Extra: Hero Wataru

At the dining hall, I received a hundred gold coins from Wataru and we ended up having dinner together while chatting.

As usual, Wataru was eating the [Kid's Lunch]—or rather, the [Avarice Meal].

"Somehow it feels like it's been ages since I've been back to Golen Village."

"You tired or something? … Wait, you're not even a villager, are you?"

Wataru last visited a month ago, same as always, but for some reason it feels like it's been much longer.

"Heh. Kehma-san, believe it or not, I actually had a house built here in the village."

"What? That means you're not staying at the inn! You'd better be spending money in the village, oh brave Hero."

"Haha, I've got debts to pay off after all. I don't actually use the house though—it's more like I let Gozoh and the others manage it."

"Oh. Wait, you mean the gathering hall?"

"Yep, that's the one. That's my house."

It was the slightly larger house compared to the others, the hangout spot for the adventurer-villagers like Gozoh.

They just called it the [Gathering Hall]… I had no idea it was actually Wataru's house.

"Come to think of it, there's one room in that place that's off-limits."

"Yeah, that's my personal room. I had them make it off-limits. Not like I actually use it or anything—it's more of a vibe thing!"

Apparently, Wataru's room was basically a storage closet, but if he put a bedroll in there, he could probably sleep just fine.

Which means… he actually has a proper house he can sleep in, right here in the village.

"So in other words you are a proper villager. Who knew."

"That's right, Chief. Though to be fair, the registration system in this world is pretty loose. I pay the poll tax too, as a proud resident of Golen Village."

Wataru added, popping a bite of hamburg steak into his mouth.

"Heroes have to pay poll tax…? There's no exemption?"

"There is, but I pay it anyway. It's more of a hobby. It's just pocket change."

"Wait, Wataru, is throwing money around your hobby or something…? That's kind of a messed-up hobby."

"Just money related to this village. I'm frugal everywhere else. This village is special, okay? Don't make me say it, it's embarrassing."

Wataru said with a shy smile.

"… So, this debt you're paying off—the hundred gold coins a month—is part of your hobby too?"

"Not entirely wrong, unfortunately…"

Originally, this whole debt thing started because Wataru, driven by some odd sense of justice and his personal values—or in other words, his hobby—challenged me to a bet and ended up getting swindled out of his money.

"Oh right, that reminds me. I heard you're finally getting married—well, engaged first. Congratulations!"

"Mmgh… uh, yeah? Yeah. Thanks."

Not sure why that reminded him, but I'll accept the congrats for now.

"… Where'd you hear that?"

"Rokuko was bragging about it, all giddy."

"Figures…"

I scratched my cheek. So Rokuko's been spreading the word.

Well… it's a bit embarrassing, but Haku-san hadn't objected. It was true, so there wasn't really any reason to stop her. I'll just let her do as she pleases.

"I wanna get married too…"

"Why not? You're a hero—you've got plenty of options."

"Yeah, but the one I like doesn't care about that kind of stuff."

"That so? Tough break."

Wataru gave me a look that clearly said "You know exactly who I mean." Fine then. Guess I'll call herNerune over.

She happened to be working in the dining hall right now (ready to respond to Wataru at a moment's notice, as usual).

"Hey, Nerune. You can clock out for the night. Want to eat with us?"

"Yeees~ I'd love to join you~"

When I called out, Nerune came over still wearing her maid outfit and took a seat at our table.

"So, Wataru. Do you want Nerune to sit beside you or across from you?"

"Guh! That's a tough choice…! Let me think!"

Wataru agonized over it. Facing her or sitting beside her.

But before he could decide, Nerune sat down right next to him. Business as usual for her.

"Well, I never said she'd actually care for your preference."

"Kehma-san, are you secretly a demon or something?"

"Hmm, maybe not a demon, but I might become a god soon…"

"That's amazing. Though I suppose you'd have to be at least that impressive to win over Haku-sama… Oh, Nerune-san, what would you like to eat? It's on me."

"Then I'll have~… a pancake sandwich~?"

Pancake sandwich. A special creation by Kinue—basically a sandwich with the filling placed between two pancakes. Surprisingly tasty. Kind of like a crepe. It worked pretty well with both sweet and savory fillings.

"There's a menu item like that?"

"Yeah. Kinue added it mostly for Nerune. It's kind of a secret menu item."

"Wataru-san~ did you know~ the 'witch' in sandwich~ is supposedly a real witch~?"

"Yeah, I've heard that theory before."

… Ever since I told her that '-wich' might come from 'witch', Nerune's made a habit of pronouncing all sandwich-related menu items with perfect diction.

Because of that, we've ended up with a weirdly expansive selection of sandwich variations. Pancake sandwiches included. Technically they're not on the regular menu—we only serve the Set Meals at the inn—but still.

"Nerune-san really loves magic and witches, huh."

"Because I will be a witch someday~! I definitely will~!"

"With Kehma-san turning into a god and all, I guess becoming a witch doesn't seem too far-fetched."

Well, technically she's still an Apprentice Witch. And, to be frank, she's not even trying to keep it a secret.

Even if we told Wataru that she was actually a monster, I doubt he'd care. That's probably how much he trusts her.

… Huh? That's right—being an Apprentice Witch means she's technically a monster.

So maybe she could learn the [Humanization] enhancement skill? She looks almost completely human already, so maybe she never needed it…

Still, if she did learn it, there's a teeny-tiny chance she'd develop more human emotions and end up all lovey-dovey with Wataru.

"Oh right, Wataru. Pancake sandwiches with sweet simmered beans are really good too. You should have one for dessert."

"Ooh, sweet beans in a pancake… Wait, that's basically a dorayaki! Of course I'll have one! I have to!"

Technically they're a little different, but he's not wrong.

"Sweet beans go surprisingly well with whipped cream too."

"That combo is top tier! I'll buy a few to take home. Man, I haven't had dorayaki in ages."

As Wataru lit up with excitement, Nerune tugged on his sleeve, looking a little pouty.

"… Wataru-saaan~? That's not it~? It's a pancake sandwich, remember~? A witch-style sandwich~?"

"Y-Yeah! Right! Pancake sandwich with sweet beans! I can't wait to try it!"

"Right~? Hehe~"

Nerune looked a bit grumpy at first, but Wataru's correction made her cheer up right away.