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~Chapter 25~
“By the way, Eric, how do you always know the best places to eat?”
“Ah.”
I suddenly asked Eric something I’d wondered about.
Even in the last travel spot, Eric seemed to know all the good restaurants. There had to be a reason.
Eric shrugged.
“As a holy knight, I travel a lot. These days, I don’t move as much since I don’t have a saintess-guarding mission… but even without that, I meet many people visiting temples across the continent. Getting info about good restaurants is just a matter of time.”
“Ah, I see…”
I nodded quietly.
Guarding the saintess, huh? That reminded me of the original story.
Eric became a loyal guard knight after Emily awakened as the saintess.
During his year of rest traveling the continent, he first met Emily thanks to a small-time villain.
Later, when Emily awakened and Eric liked her, he gave up his sabbatical and took the mission to guard her.
Now, since I’d captured Derrick, the meeting never happened… but still.
Thinking of the dependable Eric from the novel made me smile without realizing.
Of course, the heroine wasn’t Irene but Emily, which was a bit disappointing since I was in Irene’s body.
Don’t worry, Eric. I’ll make sure to connect you with Emily later.
Since I already knew the story, I thought: Should I push Eric forward while I have the chance?
While sneaking glances at Eric, he suddenly asked:
“By the way, milady, have you always enjoyed eating this much?”
“…Huh?”
I gave an awkward smile.
This guy… how could he ask such an embarrassing question to a lady?
“I heard your health hasn’t been good.”
“Haha… yes. Normally I don’t eat much…”
I remembered Irene’s image from the novel.
“But maybe because I’m traveling, there are many new foods. Out of curiosity, I seem to be eating more without realizing it… Do I look undignified for a noble lady?”
Eric’s eyebrows twitched at my cautious question.
“Ah, I was rude. Forgive me for asking something improper to a lady.”
“It’s fine, Eric.”
“My meaning was… it looks good to see you eat well.”
Eric smiled broadly.
“It amazes me… how all that food fits into such a small body.”
True.
I wished Irene’s stomach was bigger.
Every trip, I wanted to try more foods, but a little filled me fast. It was sad.
“I even feel like… wanting to feed you more, because your reactions are so good.”
Eric said softly, looking into my eyes.
“Even if you don’t travel with me, if you ever want to know good restaurants, come find me. I’ll always tell you.”
“Really?”
My eyes widened. I grabbed Eric’s arm.
“Really? Really, Eric? Thank you so much!”
To think he would show me good restaurants everywhere…
Now I could rely on Eric for the whole trip!
He was my favorite male lead from my past life. He only did things I liked most!
“Promise me? You’ll tell me good restaurants at every destination?”
I held out my pinky finger to promise. Eric tilted his head.
“What’s this?”
“Ah.”
I realized.
This gesture didn’t exist here.
Even if a Korean author wrote the novel, not all would carry over.
If he didn’t know, I could teach him.
I smiled and said:
“I made this up. It means a promise. Hook your pinky like this, then press your thumbs together.”
I took Eric’s big hand, showed him, and pressed my thumb firmly.
Eric nodded with interest.
“What a curious gesture you made. It’s fun.”
He tried it again, then smiled.
“Alright. I promise. From now on, I’ll show you the best restaurants.”
“Ughhh. I’m so full…”
Minutes later, I walked rubbing my full stomach.
I had lined up again for shashlik… and ate two more.
Honestly, I wanted more… but I couldn’t.
Eric, being big, ate several skewers easily.
I was frustrated by Irene’s small stomach, but I gave up.
Instead, I walked around the festival with Eric to help digest.
The festival square wasn’t only about food.
Locals sold bear goods, and there were many events.
“Honey water! Bears’ favorite treat! Come taste some!”
“Bear-embroidered handkerchiefs! Perfect gifts!”
While strolling, I suddenly noticed Eric was gone.
“Huh? Eric?”
Looking back, I saw him a few steps behind, staring at something.
“This looks very cute.”
“…Ah.”
He pointed at a small bear-shaped trinket at a booth.
It looked like a keychain, with a ring to attach to a bag or sword.
How like Eric.
I smiled.
Though a knight, Eric loved small, delicate things. He had a surprisingly gentle side.
With Albert, he was a clown, but actually thoughtful.
“Eric. Should I buy it for you?”
“What? No, milady. I can buy it myself.”
“But I want to.”
I quickly paid before he could refuse.
Giving the vendor common continental currency, I got the trinket.
“Here. Thanks for showing me the good restaurant. The shashlik was delicious.”
“…I didn’t need it, but since you bought it, I’ll gladly take it.”
Eric smiled playfully, taking the trinket.
“Thank you, milady. I’ll hang it on my sword.”
“Good. Use it well, okay?”
I also bought a teddy bear for Finn.
Of course, gifts came from genuine feelings, but also to stay on the male leads’ good side.
Since I couldn’t avoid traveling with them, I needed their favor.
In that sense, I was satisfied. I felt I made a good impression on Eric, and pleasing Finn also pleased Harry.
Yes, this is how to live—by giving.
Right, Irene?
Though I should please Albert most… haha.
Thinking of Finn’s happy face made me smile warmly.
“Everyone, please pay attention! We will now begin ‘Meeting the Bear’!”
