Chapter 177: Birthday Party
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Zzonkedd
Edited by Gumihou
“This is from us,” Mike said on behalf of the Big Eater’s Group. He handed over a piece of paper.
There was something written on the paper, but it was utterly illegible to me. Although it was true that I was still learning how to read this world’s language, the handwriting itself also seemed to be rather messy.
“This is a pledge from us. It said that if you give us Karaage at a critical moment, we will do anything for you,” Shote explained.
Well, to be honest, I think they would do anything for Karaage even without this written pledge. Still, I was grateful to accept this piece of paper.
“Master Hakkon, please accept this ring from me. This ring had been passed down through generations in my family and it is also a symbol of eternal loyalty. It is traditional for us to give this ring to someone we recognise as worthy of our loyalty.”
Serious! Too serious, Mishael!
This is not something you can give to someone on their birthday! No, wait, don’t look at me with those teary eyes!
“Is this not acceptable?”
“A-um”
“Thank you”
Let’s accept it for now, I can return it later when things calm down a little.
Then, Kikoyu’s party stepped forward, “We want to offer up one kind of seed that Mister Field had cultivated. Not only is the fruit delicious and packed with flavour, but it can also be grown on ordinary soil. Please try planting it someday.”
I look forward to planting the seeds once I’m human again.
Her smile at that moment was gentle and worry-free. It would be great if she could forget about her troubles if only at this moment.
As for myself, I did find myself worrying about whether it is better to remain a Vending Machine at times. However, with so many things to look forward to, this worry seemed foolish.
Some day, when I return to my human form, I shall make good use of these gifts.
“Finally, there’s just me and Ramis. Well, I had been thinking about what would be good and decided on this one. I’d just finished making it!”
Hyurumi carried something from the back of the tent. It was something that looked like a backpack frame. It looked similar to the one I had been using now, with metal reinforcements on parts that were prone to wear and tear.
“I added a special function on the straps,” she said proudly. “It should cope better with sudden transformations.”
That would be handy. Whenever I change forms, I worry that the straps will suddenly break or just fall off me when I transform into a smaller form. Now I can just simply change forms without worry.
“Erm, so I’m the last one. Hehe.”
Ramis [1] rushed to a curtained-off area at the back of the tent and pulled out two stands on [2] wheels. Both stands were covered with white cloths. Whatever was hidden underneath the cloth was in the shape of a half circle of about one-meter diameter wide.
[1] “So, my gift is… this!”She removed the cloth to reveal two enormous cakes.
I recognised the word ‘Hakkon’ written on one of them [3] in some kind of ink (?) on the cake. And, I think the word below that was ‘congratulations’.
Are these birthday cakes?
The other semi-circle must be for Kikoyu.
Kikoyu was staring at the cakes with shining eyes next to me.
“Remember that time during the Miss Dungeon Contest? Hakkon gave us a picture book and I asked what that picture meant?”
I vaguely remember [1] that time when Ramis asked me all kinds of questions about the people in the magazine. There was one section where there was a birthday cake and…
“Welcome”
“That’s when I decided to make this for Hakkon’s birthday. Um, so, are you happy?”
“Ye-es”
“Thank you”
I never thought I’d see a birthday cake in this other world. The cake looked like a simple sponge cake with one large candle on my half of the cake.
That’s right, I have been here for one year now. Does that make me a one-year-old now?
Ah, I’m not going to mention the number of candles on Kikoyu’s cake since that’s not polite.
“Right, let’s turn off the lights in the tent.”
The magical light that had been illuminating the place faded and the candlelight glowed gently on the cakes.
“Kikoyu, Hakon, can you blow these out?”
Yes, leave it to me. Form change.
I turn into a <Coin-operated Vacuum Cleaner> and blow out the candles with a gust from the nozzle.
I had adjusted the power, so only the candle flames go out, and the surroundings are enveloped in darkness. It seems Kikoyu managed to blow hers out too.
“Happy Birthday to both of you!”
Amidst thunderous applause, I felt like crying. Luckily, I was saved by my mechanical body… If I actually start to shed tears… I would have to check to make sure that I was not short-circuiting myself somewhere.
When I first reincarnated into this world, I resolved myself to live as a Vending Machine and end my existence as a Vending Machine without ever experiencing human happiness again. Yet, who would have believed that my life now is even more fulfilling than the one before?
Ramis had prepared a feast and the situation quickly became quite merry, especially when I started providing booze.
After dealing with the Two-Headed Ogre, I got to know the types of alcohol I could provide and handed out a good variety to today’s crowd. In hindsight, this was probably a mistake.
“Gors my friend, she is the love of my life, but that doesn’t mean I disregard you as a friend. You are the best partner one could ever have!”
“Yes, yes,”
A tipsy Karios was starting to become rather emotional and touchy-feely. I had been a little worried about their relationship deteriorating over a woman, but it’s a relief to hear them getting along like this. Also, don’t keep staring at them like that while shoving food into your mouth Suko, they are not in that kind of relationship!
“Grandpa, don’t you think this is delicious?”
“It would be great if my grandchildren could taste this, would it be alright if I bring some home, dear?”
“If there are any leftovers, I want some as well.”
The elderly couple and the headmaster in charge of the orphanage were nibbling at their portion of food. Their thoughts clearly with their charges, wishing to share this largess with the little ones.
Aside from the cake and some food made by Ramis, the rest were crafted by Suori’s personal Chef. Apparently, Kikoyu had provided them with fruits and vegetables. Kuh- what a shame to miss out on the feast since I can’t eat anything in this form.
“Hey, stop that! This food is for everyone!”
“Your hands are full too!”
“Oi, Pel, stop that, fufufu.”
Shui and the rest of the Big Eater party were busily shoving food down their gullets.
It looked like the party organisers had already anticipated this and had prepared a separate table for them.
“Ahhh~ this liquor is quite lovely. It goes down smooth with a sweet aftertaste. I do believe my boys would like it. I should talk business with Hakkon later,” Shirley became even more flirty after a few drinks.
Her sultry behaviour drew all the men’s eyes on her. By ‘men’, I meant the human males. Director Bear and the Big Eaters did not seem to be bothered.
“Master, Master, I will do anything for you! I will devote my entire body and soul! Please don’t abandon me after you’re back to human form!”
Well, there’s another man ignoring Shirley. Although, I’m not sure why he’s weeping and beseeching the tent pole like that.
“That liquor looks beautiful, I shall have it!”
“No, no, please don’t. Alcohol affects the growing brain, please drink only when you are of age.”
“No, I shall have it! Give it to me, I say!”
“How about this drink? Look at the fizzy bubbles, it’s so pretty and delicious.”
The men-in-black were desperately trying to hold Suori away from the alcohol. [4] Even though she did not drink any of the alcohol, the fumes trapped within the tent were enough to make her a little rowdy and out of character.
By the way, it looked like the drinking age in this world is 15 years old. Although there’s no law about it, there was still some kind of unspoken consensus.
“My new invention is brilliant! Hakkon, I must hear your opinion. Hey, I can’t hear anything… oh right, gotta do this…” Hyurumi squirmed closer and thumped her forehead against my body. She was muttering something under her breath, but I can’t say that I understand what she was trying to say.
“Hakkoooon, you okaaayy??? I’m totally okayyy~” Ramis’s face was beet-red as she stumbled about with a can of Sochu Highball [5] in hand.
Then, she tripped over nothing and clung to me.
“Teeheehee, Hakkon~ You feel so cool and lively~” she started rubbing her cheek against my body. I supposed the alcohol must have heated her up quite a bit.
“Are you having fun? I’m having an absolute blast!”
I can see that.
“Welcome”
“I’m so glad, I was worried you wouldn’t like it~” Ramis yawned and slumped against me.
I supposed she’s near her limit. There were other people in various stages of hungover, drunk or unable to move due to food coma. I should put a warm towel on everyone’s stomach later. Oh, and put up a <Barrier> to prevent people from coming in and seeing this sorry sight.
“Hakkon, are you listening?”
“Welcome”
“We’ll be together forever, won’t we? Forever.”
“Welcome”
“Even if you can’t become human again, we’re still together, right? You understand, don’t you?”
“Welcome”
“You must say something more thoughtful than just ‘welcome,’ or the girls will leave you, you know?”
Ugh, I had just been told off for giving repetitive answers. But, what can I do? I’m really limited in terms of vocabulary and syllable count.
Tearful eyes were staring at me expectantly
“… …”
Damn it, I had never been good with words even in my previous life. What should I say to this?
“I want to hear something that would make my heart go ‘kyun’ from you.”
Woah, a cute and tipsy girl is begging me to say something sweet. What should I do? Something that would make a girl’s heart go ‘kyun’? Uh, come on, think of all the dramas and mangas I have watched and read. Let’s just pick something suitable from them.
Right, I think I got it. This will be a bit cringy, but let’s bear with it.
“You-r-cu-te”
“Wh-en tip-sy”
How’s that?
In my rush, the only thing I could think of were the cliche things a dashing character from manga would often do during a kabedon [6].
“Umm, zz… Hak-kon.”
She had fallen fast asleep. Oh well, I already knew that this would happen. Sort of. Isn’t that how it always is? Haha. The line was kind of cringe, I’m glad no one was around to hear me.
“I heard that, Hakkon.”
“!!!”
The shadows on the floor suddenly swelled and a black figure stood up. Its flashy golden cloak is the only thing showing its vaguely humanoid form.
It was the Director of Darkness.
Blast it, of all the people to hear me, it had to be this walking loudspeaker. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole village heard about it by tomorrow.
“That was rather suave, wasn’t it? Next time, do allow me to use that line. Now, don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul. A man must know how to charm a lady with his words, yes, yes.”
“Thank you”
Ah, surprisingly, he’s a guy who gets the point. Though he likes to joke around, tease, and make a gag of things, it seems he carries himself with the propriety befitting an adult. Perhaps I ought to re-evaluate him a bit.
And so, a noisy yet enjoyable night waned away.
Please read this at kitchennovel dot com ~
The following day was business as usual for me.
“Hakkon, have you got that drink that sorts out hangovers?”
“I’d like the same, please.”
The gatekeeper duo had arrived. Both were holding their heads as though they would fall off if they didn’t. I sold them a set of hangover cures consisting of the usual sports drinks and other nutritional beverages. I doubt they would be able to handle actual food today.
“Kuaaahhh, I’m saved! What a relief. If I don’t clear my head, I might blurt out about how cute you are when you’re drunk.”
“Oi, shut it, Karios.”
Eh? What did Karios just said?”
“Sa-y it”
“A-ga-in”
I said at a low volume. Karios flashed a twisted smile at me before turning to run. I chucked one plastic bottle at his head and one at the back of his knees.
After collapsing to the floor, he cried, “Okay, okay, I’ll say it. The Director of Darkness had been telling us all about it. He even did a whole act!”
Gors nodded beside him, confirming Karios’ words. Hoh, that Director of Darkness. What happened to his promise about ‘keeping it a secret’? I must make sure to properly thank him next time.
“Hey look, I’ve spilled my guts, Hakkon. So how about the usual?”
Here, have this cold oden, cold corn soup and this extra, extra shaken not stirred bottle of cola. Gors can have his usual.
“Hey, this is different… you know what? It’s fine, thank you.”
Karios seemed to have something to say. However, he swallowed the rest of his words when I transformed into my <Giant Vending Machine> form to stare down at him.
A short while after the gatekeepers left, a dark shadow approached from the distance.
Was this what it meant for a month to be drawn to a flame?
“Yet another lovely day, eh, Hakkon? I’ll have something refreshing, please.”
He sounded quite pleased with himself. Did he think that I didn’t know?
“Welcome”
[7] Since he left the choice to me, I selected a bottle of cola, and willed a couple of special candies inside it before dropping it down on the dispensing slot. I handed the drink to the Director of Darkness, doing my best not to give the game away.“This is that bubbly drink, right? Nice and stimulating, black too, like me! Hehe, cheers!”
The moment he twisted the cap, cola exploded all over the place, covering the Director of Darkness in foam.
“Stic-ky Co-la”
“Stic-ky yo-u”
At that, the drenched Director of Darkness appeared to smile wrily at me. Even though I could not see his expression.
[Gumihou: Well, well, what do you expect from someone like the Director of Darkness?]
[1] Add detail [2] It was originally ‘tyres’, but I don’t think they have rubber wheels in that world, so let’s go with ‘wheels’ [3] I don’t know why I was worrying about the cloth smearing the cream etc… when nobody seemed to worry about it here [4] Add details to explain Suori’s behaviour [5] Sochu Highball – a type of cocktail made with clear spirits and soda [6] Kabedon – literally wall-bang, supposedly a flirting technique
Some cosplayers having fun with this concept, lol~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiKdZ6Mqujc
[7] Adjust the process of how the candy got into the cola. It was originally ‘pop open cap, drop candy in, close cap quickly’. Except, you have already demonstrated that Hakkon could mix and match things according to his will
Kitchennovel.com has a new Membership System!!
Please click on the table below to check it out~
Naturally, you can also choose to support us through Patreon or tip us via Kofi~!
Don’t forget to leave a comment at novelupdates too!
Thanks for the great chapters!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!