And so, after the shopping was done.
Allen was taking Charlotte to the next place.
Facing each other across a round table, Allen stroked his chin.
"Well, I'll have an ale for now. ...... What about you?
Well, I'll have a ...... glass of water.
Orange juice and ale, please.
Yes, sir.
I said water would be fine. ......
The waiter bows his head respectfully and leaves with the menu.
The waiter bowed politely and left the menu.
And so it should be. They were in one of the most expensive restaurants in town.
The spacious restaurant was lined with many tables, and the sound of the piano gently echoed in the background. Even though there was no dress code, it was a place where you would need to consult with your wallet to enter.
As a result, Charlotte had been nervous ever since she stepped into the restaurant.
She looked around restlessly and then looked into the face of Allen who was sitting in front of her.
"Oh, Mr. Allen. I thought this was an expensive restaurant. ......
"Well, it's not really for the masses. It's nothing to worry about.
Of course I care! You paid a lot of money for my cane earlier. ......
There was a magic wand propped up on the back of Charlotte's chair.
It was a metal one with a blue crystal on its head.
The first thing she picked up was a wand that was the perfect length and weight, and she decided on it without much trouble.
She must have seen how many gold coins Allen had given her to pay for it. Charlotte's brow furrowed and she looked unhappy.
(Hmm. I'm not bored with this, but I'll have to clear up any ...... misunderstandings.
Allen opens his mouth, searching his pockets.
"Don't worry, you're not spending a dime. Look. Look at this receipt.
"Receipt ......?
It was a good thing I had Jill prepare it for me, just in case.
The receipt listed all the items Allen had purchased this time.
"One magic wand, ...... twenty bunches of herbs, seven numbing mushrooms, and three bottles of purple slime secretion ......?
Charlotte rolls her eyes as she reads out the long list.
You've bought a lot of stuff. ...... When did this happen?
"Yeah. I needed some.
Is it an ingredient for a magic potion by any chance?
Something like that.
Allen smiles hawkishly.
To tell you the truth, these are to pay for the items that were damaged as a result of my antics in the store.
(Even though they were weak, there were so many of them. I overdid it.
There were about twenty attackers.
I tried to put them down as smartly as I could, but there was some damage to the goods in the store.
However, since the shop was only stocked with rudimentary magic tools, it was a small price to pay.
In the end, the dark assault was settled in less than a few minutes.
By the time the lights came on, Goussetsu and Lu had removed every last one of the black-skinned men, leaving behind a closed-eyed Charlotte and Allen ...... and a few rough shelves of merchandise.
When the time is right, Allen gently removes the wind wards.
I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were you.
That's all the training I'm going to give you. Open your eyes and do as I say.
"Yes, sir.
Charlotte opened her eyes without any doubt and recited the spell that Allen was saying.
I'm not sure if this is a good idea.
At the same time as she recited it in a strained voice.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.
It's a little thing, but it's a good thing. It's tiny, but it's a ...... light!
"Yes, yes, you are as good a student as I thought you were.
Allen nodded smilingly and watched as she used her first magic.
And with that, the elimination of the enemy was complete, without Charlotte even noticing.
So far, everything was going according to plan, including Charlotte's distraction from the atmosphere of the store.
When she saw the receipt, she was satisfied with the price, but she still didn't feel comfortable in the store. In a restless whisper, he whispered.
But after all, a normal restaurant would have been fine, right? I'm happy to eat anywhere with you, Allen-san.
I was thinking the same thing, but as far as I could tell, this was the best place for us.
Conditions?
Excuse me, sir.
The waiter came in with the drinks.
After placing the ale and juice on the table, he reverently presents the menu booklet.
Here is the menu, sir. Please take your time.
"Oh. Thank you.
After seeing the waiter off, Allen handed Charlotte the menu.
I just wanted to give you a taste of what we have here.
What the hell is ......?
Charlotte opened the menu and froze, rolling her eyes.
The chef here is the one next door.
The chef here is from the neighboring kingdom of Neils. So you can enjoy the cuisine of both countries here.
This city is located near the border between two countries, the Kingdom of Notre, where Allen and his friends live, and the Kingdom of Niels, Charlotte's homeland.
Therefore, there are some people from the Kingdom of Neals in the city.
There are many restaurants that serve food from both countries, and this restaurant has the best reputation among them.
I explained this, but Charlotte remained silent.
This made Allen feel uncharacteristically uneasy.
(Mmm ...... is it still too early to talk about home?
Charlotte hadn't missed the taste of her homeland since she came here.
Maybe it's because she's afraid of Allen, or maybe it's because she doesn't have good memories of her homeland, or maybe it's both.
That's why Allen dared to bring her here this time.
He said, "Well, ...... you've grown accustomed to this place, and I thought it would be nice to give you a taste of home. But if you don't like it, you can go to another restaurant now.
"...... No.
Charlotte quietly cut off Allen's words.
She shook her head slowly and pointed to a corner of the menu.
The light in her narrowed eyes was warm.
"This tomato soup with beans and chicken ...... is a dish my mother used to make. It's been a long time since I've had it.
"...... I see.
Allen nodded as he chewed.
He ordered some soup and a few other dishes from the waiter and then smiled at Charlotte again.
He smiled again at Charlotte and said, "Let's talk for a while until the food arrives. It's about the future.
"...... Yes.
Charlotte nodded her head awkwardly.