Reincarnated With A Glitched System: Why Is My MP Not Running Out?

Chapter 2204: Enjoying Ice Cream With Friends, And Ruby’s Decision

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At the end of the dining area there was a small shop that sold ice cream, and they had over twenty-five different flavors. We spent a good while tasting them with Aquarina and the rest of my friends, eventually trying every single one they offered.

Some were simple and familiar like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate. Others were stranger — matcha mixed with roasted tea leaves, sweet potato with a hint of caramel, black sesame that left a nutty aftertaste, and even a spicy cinnamon one that made Zack cough and complain while the rest of us laughed.

"A-Are you sure? Ah, it’s quite a lot, young girl," sighed the owner, a tall young elf entrepreneur who watched us with a mix of surprise and mild concern. "But I am glad you like it! Some people haven’t tried some of the more bold flavors... Do you wish to pay in cash or through a gold card?"

"Gold card?" I asked in disbelief, looking at the image that showed something similar to what seemed to be what he was talking about, something I’d never seen before, which made me ask the question: "What’s that?"

"Oh, it is a special card you can make which will connect to your various deposits within several companies or banks," the young man explained patiently. "You can use it to pay for things without even using real money. The amount you have deposited will be discounted instead! It is beginning to spread everywhere these days."

"Wow! I had no idea that was a thing..." I said, a little embarrassed by how behind I was on everyday matters. "Sorry, I haven’t gotten one myself yet. Here." I paid him with a small bag of coins.

"Oh, thank you so much...!" he said with a polite nod as he accepted the payment. "Ah, what’s your name? Sorry if it’s sudden..."

"Oh, I’m Sylphy," I answered with a gentle smile.

His eyes widened for a moment. He narrowed them and looked at my appearance more carefully. "W-Wha...! You’re...! Princess Sylph?! You’re so famous! To think I’d get to see you here in person! It is really an honor... I am so lucky!"

"Oh, am I famous?" I wondered, tilting my head.

"Y-You haven’t heard about the— I mean, you must know, right? You’re the hero that saved this entire city with her friends...!" he said, growing more excited. "There’s rumors that you’re a divine fairy! And your wings...! You’re the first elf to ever awaken wings like that for centuries!"

"Ahahah," I chuckled, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "I guess that’s true? I didn’t know it was such a big deal. Just what is my grandpa spreading around at the capital?" I sighed, a little embarrassed by the attention. "Well, anyway, thank you."

"Y-Yes! I am honored you’ve liked my ice cream!" the man cried in happiness, practically glowing. "Best day of my life..."

I walked back to the table where my friends were sitting. Zack immediately started teasing me about the interaction they had all watched from close by.

"So you’re a world-famous heroine, huh?" he chuckled, licking the last bit of ice cream from his spoon. "It’ll get pretty hard to walk around with people recognizing you everywhere now, Sylphy."

"It’s nothing like that. I am still the same ol’ Sylphy..." I sighed, crossing my arms.

"There’s no way that’s true. You’ve changed a lot," Mist giggled. "But well, don’t we all? We’re all quite different from how we used to be... well, except Celeste? You look the same and act kind of the same?"

"W-What?!" Celeste gasped, nearly dropping her cup. "I am not the same! I’ve definitely grown as a person! Right, Sylphy?"

I felt a little overwhelmed by her sudden question, but I nodded along. "Y-Yeah! You’ve definitely... become so much better, Celeste. You sure got it."

"Aha! See? See?" Celeste insisted as she continued eating her ice cream with renewed energy. "Uuuh, this is really good but my brain is freezing... ugh."

While everyone sat down and talked among themselves, I turned to Ruby and spoke with her more about her family and everything that had been happening. "So Ruby, what’s up with your family? Your dad and your uncle? How’s life been treating them in the week I was absent?"

"Oh!" Ruby said, her expression brightening a little. "Dad’s been doing fine. He’s back at work, but instead of working on his own forge he’s now working for a company that has been recruiting blacksmiths everywhere. He’s working hard every day to earn money and become a better person. He always says that..."

I nodded as I listened to her. It was hard to believe this was the same man who had lashed out so aggressively against her — and against all of us — not that long ago. It seemed he had really learned a lesson after everything that happened. I sincerely hoped he would continue on this path and keep becoming someone better.

"My uncle started a business back home," Ruby continued with a kind smile. "He’s selling rice balls and other dishes from his homeland. He’s getting popular. I wonder if they’ll ever let him open an establishment over here. The crowds are huge every day..."

"Well, I’m glad," I said with a smile. "Things have changed for the better, I guess... I’m happy that despite everything that happened, life has continued on."

Ruby smiled and reached out to hold my hand. Her fingers were a little sweaty, but warm. "Yeah, it’s all thanks to you and your friends, Sylphy. You’ve helped me a lot... I... I really owe you all a lot... seriously."

"Aw, don’t worry!" I said, gently squeezing her hands. "So? Have you decided if you want to stay or come with us? No hurry though, and no pressure."

"Oh..." Ruby fell silent for a few seconds. Her eyes lowered to the table, then slowly rose to meet mine again. "I... I really... I really want... to go with you."

"Oh?!" I opened my eyes wide. Our friends nearby also turned their heads in surprise after hearing her words.

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