Chapter 43 Mistreated
Liora ran toward the pot with excitement.
"Stop right there, Liora."
Rere materialized in front of Liora, blocking her path with arms outstretched. Beads of sweat dripped down her forehead. It seems even that detail is faithfully reproduced.
Impressive.
As I marveled at this beside me, Rere began to speak insistently.
"Liora, you eat a lot! Our supplies aren't enough! I'm sorry, but the elves couldn't prepare enough for you!"
"… So I can't eat?"
"N-no! Uh... please don't look so sad with that expressionless face!"
"It's fine."
Well, Liora wasn't receiving enough food from her family. The idea of getting food from others probably never occurred to her.
Even though she was happy when she thought she could.
However, I never thought Rere could do this to her, well everyone for themselves huh.
Liora returned to me, seemingly unfazed.
But, her stomach was grumbling and I know she could atleast give her one bowl... Wait.
"Well, it can't be helped. Liora, I only have dried meat, but..."
"! I love you, God!"
Liora grabbed the dried meat I took out of the [Item Box] and started gnawing on it. Her mouth got greasy.
"Yay! The treat from the god is great!!"
Since there are no forks or knives, it can't be helped.
Besides, she's been through a lot of battles. It's no surprise she's eating with such gusto.
Also, the delicious-looking stew in front of her might be another factor.
But deep inside me I felt cold...even if it's not real world, how can just abandon someone who just died for you over a simple meal?
Avoiding the fact she is still a 13 year old girl? The thing even more heartbreaking was no elf including the princess stepped up.
A friend chat popped up.
Friend: Rere
Tell Liora to eat more gracefully, why is she eating like that?
Is she okay, Zephyr!?
You: Zephyr
It's because you made her hopeful.
Liora was mistreated by her family and was hardly given any food.
To treat her like this…
Should I report you and everyone on the bulletin board?
Shall I tell them of your and Sebas' great deeds?
Friend: Rere
I said I'm sorry!
I was just worried that there wouldn't be enough for Sebas and the princess!
She can eat now if she wants to!
You: Zephyr
No, no.
Liora was mistreated by her family and was hardly given any food.
A single meal of dried meat isn't a problem.
Friend: Rere
I didn't know!
I'm sorry!
Zephyr, you have a sharp tongue, don't you!?
You: Zephyr
Just because you didn't know, you're going to exclude a young girl from the meal!?
Since when did ignorance become a free pass for cruelty!?
As I finished typing, Rere clutched her head and cried out.
She performed an incredibly fast prostration in front of Liora.
"I'm really sorry, Liora! Liora Liora! You can eat this stew too! The same amount as everyone else! It's fine now!"
"What, you said there is not enough for everyone?"
"There is enough!"
"Then why did you lie?"
"Ugh…"
Liora seemed annoyed with Rere and turned away with a pout.
The elves, seeing this, hurriedly tried to offer their portions to Liora. After all, it wouldn't do if they couldn't even give a meal to the one who risked her life the most, achieved the most, and didn't even need to try the hardest—the youngest one.
It would be a disgrace to the elves.
Moreover, they were planning to escape under Liora's protection.
Though they didn't say it aloud, the elves all had expressions that screamed, "What were you thinking, Rere!?"
"Please, Lady Liora! Enjoy this meal."
"It's okay. I received food from the god. You should eat your own portions."
Liora proudly held up the dried meat.
It was cheap, not very tasty, and merely a tough preserved food. But for Liora, it was a feast.
Rere looked awkward.
Well, to be honest, I can understand her concerns.
Liora has high endurance, and with the [Regeneration] skill, she can endure without food if needed.
On the other hand, if the elves don't eat properly, they might not even survive, let alone make it back to Elfland or escape the catacombs.
I usually try to behave immaturely.
Even if I act like an adult, dealing with kids is troublesome. It's one thing for a salaryman, but being unemployed makes you unbeatable.
But here, I'll make a small concession.
More than anything, I want Liora to eat something delicious.
"Liora, why don't you have just one bowl?"
"God has spoken. I shall have one bowl."
"! Thank you! Thank you so much!"
For some reason, Liora was being thanked just for accepting the stew.
Liora took the wooden bowl and spoon, then sat down next to me. However, I still think sitting on the ground isn't ideal.
I created a table and chair using [Create Dark].
This much is easy to make. Since I didn't use [Arts], it consumes more energy.
But I can quickly recover that with [Regeneration].
"Thank you, God. This is a very comfortable seat and table…"
"To think you'd even praise the table…"
『――』
Samurai looked at me with exasperation.
Well, well.
Liora happily swung her legs for a moment, then straightened her posture. With a refined stance, she gracefully handled the spoon.
The steaming stew emitted a delightful aroma.
There weren't many ingredients. We left the food in the carriage. My and Rere's [Item Boxes] aren't that large, and the other NPCs' magic bags were full. Stay updated through empire
Though meals are important, potions and such take priority if we're going to fight.
"It's delicious. God, but your dried meat is the best."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure the maker of that preserved food would be delighted to know."
"It became delicious because God gave it to me...!"
"So my Item Box has that effect, huh?"
Liora ate the stew without making a sound, and within ten seconds, the bowl was empty.
I'm glad she seems at least a little satisfied.
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Starting tomorrow, the weapon enhancement arc will begin.