I got lost, so I decided to stay at a nearby civilian’s home.
In the end, I was busy with farm work until past noon. “Do this, then do that,” I was covered in sweat.
“Honestly, for a man, your back is weak.”
So the youth, a Donkey Centaur, said and left. Damn it, he worked me to death. If it weren’t for the kindness of being allowed to stay, I would have complained. When I returned to his home, a delicious scent wafted over. When I opened the door, Philiana, in an apron, greeted me.
“Oh, welcome back. I’m sorry for cooking without asking, but I wanted to give you something in return.”
The youth was frozen with one foot stepped inside. Is he angry?
“Um, where did you get that apron?”
I asked awkwardly from the side. Philiana, also feeling awkward, replied with a shy smile, “I bought it a while ago.”
“Now, now, please take a seat.”
As Philiana urged, the youth hesitantly walked over. Soup and bread were laid out on the old table, which was a bit too large for one person to use. It wasn’t a luxurious meal, but warm food was appreciated. He washed his hands and began to eat silently.
“How is it?”
“Mhm.”
An awkward silence fell. When we were working in the fields, he was so loud, it could be heard from the opposite side of the vast field. As if to break the silence, a small knock was heard. He didn’t stop eating, so I opened the door.
“Oh, hello. I thought it was unusual for Jack to have guests, but there are so many of you!”
Standing there was a girl, a Servitaurus. Her hair was in braids, and she had the lower half of a deer with white spots, and charming freckles on her face. She strode into the house and exclaimed “Wow!” upon seeing the food on the table.
“Did you all make this food together?”
“Y-yes. Please, have some if you’d like.”
Philiana replied, and she said “Yay!” and stood next to the Donkey Centaur youth, Jack. He shifted slightly to the side.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had guests like this?”
Jack remained silent at the girl’s question.
“Speaking of which, Jack is a donkey, but does his race have a specific name?”
I broke the awkward silence by talking to the girl.
“Race name? Onocentaur? That’s what you call a Centaur with the lower body of a donkey. I’m a Servitaurus.”
She answered with a flower-like smile while munching on bread. Oh, I see, there are such races. By the way, why is she here? Ah, right, is she his girlfriend?
“I’m sorry, we’re probably in the way, aren’t we? We’ll leave right away.”
“Oh, no, no, please stay! Really, this person doesn’t have any friends.”
I shouldn’t have worried. After finishing the meal, the girl left. I felt like I had done something wrong.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you were his girlfriend. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m n-not his girlfriend!!”
When I apologized, Jack retorted with an incredibly loud voice. He doesn’t need to be that embarrassed; I don’t think it’s something to be ashamed of.
“Then, perhaps you were interested in her? In that case, I’m even more sorry.”
“Shut up! I told you it’s not true!”
I don’t think he needed to get that angry, but he slammed the door shut and left.
“Oh my, something is definitely going on,” I felt Karubene smirking behind me.
