the open door, Benno was tapping his desk as if urging us to come quickly.
“…Myne, how was it? That old man’s granddaughter?”
“Well, she was very adorable—just as the rumors said.”
“Cut the niceties. What did you really think?”
Even though I had tried to soften my expression, Benno waved his hands and insisted I speak honestly.
“To be honest, I was surprised by how different her appearance and personality were. But it’s not just that she loves money; she’s been observing the Guild Master closely since before her baptism and aims to increase her funds and expand her business. I think that’s an amazing talent for a merchant.”
“You think she’s amazing…”
Benno scratched his head vigorously and sighed.
“Well, how should I put it… She’s cute, but also a strange kid, right, Lutz?”
I said with a deep feeling, and Lutz raised an eyebrow slightly, looking down at me as if silently saying, “You’re one to talk.”
Benno smirked with interest and asked Lutz the same question.
“Lutz, what did you think?”
“She tried to recruit Myne just like the Guild Master did yesterday, so she’s someone you can’t let your guard down around. Also, I think I’m similar to Myne.”
“Huh!? In what way!?”
I was stunned!
When I snapped at him to explain, Lutz shrugged lightly and answered.
“When she talks about money and when she talks about books, Myne has the same face. They both only focus on what they like, and as Myne said earlier, they have cute appearances but strange personalities—they’re exactly alike.”
Ah, I see. I guess I do look reasonably cute now.
There were no mirrors in our house, so the only image of myself I had was a distorted reflection in the water of a bucket. The only people who had complimented me directly were strangers and my dotingly overprotective father, so I thought it was just flattery or courtesy.
I was aware that I wasn’t just a normal book lover but something of an eccentric, as I had been told many times since childhood, so I didn’t mind that. But before, I wasn’t particularly cute. I looked like a typical otaku, probably someone who would make the library her stronghold, so nobody ever said there was a gap like this.
Assuming my sister and I resembled each other, I pictured a little girl like Tulli around here desperately searching for books that didn’t exist locally, in what could be seen as strange behavior, and I hung my head at how unfortunate that was.
“…Sorry. I’ll reflect on that a bit.”
“Do it thoroughly.”
“Ugh…”
While I was feeling down, Benno, who had been smirking quietly as he listened to our exchange, tapped the desk with his fingers.
“So? Did the business deal get settled?”
“Well, Frieda had her hair tied in two sections, so we decided to make two hair ornaments.”
“Hmm, so profits are doubled.”
Benno’s words made my heart leap. I couldn’t avoid reporting it, but I knew I’d definitely get scolded for it.
“Um, well…”
“What is it?”
Benno’s reddish-brown eyes glared at me.
I gulped and struggled to explain, but then his gaze shifted from me to Lutz.