"I'll Catch Up Later, So Go On Ahead!" I Said, and Stayed Behind in the Dungeon for Five Years. When I Returned to the Royal Capital, for Some Reason, I Had Become a Great Criminal, So I Decided to Retire. But Outstanding People Keep Gathering Around Me Though... - Episode 10: Lisel's State of Mind

Episode 10: Lisel’s State of Mind

(From Lisel’s Perspective)

My first impression of Haru-san, to be honest, wasn’t very good.

“Welcome!”

I greeted the customer with a loud voice… but the one who came in was a man. He had a very large body, long pure white hair. And his eyes were sharp. Honestly, I felt a bit scared. But I put on my usual smile and served him.

He said he came after seeing our job posting. Outwardly, I smiled and interacted politely. But deep down I thought, “Isn’t he a bit suspicious?” Maybe he’s a bad person… I thought that, but I ended up feeling ashamed of myself for thinking so.

Haru-san worked very hard from the very first day. Even when Dad scolded him, he didn’t seem bothered. In fact, he got even more serious about his work. Seeing that, I changed my opinion of Haru-san.

Then, as we worked together, I realized he’s a very kind person. He even got along with our regular customers.

“Haru’s really blended in, huh?”

“Haha. Yes, he has.”

“When you and Lisel-chan stand together, you look just like a married couple.”

“…Eh!?”

Hearing that, I was so surprised I shouted. A m-married couple…? I’ve never thought of the opposite s3x that way, and I’ve never been seen that way either. I wasn’t popular at school, and I’ve never had a boyfriend. I was plain and had no special qualities.

“Haha. That’s jumping the gun a bit, don’t you think?”

“You think so?”

Haru-san didn’t seem particularly bothered and smiled as he spoke.

But I could feel my face turning bright red. Y-yeah. I must be overthinking it. Haru doesn’t seem to care… For now, I decided to think that way.

—

“Phew. Good work today.”

“I’m heading to the boss.”

“Eh? We even went to the farm today. You don’t need to work…”

“No, my bread-making skills still need work. I need to learn more under the boss.”

“I see. Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay?”

“Yeah.”

After we came back from Ordo-san’s farm, instead of going home, Haru went to learn bread-making from Dad. I was completely exhausted, including the travel. But Haru still looked full of energy. He’s really got incredible stamina. And his drive to improve is unbelievable. Besides Dad, I’ve never seen someone that sincere.

“Haru must have gone home already…”

As night fell and I was about to go to sleep, the kitchen was still lit. I thought maybe Dad was still baking. But Haru was there too. I thought he had gone home—was he there the whole time since then…?

“No! Loosen up more!”

“Yes!”

“Haru, you lack delicacy. It’s good to knead honestly. But you need to sharpen the feeling in your fingers more!”

“Understood!”

Haru-san said that and earnestly kept kneading the dough. From morning, he traveled by carriage, helped at Ordo-san’s farm, and now he was still making bread.

“Haru…”

Watching him work so earnestly, I was reminded again of how amazing he is. People who came before usually quit within a week. Dad’s scolding is harsh. And those people didn’t seem interested in bread-making to begin with.

But Haru is different. He faces everything sincerely. Even when Dad says harsh things, he doesn’t give up. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I don’t know why. But to me, Haru looked like he was shining.

—

“Dad, breakfast is ready—”

“Yeah.”

Early morning. I ate breakfast alone with Dad. Usually, he eats silently. But today he spoke up.

“Lisel.”

“Hm? What is it, Dad?”

“What do you think of Haru?”

“──Eh!?”

I was shocked by what he said.

“What do you think of Haru’s work?”

“Ah… that’s what you meant.”

“‘That’?”

“No, no! It’s nothing.”

My heart was pounding. C-calm down. I-I don’t see Haru in any special way… and Haru doesn’t think anything of me either. I need to stay cool…

I answered Dad’s question honestly.

“I think Haru is doing a good job. He learns fast, and he’s good with the customers. And most of all, he doesn’t seem discouraged by your scolding. He’s a really hard worker with a lot of passion.”

“Hmph. I’ll admit that guy’s got guts.”

“Right? It used to be just the two of us. But with Haru around, we’ve been helped a lot.”

“Yeah, I suppose.”

It’s really rare for Dad to acknowledge someone. For as long as I can remember, my mom wasn’t around. I heard she passed away from an epidemic. To me, Dad was my only parent. And he’s always been strict—both on himself and others.

That’s why it was surprising that Dad was acknowledging Haru this much.

“I’ll admit Haru’s efforts. But I think he’s hiding something.”

“Hiding what?”

“Don’t you notice? Haru was probably a high-ranked adventurer.”

“Eh? Really?”

I hadn’t noticed. I never cared about adventurer rankings—felt like a world far away from me.

“Yeah. Not just his spirit—his body is insane. You’ve heard me say he’s too strong, right?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Haru’s strength is not normal. I’ve told him many times to control it. But it’s hard for him. His every movement is efficient. And his body feels like it was made for battle. I know A-rank adventurers, but Haru might be even higher. He gives off that kind of vibe.”

“Eh… but if he’s higher than A-rank…”

That would mean… Haru used to be an S-rank adventurer? A rare title, only a few in the world can reach it. Even I, a baker, know of it.

So that’s Haru? But come to think of it, he is big and has a lot of stamina. Maybe it’s true? But then why work in a bakery…?

“I only know from hearsay, but adventurers always face death. Maybe… he lost someone dear to him. When Haru first came here, he was clearly exhausted.”

“Ah…”

I remembered. During the interview, Haru said he was “completely worn out.” His face was pale, and his clothes were ragged. Maybe he really did lose someone important during his adventures. So, he came here after all that…

“Well, that said, I don’t intend to pry or offer half-baked sympathy.”

“Yeah. But I’m surprised you’re that worried.”

“Hmph… I-it’s not worry. It’s just information sharing. I’m heading to the kitchen.”

“Okay.”

Dad went to the kitchen. I stared at my empty plate.

“…Haru.”

But just like Dad said. Prying too much or feeling sorry for him is disrespectful. Haru is working so hard. So, I’ll treat him the same as always. That’s probably the best thing I can do.

“Good morning, Lisel.”

“G-good morning…!”

“What’s wrong? Your face is red.”

“N-no, it’s nothing! C-come on, let’s get to work!”

“Yeah.”

Ugh… But why? When I see Haru, I feel a bit embarrassed. I have to pull myself together! I *am* technically Haru’s boss, after all──!!