New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 76

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

We wrapped up our short break early and carefully moved to the 2nd floor. There was only one battle along the way, but we all attacked with full strength and annihilated them before they could call for reinforcements.

“Everyone stay alert while we eat lunch.” (Kouta)

As always, I think while eating an onigiri.

Sofia is fulfilling her role as a tank in the vanguard well. She may lack offensive power, but she played her part in drawing the enemy’s attention. Mira is in the rear guard, mainly using magic attacks. Her MP shortage is a troubling point, but she kept an eye on the whole battlefield, alerted us to enemy positions and movements, and I think she took command well.

Emilia would be the middle guard, maybe? As an attacker, she overwhelmed the goblins in one-sided battles. She skillfully wielded an unfamiliar spear to take them down. After discovering a combo where she’d hit their legs or torso to stop their movements and then finish them off, her elimination speed increased further.

Looking at it like this, weren’t we doing pretty well? If I had to say something… if I had used [Support Magic] on everyone, it would’ve been easier. If I had cast it on Emilia or Sofia, it would’ve added even more stability. If I had dared to cast it on Mira and cleared away everyone’s worries, maybe we could’ve taken them down more calmly?

I was the only one holding back… at least, that’s how it felt. Haruka-kun, despite carrying the same worries, stepped forward toward me. That’s why I racked my brain and responded to him the best I could. His single step forward was just too dazzling for me…

For me…

“Kouta, let’s have a review meeting.” (Mira)

“Eh, ah, yeah, I got it, let’s do it.” (Kouta)

Just a moment ago, everyone had been eating quietly. It seemed while I was lost in thought, everyone had already finished eating.  Even though we had spread out a bit to eat, now we were sitting knee-to-knee.

So close! For a beautiful woman to get this close and for me to pull away… my pride won’t allow it! I’m sorry, I don’t have that kind of pride, so… could I move away a little? When you get close, there’s kind of a… nice smell…

When I tried to at least move my face away a little, Emilia hugged me tightly instead.

Emilia’s arm is wrapped around my neck. There’s a nice smell that’s making me lightheaded, so could you please let go? There’s no way I can concentrate on the conversation like this!

“Can I start first?” (Emilia)

“Ah.” (Kouta)

“Go ahead.” (Mira)

“Yeah.” (Sofia)

I somehow nodded and replied too.

“This time, I got carried away and brought a weapon I wasn’t used to, causing trouble for everyone. I’m sorry. But I picked this weapon after thinking it over in my own way. Could you please give me some time to get used to it?” (Emilia)

Without thinking, I leaned in to look at Emilia’s face.

Too close!? I never thought Emilia was thinking about things like that. I always assumed she was someone with a more carefree mindset.

“What’s with that face?” (Emilia)

“No, I was just thinking, Emilia, you really put a lot of thought into this.” (Kouta)

When she turned to look at me, she got even closer! I’m worried the seaweed smell from the onigiri I just ate might reach her.

“Ahem! Emilia, let’s save that for later.” (Mira)

Mira’s clearing her throat snapped me out of it.

We had been staring at each other that whole time.

“Can’t be helped, I’ll save it for later.” (Emilia)

“Then, next is me. I thought, I could trust this armor a bit more and move forward. Also, if I could at least injure the enemies, it might make things easier for everyone. I plan to make that my goal moving forward.” (Sofia)

“Yeah, Sofia’s number of attacks was a little low. If Sofia had been able to weaken them, Emilia could have taken down the goblins more easily. Good insight. With the way you fought just now, I can’t say it was enough for a passing mark.” (Mira)

“Mira, wait. It was Sofia’s first time joining us in a while, so expecting perfection right away is unreasonable. Let’s take it step by step…” (Kouta)

In response to Mira’s strict assessment, I spoke up without thinking. But looking at Mira’s expression, I realized something. She made me say it.

Someone needs to voice the harsh opinions. Then, who’s the most suitable? Rather than me, who hasn’t been with the group long, it’s better if Mira, who’s been with them longer, says it. That way it won’t strain the party’s relationships.

Mira volunteered to play the bad guy… Well, I doubt Sofia would ever hate Mira anyway.

“I personally just felt the lack of level. Not enough MP. If I had a bit more strength, even after running out of MP, I could still be useful in battle.” (Mira)

“Yeah, the MP shortage is an issue. But aside from that, I think everything else was perfect.” (Kouta)

If Mira is being self-deprecating, then it’s my job to praise her without hesitation.

Mira was momentarily stunned, then blushed. For me, that was a perfect success.

“Emilia, your eye for men is spot on. But you should choose your setting better, okay?” (Mira)

Eh!? Didn’t I do well!? I worked hard, right!? Mira, you noticed I was bewildered by how close Emilia was, didn’t you!? Aren’t you going to help me!?

Mira looked at me with a sly grin.

“I’ll give you advice if you want.” (Mira)

She said it flat-out.

Even though I got praised, this is how it ends… Honestly, I have no idea why Emilia is being so friendly toward me. That’s what’s really got me confused. It’s at the level where I’d even suspect a honey trap. But we met before knowing each other’s skills, right? And I think… she was already pretty friendly even back around the time after that ramen shop…

Maybe… I smell like ramen?

 

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