Pilgrimage to Tofu – 3
I blankly stared at Lutis’s back. She could be seen rummaging through the shelves to see if she was looking for something.
It really happened. I thought it was just a sensible reply to a boring joke, but it really was.
‘Why are you here?’
Fundamental questions constantly surfaced. Why on earth do you have such an ugly thing?
In fact, even before and after being possessed, I had never heard of a food called tofu cake when I was on probation. You know about rice cakes and ice cream cakes, but would you have imagined tofu?
But I ended up eating food that I didn’t even know existed three times in a month. I’ve never eaten real cake this much.
“That, older brother. They say it’s also a health food in Armin.”
I wonder how he interpreted my empty expression, Louise cautiously approached me and whispered.
I know. Because that’s what I heard last time I was on probation. I still remember because Ryutis explained it very kindly.
“I think Ryutis prepared it because he was worried about his older brother…”
Louis also seemed a little awkward in this situation, and his words slurred.
Yes, tofu cake is considered a health food in the Armenian kingdom. In fact, it is said that it is often given as a gift to released prisoners.
I am also a released prisoner, so there is no problem if I accept it. No problem…
‘It’s like teabagging.’
If I hadn’t received the tofu cake during my probation, I would have taken it as pure consolation.
But I didn’t accept it. Tofu cake has already been imprinted in my head as a symbol of teabagging. Ryutis knew that, so he probably couldn’t give it to me first.
“Here it is.”
Ryutis approached as if he had finally found the monster.
‘I see this again.’
The white tofu cake that Ryutis is holding. Strangely, however, it looked blacker and more vicious than any other object.
But something is missing. It wasn’t like this last time.
Ah, the prisoner number is not written.
‘Is this the last consideration?’
I glanced at Ryutis’ face and saw that he had an awkward smile on his face.
Yes, you must have had a lot of troubles too. If I even wrote down the prisoner number, it would have felt like killing someone.
“…Thank you.”
In the end, after thinking about it, I received the tofu cake. The last teabagging also happened because I was put on probation, and the reason why I was put on probation was because I beat Ryutis. All self-employed
To be honest, it wouldn’t have happened if Erich hadn’t called for nothing, or if Lutis hadn’t accumulated karma with the devil’s snout.
Anyway, it’s my own business. I just decided to think so.
“Eating alone is a lot, so let’s eat together.”
“Oh, yes.”
Ryutis nodded meekly. And the other members also listened to the fork.
The third tofu cake was too soft. Is this the taste of tofu cake soaked in tears?
‘f*ck.’
It’s a taste I never want to experience again.
As soon as the club time was over, I moved to the principal’s office. Even the headmaster would have been surprised by my detention. Shouldn’t you show your face and report your return?
“Ah, Chief Inspector.”
And when I entered the principal’s office, there was an awkward exchange of glances and a suffocating silence.
“It was a lot of hard work.”
It was the principal who broke the silence. I think I came to the conclusion that it’s better to end with a short comforting greeting than worrying for a long time or asking how I’m doing.
Of course, that is the correct answer. On the contrary, it would have been burdensome if even the principal showed a worried look.
“The principal suffered more than I did. I’m sorry for suddenly leaving.”
“It’s okay. There was no problem because the inspector general told me.”
I smiled awkwardly at the principal’s small smile.
Certainly, the subjugation of the red waves was over, and he gave a word to the principal. I have work to do, so I think I need to take a break for a while.
I didn’t know that the probation would be detention.
“I know how much the Inspector General is dedicated to the Academy and the Empire. So don’t be too burdened.”
“Thank you.”
I was even more embarrassed by the warm words of the principal.
The principal would think he was detained simply because of an ‘unfortunate accident while guarding the academy’. So, as the head of the academy, he has no choice but to say words of gratitude and consolation.
That’s not exactly wrong. It is true that an unfortunate accident occurred while protecting the academy from the red waves.
‘Only me was unhappy.’
A tragedy seen from afar, a comedy seen from a close up.
How will the principal react if he learns more about the unfortunate accident? You can laugh, or you can be dumbfounded…
Either way, the heartache is the same.
***
I walked around the room and glanced at the communication port. I touched it several times to see if it was broken.
Every time that happened, I just confirmed that the communication port was fine. It’s sturdy because it’s made in the Mage Tower.
“Nia. I’m out of my mind.”
Looking at me like that, Laura frowned and said.
“…….”
“Why do you look like that?”
“No. Nothing.”
As I stared at Laura’s legs, Laura also sharply asked if she was embarrassed.
Since a while ago, Laura’s legs were shaking violently, as if an earthquake had struck. Who is not crazy about whom?
But I understand. Laura raised Carl and Erich in place of this mother who didn’t even look like her. Because she took care of Carl like her own child, in place of her own child she lost in vain.
“…Is it today?”
“Right.”
But Laura asked in a voice mixed with nervousness if it was hard to wait any longer.
Today is right. Because Erich said it was today.
– At least he was locked up for five days. The treatment is fine, so don’t worry too much.
“At least going to visit…”
– I was tired because I had already suffered a lot. You said you’d contact me first when you’re released, so wouldn’t it be better to wait?
The conversation I had with Erich three days ago.
I wanted to run to Carl right away, but I was able to endure it because of Erich’s dissuade.
I couldn’t stay still when I heard that my precious son was in a cold prison, but when I heard that he was tired, I hesitated. Because of my selfish mind, I wonder if I’m bothering you for nothing.
So I waited as Erich said. He said he would be released today, so he said he would contact me first when he was released, so I trusted him and waited.
‘I’ve been waiting since morning.’
I touched the communication tool again with trembling hands.
Today, even when washing, eating, and working, I had a communication tool.
– So, Her Highness, the Crown Princess’s birthday banquet was absent─ Nia?
“I’m sorry brother. What did you say?”
– Hey, what happened?
Even when I was in touch with someone else, I was worried that Carl might not be in touch.
And there was no contact as if they were laughing at such anxiety.
“A visit…Would it be right to go?”
“I must have gone well without even getting up.”
Her face grew hot at Laura’s blunt words. In fact, even if Carl wanted to visit him, it was difficult to go.
When Erich suddenly requested a teleport wizard, when he found out that the reason was to visit the detained sword. It was really dark in front of her eyes.
“Are you out of your mind?”
When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in bed.
“Laura…? Why am I here…”
“I fainted. Six hours.”
After that, she lay in bed for a while because her body didn’t have strength. To the extent that Billy, who was in the council, came back.
If I went to visit him in that state, he would have only worried Carl. No, honestly, Laura wouldn’t have gone as well as she said.
With such a bitter feeling, I continued to touch only the communication tools. It’s not like I can’t get in touch with you quickly.
And at that moment, the communication tool shone like a lie.
‘…Does it work?’
When I got the call, my mind went blank. What should I say? Did you suffer? Are you okay? Why did you contact me so late?
“Nia.”
I was brought back to my senses by Laura’s voice from the side.
What am I doing now? Even if the words are twisted, you have to accept it first. What are you going to do if you lose contact?
– Mother.
I hurriedly activated the communication tool and saw Carl’s face.
“Knife.”
I clenched my fists as I thought I would burst into tears.
‘Your face is cut in half.’
I wouldn’t have been able to eat the food given to me in prison. At the age when he is growing up, he is still a child, but he is living in such a difficult environment.
How hard it must have been. How scared i was
“…Are you okay?”
– Yes, I was doing well.
At those words, the tears I had barely held back seemed to well up again. An obvious lie. There’s no way I’d been doing well in prison.
It must have been hard for him himself, but he is considerate of this ugly mother. Why did such a good kid have to be in prison?
But she couldn’t bear to open her mouth. Because it is a question that rips the heart of Carl who is laughing hard.
– I wanted to say hello in person, but it seems difficult.
“It’s okay. Contacting me is enough.”
– If that’s the case, I’m glad.
After that, I couldn’t remember the conversation properly. I couldn’t keep my sanity because I was clenching my fists and biting my lips.
Still, Carl’s expression wasn’t bad, so he wouldn’t have said anything strange. That’s it.
– Please give regards to the head of the household and the maid of honor.
At those words, the face of Laura, who was next to her, suddenly brightened.
“Okay, don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell you.”
Billy would be happy to hear that Carl asked how he was doing.
***
Contact with her mother ended as quickly as possible. It was an act like a fiery filial son, but I couldn’t believe I had the confidence to look at her mother’s face for a long time.
‘As expected.’
I let out a sigh. But. Where would a mother be sane after hearing that her son was imprisoned?
She seems to have tried to hide herself as much as possible, but her body couldn’t lie. Strangely strained eyes, red eyes, and quivering lips.
…Let’s get to this point. If you think about it more, it seems that you will evolve into a filial piety rather than a burning filial piety.
‘I should have done it sooner.’
Seeing her mother’s condition, the triangle in her heart started working again. Marghetta, club, principal. As she reported her return one after another, she was unable to contact her mother.
Still, I’m glad I contacted you within today. If it had happened, my mother might have stayed up all night.
And the next morning.
“The mistress said she wanted to get rid of bad things and only wish for good things to come.”
A teleport wizard from the family politely handed over a box.
In the box was a tofu dish that looked like it had just been made, along with a carefully written letter.
Wow.
“…I really appreciate it.”
Wow…
lol another tofu