CH 27

Chapter 27

A month has passed since I introduced the children to the innkeeper and Rina. Since then, Ariamel seems to have become friends with Rina, and they occasionally visit each other’s homes or go out together, and they seem to be having a lot of fun.

But even so, she doesn’t cut corners on housework and cooking, and she takes good care of Nina and the others. It’s good to have a strong sense of responsibility, but…it’s okay to be spoiled by your father once in a while.

Both Ariamel and Rina are beautiful girls, so they get picked up.

One day, on my way home from the Adventurers’ Guild, I ran into the innkeeper’s father, who was out shopping, and while we were talking, I came across a couple of guys picking up Ariamel and her friends.

Even though Ariamel and the others were looking like they were bothering them, the men persisted.

“Hey, we’re just going to have a cup of tea and a chat there.”

“It’s okay, because I will never do anything strange. Hey, okay?”

… Huh.

“Okay, let’s talk. . . slowly. Hey, Gray?”

“Ah, we’ll be the ones to deal with you. Don’t hold back, you don’t have a choice anyway.”

“Father?!”

“Gray-san…”

Ariamel and Rina look at me and the innkeeper’s father’s face with surprise when we suddenly appear.

And both of the pick-up men, while looking at me and the innkeeper’s father’s face, let out a dumbfounded voice, “Huh… what?”

“Ariamel. I have to talk to these guys for a minute, so you go ahead.”

“I’m sorry, but Rina will go home and get dinner ready, because I’ll talk to them properly.”

well then …

“Let’s go, come on.”

Me and the innkeeper’s father took the pale-faced, shivering men and “talked” with them to our heart’s content at a restaurant just down the street.

And I made sure to nail them down that there would be no next time.

I don’t care what you think about the entrails, don’t touch my family… What do you think we are?

We’re just a B-class adventurer and an innkeeper’s father, you know?

“Your face is so scary, that’s why they were so scared.”

The innkeeper’s father acts as if he had nothing to do with it.

Don’t throw insults, I don’t want to be told that only by you….

When I got home, Ariamel was standing in front of the door with a worried look on her face.

“You didn’t have to wait outside…”

“… sorry for the inconvenience.”

“You don’t have to apologize, I don’t think it’s a nuisance. It’s natural to help because we’re family.”

“I…um, I don’t…”

“Ariamel”

When I called her name, Ariamel, who had been looking down until then, raised her head and looked at me.

“Do you enjoy being with Rina?”

“…yes”

“For me, I was able to see Ariamel looking happy as she became friends with Rina, and I’m glad I introduced you guys to that parent and child.”

I am grateful to Ariamel who always takes care of the other children and me. Also to Rina, who showed me a face suitable for this child’s age.

So, well, it’s that …….

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m happiest when you guys look like you’re enjoying yourself. It’s more annoying when you hold back and put up with something. You should be more indulgent, like Nina.”

“Oto-san?”

Nina, who was listening to the conversation at my side, came up to me.

“Nina is such a spoiled brat.”

“Nina, is pampered? …no?”

“No, I’m glad.”

It would have been nice if more had come.

Then Nina hugs me, Stella and Ratz join us, and I hug the shy Iska and Fio.

“… Um, Gray-san.”

“Hmm?”

“Me too… is that okay?”

“Oh, come here.”

… Somehow, the story became irrelevant.

As a family member and father to my children… I’m still a rookie, just starting out in Class E.  I’m sure I’ll have a lot going on with my kids in the future.

… Will I be able to face my children properly? … What should I do in a rebellious phase, I’m going to throw up.

…As aggravating as it sounds, the day when I will be relying on the innkeeper’s father may soon come.

As a side note, after this day, a rumor spread that if anyone approached Ariamel and Rina, they would be kidnapped by apparently unsophisticated men, and they would no longer be picked up by men.

I’m stubborn and I don’t want to kidnap anyone………….