Charlotte stood there, momentarily dumbfounded… then averted her eyes apologetically.
"I tried looking for something that Allen-san would be happy to receive. Like magical tools or medicinal herbs… but I had no idea what would be good at all…"
"Ah... I guess that can't be helped."
Eruca nodded sympathetically.
Indeed, magical items were often difficult to distinguish for the untrained eye. Something that looked like nothing more than an ordinary black stone could turn out to be an incredibly rare mineral. It was no surprise that Charlotte was completely lost.
But Allen couldn't accept it.
He continued to shout with a sad look on his face, still holding Charlotte by the shoulders.
"I would have been happy with anything you gave me! Even if it was a flower blooming on the roadside, I would have cried tears of joy...!"
"That’s… kind of..., big bro."
"You're being way too heavy, nya."
"Shut up!!"
The two who threw in their jabs had already received gifts from Charlotte. In other words, they were Allen’s enemies. He shot them a sharp glare, but they were so used to it that they didn’t even flinch, which only made it more frustrating.
Meanwhile, Charlotte’s shoulders slumped.
"I-I'm sorry… Even though Allen-san done so much for me, I wasn’t thoughtful enough…"
"Ah… n-no, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad…"
Allen fumbled over his words and hastily let go of her shoulders.
He reflected that he had been acting childishly and selfish.
Charlotte gently took his hand.
Allen looked up in surprise, and she smiled awkwardly.
"I realized that… I’ve only ever been on the receiving end. I don’t even know what Allen-san like. So for now…"
She rummaged through her bag.
What she pulled out was not a present for Allen.
"…Sewing tools?"
"Yes. The bottom of your Allen-san’s frayed, isn't it?"
Charlotte turned her gaze to Allen's feet.
It was true that the bottom of the robe was in tatters from all the rough handling he'd been giving it. Today, after a little sports day, it was in even worse condition.
(Now that I think about it… she did say she used to handle the sewing at home.)
That must be why she noticed.
Charlotte tilted her head slightly, smiling shyly.
"May I mend your robe? And while I do… can you tell me all about the things you like? That way, next time, I’ll be able to pick out a proper gift for you."
"O-of course."
Allen could only say that and nodded.
It was likely that this time they were about to spend together would be worth more than any present could ever be. That thought filled his heart.
Behind him, he could hear exasperating comments like, "Why does the Demon Lord get all the luck…?", "I wanna fall in love too…", "Same here…".
But he was in a good mood so he decided to let it slide.
"Maybe I should work hard and get a girlfriend too..."
"Then I'll put in a word. What kind of job do you want?"
"…Maybe something involving animals?"
Meanwhile, Groh and Magus were having a surprisingly practical conversation for adventurers.
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