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

 

 

Chapter 48

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Mira)

It ended up getting a bit long.

“Sorry, you two, for taking up your time.” (Mira)

“Please don’t worry about it, Mira.” (Emilia)

“Yeah, yeah! I made you two go shopping with me the other day, so we’re even.” (Sofia)

“That was really fun, wasn’t it~.” (Emilia)

Sofia said that with genuine enjoyment.

For me, it’s a memory I’d rather erase… Let’s just forget it. But those two…! One day, I’ll get my revenge, so just you wait!

“Still, Kouta-san is really quite the mature person, isn’t he?” (Sofia)

“Ah, you mean the story about how he dealt with that flirt? That was satisfying. I wish I’d joined in! I’ve got kicks passed down from my Oyaji that would’ve lit him up!” (Sofia)

Ah, we’re on the topic of Kouta now. That works just fine.

“Yeah, about Kouta, actually.” (Mira)

“Mira, you’ve finally found someone you like!? I have to tell Oba-san!” (Sofia)

“Mira’s fallen for him? Hmm, he’s a strong rival. I can’t afford to be careless either!” (Emilia)

…?

“Haah!? No! That’s not it at all!?” (Mira)

“Now, now, there’s no need to hide it, is there?” (Emilia)

“Exactly, we’re all close friends here.” (Sofia)

Ah, my head’s starting to hurt… All I did was take the time to talk about Kouta, and this is the reaction…? Could it be, Sofia is also somewhat conscious of him? That Sofia, who seemed to have left romantic feelings behind somewhere?

Am I overthinking it? No, I should get to the main topic now.

“It’s not like that. Besides, Kouta probably prefers girls like Sofia or Emilia.” (Mira)

“Mira, people don’t fall in love because they’re liked, they want to be liked because they’re in love.” (Emilia)

“Yup yup!” (Sofia)

What’s with these two… When did they start acting like this? Since that shopping trip, maybe? Was it because of that Kikuchi girl or whoever? Were they influenced by her? Not that I’m unhappy about my friends growing as people, but seriously, I really don’t have any romantic feelings toward Kouta. What should I do…?

“Let’s put that aside for now. I have something important I want to talk about.” (Mira)

“Even though it’s something important.” (Sofia)

“Now now, let’s hear Mira’s story first, Sofia.” (Emilia)

Emilia being calm really helped.

So, Emilia is the calm one, and Sofia is the feverish one? What a strange situation.

“The other day, Kouta said he was Level 3.” (Mira)

I confirmed both of them nodded.

“But, you both remember his combat scenes, right?” (Mira)

Emilia looked upward and nodded repeatedly. Sofia closed her eyes and… had a faint blush on her cheeks.

Just what are you remembering?

“Do you think you could move like that with just two more levels?” (Mira)

“…Impossible, no.” (Emilia)

“Hmmm… That’s kind of a tough call?” (Sofia)

Sofia admitted honestly that it would be impossible. Emilia had been training from the start, and even she’s unsure. That’s a good assessment.

“Yeah, I thought the same.” (Mira)

We all confirmed a shared understanding. No issues so far.

“Then, what makes Kouta so different from us?” (Mira)

“Because he’s a guy? No, that’s not it.” (Mira)

“Maybe he has a broad heart?” (Sofia)

S-Sofia… Are you okay? Did Kikuchi’s romance-brain infection spread to you!? She seemed only mildly affected, but you’re a severe case!?

“I don’t think the difference in equipment is that significant.” (Mira)

Emilia, don’t just seriously think about it, help stop Sofia! She’s acting all floaty, like she has a fever.

As I was worrying about Sofia, Emilia suddenly lifted her face.

“I got it! It’s his skill!! That’s it, right, Mira!?” (Emilia)

“Y-yeah, probably. That’s what I thought too, which is why I asked you two to make time today.” (Mira)

Rather than just saying the answer myself, I figured it’d be easier for them to accept if they thought it through a bit first, so I waited a moment.

“Umm, so… you mean… it’s a support-type skill…!? Is that it!?” (Sofia)

It looks like Sofia’s finally back to normal. The possibility of it being a self-enhancement skill can’t be ruled out, but if that were the case, Kouta wouldn’t need to hide it much.

Sofia’s eyes widened, and Emilia had a bitter expression.

Can’t blame them.

“Not telling others about one’s skill is necessary for safety. But if we’re forming a party, to some extent we have to know. Still, unless trust is earned, it’s something that should be hidden. So don’t try to force it out of him, okay?” (Mira)

The two of them nodded solemnly. They likely sensed I wasn’t done speaking yet.

This is why close friends… feel comforting.

“And because of that, we have to make a choice. If Kouta’s skill becomes known to the world, he’ll inevitably be targeted.” (Mira)

Their expressions turned grim.

They understand the concern I’m trying to raise.

“While things are still safe, do we part ways with him? Or do we keep it hidden until he gains enough power? Or… do we hand him over to our homeland? That’s about all I can suggest.” (Mira)

“If the homeland gets him, how will they treat…” (Emilia)

“Emilia!? You’re saying we should sell out our comrade!?” (Sofia)

Maybe… that was a poor choice of words. But honestly, that’s how I felt. Now, how should I calm this down…

“Sofia, calm down. Staying in one’s homeland doesn’t always mean happiness, right? Look at China, or Thailand. Brazil’s not great either. Then Japan? Is it offering rewards worthy of life-risking exploration? Maybe our homeland would treat him better.” (Mira)

“That’s… I mean, but still…” (Sofia)

“Mira, you’re just talking about possibilities, right?” (Emilia)

“Yeah. The way Japan treats explorers has been improving year by year. Though it’s still lagging behind Europe.” (Mira)

That’s true. But right now, I can still say Germany is ahead. You see it clearly with scientists. Talented Japanese researchers are often recruited by other countries and leave Japan.

“Kouta helped me too. So, emotionally, I want to support keeping his skill hidden.” (Mira)

“Geez!” (Sofia)

“I’ve got no objections. That skill’s far too likely to make him a target.” (Emilia)

Sofia puffed her cheeks with a red face. Despite her words, Emilia was calm.

“Then, let’s proceed with that plan.” (Mira)

I got agreement from both of them. I’d say the discussion ended reasonably well.

“Just to confirm… Sofia!” (Mira)

“Yes?” (Sofia)

“Which skills are currently most targeted by nations and organizations?” (Mira)

“First is healing-type, second is support-type, and third is appraisal skill!” (Sofia)

Yes, those three. Despite being extremely useful, their rarity is high, and users can’t easily become frontline forces alone. From a kidnapper’s perspective, they’re low-risk, high-reward targets.

“Very good! Correct answer. You get a hug as a reward!” (Mira)

“Yaaay.” (Sofia)

Huh? Sofia really does have a fever!?

After that, I hurriedly took Sofia to the hospital.

 

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