Two weeks have passed since then. During that time, I entrusted the saws, files, and logs that had arrived to the village chief. Additionally, I handed over the log house construction method notes translated by Ruri, so I think they'll make good use of it. During that visit, I took a look around the village, and in the fields, there were plenty of ripe vegetables, showing that the super fertilizer was indeed very effective. During that time, I was showered with gratitude from the villagers, and I truly felt as if I was being revered. I felt a bit embarrassed, but I decided to think that I am being that useful. However, the apple orchard hasn't been made yet. I ordered 20 saplings, but it seems that was a bit much and the delivery will take some time. Well, we have the super fertilizer and it's not like we're in a hurry, so it's not a problem. Additionally, I've been completing jobs selected by Kichi-san and Ichinose-kun from the Timer Association after school and on weekends. None of the tasks were particularly dangerous, and since Kichi-san and Ichinose-kun are both reliable, we haven’t encountered any problems. The problem is with my bank account. "Wow..." I'm looking at my bank account on my smartphone. The reward money had been deposited there. Even though my regular salary hasn't been deposited yet, the amount of the reward money alone is enough to live on. Since I joined the Timer Association, the three of us have worked on five jobs together. It's only been a little over two weeks, but already 600,000 yen has been deposited. "This job is a breeze, meow..." Miriam, peering into the smartphone, is astonished. "Well, yeah..." The troubling thing is that this reward money doesn't go to Kichi-san or Ichinose-kun. Even though Ichinose-kun is working a part-time job... "This means you won't have trouble making ends meet.... meow? Kichi, meow?" As I looked at my smartphone, the incoming call screen appeared, showing Kichi-san's name. "A phone call? That's unusual..." We usually communicate via the messaging app. Messages often come in during their breaks between classes or at night, but now it's the middle of a weekday. "Anyway, I should answer it... Hello?" "Hello. Sorry for calling out of the blue. Were you busy?" "Hey there." Oh, Ichinose-kun is here too. "We were just killing time, but what's up with you two? You're still at school, aren't you?" "We have lunch break now." Considering it's currently about half past twelve, that makes sense. We were also about to have lunch soon, and Ruri is preparing it for us now. "I see. It's rare to get a call from you. Is something up?" "Yes. After school... um, around 4 o'clock, could we have a little talk?" Four o'clock? I'm okay with it, but... "It's okay. But today's Wednesday, doesn't Ichinose-kun have work?" "Ah, now that you mention it..." "I forgot..." Ichinose-kun, don't forget that! "Can you take a break?" "Hmm, suddenly asking for that for the same day..." They began discussing things in the phone call. "Should I do the explaining then?" "Sorry. Let's go with that."

"Yamada-san, since Yuusei-kun is unavailable, I'll talk with you. Can we arrange to meet somewhere?" Alone with Kichi-san? "Wouldn't the Timer Association be fine? If it's over there, we could also meet in that family restaurant?" "That family restaurant would be good!" "Then, I'll be waiting at the usual place." When we work, we either meet at the headquarters of the Timer Association or at the family restaurant near the school that the two of them attend. Of course, if it's the family restaurant, it's on me. Considering I'm an adult and the reward money i get, I'm willing to treat them to anything. "Thank you so much! Then, let's meet at the family restaurant at 4 o'clock. Looking forward to it!" "Okay, okay... Looking forward to it." After ending the call, I put down my smartphone. "What could it be?" While petting Miriam, I listen to what she says. "It seems work-related, meow... but I'm not sure, meow." "Well, for now, let's wait what they have to talk about." Considering they went out of their way to call. "Food is ready. It's Amatriciana." Yes? Ruri placed a red pasta on the kotatsu table. "It looks delicious." "Yes, I saw it on TV and decided to try making it!" This kid really loves TV, huh. Despite being a child, she watches talk shows and soap operas, almost like a housewife... "Then, let's eat. Oh, Kichi-san called earlier and I have to step out for a bit this evening." "Understood." After eating the Amatriciana, we spent the afternoon relaxing. And so, when it was time, I came to the family restaurant with Miriam by taxi. Upon entering the restaurant and looking around, I saw several people wearing the same uniform as the Kichi-san, but Kichi-san was not among them. I informed the server that one more person would be coming and ordered from the drink bar, then took a seat at a suitable table. As we waited for a while longer, Kichi-san entered the restaurant. Kichi-san looked around the restaurant anxiously but as soon as she spotted me, she came over with a smile. "I'm sorry for being late." Kichi-san apologized as she took a seat. However, I usually sit across her with Ichinose-kun at her side, so it feels strange to see Kichi-san alone... Is this okey? I wonder if we're being looked at strangely? "No problem at all. Is this okey? There are students from the same school as you here." Am I not looking suspicious? "It's fine. You worry too much, Yamada-san." Well, I have the age for it. Normally, we wouldn't even have a chance to talk, and just talking could turn into an incident. "If you're okay then never mind. Do you want something?" Saying that, I handed over the menu. As Kichi-san opened the menu, she started to ponder. "Hmm... that looks delicious... but the calories... should I go for a run tonight...?" Kichi-san is always like this. Meanwhile, Ichinose-kun always makes a quick and decisive choice, opting for meat without hesitation. "Feel free to order what you like, okay?" "Yamada-san is starting to look like a demon to me..." The real demon is curled up on the table, you know.