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 6

Episode 6

After we finished the tour of the mansion, Sebas and I decided to have dinner in the dining room.

On the long table, though the meal was simple, two servings were neatly arranged — steaming hot soup, freshly baked bread, and a vegetable stew made with several kinds of vegetables.

It wasn’t a large amount. But everything was clearly prepared with care.

“Did Kotama make this?”

When I asked, Sebas nodded happily.

“Yes. Kotama put her heart into preparing it. I hope it suits your taste, Yutaka-sama…”

“No, it all looks delicious. Kotama is a good cook.”

I tore off a piece of bread and brought it to my mouth.

It was simple, but the scent of the wheat was rich — a delicious bread.

The stew also had a gentle flavor. The sweetness of the vegetables came through well.

“Yes, she’s quite skillful with her hands. She’s learned a lot about cooking from the village women. Fortunately, all the villagers adore Kotama. They treat her like their own daughter or little sister.”

Sebas looked truly happy when he talked about Kotama.

“You and Kotama are both loved by the people.”

When I said that, Sebas smiled. The corners of his eyes were softening.

“Yes, I am truly grateful for that.”

As we continued eating, Sebas muttered softly.

“Normally, Kotama would be sitting with us at the table, cheerfully chatting about her day while we ate…”

His voice held a hint of loneliness.

He must be concerned that Kotama couldn’t be here because of my presence.

“I’m sorry. It’s because I came. If I’m in the way, I can eat in my room.”

When I offered, Sebas quickly shook his head.

“No, not at all! Having you here, Yutaka-sama, is a great joy for me — and in time, it will be the same for all of Vixel Domain. Kotama as well… I believe one day, she will open her heart to you.”

Sebas said this with a distant look in his eyes.

After that, we quietly finished our meal while discussing the current state of Vixel Domain and the challenges ahead.

＊ ＊ ＊

After dinner, I took a shower in the bathroom Sebas had shown me. I washed away the dust.

Although I couldn’t adjust the water temperature…

Refreshed, I headed to the study.

In order to think about the future, I first needed accurate information about the Vixel Domain.

The study was filled with old, dusty books.

I selected a few that seemed to cover the geography and history of Vixel Domain, sat in a leather chair, and began reading.

As I spread out a map and reviewed the surrounding terrain and resources, I found an interesting passage:

“…Beyond the forest lies a settlement of beastfolk. It is said that deeper in the land dwell elves. And in the mountains, dwarves…”

It seemed to be quite old information. But if it’s true, there might be a chance to build cooperative relationships with them.

I decided to keep that in mind.

As I was deeply focused on reading, suddenly there was a soft knock at the study door.

“Yutaka-sama, may I come in? It’s Sebas.”

“Ah, it’s fine. Come in.”

As I responded, the door quietly opened. And Sebas stepped inside.

But behind him, trying to hide, stood an unexpected figure — Kotama.

When she saw me, her shoulders twitched. And she tried to hide behind Sebas again.

“What’s going on?”

I closed the book and turned toward Kotama.

Sebas gently pushed her small back. He was urging her to step forward.

“It’s alright, Kotama. I’m here with you.”

With Sebas’s gentle encouragement, Kotama lowered her head. She was fidgeting and clutching her hands in front of her. Her cat ears were flattened in unease.

Eventually, as if making up her mind, Kotama spoke in a small voice:

“Um… I… I’m sorry…”

It was barely audible.

As I tilted my head, wondering what she meant, Kotama continued:

“Earlier… I couldn’t greet you properly… and I returned to the mansion on my own…”

Apparently, she had come to apologize for her rude behavior when we arrived.

She bowed deeply.

I quietly stood up from my chair and slowly approached her. I was careful not to intimidate her.

Then I knelt down in front of her, bringing my eyes level with hers.

“Please, lift your face.”

When I spoke gently, Kotama timidly raised her face.

Her large, watery eyes looked at me nervously.

I gently took her small hands in mine.

“Sebas has told me about you. You’re Kotama, right?”

Kotama gave a small nod.

“Dinner was delicious. Thank you for the heartfelt meal.”

When I said that, Kotama looked at me in surprise.

Her big eyes widened just slightly.

The next moment, as if startled, she pulled her hands away from mine.

Then she stood up in a panic, nearly bumping into Sebas behind her. With Sebas saying “Careful,” she darted out of the study without a word.

Her tail was swaying and flapping behind her.

As I stood there taken aback, Sebas let out an apologetic sigh.

“Yutaka-sama… truly, that child is…”

I stood up and smiled wryly at Sebas.

“No, it’s alright. You went out of your way to create a chance for Kotama and me to talk, didn’t you? Thank you. I know it must be a lot of trouble.”

Sebas shook his head apologetically.

“No, if anything, I’m the one who’s being selfish. I involve you in my wishes. But… when she heard your words just now, I’m sure something touched her heart.”

Then Sebas looked toward the door with a worried expression.

“I’ll go check on Kotama. Please rest well tonight, Yutaka-sama.”

With those words, Sebas quietly left the study.

Left alone, I recalled Kotama’s expression just moments ago.

If this had brought me even a little closer to her, I’d be glad.

Her emotional wounds are deep.

There’s no rushing — I’ll have to face them slowly and carefully.

With that thought in mind, I too left the study for the night.

Starting tomorrow, I would need to fully begin rebuilding the Vixel Domain.

There’s a mountain of things to do.