Some time has passed since I ate Yua's delicious vegetable stew and for the past hour or so, I have been asking her some general questions about this mysterious world. Some of the main things I have found out is that monsters exist (Yes, really!) and it's the adventurers' job to dispose of them. In fact, the more I find out about this world, the more my mind can't handle the game-like fantastical situation I seem to be in...

'H-here Akio, I would be happy to give you a book called 'The world's Encyclopaedia' if you would want. I-It should help answer all your questions regarding herbs, weaponry and locations.'

Well, I certainly can't refuse that generous offer, can I? Since I still know next to nothing about this world, a book with that much information would really be of assistance. But it does look quite thick and probably expensive too...

'That would be very helpful Yua. Are you sure you want to give the book to me though?'

A warm-looking smile spreads across her face.

'D-Don't worry about it Akio. I have no need for it anymore and it's just been lying around the house collecting dust. I-I'd be happy if it's of help to you.'

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

I feel spoiled with the amount of kindness she has shown me so far-at some point, I would love to repay her-I think to myself before I reply enthusiastically.

'Thanks, Yua!'

She hands me the book and just as I am about to open it, I come to a sudden realisation when looking at the title on the cover of it.

That being...

I can't read it!

I feel stunned. I've had no problems speaking so far, so why can't I read? In fact, now I think about it, shouldn't I have found it weird I was able to communicate in the first place?!! I mean, I am in another world after all!

Well, this is embarrassing.

What's Yua going to think when I tell her I can't read after accepting the book from her? I don't want to tell her I'm actually from another world-she might think I'm crazy! I rack my brain for any sort of response I can give until a perfect one comes to me. I could just say I don't understand this language! Sure it's not the best excuse considering I can seemingly speak perfectly, but if she asks about that I could tell her that I didn't get round to learning how to read and write.

Operation Excuse status = !

'Yua, I'm sorry, but unfortunately it seems this writing is in a language I am unfamiliar with.'

She stops moving for a moment and a confused look spreads across her face before she replies in an even more confused tone.

'O-Oh...but Akio, only one language exists in the world...doesn't it?'

...

First, I nearly died eating that greed-berry and now I find out only one language exists in this world, meaning my excuse has failed miserably.

What can possibly go wrong next?

Operation Excuse status =