When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 18

Episode 18

The next morning. As I headed to the dining room for breakfast as usual, I was greeted by a scene just a little different from the norm.

Sebas was, of course, sitting in his usual seat. And usually, the opposite seat was empty. But there sat Kotama, quietly perched in place.

As soon as she noticed me entering the room, her reddish-brown cat ears twitched. They then drooped as she looked down.

Her gestures hadn’t changed. But the very fact that she was now sitting at the same table with us, especially right after yesterday, was already a huge step forward.

“Good morning, Sebas. And you too, Kotama—good morning.”

When I greeted them, Sebas responded in his usual manner,

“Good morning, Yutaka-sama.”

Kotama, without lifting her head, mumbled back softly,

“G-Good morning… sir…”

(Alright, she managed to greet me.)

Thinking back to the time when she would flee at the mere sight of me, this was a major improvement.

She must be doing her best to change, in her own way.

Seeing her trying so earnestly, I quietly cheered her on in my heart.

I took my seat and began eating the breakfast set before me.

The fragrant scent of freshly baked bread, the warmth of a soup full of vegetables.

As always, Kotama’s cooking was exquisite.

“Mmm, it’s delicious again today. Thanks, Kotama—every single day.”

When I shared my honest thoughts, Kotama responded in an even smaller voice, still without lifting her head,

“N-No… um… I’m just doing what’s expected of me as a maid, so…”

She was being modest. But there was a slightly bashful note in her voice.

As we continued our peaceful breakfast, Sebas spoke up. He turned to Kotama.

“Kotama. After the meal, we will head to the town of Kanaloa. As mentioned the other day, we’re going to pay a visit to Freyja-sama, who will be leading the scouting expedition. Is that alright?”

At Sebas’ words, Kotama’s shoulders gave a slight jump.

“Y-Yes! I-I understand…!”

She was clearly nervous—her voice came out a little high-pitched.

Even so, she answered properly.

After that, the meal ended quietly. It was without much more conversation.

But… this was the first time I had shared a meal with Kotama.

To eat together—such a simple thing, yet so warm and joyful.

—

After the meal, we quickly finished preparations and headed to the mansion’s entrance.

Sebas took his place on the coachman’s seat, and Kotama and I got into the back of the carriage.

The carriage rattled and swayed as we rode toward Kanaloa.

Along the way, Kotama seemed very conscious of my presence.

From time to time, her cat ears twitched as she stole wary glances at my face.

(Well, I guess it’s natural… Being alone in the back of a carriage with an adult man must still be a nerve-wracking situation for her.)

I tried not to pressure her. I turned my gaze toward the front and pretended to enjoy the scenery along the road.

Still, the tiny glances stabbing into my back made it hard to feel entirely relaxed.

Eventually, the bustle of Kanaloa town drew near.

We could see the town walls. And the lively voices of its people began to reach us.

The carriage slowly entered the town, and we got off near the usual plaza.

Freyja was probably at the outpost again today.

Sebas and I walked in the lead, with Kotama trailing a little behind. She was holding firmly onto Sebas’ hand.

The town was filled with various sounds: soldiers training, casual chatter, and more.

To Sebas and me, it was a familiar scene—but to Kotama, everything must have felt new… and maybe a little frightening. Since she had never been to Kanaloa before.

She looked around nervously, her eyes darting. And she flinched whenever a loud noise echoed nearby.

Especially when the voices of sturdy male soldiers laughing could be heard, I could tell she clung tighter to Sebas’ arm.

“Oh, there’s Freyja, over there.”

I pointed toward a spot just before the outpost. It was where Freyja was sitting atop an empty wooden crate. She was chatting with a few soldiers.

When she noticed us, Freyja said something to the soldiers. And they quickly stepped back.

They saluted, dispersed, and Freyja began walking toward us alone.

“Yutaka-dono, Sebas-dono. I’ve been expecting you.”

Freyja greeted us in her usual calm, neutral tone.

“Thanks, Freyja.”

“Freyja-sama, thank you for seeing us today.”

Sebas and I each returned her greeting.

Then Freyja’s gaze turned to Kotama, who was hiding behind Sebas.

“And… you must be Kotama-dono. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Freyja.”

Her voice was no different from when she addressed us. It carried a composed, androgynous tone.

Still gripping the hem of Sebas’ coat tightly, Kotama replied in a small voice,

“I-I’m Kotama… P-Pleased to meet you…”

Yet despite her timid reply, her reddish-brown cat ears stood tall and alert.

(Hmm… so when it’s a woman, she feels a bit more at ease? She’s probably still on guard. But at least she’s not completely terrified.)

That was likely a good sign.

Still… Freyja even uses “-dono” (a respectful honorific) when speaking to children.

It’s very much like her.