New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (2/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 34

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“So, it’s ramen, Kouta!” (Emilia)

“Sorry, Emilia. I have no idea how it ended up like this.” (Kouta)

Even though it was supposed to be a rare day off, when I came outside the dungeon just to take a break, I was caught by the trio of Emilia, Sofia, and Mira and dragged off to a ramen shop.

Kyoto-style ramen “Akasatana,” a famous shop known for its light taste with Japanese-style broth.
The dessert, cream shiratama, is something I personally highly recommend. Among the many Japanese-style desserts, this one somehow exists. You take the chewy shiratama and eat it together with rich soft serve ice cream. It’s a truly sinful flavor.

However, this shop has one problem.

“I forced the invitation. Today, I’ll treat you, so be grateful.” (Mira)

“Mira, don’t push favors like that. Let’s just order normally.” (Sofia)

They seemed to have some scheme behind inviting me.

If that’s the case, there’s no need to hold back.

“Mira, I’ll take your treat.” (Kouta)

“I’ll take it too!” (Emilia)

“I never said I’d treat Emilia too.” (Mira)

And so, we stepped inside the shop.

The problem with this place was that even though it was a ramen shop, the female repeat customer rate was way too high, so I felt out of place. Even now, at a Saturday lunchtime, most of the customers were women.

I’m sure you can understand why I hesitated.

It was the same as with popular Italian restaurants, the low male ratio made it a bit uncomfortable. The interior was clean and stylish, making me want to say, “Is this really a ramen shop?”.

“Kouta! What’s the recommendation here!?” (Emilia)

“Kyoto-style ramen is the only choice. Don’t forget to add cream shiratama for dessert.” (Kouta)

“All right! I’ll have that!” (Emilia)

“Me too.” (Sofia)

Since we’ve been meeting every day for the past few days, I’ve gotten used to Emilia’s way of dealing with things. Well, she’s a classmate after all, so it’s natural. I was worried about what would happen after going to the dungeon with classmates the other day, but so far, there have been no problems. I’ve been able to talk with everyone normally, and we even exchanged impressions about gear and explorer video sites.

The unregistered group seemed to have a tough time. They couldn’t get through the crowded entrance and apparently almost fought with irritated people. Thankfully, calm people apologized to each other, and the situation was resolved.

It’s really tough if the numbers aren’t divided properly.

“Anyway, listen to me, let me vent.” (Mira)

“Mi-Mira?” (Kouta)

“The other day, I went to the dungeon with the class.” (Mira)

Wow, Mira too. I can already see how this will end, but I guess I have to listen…

“I said we should split up and explore separately, but the class insisted on going together. They wouldn’t listen. Of course, splitting into small groups is more efficient, but they didn’t care. And there were even unregistered people! When I saw the long line of people waiting to register, I proposed splitting up again. But they stubbornly refused.”

Mira was about to fall into the dark side. For me, it was something I could really sympathize with, and I started feeling a bit friendly toward her.

“So, I left those guys behind and went to the dungeon with just Sofia.” (Mira)

What guts. I could never imitate that. Beyond respect, I feels envy. So that’s why she had a sulky look ever since we met!

Thanks to that, I followed without hearing the details.

They were in the same class, huh.

“Then… right when we were heading to the dungeon, we got hit on! Since Sofia was with me, it was kind of inevitable, but no matter how many times we refused, they kept swarming us!!” (Mira)

Wow… So many clueless people still exist in Japan, not just Italians.

“Even inside the dungeon! There was this especially persistent guy, and it wasn’t like we could explore. I seriously wanted to get rid of him.” (Mira)

“Yeah, personally I’d say just kill him, but legally that’s a problem~.” (Kouta)

“As expected of Kouta, you understand.” (Mira)

I’m not sure what’s so “expected” about it, but I’ll just ignore that.

“The next day at school, classmates complained about ‘cooperativeness’! Don’t shove your wrong idea of cooperation on me!! I scolded that idiot since morning, and now the class atmosphere is the worst.” (Mira)

“Honestly, I think that person is a problem too.” (Sofia)

Sofia agrees, huh. They seem to value autonomy and independence more than cooperation.

Hmm? Could it be that the stupid leader guy is male? If so, maybe he was acting on some ulterior motive toward Sofia?

Oops, the ramen has arrived. The soy sauce-based broth smells great… this is it!

“Even so, Emilia has been getting along well with the classmates. Yesterday, she finally leveled up to 1.” (Mira)

Oh! Emilia has been going to the dungeon after school too, with classmates. That group seemed pretty motivated. The boys are working hard too, though I’m not going with them. Haruka-kun said once I catch up, we should explore together. He really is considerate of others.

Hasn’t he been given everything by heaven except height? He’s 2 to3 cm shorter than me, after all. Still, he’s such a handsome guy you want to light a fuse on. I wonder if he’ll explode. I’m the kind of person who wants handsome guys to explode even if they’re not popular.

“Oh, Emilia, congratulations on leveling up.” (Kouta)

“Hm? Mm!” (Emilia)

Yeah, you don’t have to reply while eating ramen. Such a beauty… she’s shining. Emilia really eats deliciously.

“Since Emilia leveled up, it’s highly likely we will too soon. So, Kouta, I want you to avoid being hit on and act as our guide. You’re the right person who can keep exploring the dungeon properly even with Sofia and Emilia in front of you.” (Mira)

Well, looking at those two, it’s understandable that any impure thoughts would make exploration impossible.

“If you want, depending on you, we can form a party in the future. How about it?” (Mira)

Party… people who play games know it well, no explanation needed. It’s a group of comrades exploring together. Apparently, registering officially with the guild offers some benefits? However, unlike games, just forming a party doesn’t raise your level. Only people who contribute to exploration or defeating monsters gain some kind of experience and level up. Who decides how it’s divided, or who distributes it, I don’t know. Could be the dungeon, monsters, or gods.

“…About today, I don’t mind, and if we explore together occasionally, that’s fine. But I want to be careful about who I form a party with.” (Kouta)

Mira smiled slyly.

Knowing her, she probably thought that if someone eagerly jumped on now, they’re not the kind of person she wants.

I didn’t pick up on that consciously, but apparently my answer satisfied her. She’s more caring about friends than she looks. Mine was just honesty.

I came to the dungeon thinking I could become something special. I still have no idea how, but I’m doing my best. So, even if our thoughts differ, I don’t want party members unless they can head into the dungeon with at least the same passion. Otherwise, I think it won’t last long.

Well, lately, exploring the dungeon itself has become a purpose, though.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)