Striving For The Luxury Liner – Vol 10 Chapter 10

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Chapter 10 – Ines’ Tenacity

When we went to the Adventurer’s Guild to meet Dario-kun, we got some subtle attention inside. At the moment, we are on our way to Ines’ parents’ house, and we cannot refuse. First of all, we should just talk to Dario-kun and Flora-san…

(Hey, Master. Why didn’t you refuse?)

(Even if you say so, I can’t refuse when he asks me with his head down like that. I’m also afraid of meeting Ines’ parents out of the blue. Since he is Ines’ brother, you have to round him up somehow).

Even if I wanted Ines to be punished, such a sudden turn of events is not the way I wanted things to go. I wanted a little more time to prepare, if possible. I’m not good at improvising. It’s impossible for me to improvise my way through a situation like this. Perhaps my feelings had been conveyed, but Ines changed the subject.

“So why are Alessia and the others and even Flora coming with us? This is between my family and Master, so why don’t you just stay out of it?”

Ines started to do her best to send Alessia-san and the others and Flora-san away as if she wanted to reduce the number of people who could see her parents face to face.

“Still, we’re worried about Ines, too. So you see, after the meeting with Ines and your parents is over, and after the big circle is over, we will leave, so please don’t worry.”

Alessia-san pretended to be worried about Ines, not wanting to be sent away. But that means she’ll stay until the end, right?

“Me too; when my childhood friend came back, she became a slave. I want to know what happened. Besides, I’ve already talked to Uncle and Auntie, so I’m fine.”

Flora-san was Ines’ childhood friend. It seems like they’re like family, and I don’t think it’s possible to send her away.

“Nee-chan. I’m shocked to hear that you’ve become a slave, but I’m glad that you’re with such good people. I feel a little relieved.”

I’m worried that you’re too pure, Dario-kun. Aren’t you too good with people? Most of the people in Alessia-san’s group are just spectators, you know?

“I’m home! I brought Nee-chan!”

We arrived at Ines’ parents’ house without being able to reduce the number of people, despite Ines’ efforts. What can I say… it’s a normal house.

It’s a place that nurtured Ines’ fun-loving side, so I had imagined a house that was rich or poor or a little different from the norm, so I honestly didn’t expect this.

At the sound of Dario-kun’s voice, two people, a man, and a woman, appeared at the front door. Hmm, Ines’ mother is an amazingly beautiful woman, just like Ines. I can’t believe she has two big kids, huh?

What can I say, a beautiful witch? She has bright red hair, typical for the Flame Tiger tribe, and an outstanding style. But the way she looks at Ines and smiles while twitching her tiger ears is kind of cute.

And Ines’ father is… yes, that one, powerful. If you look closely, he has a well-defined face, but he doesn’t look stiff, and his intensity blows everything away.

They say that daughters are like their fathers, but what can I say, Ines and Dario-kun, you are lucky to be like your mother. Oh, Ines’ father came this way.

“You must be Wataru-san, Ines’ master. Thank you for saving Ines and giving us the opportunity to meet.”

Ines’ father bowed deeply. Now I am in a bit of a panic. Dario-kun does the same, but he bows his head in a strange and firm way, doesn’t he? Is that custom in this country? But Ines is not like that. What is the situation?

“P-please raise your head. I’m the one Ines is helping. I really appreciate it.”

Surprised and confused, I, the one being thanked, also bow my head and say my thanks with a bitter smile. I know for sure that I’m responding wrongly. But there is nothing I can do about it. I managed to get him to raise his head and push Ines, who was pretending to be uninvolved behind my back, to the front.

“Ines. Welcome back. I heard from Dario that you had a hard time. But whatever it was, I’m glad to see that you’re doing well.”

Ines’ father puts his hand on Ines’ shoulder and says kind words. Despite his powerful appearance, Ines’ father seems sincere and honest when you talk to him.

“Ines, welcome back. Mom is so happy to see you.”

Ines’ mother, smiling kindly, also leans in close to Ines and speaks kindly to her.

“Ah, everyone, I’m sorry to keep you waiting here. Please come in. I’ll make you some tea.”

Ines’ mother notices that we are waiting and tries to lead us into the house.

“Oh, don’t worry. We just dropped Ines off, so please spend the rest of the day together as a family.”

We bow our heads and quickly turn on our heels. I feel so guilty that I tried to deceive such wonderful parents with lies. So we leave without Ines.

“No, we can’t do that after you came all this way. I’m sorry it’s so shabby, but please let me entertain you.”

Ines’ father pulls us aside with a serious look on his face. Ines grabs my arm. I can’t seem to escape. But wouldn’t Ines be better off without us? Did she only catch me because I tried to run away?

Unable to go against the tide, I enter the house with Ines holding my arm. We were led into the living room, but as expected, there were too many of us and nowhere to sit.

“I’m sorry it’s such a small room. Do you mind if half of you sit over here?”

Ines’ mother opened the door to the living room and led Alessia-san and Flora-san into the next room. I wanted to go over there too, but I couldn’t escape because Ines had a firm grip on my arm.

In the end, it looks like it will be me, Ines, Felicia, Ines’ parents, and Dario-kun. After Ines’ mother and Dario-kun brought us tea, we sat down on either side of Ines’ father, and the discussion began.

“First of all, I want to thank you again. I heard that you helped Ines, and I really appreciate it.”

Ines’ father thanked us again, and Ines’ mother and Dario-kun bowed deeply to us. I don’t like this atmosphere.

“No, I really didn’t do anything, so please raise your head. Ouch!”

Ines pinched me. I must have talked too much. She was really trying to fool them, wasn’t she?

I don’t care what she does if they are enemies, but it hurts me to deceive such a serious and good-natured family member.

“Dad, Mom, and Dario. I’ve been through a lot, but I’m happy now. You really don’t have to worry.”

“But you’ve been through something sad, haven’t you? Ines has a stubborn personality, so Dad is worried about you. Are you sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard?”

“Yes, Nee-chan. We are a family. Don’t be afraid to cry. We’ll do everything we can to help you. We’ll take care of the money. Right, father?”

“Yes, now, Ines. Tell me the truth. You say you are happy, but are you emotionally tired? Why don’t you come back here and get some rest?”

Oof, the pressure from Ines’ father and Dario-kun is strong. Ines was also very tense.

“It’s true that I’ve gone through a lot. I lost some important friends… and I’m depressed…”

You lost your friends because of the male-female relationship in your group. You don’t have to look so heartbroken, do you? Aren’t you more worried about your family? Your father and Dario-kun look like they’re about to cry, you know?

“But! I was saved when I met my current master and Alessia and the others.”

I see, so this is her strategy to show her happiness. I was wondering what would happen since her father and Dario-kun were pushing her, but she successfully changed the track.

Ines, perhaps thinking that it would be dangerous to let her talk, quickly piles on the words. She starts talking furiously about the settings she worked on last night.

“Ugh, Ines, it must have been very hard for you. But I’m glad that you’re happy now.”

“That’s right. Your deceased friends must be happy that Nee-chan is living happily…”

Ines’ father and Dario-kun are crying so much. I can’t get over how emotional it is. It’s quite sensitive that Ines feels like she’s done it all, but… if the story can be wrapped up nicely as it is, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

Deception or not, guilt or not, it’s a small thing. If this is acceptable to both parties, everything will come full circle.

“So, Ines. Why did you really become a slave?”

That’s right.

Ines’ mother smiled and listened happily to Ines’ story while her husband and son cried. It was as if she knew it was a lie from the beginning. I thought Ines wouldn’t be caught red-handed because it was all so neatly put together, but apparently, her mother isn’t so naive.

“Huh? What do you really mean? Didn’t I just explain the situation to you?”

Ines contradicted her mother angrily. But that wasn’t angry; it was more like impatience. It looks like she’s trying to cover it up with strong words.

“How many years do you think I have been your mother? You are a strong girl who never shows it when things are really hard or sad. On the other hand, you are also a bad girl who tries to cover up and exaggerate when things are uncomfortable for you. Tell the truth.”

Well, Ines’ father, who has been a father to Ines for as many years as her mother, is sulking, isn’t he? Even the son freezes.

“What do you mean, Mom? Are you saying that Ines is lying?”

“That’s right.”

“I’m not lying. How could you say that to your daughter, who hasn’t been home for a long time?”

Well, for a moment, I thought it would be okay if it ended peacefully, but it was going to be a scene of carnage. Alessia-san, who was listening to the conversation in the next room, laughed at the interesting turn of events.

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