New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 170

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Jessica)

Today, after earning quite a bit thanks to my neighbors, we parted ways at the staircase connecting the third and second floors, split the income evenly with Reina and the others, and then I returned to my shabby apartment.

I finished my report to the home country and am now enjoying a precious rolled cigarette.

For my meager monthly wage, even a single cigarette is a painful expense, but once in a while, I must reward myself. Telling myself that excuse, I stood before the apartment, exhaling a faint trail of violet smoke.

“Welcome back, Kouta-kun.” (Jessica)

“Ah, Jessica-san, I am home. I am glad to see you safe.” (Kouta)

“Jessica! You must do it with a ‘suu-paa!’ sound, suu-paa!” (Muze)

I have no idea what Muze-chan means by “suu-paa”, but I take a puff anyway. I adjust my position, so the wind does not blow smoke toward Kouta-kun, since he seems the type to dislike such things.

“Ooh! Jessica is exhaling smoke! It feels so mysterious!” (Muze)

It seems that was what she wanted. I am glad to have fulfilled her little wish.

“You returned rather early. I thought you would come back much later.” (Jessica)

“Today, drops were coming one after another. We got so many that we could not carry them all, so we wrapped up quickly and came home.” (Muze)

I accidentally blew out my cigarette in surprise.

My one precious stick…

“It… it is still fine. There is the three-second rule, yes, the three-second rule.” (Muze)

As I looked regretfully at the cigarette lying on the ground, Muze-chan tried to comfort me. I hesitated, thinking it unbecoming of an adult, but in the end, I decided pretending to be dignified would only lead to regret. I picked it up and lit it again.

How disgraceful. But it is not cheap, you know!

“What is it? Is there a problem?” (Jessica)

Kouta-kun looked at me in surprise, and I could not help snapping at him. It was only to hide my embarrassment, so I hope he forgives me.

What am I doing, losing composure before someone younger than me? Even I feel pathetic about it.

“No, not at all. It would be a waste otherwise.” (Kouta)

“Exactly. For someone with my low salary, this is my secret pleasure. I will not let anyone take it from me.” (Jessica)

“Well then, I should make my exit early.” (Kouta)

Ah, no, that was not what I meant!

“I am sorry. That is not what I meant. Um… yes, thank you for today. Thanks to you, I can live comfortably for a while. I was about to ask if your share was sufficient, but judging from what I heard, it seems like there is no need to ask.” (Jessica)

Just earlier, I had sent my report about him to the home country, and perhaps from the guilt of that, my words came out too quickly.

“Today’s earnings amount to around five billion. Master earned that in such a short time… Jessica, the ash is falling!” (Muze)

Muze-chan imitated me smoking slowly as she spoke.

“Hot! Ow, ow, hot! Oww…” (Jessica)

I was so shocked that my thoughts froze, and before I knew it, ash had fallen onto the back of my hand.

A burn on my skin before marriage! But I cannot ask him to use a potion for something like this. How miserable.

“Ah… will this heal, I wonder…” (Jessica)

Kouta-kun quickly poured water from a plastic bottle over my hand, but it seems it will blister. I had been in such a good mood after earning well, but now I was devastated. And to make it worse, I dropped the cigarette again.

As I sat down, Muze-chan peeked at me with concern.

“It is alright. Truly, I am fine. It is not your fault, Muze-chan, so do not worry.” (Jessica)

“Kouta…” (Muze)

When Muze-chan looked up anxiously at Kouta-kun, he smiled helplessly and gently patted her head to reassure her. I wanted to pat her too, but feeling guilty for making such a small child anxious, I turned away and bit down on my cigarette again.

The way he gazed at Muze-chan overflowed with tenderness.

“Jessica-san, please show me your hand. I can heal it if you would allow me.” (Kouta)

“What?” (Jessica)

Before I could comprehend what he meant, he took my hand and healed it. My mouth fell open in astonishment.

“Jessica, you should calm down a little more. If you keep dropping your cigarettes like this, the apartment will catch fire someday.” (Muze)

 

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