I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 189: An Unexpected Survival Life 56

Episode 189: An Unexpected Survival Life 56  

When Alicia and the others saw Moriya’s house, they froze with their mouths agape.  

The Yamato family’s mansion should have been larger. So what exactly had them so astonished?  

“……A field, next to the house?”  

“……I see crops I’ve never encountered before.”  

“……Wait, this is the Forest of Demons, right?”  

Well, they probably had a lot of opinions, but this was Moriya’s normal. And getting hung up on it would be a losing battle.  

I was surprised at first too. But eventually, I decided not to let it bother me.  

Inside the house, Moriya was preparing drinks for everyone. Only Yuria and I asked for coffee.  

When I said the word “coffee”, the room was filled with a curious, questioning atmosphere. I figured they’d be shocked when they saw it. After all, to someone who’s never seen it, it’s just a pitch-black drink.  

“…M-Maki-san? Is that… a drink?”  

“Whoa. Mihiro, are you seriously going to drink that?”  

“Yeah, but… want to try it?”  

“N-No, thanks.”  

Both Alicia and Ricott-san declined immediately. However, perhaps intrigued by the unique aroma, Ryan-san asked Moriya if he could try it.  

“I’ll bring some right away. Just in case, keep your tea to cleanse your palate.”  

“Understood. Thank you.”  

While everyone else was sipping their drinks, Ryan-san nervously waited for his coffee to arrive.  

When it was placed before him, he swallowed hard, then slowly brought it to his lips.  

“…!”  

“Are you okay, Captain?”  

“…Yes. It’s quite bitter, but not undrinkable.”  

“If the bitterness is too strong, try adding sugar. Here’s some.” 

“Sugar? …Alright, I’ll add one.”  

Ryan-san dropped a sugar cube into the coffee and stirred it. He was watching as the color lightened slightly.  

Even so, it remained black. After steeling himself, he took another sip.  

“……It’s much easier to drink now.”  

“People who like this taste often get hooked on it.”  

“Yes… I think I like it.”  

“That’s great! I grow it myself, though I can’t taste it anymore. Haha!”  

Moriya laughed, his bones clicking together as he did. Ryan-san looked at him with a slightly wistful expression.  

“…Alright then, Moriya. To let you enjoy coffee with Ryan-san, I’ll Appraise how to undo the cost of your forbidden magic.”  

At my words, everyone turned their attention toward me. Moriya stopped clacking his bones and slowly turned around.  

“……….You’re not overdoing it, are you?”  

“I’m fine. I’ll boost my mana by eating bananas. Even if I don’t find a complete solution, I should uncover some clues.”  

“…Alright. But if it’s too much, don’t push yourself. I’m living a pretty decent life as it is.”  

Though Moriya’s bones clacked softly, I didn’t want him to settle for *just decent*.  

“Decent, huh? If we can lift the cost, wouldn’t you be *truly* happy?” 

“……I don’t know. People still hate me.”  

“That’s based on a mistaken history, isn’t it? Even His Majesty is willing to help you. Don’t give up.”  

“I’ve been thinking about this for over a hundred years. It’s not that easy to change my mindset.”  

“Then from now on, consult with someone when you’re struggling. You’re not alone anymore.”  

Moriya froze, his movements stopping entirely. Then, slowly, the clacking of his bones resumed.  

“It’s noisy, Moriya.”  

“L-leave me alone! I just… got a little emotional!”  

So, he clacks when he’s moved?  

“….Alright, Maki-kun. I’ll take you up on your offer. From now on, I’ll come to you for advice!”  

“Fine. I can even use Appraisal if necessary.”  

“Ehh? That takes all the fun out of it! It’s better to talk things through and figure it out together, don’t you think?”  

“Not everything needs to be entertaining, you know.”  

In any case, I was glad to see Moriya in good spirits.  

With this, Appraising the way to lift the cost of his forbidden magic—or finding a way for him to leave this place—shouldn’t be a problem.  

Taking a banana from my magic bag, I ate it heartily to restore my mana. I then activated my Appraisal skill right there.