Chapter 176: A Closer Relationship (1/2)

That evening.

“—Something like that, I guess. Although, now that I think back to it, those few hours did feel unusually long…” [Ryouma]

“It must’ve been difficult.” [Elize]

This evening would be our fourth time having tea together, so I’m already used to it. I talked to the madam about the events that occurred earlier this day.

Apparently, the madam knew about Orest-san too and she was full of understanding for my plight.

As our conversation concluded and we moved on to the next topic…

“Umm…” [Ryouma]

Something hit me – although to be honest, it was rather late to only be noticing it now – but in any case, I decided to go and confirm it.

“What is it?” [Reinhart]

“I know this is a bit sudden, but… Could it be that you’re all avoiding touching my past?” [Ryouma]

The moment I asked that, time seemed to stop.

That was how dramatic everyone’s response was as their expressions stiffened up.

So that really was the case.

“Why are you asking that so suddenly?” [Reinhart]

Reinhart-san asked as if to make up his resolve.

The reason I noticed that was because of Orest-san. The first clue was when he mentioned having investigating me.

Because for some reason, whenever he tried to talk about my past, someone from the three adults would try and stop him.

Moreover, when they invited me to become a specialist and they told me that they would have to impose a heavy condition on me, and the air turned heavy, in the end, the only condition they gave was that I would have to tell them the reason behind my knowledge and abilities. In other words, I would have to divulge to them my past. That’s all.

It’s likely that they’re having ideas because of the High Pain Resistance I showed to them.

It did always feel as if they didn’t want to touch my past out of consideration. And even Gayn and the others did mention that they were usually holding back.

I know it’s a bit late for me to be noticing it, but when I think back to the things that happened today, I can’t help but finally notice it.

“Huh? Could it be that they’re think it more seriously than I am?” …Something like that.

“Umm… I’m grateful for your consideration, but I actually don’t think it’s that big of a deal, at least not as much as you guys are probably thinking it is.” [Ryouma]

“Really?　You’re not just pushing yourself, right?” [Pioro]

“Yes. Really. It’s not just me being reserved. Of course, I wouldn’t like it if you went and asked me about every single little detail, but if it’s people that I trust like you guys, then I don’t mind talking a little about stuff related to that specialist stuff.” [Ryouma]

I mean, in the first place, that’s what Gayn and the others (the gods) made that background story for.

Their misunderstanding might have worsened because I haven’t said anything all this time, but to be honest, they could have just asked me whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t have minded. Really.

“Sorry for confusing you. But if I don’t talk about it now that I’ve noticed it, I’ll probably miss my timing to talk about it forever…” [Ryouma]

It would be bad to leave them so concerned about it after noticing that there is a misunderstanding, so I thought I should talk about it.

…Of course, I’m not wholly comfortable talking about this cover-up background story of mine, but still… That aside, is everyone alright?

“We’re fine… We’re fine. It’s alright. There’s no reason for you to apologize.” [Reinhart]

“Yeah. We might have indeed made a bigger deal out of it than it should’ve been.” [Serge]

Parched laughter resounded in the room. It was really awkward.

“Hmm… Umm, in that case, Ryouma-kun. Can you tell us what’s okay to ask?　Like for example, can we ask you about your grandma and grandpa that raised you?” [Elize]

“Of course.” [Ryouma]

I took out my Status Board and made visible those two titles that I’d never shown others before.

“At the village, I was usually either being taught academics or how to fight, so I don’t think there’s anything special there. But these two are rather famous, so I think you’ll understand if I show these to you.” [Ryouma]

I showed my status board to the madam.

“Huh!?” [Elize]

The madam cried out before she could even take my status board. When I thought she would take it, she covered her face with the back of her hand instead.

“Elize?” [Reinhart]

“You’ll understand if you see it…” [Elize]

As soon as the status board was passed to Reinhart-san and he saw the contents, he too seemed like he was about to faint. After that the status board was passed to Serge-san and then Pioro-san.

“Disciple of the Sage!?” [Serge]

“Disciple of the Martial God!?　Is this for real!?” [Pioro]

“It’s written right there.” [Ryouma]

I did hear they were famous, but after seeing their reactions, I have a feeling they’re a lot bigger than I thought.

It took some time before the four adults could calm down after finding out who the people who raised me were.

“Fuu… Ryouma-kun. Have you showed this to anyone else?” [Reinhart]

“No. This is my first time showing it to anyone.” [Ryouma]

“That’s a relief…” [Reinhart]

Reinhart-san openly showed his relief.

I asked them if this wasn’t something I was supposed to show to others.

“By the way everyone is reacting, it seems like it would be a bad idea if others were to see this.” [Ryouma]

“You bet it would be. Wait a moment, could it be you don’t know anything about these two?” [Pioro]