Magical Cooking with Magical Girl Taragon
Truly, being a magical girl is such a troublesome thing…
It’s good that she’s regained her energy, but isn’t she overdoing it?
(I thought I was going to get slapped, but I never expected to be kissed…)
“Even Akuma was surprised by that… Though, I did sense some interest from Marin…”
Have my actions up until now given Marin any reason to like me?
Truly, I can’t understand what girls this age are thinking…
Moreover, even if women liking women were acceptable, it doesn’t work for me.
There are various reasons, but the main one is that no matter the outcome, I will disappear from this world.
Regardless of me, there’s no way Marin can end up happy.
(But what’s with this further enhancement of the Enhanced Form?)
“Rather, wasn’t it incomplete until now?”
(What do you mean?)
“I think until now it was forcibly awakened by sheer determination, but this time it officially awakened.”
Officially, huh.
I saw her fight an A-Rank monster the other day, and she moved more sharply than then; she was undoubtedly stronger. I never expected her to handle ice pillars, shatter rock spears, and slice through flames so effortlessly…
(How strong is Marin in that state?)
“Hmm, roughly speaking, I’d say at least late teens in the rankings.”
―That’s pretty strong.
Originally, anyone ranked around the top ten couldn’t hold their own without awakening.
Considering that, Marin’s previous Enhanced Form was indeed lacking.
Still, why has she suddenly become so much stronger? She’s practically the protagonist now.
Am I destined to die protecting Marin at the story’s end?
And then Marin will achieve further awakening, defeat the Demon King, and live happily ever after.
If things go that way, at least there’s some hope…
Putting Marin aside for now, since Thalagong is waiting, let’s head back to Mizu no Ue.
(So, I’ll leave it to you.)
“Why didn’t you just go straight home? Why did you change clothes at the dormitory?”
That’s because I foresaw a future where Thalagong would mess with me if I kept those clothes on. I wanted to switch into my usual hoodie.
(Don’t worry about it. The hoodie makes me feel more at ease.)
“I’ll let you off with that explanation. Ho!”
Thanks to Akuma’s teleportation, we arrived instantly in front of Thalagong’s house.
It’s only 6 PM, so we’re safe.
As we approached the entrance, a pleasant aroma wafted through the air.
(Judging by the smell, is it curry today?)
“I prefer curry without potatoes.”
I don’t mind either way, but I’m glad when carrots are included.
We opened the door and entered the house.
“I’m home.”
“You’re finally back. Dinner will be ready soon, so wash your hands.”
…Before entering the academy, we had exchanges like this a few times, but I still haven’t gotten used to it.
Living alone, you wouldn’t normally say “I’m home.”
Now, although Akuma is here, since she’s always with me, we don’t exchange “I’m home” or “welcome back.”
Anyway, I’ve washed my hands, so let’s sit and wait. Ideally, I’d like to help out, but Thalagong won’t let me assist.
Whenever I try to help, I’m pushed back, and with my weak strength, there’s nothing I can do to resist.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. It’s curry today. Let’s eat.”
“Let’s eat.”
Thalagong’s cooking is as delicious as ever.
However, there’s one issue.
The difference in our eating speeds—Thalagong finishes much faster than I do.
After finishing her meal, Thalagong keeps staring at me until I’m done.
When I ask “What is it?” she simply replies “Nothing,” refusing to explain.
(By the way, is it okay to tell Thalagong and the others about the witches?)
“It’s better not to mention the witches.”
(Why is that?)
“Based on past experiences, spreading information carelessly tends to increase the damage.”
Ah, I see. Stirring up the bushes might bring out venomous snakes. If we probe too hastily, we could quickly be discovered and eliminated.
“Our contractors aside, it’s best not to talk about witches to anyone. Anyway, it seems like Talagon’s group will also move against the destructionist faction eventually, so perhaps the witches will declare war on us sooner or later.”
Until then, silence is probably best.
Since I plan to fight alone anyway, if staying silent prevents unnecessary harm, then it’s better not to speak.
“Is the food tasty?”
“It’s very delicious.”
The balance between spiciness and sweetness is perfect. Additionally, the perilla dressing on the salad is a nice touch.
“Thank you for the meal.”
“Yes, thank you. Would you like dessert and coffee?”
“…Please.”
There’s no option to decline. It’s delicious, after all.
Enjoying the almond tofu dessert and sipping the coffee, I take a moment to relax.
“Is Marin doing alright?”
“She went to the Magic Bureau after recovering, so I think she’s fine.”
Honestly, if asked whether she’s okay or not, I suspect she isn’t, but I don’t intend to discuss it.
“That’s good. Why was Marin feeling down?”
Hmm, what exactly was it about?
Perhaps it was the conflict between lacking power and being unable to protect others?
‘(Partially the sadness of not being able to stay beside someone they like, too.)’
(Did you say something?)
“Nothing. In short, it’s fine to say she was troubled by her inadequacy, right?”
That’s true.
“She seemed troubled by her inadequacies. We talked it through, and things improved.”
Though the outcome of the conversation wasn’t quite what I expected…
“By the way, make sure to properly thank Arongante. Here’s Arongante’s contact information.”
Speaking of which, they did mention wanting to express gratitude.
I receive Thalagong’s instructions, register Arongante’s account, and keep it handy.
Even though I was told to thank them, I don’t particularly want anything… I’ll reach out when I feel like it.
“Will you be going to the academy tomorrow?”
“Yes. Since I’ve recovered somewhat, there’s no reason to skip.”
—We’ll meet again at the academy tomorrow—
Marin’s words replay in my mind.
No, I don’t really want to go to the academy.
What exactly happened to Marin…?
“Yes… It’s good to work hard, but if something happens, please talk about it. We are family, after all.”
Thalagong looks at me with concern.
Family… Even if she knew who I truly am, would she still call me that?
Well, since I have no intention of reverting to male, gender-wise it’s probably not an issue, but ultimately, I must bid farewell.
Even if we grow closer, it’ll only make the ending painful.
“I understand.”
“Great! So, shall we take a bath together…?”
“No thanks.”
Even if she looks dejected, there’s no way I’ll ever bathe with her.
Truthfully, I wouldn’t even want to bathe with Akuma, but due to maintenance needs, I reluctantly share baths with her.
“It can’t be helped… Feel free to go in first. I’ll clean up while you’re in.”
“Please don’t try to barge in like last time.”
“…Understood.”
…Just in case, I’ll freeze the door shut.
By the way, it’s been a while since I returned to my room, but it’s still tidy. I wonder if Thalagong hired someone to clean it while traveling around the world?
I grab a towel and change of clothes and head to the bath.
Or rather, the hot spring. Since it’s in the house, calling it a bath works fine.
(Alright, as usual, I’ll leave it to you.)
“Got it!”
Once inside the bathroom, I seal the entrance with ice and release Akuma from possession.
Basically, I let Akuma handle washing my body entirely.
Still, my flat figure hasn’t changed at all… I don’t particularly desire femininity, but still…
While lost in thought, Akuma pours water over me and washes my hair, which feels incredibly soothing.
“Going to rinse off the foam now~”
(Acknowledged.)
With that, I’m rinsed, and my body is cleaned.
At first, it felt embarrassing, but now I’m used to it.
By the way, it’s almost December already… It’s been nearly three months since I became a magical girl in September. During that time, how many times have I nearly died? Well, considering I’ve technically died twice, it’s been quite eventful…
Truly… my heart skips a beat.
“Alright, let’s get in the bath~”
Ah, what a wonderful soak.
One of the reasons I’m staying at Thalagong’s place is because of this. With my current body, visiting a public hot spring would be difficult.
“What a great bath, huh?”
“Yes. Still, don’t overheat yourself. It’d be bothersome to hide it from Thalagong.”
“I know~”
Do I really?
After thoroughly enjoying the bath, I step out.
When leaving, I collect and burn Akuma’s blonde hair. If golden locks were found where they shouldn’t be, who knows what people might say.
After informing Thalagong, I’ll call it a night.
“I’m out.”
“Got it~ Are you going to sleep already?”
“Yes. We have academy tomorrow as well.”
To be honest, I’m scared to go because of Marin, but there’s nothing I can do about it.
“That’s right. Don’t overexert yourself.”
“Yes.”
I answer Thalagong, who looks worried.
“…Liar”
It can’t be helped.
I’m weak, after all… I’ll do whatever it takes to win.
(Since we’re parting anyway, it’s probably better not to worry her too much, right?)
“If Haruna says it’s fine, then it’s fine. But don’t forget that there will be people who will grieve when Haruna leaves.”
Grieve…?
I just want to fight. Other people’s emotions are none of my concern.
Still, I have no intention of foolishly revealing my thoughts to Akuma or Thalagong.
The confrontation with the witches may come anytime, but first, I must eliminate their leaders.
Then, I’ll defeat them and the monsters they summon, and finally, destroy the witches.
Akuma will save the world for the first time, and I will fulfill my contract with NigoShiro.
What comes after that is something I look forward to now.
But… if… if I lack the strength and fall midway…
Perhaps entrusting the rest to a senior wouldn’t be bad.
(So, wake me up when morning comes.)
“Sure thing.”
I crawl into bed, curl up, and drift off to sleep.
…I’m afraid of school tomorrow.
