57 Volume 2 Chapter 13: Annoyed

(Grace)

Sitting at the entrance of the [Dog House], I gaze at the setting sun.

Today is my coming-of-age day.

...But Walson is not here.

The gift Walson was supposed to give me was the wand he promised, along with a robe.

Wearing new clothes, sitting on the steps, I can't feel happy.

"Sorry, but we're closed today," Melon turned away the empty-handed customer.

Not only did the customers come up empty, but so did I.

"...Melon, where's Walson?"

No matter how much I use telepathy, Walson doesn't respond.

Neither does Melon.

The telepathic communication between the team members can actually be shut off.

Blocking off the telepathic messages from teammates, making oneself unable to hear their voices.

...Walson, why aren't you acknowledging us?

"...I don't know," Melon paused and said.

Leaving only a "Happy coming-of-age day" and then disappearing.

Leaving behind a sumptuous meal in the [Inventory], then disappearing.

Are we supposed to make ourselves happy?

That idiot... that fool...

Today is also your coming-of-age day.

In the morning, to put an end to the spreading rumors.

Summoning up courage, I refused the manager's invitation in front of everyone once again.

In public, I was somehow able to say that I don't like the manager, and that I already have someone I like.

"Miss Grace, let's eat first."

"...Shouldn't we wait for Walson?" I looked at the wand in my hand that are reflecting the sunset light.

The wand has a shimmering black color, just like the night sky.

A beautiful wand, it's a wand that for some reason, from the moment I picked it up, I felt a strong connection with it.

Closing my eyes, through this connection, I could see a world that overlaps with ours but is entirely made up of non-physical substances like magic.

The process and structure of magic… if I use this, it will be easier for me to study magic from now on, right?

Is it what I see through the crystal on the wand that looks like an eye? It's amazing.

...But this doesn't cheer me up.

That connection comes from the [Ender Pearl] I gave to Walson.

Walson made the gift I gave him into a wand and gave it back to me... because of that, I can't directly teleport to his side now.

Because I don't know where he is.

"Master left after making the meal, he said he doesn't want to disturb your coming-of-age ceremony."

"...Then, about Walson's coming-of-age ceremony, doesn't it matter too?"

"...," Melon didn't speak.

Actually, I know she's waiting too.

After the last glow of twilight, the sky darkened.

Street lamps fueled by fire magic stones lit up one by one.

"Hey, Miss Grace."

"...?"

"Happy coming-of-age day." Melon handed me a small, golden knife.

"...Ah." Ah, I forgot, Melon would also give me a gift.

"It's made from a small part of a Ground Dragon's reverse scale. Although it's not very useful in direct combat, it still has its uses."

"...Thank you." I hugged Melon tightly, and she ended up freezing.

Melon body suddenly froze, and then she tried to wry herself out of the hug with an embarrassed expression, making my smile turned upward slightly.

I folded the small knife and put it in the pouch Walson gave me.

"Um... in my hometown, giving a small knife signifies a close friendship between the giver and receiver. Thank you, Miss Grace, for your help all this time. Please continue to guide me well in the future," Melon said the words Walson said when he gave her the gift.

"...Then, what did you give Walson?"

"I gave him a short sword."

"...Ah, let me see when Walson opens it." I stopped Melon from taking it out.

However, I became interested in Melon's hometown.

Walson never asked before, I never asked, and Melon never mentioned it.

While waiting for Walson, I started chatting with Melon.

But...

Walson didn't return until very late, and when he did come back, his clothes were filled with the scent of another woman's perfume on him.

At that time, even Aure came and waited together with us, her main motive was probably to get drunk, but in the end, she also waited patiently for Walson to come.

I... I couldn't bear it anymore and used magic on Walson...

After making Walson faint, I left in a fit of anger...

Today was supposed to be the coming-of-age day... Mine and his...

The gift that I had prepared so hard was not given, instead...

I sent over a dozen large fireballs to Walson...

What am I doing...