Chapter 10 - The One Bright Way to Motivate Papa
"Don't worry about it too much. This is just part of my duty to support you."
I stood in the kitchen, trying to hide my embarrassment.
If I kept looking Angelica in the eye, the atmosphere felt like it was going to turn strange and irreversible.
My only move was to flee.
I shook my head vigorously to dispel my worldly desires and began preparing breakfast.
Last night was Japanese style, so let's go with Western style this time.
I took sausages and frozen chicken out of the refrigerator.
While being hindered by Angelica, who clung to me like a cat, I threw them into the microwave.
Even though it was only a few minutes of cooking, serving it with bread, salad, and even milk should be sufficient.
"Wow. Today's dish looks like the food from that other country."
"Perfect timing. I'll teach you how to use the microwave."
I explained the microwave and the refrigerator to a wide-eyed Angelica.
I demonstrated by heating up ingredients right in front of her.
At first, she tilted her head in confusion, but eventually, she seemed convinced, saying, "Is this an artifact of this world?"
"I'll make extra, so the leftovers will be your lunch, Ange. Got it? Just put it in this box like I showed you, press the button, and it'll warm up."
I warned her not to put anything other than food inside, as it emits heat rays strong enough to kill an animal in minutes.
Then, Angelica...
"Heat rays on par with a dragon's breath in a box like this...!?"
She scurried backward.
"Hawawa... A toilet that spits water breath, and a cooking box that fires murder beams... It's because you grew up in such an environment that you were able to become the strongest Hero, Father..."
Receiving a gaze filled with a mix of fear and respect, I lined up the plates and cups on the table.
"It's ready."
The two of us sat facing each other and said, "Itadakimasu."
Once again, a lively meal began.
Now then.
I hoped she would accept this imitation Western food from Japan.
While stuffing my cheeks with bread, I casually observed Angelica.
"Mmm. It's so soft."
She had a smile that looked like it would melt. It seemed she liked it.
I thought we were doing a pretty good job of being parent and child.
"Is it good?"
Angelica nodded. Cute.
"Father, you're so kind. ...I really do want to become your wife after all."
She sent me a mysterious, seductive glance. Stop that.
What a thing to say just when a man has entered father mode.
I almost choked from the agitation but managed to finish eating.
After quickly clearing the dishes, I began the task of grooming myself.
Nail clipping.
Even if it was just a part-time job, I worked in a restaurant. The manager was very vocal about hygiene.
Long hair on a man was out, and I wasn't allowed to grow a beard either.
As for my fingertips, he checked every day to see if I'd trimmed them short enough. It was quite a hassle, even if it was to avoid food poisoning.
I carefully caught the tips of my nails with the blades, making a rhythmic clicking sound as I cut them.
My goal was to remove the white part at the tip completely.
To finish, I used the file on the nail clipper to smooth the edges.
I started to worry about how Angelica felt seeing me now. I hoped she didn't think it was gross for a man to be so meticulously caring for his fingertips.
I stole a glance at her out of the corner of my eye.
As for Angelica's reaction...
"...Um. Since you trimmed your nails so short, does that mean, well, I can expect something tonight...?"
She was just a female cat in heat. My worries were for nothing. It was disappointing in many ways.
I couldn't help but wonder how she managed to be a Holy Maiden like this. Though maybe she came to me because she realized she couldn't do it anymore.
While thinking about such trivial things, I chatted with Angelica.
I taught her about Japan and told her not to go outside until I could prepare local clothes for her.
Regarding the ghost incident, I suggested we investigate it together when we had time (though she refused with teary eyes).
This was trouble.
Talking with a young girl was actually starting to get fun.
She was so energetic, anyway. She giggled at my silly jokes. She even initiated physical contact.
I was starting to understand the feelings of those guys who get hooked on hostess clubs. Good grief.
Having her call me "Papa" repeatedly while looking up at me was surprisingly effective.
"Papa, Papa, Papa, Papa."
"You don't have to repeat it that much just because I look happy."
In the meantime, it had become eight-thirty.
My shift today was from nine in the morning until three in the afternoon.
It was reluctant, but I had to leave the house soon.
"I have to go now. I have work."
"Eeeh, pay attention to me. Give me some attention. I don't want to be alone."
"It's work. Please understand."
"Muu. It can't be helped, I suppose. ...That's right. After all, Father, you are a former Hero. I'm sure you're doing a grand job that everyone needs!"
"O-Oooooh. It's an occupation that's extremely vital to the foundation of society!"
"Wow!"
Are you a soldier? A doctor? Or a King?
I wasn't the kind of man who could honestly tell Angelica, who was asking with sparkling eyes, that I was a low-ranking worker at a ramen shop.
"I am an assistant to a craftsman who supports the life activities of the people, using techniques passed down from a nation with four thousand years of history."
I used exaggerated expressions that weren't technically lies to cloud the truth.
"I knew it, Father was an important person here too...!"
"...You have the [Skill: Language Comprehension], right? While I'm out, just read some books around here to kill time."
"Yes!"
Angelica nodded repeatedly.
When she made gestures like that, the child part of her came forward more than the woman, which was charming.
I instinctively wanted to pat her head, but I'd heard that doing that was exactly what made middle-aged men disliked.
Physical contact is probably off-limits unless the woman initiates it.
It's a harsh world.
"I have to thank you for doing the sensing too. I'll buy you some clothes and food."
So, the only thing I could do was act like a typical Japanese papa and express my affection through souvenirs.
Besides, it was hard for me to know where to look when she was wearing that suggestive outfit all the time. It felt like an erotically modified wedding dress, and it made me restless.
"Please come home early."
"I will."
Having said everything I wanted to say, I headed to the entrance.
I leaned down, slipped my feet into my shoes, and psyched myself up.
Alright. Today, I'll make sure to break no more than three plates.
It was the thinking of a total failure of an employee, but since it was the reality, there was nothing to be done.
...I need to find another job soon.
As I finished tying my laces with a gloomy feeling, Angelica sat down next to me.
"Ange?"
As I turned around, a surprise kiss flew my way.
A wet sound—chu.
It was on the cheek, but it was super effective.
"Have a good day, Papa."
Ah.
I won't break a single plate today.
I'll work hard. Someday I'll have my own shop and build a house in a prime location.
With my brain being so simple, I left the house in a buoyant mood.