A Basement-Dwelling Loser, the Inquisitor – Chapter 53

“I’m a bit disappointed, Rene.”

That was the very first thing I heard when I revealed today was my birthday.

…I screwed up.

I really messed up.

Today is Bora’s birthday, and I was one of the invitees to her birthday party. The spotlight should have been on Bora.

But I carelessly blurted out that it was my birthday…!

What should I do now?

It’s only natural for the atmosphere to turn cold, and I clearly would be disliked in the future…

“If you had told me earlier, we could have prepared some of your favorite dishes too, Rene.”

Definitely…

“…Huh?”

Surprised by those words, I looked up, and Bora’s mother had her left hand on her cheek, pouting her lips as if she was truly disappointed.

As if it really hurt her feelings.

“Today, we only prepared Bora’s favorite foods. I thought you’d want to eat your favorite side dishes on your birthday too…”

“Ah, um… O-Oh, today is Bora’s birthday so… It’s only right to prepare what Bora likes since it’s her birthday party… If not, Bora might feel… sad….”

“Hmm?”

My head was spinning, and I struggled to articulate my thoughts.

How do I explain this?

One thing was sure: I was a clueless fool who blurted out that it was my birthday when I had no right to celebrate here at all.

Even if she said that, it was clear Bora would be upset…

“Our daughter. If we had prepared what Rene likes today, do you think she would be disappointed?”

“Hmm? Why would I?”

Definitely…

“I really like that my birthday is the same as Rene’s, you know?”

“Did you hear that?”

Bora’s mother continued as if to say ‘Stop worrying unnecessarily.’

“Bora really likes Rene, you know.”

“Yeah! One day, I’m going to marry Rene!”

“…As a parent, hearing that makes me feel a little bittersweet, though.”

Bora’s father also smiled gently, saying it was okay.

“But… If it causes you trouble, then…”

“Eh? How could we say something like that? We are always grateful to Rene. Didn’t we just talk about how we’ll help out however we can? I feel the same way. Preparing just a few extra dishes is nothing compared to everything you do for us.”

What on earth did I do to deserve such words?

I’ve only been receiving help from Bora, her mom, and dad.

“We both work, so we were always worried about Bora being alone, but thanks to Reno, we’ve been able to relax so much. I know it sounds shameless, but please continue to play with Bora.”

“Hmm? I’m the one playing with Rene, though?”

“Sweetie, at times like this, you should express your gratitude honestly.”

“…Thank you always, Rene.”

“You don’t have to feel it’s a bother. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Bora quietly took my right hand.

The warmth of her hand felt so comforting that I almost wanted to cry.

“Thank you…”

“We’re the ones who should be thanking you… Oh, and I must say this, right?”

“Y-Yes?”

“Happy birthday, Rene.”

“Happy birthday, sister!”

★

【Rene Galleryⓜ】

【Title: Everyone. Today is my birthday】

【Author: Rene🔸】

(Cake photo.jpg)

Today, I was invited for the first time to my younger sister’s house upstairs, which I mentioned several times on the broadcast.

As someone who used to always greet others, it felt strange to be the one being greeted.

Honestly, I was a bit worried about why I was suddenly invited, but…

It turned out today is my younger sister’s birthday!

I was so surprised.

I never thought our birthdays would be on the same day.

So, I was shocked and mentioned it, but honestly, I thought initially I had made a mistake.

Since she’s still a little kid, she probably wants to be the star on her birthday…

From the parents’ point of view, it’s a truly special day, and they probably want to focus entirely on their child…

I was worried that saying something like this could make my feelings less favorable…

But everyone just kept saying congratulations.

I was on the verge of tears, but I barely held it back.

It’s been so long since I’ve had such a happy birthday.

No, I think it might even be my first.

So, I wonder if I can celebrate with all of you too.

Everyone. Today is my birthday.

【Likes: 121 / Dislikes: 121】

ㅇㅇ🔹: Happy birthday, Tenren, lol

└ㅇㅇ🔹: But is it really appropriate to ask for congratulations in a situation like this? Seriously???

└ㅇㅇ🔹: Just turn on the broadcast and ask for congratulations, geez…

Nore Rene No Life🔹: No, I really want to celebrate

└Nore Rene No Life🔹: What’s the difference between a bastard who doesn’t turn on the broadcast and a malicious prankster? Seriously…

ㅇㅇ: If it’s your birthday, you should turn on the broadcast and gather money, you idiot

└ㅇㅇ: Seriously, you’re such a fucking dense head, what’s this…

Krasia🔹: This is genuinely explaining a war, not wanting to talk ㅇㅇ

└Krasia🔹: I’m just gonna participate in the fan meet starting tomorrow, Tenren

└Krasia🔹: But happy birthday, lol

Great Demon Rene: I don’t know if I should congratulate or be angry, for real, lol

Winter is Here: The gallery master being a malicious jerk is so tough…

ㅇㅇ: Wow, Pandralade

Dagurous🔹: Can you please turn on the broadcast to celebrate, teacher???

No one here is good … : If someone who says they’re making money from broadcasting isn’t doing so, what’s the deal…?

Iras🔹: I’m coming to visit tomorrow, so should you just die once for me?

└Iras🔹: This is literally my lifelong wish, I’m super mad and can’t hold it in ㅇㅇ

└Iras🔹: But happy birthday, Tenren

This person is harmful: Female Tenren, just turn on the broadcast, really, it’s not like I don’t want to die…

ㅇㅇ: Don’t use Su-mi in a place like this, geez, lol

TMTMT: Is someone who writes like this really a guy?

★

I loved the languor and drowsiness I could feel when waking up.

That feeling of swimming in the border between dream and reality.

The sensation of my body floating was enough to make me forget all the hard times.

That’s why I rolled around in bed even after I opened my eyes.

“Rene! Wake up quickly! What time is it!”

And then came the familiar shout of Pope Grandpa.

Since there hasn’t been heretics around recently, I really wondered why I needed to wake up quickly.

I had already finished my morning prayer lying down.

A mix of complaints started bubbling up inside me, but I didn’t want to see Grandpa making a fuss in front of me.

So I curled up and threw the blanket over myself.

After that, I figured that if I just poked my head out, it could inform Grandpa that I had gotten up.

“I’m awake…”

“…Get in there!”

“Yes….”

As I responded, the wooden door swung open with a bang, and Pope Grandpa entered.

Seeing me, Grandpa immediately held his forehead with his hand.

“…I said you were awake, didn’t I?”

“I-I woke up….”

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it by now. …You did pray, right?”

At Grandpa’s question, I nodded quietly.

Of course, I did it while rolling in bed, but I wasn’t foolish enough to mention that.

“…Sigh.”

For some reason, Grandpa sighed at my answer.

That was odd.

Normally, he would have left by now, but why hadn’t he gone out yet?

“Rene.”

And then, he suddenly approached me, taking big strides.

“Eek?!”

I immediately pulled the blanket up to cover my head, blocking my view completely.

What’s going on? What is it?

Did I do something wrong?

Did he somehow catch me doing my morning prayer while lying down?

But isn’t it fine since the person receiving the prayer hasn’t said anything?!

But what if he uses this as an excuse to kick me out?

Should I just sacrifice that guy instead…?

“…No, I can’t tell you that. I’ll let the others know today, so you should rest well.”

★

“…Ugh.”

When I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the familiar ceiling.

It’s been a while since I’ve had a dream about that world.

I wonder how Pope Grandpa is doing?

He was the only one who would talk to me over there.

But I can’t imagine him being sick or anything like that.

…That said, it popped into my mind because of the dream, what was it he wanted to say to me?

There were a few times he seemed like he wanted to say something, but honestly, it annoyed me every time.

There are two ways to make someone angry.

One is stopping a conversation midway.

“Yawn…”

Lost in such useless thoughts, I stretched and got up from bed.

To be honest, if I were to follow my heart, I’d want to stay in bed for another 30 minutes, but seeing the clock point at 11, I had no choice but to give up.

If I slept any later, I’d really be out of luck.

People as diligent and hardworking as myself can’t afford to hear such things.

“Hmm…”

After a quick shower, I sat down at my computer as per my usual routine.

…This is what makes habits so scary.

Even though I didn’t have anything specific to do, I just naturally sat at the computer like it was obvious.

“Hmm…”

Today, Bora has gone on a family trip for her birthday, leaving me with completely my own time.

Bora’s mom had suggested I join them, but naturally, I politely declined.

It wasn’t a matter of tact; it’s guaranteed that if I went with them, I’d end up dead for sure…

Anyway, it was rare to have some time alone.

First, since I posted about my birthday yesterday on Remagal, I should log into the gallery…

Ding!

Just as I thought that, an alert from Miscode echoed.

The sender was… the illustrator whose ID I had exchanged just in case last time.

It was Tada Shumi-sensei.