Another World Fluffy Cafe

Chapter 25: The Ore Bracelet

A few days after the intruder broke into the Fluffy Cafe, Ruby had been feeling restless. She found herself lost in thought often, staring blankly out the window.

Seeing Ruby like this made Taichi worried.

(Was she scared by that attack after all?)

Although Ume had fully recovered, she had been injured while protecting Ruby. It was likely that Ruby was still grappling with that incident.

While there were customers at the cafe and time was limited, Himeri would be coming in for a part-time job in the afternoon, which would give Taichi some free time.

(Then, I’ll try talking to Ruby.)

Taichi might not be the most reliable person, having just arrived in this world, but he hoped he could lighten her heart a bit.

In the afternoon, Taichi asked Himeri to take care of the cafe and approached Ruby.

In the backyard of the Fluffy Cafe, they sat side by side on a bench made from his crafting skills. A moment of silence hung in the air as Taichi pondered how to start the conversation.

(It’s a delicate subject, so I need to be careful…)

Just as he was thinking this, Ruby spoke up.

“Actually… I have something I’d like to consult with you.”

“If it’s okay with me,” Taichi replied.

“Thank you, Taichi. It’s about…”

Ruby had initiated the conversation, but it seemed she was struggling to find the words, and silence fell again. She tightly clasped her small hands and finally spoke.

“Actually, I… I’ve fallen in love with Ume at first sight!”

“…Huh!?”

Taichi’s eyes widened in shock at this unexpected confession.

(It wasn’t about her emotional scars or anything like that!)

To receive a love confession now!

(But what kind of advice can I give her!?)

Having lived a life entirely devoted to work, Taichi had never had a partner. He had often thought of the cats at the cafe as his companions instead. He fumbled for words.

(But Ruby was on a journey to find a partner…)

For the moment, this seemed to be good news.

“You did say you were looking for a partner. What do you like about Ume?”

“…It’s Ume’s strength, I think,” Ruby replied.

“Strength?”

“Yes.”

When Taichi asked for clarification, Ruby shared her experience from the incident.

Time briefly rewound to when the intruder had attacked the cafe.

“Ume must have been scared too, but she put herself in harm’s way to help me when the intruder came… Oh, but please don’t tell anyone this.”

“Got it? I won’t say a word.”

“Ume… was trembling. She usually seems so reliable and strong, but it turns out she has a slightly timid side too.”

Yet, despite her fear, she had summoned the courage to step forward and fight.

At that moment, Ruby felt her heart tremble. At the same time, she felt her heart shrink when she thought about Ume getting injured while protecting her.

“I thought she was cute, and I wanted to protect her… Well, it’s a bit odd for me to say that since I was the one who got protected.”

Ruby’s cheeks turned pink as she spoke those words. Taichi couldn’t help but blush too at her bittersweet feelings.

“So that’s how it is. I might not understand Ume’s feelings, but I hope yours reach her.”

“…Yes. And that’s why I wanted to consult you.”

“Okay?”

Taichi thought the conversation was over, but the real topic was just beginning.

“I want to give her a piece of jewelry made from my ore!”

“Wait, your ore?”

“Yes. Can you help me make an accessory using the needles on my back as the material?”

It seemed Ruby wanted to provide the materials, and Taichi would take them to a craftsman for processing.

“I can’t go to a human shop by myself.”

“Got it! Leave it to me!”

Taichi was determined to create a fantastic piece of jewelry.

Since Ume had flowers growing around her neck, it might be better to make a ribbon or perhaps a bracelet for her leg instead of a collar.

(Actually, can’t I make it with my [Creation (Physical)] skill?)

That way, it would be closer to the design Ruby liked, and he could recreate it as many times as necessary.

“Can I make the accessory myself?” Taichi asked.

“Eh? Of course! You’re a craftsman?”

“No, I just have a skill that allows me to do it. I haven’t told anyone, so let’s keep it a secret.”

While he could tell his familiars, it would be bad if other people found out. Being able to create anything would be too much of a cheat.

“Understood! Thank you, Taichi.”

“Leave it to me!”

(But wait, is it really okay to use the needles from your back as material?)

Questions began to arise. Would they grow back? Would it hurt? Taichi found himself worrying about many things.

(Wait, if I do this… will I have to pull them out myself?)

That thought was terrifying and sent shivers down his spine.

As Taichi pondered what to do, he suddenly heard a sound next to him—a soft thud. Looking over, he saw one of Ruby’s needles had fallen onto the bench.

“…Huh!?”

Startled by the sudden occurrence, Taichi momentarily lost his words.

“Wait, Ruby, doesn’t that hurt? What happens to a needle once it’s out? Will it grow back? How did you pull it out?”

“Calm down, Taichi.”

“Oh, okay…”

He had been so surprised that he had unintentionally spoken too quickly.

“I can take these out by myself. If I’m attacked, I can drop a few needles to escape.”

“Oh, I see.”

Taichi realized it was similar to how a lizard sheds its tail.

“Then let’s use this ore to make some accessories. Do you have any ideas about what you want it to look like?”

“I’m not very knowledgeable about accessories, but… if I had to choose, I think I’d prefer a more solid impression. I’d like it to retain some of that ore-like quality.”

“Something like highlighting the material, huh?”

“Exactly!”

Nodding in agreement, Taichi thought it might be best not to make the design too intricate and instead place larger pieces of the ore.

Imagining a bracelet for her front leg, he used his skill.

“[Creation (Physical)]”

In his mind, he envisioned a bracelet that would suit the kind-hearted and gentle Ume.

Imagining plum blossoms and plum fruit, he shaped the ruby ore into round and heart shapes. Since there was still plenty of ore left, he began to create small particles of different sizes.

He connected them in order of size, from the back of the bracelet to the front, using half the larger pieces first.

The red ruby glistened under the sunlight, shining beautifully. Taichi thought it resembled Ruby’s feelings for Ume.

As the design solidified in his mind, the bracelet was complete.

“Whoa, this is amazing! I think it’s perfect for Ume with her red eyes! This is incredible!”

When Taichi handed the finished bracelet to Ruby, her lovely eyes sparkled with joy. She hugged it tightly, clearly nervous, asking, “Will you put it on her…?”

(Is she going to confess as she hands over the bracelet?)

Imagining that scenario brought a smile to his face.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but think, I wish I had a partner too… After all, he didn’t plan on staying single forever.

(Well, not that I have anyone particularly good in mind…)

“Okay, I’ll go give this to Ume now!”

“Yeah, good luck!”

As Ruby energetically headed back into the cafe, Taichi took a breath and thought—Wait, now!?—before chasing after her.

He never expected she would confess so soon!

…But it seemed the confession had already taken place.

Ume was wearing the newly made bracelet on her front leg, and the red ore suited her perfectly.