Author's Note: (I'll be straightforward: Clementine isn't the female lead. I mainly wrote her because some readers wanted to see her. If you don't like Clementine, you can just wait until Chapter 103. After that, she's basically out of focus.)
E-Rantel was lively beneath the night sky.
Stalls lined both sides of the street, vendors calling out while customers haggled back and forth without pause.
Moving through the bustling crowd in plain clothes, Naohara strolled along with interest. A badge cast from gold hung around his neck, clearly displaying his current status.
After the incident at the Adventurer's Guild earlier that day, the three of them had successfully advanced in rank, jumping straight from Copper adventurers to Gold.
Originally, thanks to Hamsuke, they should have been able to skip directly to Orichalcum rank. However, the receptionist had explained it apologetically:
"Although the three of you subdued a powerful magical beast like the Wise King of the Forest, I'm afraid I can't alter the guild's regulations. I'm very sorry."
Because of limitations in authority, they couldn't advance any faster. There was nothing to be done.
After arranging for her to prepare the most difficult quest available for them next time, Naohara and the others left.
They temporarily left Hamsuke at the "Spinning Bird Inn." After a brief discussion, the three decided to split up and enjoy themselves separately.
They agreed to meet later at the entrance of the "Spinning Bird Inn."
As for the inn's name, it was the same one they had stayed at before. The owner, Ajjie, who believed strongly in freedom, had chosen it himself.
Though the three found the name a little strange, they didn't think much of it. It certainly sounded… free enough.
"Boss, one serving of grilled meat."
The moment Naohara spotted the stall, his eyes lit up.
The rich aroma of roasting meat tugged at his senses like a lecher laying eyes on a naked Shalltear—impossible to ignore.
He sat down on a small stool beside the stall and called out to the middle-aged vendor, already eager to take his first bite.
"Coming right up, sir. Please wait a moment."
The vendor smiled warmly and got to work at once. Before long, a plate of steaming grilled meat was set in front of him.
"This doesn't feel like ordinary meat."
Naohara studied it carefully. He could sense a faint trace of magic lingering within.
"You've got sharp eyes, sir. This is magical beast meat—from a farmed species called the 'Abelion Sheep.'"
"The meat of the 'Abelion Sheep' is delicious, and their hide can supposedly be used to make Magic Scrolls. It's a very popular magical beast."
The vendor continued grilling as he explained.
"Abelion Sheep?"
Naohara blinked in surprise. Wasn't that the name that showed up in Demiurge's Happy Farm in the original storyline?
He hadn't expected such a magical beast to truly exist in this world. He had assumed the name was something Demiurge made up himself.
But thinking about it, it made sense. Demiurge raised "Abelion Sheep" for meat, used their hides to craft scrolls, and conducted various experiments. The purpose seemed roughly the same.
With that in mind, Naohara picked up the grilled meat and dug in.
He had to admit, the "Abelion Sheep" tasted excellent. It couldn't compare to the marbled Dragon Meat of The Great Tomb of Nazarick, but it was still a rare treat.
At the very least, it was completely natural—far better than the chemically engineered food he'd eaten in his previous life.
Just as Naohara was savoring the rare delicacy, someone unexpected took a seat beside him.
"Mind if I share the table?"
Naohara turned toward the voice.
A smiling face came into view. The newcomer had short golden hair and wore adventurer's attire.
Strikingly beautiful, with an almost pure and innocent air, the figure instantly drew the attention of nearby patrons, who stared openly in fascination.
Even Naohara had to admit the person was attractive.
But he could also tell at a glance that the smile was a mask. The madness hidden in those eyes, though carefully suppressed, did not escape his notice.
Looking at the woman in front of him, Naohara stopped eating and spoke softly.
"I'm not the only one with an empty seat. Why pick me?"
He gestured to the side, where several other men were also eating grilled meat alone.
Those men immediately nodded, signaling that she was welcome to join them instead.
"Well, that's because you're more attractive to me~"
The blonde woman gave him a sweet smile, her eyes fixed straight on him.
Naohara didn't believe it for a second. Though she seemed to be looking at him, most of her attention was actually on the Gold adventurer badge hanging from his chest.
All around them, it felt as if hearts were shattering. The men who had been ready to show off just moments ago silently stood up and left together.
From falling in love to falling out of it in a matter of seconds—life really did have its ups and downs.
"You sure know how to joke. But if you don't mind, then let's sit together."
Ignoring the jealous stares around him, Naohara extended his hand in invitation.
If she wanted to play along, he didn't mind entertaining her. It would help pass the time.
"Hehe, you really are interesting."
"My name is Clem. What's yours?"
"Naohara. My full name is Naohara Kamiotoshi."
The two quickly fell into easy conversation. As they ate their grilled meat, they chatted about all sorts of amusing things, occasionally laughing at the same time without even meaning to.
To anyone watching, they looked like a young couple enjoying a date—an almost picture-perfect scene.
"I'm full. Naohara, want to walk around together?"
"Since it's Clem-san's invitation, I'd be honored to accept."
After finishing their meal, and under the vendor's approving gaze, Clem took Naohara's hand. The two left together, chatting and laughing as they disappeared into the crowd.
Time slipped by quickly. Naohara genuinely seemed to be enjoying himself. They ate, talked, laughed, and before they knew it, they had wandered through the entire food street.
On the road, Clem hummed a tune while holding Naohara's hand, looking utterly delighted.
"Naohara, I had a really wonderful time today."
"So did I, Clem-san."
"I hope… next time we meet, you won't be frightened by me…"
The blonde girl named Clem suddenly lowered her head as she spoke, her expression hidden from view.
"Clem-san is so adorable. How could I possibly be scared?"
Naohara chuckled lightly. Since she had no intention of revealing herself now, there was no need for him to expose her either.
Clem didn't respond. She simply stepped forward and gave him a gentle hug. Then she quickly turned and walked off, disappearing into the darkness.
"Until next time, Clem. Or should I say, Clementine."
Naohara watched her leave but made no move to follow. He only shook his head and murmured a quiet farewell.
"It's getting late. If I don't head back soon, Momonga will start nagging."
After checking the time, Naohara turned and made his way back to the inn.
He didn't know why she hadn't chosen to make a move tonight, but he wasn't particularly concerned. He didn't mind having an extra friend named Clem.