Our exploration of Zariel City continued. Up to this point, the locations we visited didn't reach the exciting highs of the combatant's guild. That would change with the next stop.
Flinty and I were approaching a distinct segment of the city. According to her, it was one of the few areas with genuine greenery and authentic plant growth. I immediately had my suspicions, but this is Flinty, she'd never lie.
The only issue was that, due to the unique nature of the section, only authorized people would be allowed to enter.
"...So that's why, unless you kids have an ID or an appointment, I cannot let you enter the Green Zone!"
A lone guard with a spear was standing in front of a small portcullis. I could see through the holes that there was grass and trees in that zone. I looked at Flinty. She had her cheeks puffed and she looked like she was holding back tears.
"Guess this is a no-go, Flinty."
"...I really wanted to show you."
"It's alright. I grew up in a place with a bunch of grass anyway."
That didn't make her any happier. Wow, I suck at this. Despite her looks, she turned her back to the gate and trudged away.
"H-Hey Flinty, it isn't all bad. There's still a lot of other places we can explore."
"I know. Don't worry, I'm not upset."
Any semblance of sadness was removed from her face. Now, she just looked miffed.
"I was hoping that he'd let us in out of pity. The guard is too strong, though."
"That's.... devilish of you. Unexpectedly, too."
She playfully stuck her tongue out.
"I really did want to show you the Green Zone, though."
Flinty sighed. Her enthusiasm made me want to see it, too, so I was also bummed out. But hey, there's always a next time. The sun was likely to set soon anyway.
"..."
I couldn't be happy with "there's always next time," though. This expedition was for Flinty, not me.
"Why don't we sneak in?"
"S-Sneak in!?"
The suggestion appalled her. Actually, she just looked shocked.
"But sneaking in isn't... isn't it wrong?"
Probably.
"Not really. I mean, if it was to do something malicious, then of course it'd be wrong. But we're just trying to look around."
She nodded along to my explanation.
"T-That makes sense... but I don't know."
"If sneaking in bothers you, then forget it. I don't want you to feel guilty."
She had a very mixed look. I'm glad Flinty has a stern moral compass. I'm starting to think I may be a bad influence on her.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYckHfndcON
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"W-Well, I really do want to show you the Green Zone, but..."
She was having an intense internal conflict: morality, or looking cool to her friend. If I was able to tell so easily, then I'm definitely a bad influence on her. But right as I was about to open my mouth and tell her that we should give up, she spoke.
"Okay, we can sneak in. I have an idea!"
"You do? Can I hear it?"
She nodded. We walked around a corner into an alleyway to not be seen by the guard.
"I have a friend who lives in the green zone. She might be able to get us in if she tells the guards that we're her guests."
"Will the guard only believe those inside the zone?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF00yrwi0hE
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7uxUGTdQB
She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefUWHO0Eh3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZYmUJuCn0
"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVnfCrcnsf
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi6J45rsnR
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnfXFnkvRZ
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Flinty shrugged.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkTIOXmm3P
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG44RgkA6H
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That would make sense, but that makes it seem like the people here are being branded. And if that was the case, well...158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X2XTSsxHQ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNowzisg23K
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAy9EiRZB4r
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOnCEoDi9f
"Why don't we ask them?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDy4jd2Wk82
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"Not a bad idea."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOgtD00Y3j
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Flinty grabbed my hand again. She told me that we were going to visit her friend Vikky. I thought she just made that name up, but it was apparently a real person. We were walking through the streets– streets wasn't the right word, more like grass paths –and waving to the few who noticed us. Everyone was exceptionally busy doing basic things to survive, like carrying water and cleaning clothes. It was a lot like home, but I wondered why they weren't using any of the technology outside of this section. Was it really to preserve the environment?158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBuh81Fb5R
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SOsusj7Sn
My questions were useless since I never asked them out loud, but I'm sure I'd get the chance in a moment. We left the first cluster of buildings and were out in a field again. In the distance were lodgings much bigger than the ordinary house. They were only one story, but in width, they were nearly three times the size. There were fences nearby housing cows, pigs, and goats, and a few dogs were orbiting the fence around them.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7puxvy5gS
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"Wow, is this a farm?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6rmY4KFU1
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuaKs6jRY1
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All in all, we walked for about twenty minutes. Over the farm buildings, I could see the tall wall that shielded the rest of the city. The Green Zone was about a mile long, which shouldn't surprise me. It's just a segment after all.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWxuKZGCAK
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As we approached the farm building, I noticed that one of the guard dogs peering at us. Flinty seemed calm so I didn't think it was an issue. Then the dog started sprinting at us. I don't hate dogs, and usually, I'd welcome such approaches with open arms, but this dog was over half my height.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHJUUabc32
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YlsFvE7rJ
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"Uh, Flinty?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiW4BEGwqc
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRVPscCARc
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"Kenny!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4MYFqbGhI
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzq9fhsrqsp
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8krsDdqxy
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Flinty was being barraged with licks and couldn't answer. I sat down and enjoyed the scene. It was really cute.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBEgampxXd
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG90NCLzL3
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwin6gGKiCI
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"Okay."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8YcA4d04T
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I got up and approached the dog, putting my tendril away. I didn't want him to think I was dangerous or anything. I inched closer and closer, and then I stretched my hand out. I was expecting to be tackled, but the dog started sniffing my palm and licking it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xrEOleavq
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVgaFHva0y
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Aw, who am I kidding? I can't seriously think this creature is dangerous. I move in to hug it and rubbed his sides as I made funny noises. I rubbed my face in his fur. This dog was awesome.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MjUHu1ybL
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5tykIjLfc
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBnSAGjSwc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHt9WcBw5L
Huh? That was a voice I didn't recognize. It was the voice of a girl slightly older than us. I couldn't turn to see who it was because my face was still in Kenny's fur.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYQS0VVUHA
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"Vikky!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbqqLCggf1
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Oh, that's who it was. I quickly separate my face from the dog and stared at the two while laying on the floor. Flinty did a triple high-five with both hands with Vikky. She looked to be a few years older than us. She was wearing the same dress as all the other ladies, and she had rose-gold hair and a puffy ponytail.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdDW6ezTGO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzPqNfH20f
Ah, wait, what am I doing? This is blatantly rude! I quickly got to my feet, brushed the dirt off my clothes, and offered my hand. She was a few inches taller than me. Her eyes were a little thin.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImPtvsv4Ji
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9I17l1VWr
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She looked strangely amused.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjvUBJBsMO
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"Full name? Alright."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosrKVvLGkR
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiW2Q3Qx1Z1
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"I'm Victoria Zariel Josslyn, but you may call me Vikky. It's nice meeting you as well. Are you a friend of Flinty's?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwKVhEzEnu
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"Yes."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlwGFyDIjL
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"Then let's get along."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcR8RKY0w0
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OAfNivViY
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAda910ZuI
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLy9GLfJAr
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10E84yy5BP
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1RSJ2mV1A
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmozs2sfbAJ
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8aV22TpKt
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarmdtYV20C
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"What, why?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U5wa4UbMi
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQFXWLTCgn
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"Well, to be honest, we've been having difficulty with the crops. It's been like this for a few weeks now. We thought it was just pests at first but..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlXCi8xVR0
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Then she pointed to a place behind her. It was a forest, and from a distance, it looked dense. I was shocked that I didn't notice it until now.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnLYzuEjhG
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"We discovered that a beast from the Green Zone Forest was attacking our crops. It probably isn't anything too dangerous, but you can never be too sure, y'know? We asked a friend of ours to get some mercenaries here, or at least some knights."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgd3FuoHDl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LQO3DTTSl
So that was what the lady from before was doing.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ9bGzYczO
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡux4SdhkS1A
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTKLw6BlAQ
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The idea of getting involved with something dangerous was obviously unappealing, but when I saw how distressed she was, I couldn't help but get involved. I had a bit of confidence behind my words anyhow.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXdkV8eNZP
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7ozExnQ5g
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH2b1k1esz
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQgAhWC6hw
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6S3oGWZJJ
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I made a grumpy face.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8bFyUoTCT
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKVEY1XMzi
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That's a bit lame. But, it can't be helped. If Victoria didn't want our help, then that was fine. I was getting tired anyway.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBVzFg06w9
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuNcUfheWY
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Darn it, Flinty. I should've expected as much considering how she treated the cloaked woman from earlier but last time was just paying for a drink. This is dangerous.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVneOkI1VX
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I wanted to say that out loud. But, of course, I couldn't. Not just because of Flinty's determined look, but because helping someone out was always a good idea. Who knows, maybe it'll strengthen the bond Victoria has with her parents.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbPqBKfbyi
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It's worth a try if nothing else.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhfrgJHFHP
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuUS1mQab3
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ427Cx6nEHF
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"Well, how about you help with the crops then? They're all torn apart, but the monster left the bottoms of their stems, so we have to pull them out."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkieJq7tgDr
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIUkNySIgr
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"Yes."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZfxmtIlq0
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"Can I see the crops?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLGZuZ7edV
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"Uh, you can."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCf5iCHR0w
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQ149m0KKp
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydnqfSpgs9
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Victoria showed me the ravaged spot. The damage spanned about ten meters. Either the monster responsible was very big, or very aggressive. Seeing as how the crops nearby looked rather unscathed, it was probably the latter.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC8ybUQb08
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fX3vUtTcb
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"W-What the hell is that!?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7uYIPuu8J
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjNmRvJ5xq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ahYsymm64
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh21zIXiyXc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Llg5pb7R5
I ignored the bantering of the two. I didn't need the Tendril for this, I just wanted to look a bit cool. I stood before the broken crops and crouched beside them.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNG4qBMVkZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOBuKhfDiQ
Mana spinning. This didn't requiree much speed or power so controlling my mana was easy. One by one, I walked to the torn crops and rebuilt them.
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywOT0Fi2kA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LHTFa82RZ
It was sloppy. I hadn't practiced with normal plants in a while, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I decided to mess with the Tea Mage's plants once lessons started.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuM5pYCJ5la
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaHGLSG3hb
But hey, they were back and alive now. I turned around to see how the two girls were doing. Victoria was in front of me, on one knee and with an arm on her chest. Her head was lowered.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmqhggfJXp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvm3vJJTF2e
"What are you doing?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYIUOpyyr6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwvnjC1YBm
"I thought you were a boy. I thought you were just one of Flinty's rare friends. I was wrong. I can see it clearly now."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWi1d2BAEP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnEqZqLIQn
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdR1he1epvl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0UcaQbHzU
"You're an angel."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx3I0ZOS5m
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MPPhlj1gA
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpomVhW5VV5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDTqAAa7FD
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't flustered or anything, I understood what she said perfectly. I looked around Victoria and at Flinty. Her face showed the shock I should've been experiencing.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaCwjfY9jk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzWiLhVihq
Victoria kept staring at me. The pressure of her gaze made me sweat. Unsure of what to do, I presented the tendril right in front of her face, and she scurried away with a squeal.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZij3R4Udw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7toVI2Y1uF
There were very strange people in this city.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWxI7JxaYA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhTRFSJjY2
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fYo9IR0Tx
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTtD5ysraT
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBRueArev3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAk0J9ksld
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVOkVrhcZA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi2tOmcspL
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyGvh6ruaN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdGFcggY1O
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNGeorcwVP
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv8BtoOfQk
"Really?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknTCXb2T5d
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4N39vSijt
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaybbmKmR74
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuajS2jAfxE
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9qam26mmz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbyEeZwWYi
"Yes! Let's do it!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjmZ1A8IRL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujkor0T5vn
"Fine by me."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbrxkSH5HF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZqLgiwFVk
Thus, we followed Victoria into the bar, and we were staying there this time. I was feeling reinvigorated. Maybe showing off is a source of energy for me.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykaFTDhPdk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4p5ZE3HFZ
I looked at Flinty. She was happy of course, being able to help one of her friends. But she turned her head backwards from time to time.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoZ70cgmX2
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBV5xqXLJQm
"Is something wrong?" I asked.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHHfeLRM1f
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDNa42grkz
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCUD0GU3nG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa8F8IfeLz
Ah, of course, she was learning after all. I hoped that she didn't want to study plants as well. I wouldn't deny her, but I wanted to keep my "thing."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsFozZtS7R
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1qG79ElpQ
"Sooner or later, you'll be able to do amazing things too. Learning magic is a long process, you just need to tough it out."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5pgOuVwdT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvaRqjX0VJM
"Is that so?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OenUMdaHT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCso7uLFFO
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ToCsMSrZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFklsCtuw8
"Please, enter right here."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWfsgEuKg3
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCNpUmlhNl
There was a door to the side of the building. When we entered, it looked like a living quarters. There were four beds, two pushing against their respective walls.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7diHFKcRSp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi22qNzZyST
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3cjVUqmIF
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡircHHPKmvl
The middle of the room had a circular table. A strange place for a table, sure, but certainly convenient. Flinty and I sat across each other. A few minutes later, Victoria entered the room with an older lady. She had the same dress and hair color as Victoria, but her hair was unmodified, and her face was slightly wrinkled. I stood up and walked towards the older woman, offering a hand.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjd8vabw51
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCXA2nntsH
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsubs5ukpg8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVlVkQ32Rw
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoypa9FvrBR
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YpzgMd7uW
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJufshalvo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzfb7vsYQx
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOlPb0TKmv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfEzz5noex
"R-Right."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VnpBKUtUJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5jYn8eLxB
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vh1usgTua
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZ0HEY1AQR
Victoria calls this old lady her mother, but she looked more like a grandmother than anything. Putting that aside, we all sat down around the table and started discussions.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUsyVsTaLZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP6Rob14ir
"First, I'd like to thank you two young ones for helping me and my daughter. Especially you, Kenny, since you don't even know us."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTeIyepiY6
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNvbUqsb8d
I nodded.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZF4YP6ZbT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8mXsIfNX1
"I'm sure Victoria has explained the situation already; there is a monster coming from the nearby forest and terrorizing our crops. As we're the only ones growing food in the Green Zone, it's become a hassle. I'd like to take this monster down as soon as possible."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEViL3pj1p5
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpWAK0rURL
I raised my hand.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IkTl9jZML
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMF58Ug3jkk
"Yes, Kenny?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD7sfSA3ZA
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZep3yRg1lb
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxPfwzbF1d
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7xZOCFpH6
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOlp37yCEI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Hm3pFIDvR
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IXKhigGMc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNg1BxBBMe1
"Allowed to brew?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5WLnzdK6f
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sg0vYsaWh
"Correct. The forest in the Green Zone is a magical forest. Though its monsters have been eradicated before, they may sometimes form from the special mana there."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn01mgMYRYc
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6QHL3fwP
"I see."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxo3vS07HC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6E3RmWo7g
The forest was a special zone, then, containing a type of mana not usually found in the environment. But, if it was only the mana that was special there, then–158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYgRP51cvC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5uofMOol2
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba0JzlUxsf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlszr1OsLK
"You are a sharp boy. That is precisely what the issue is. Someone managed to use the mana in the forest to create a beast. Though it isn't very powerful, the beast isn't the issue."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsaXeanzQf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpafoa38iH
I have gotten myself wrapped up in something bizzare. I didn't even know beast-creating magic was possible. Tough, if the atmospheric mana allowed it, then was possible.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPki3x0beD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOQNWwqVsb
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OCVdrMmJi
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe9Vgetihb
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0D70qmGOG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViinz2B1mS
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjTKAeCAYf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP0u214dso
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hnMetPptD
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYvHEVOgh3
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQj9Y97m19e
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoRFyLv2B1
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvGXUn4VmT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfmGx0l9mS
In short, the mission isn't very dangerous. Though a monster was summoned, the monster itself is weak, meaning that the person who summoned it is hardly a threat as well. This meant that having Flinty help shouldn't be a concern. The difficulty of the mission comes from finding the perpetrator. The beast started appearing a week ago, but the person could've infiltrated at any time before that. It's not like the regulars in the Green Zone keep track of who does and doesn't enter. The person could even be a regular in the village, and nobody would know it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4DqdUD1N0
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSZkK921XF
But, Victoria told a different perspective to the situation. She explained that the person responsible, should they be a villager, may not even be a danger and that that person might've created a rampaging beast on accident. It was a stretch, but nevertheless worth considering. After all, it wasn't common knowledge among the city dwellers that the forest in the Green Zone was a special-mana zone.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFm6C7sOTO
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPtaqBOAmx
With these two perspectives in mind, a plan was formed. First, there would be a public gathering where we would announce the situation to the rest of the Green Zone inhabitants. We would say something along the lines of "If the person responsible comes clean, then we will dispose of the threat and tell nobody." This phase of the plan covers Victoria's proposal, but I still had to confess that it was flawed. The perpetrator might be too scared to come out, or they might think we're lying. Still, it was the best thing we could come up with on short notice.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MaSmmpa0p
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuF7FCGWrtH
Should that plan fail, then what we would do is dispose of the beast. The hope was that it would insensitive the person to create another monster, and we would somehow... catch them in the act.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyT7thasuv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdM4xl75Vn
"...Wow, this plan sucks."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe4xOTx2oI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc7ggsFes7
"Kenny!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupyeqYKMz8
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiOUPebxuw
Flinty punched me in the shoulder. I apparently said my thoughts outloud. I apologized, but the two women looked at me somberly. They knew I was right.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEiMWugjYf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHGWKB7Pss
Still, I hadn't a better plan. If the first plan didn't work, we'd probably have to stay a night or two. For that, I requested Victoria write a letter to Flinty's residence, saying that she will be at the Green Zone for a bit.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T2CSzsZyN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGU4LIlFA4S
Flinty looked dismayed. She probably didn't think about this turning into a multi-day state of affairs when agreeing to help. Still, she didn't look like giving up on them at all. It made me feel more confident, too.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuD9GzckXNt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWGk54W9Bv
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Ane9gF5c
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuE9KKB3se
"As soon as possible," Victoria responded, "Mom and I can gather the people in the barracks, and we'll do the announcement as planned. Kenny, you'll be with us to make sure they know we can handle it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhDS9bW4dU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvQVuRUc6T
I nodded, but something was bothering me.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoFrDtDs09
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmkZi8BLOn
"Will the people really all come together?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvYLdMyIVk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BymuVCjP1
Linda stepped in.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUrNsC0ynK
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEBMEIWML6
"To be frank, we are the primary source of food in this area. They are required to hear what we say. It's nothing to worry yourself over, Kenny. At most, two-hundred people live in this zone."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0K1Vntmcg
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGQfzajCar
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzknLzP9L3c
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QbHRC4aDS
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xHU5Rdik7
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudSToHGE23
"Mhm!"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW3DweaWff
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XrqwXnacY
Flinty was given a sheathed dagger. It fit her small stature surprisingly well. I called it a dagger, but calling it a miniature short sword would be more accurate.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nUoW63CmL
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStrhdYs0Yy
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCbOkua46t
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gHlTUHUje
–
–
–
I was waiting on the outskirts of the barracks by a peculiarly large rock. It's been about half an hour since the two ladies entered the barracks. Flinty wasn't with me, but I knew where she was hiding. She was inside a crate near one of the final buildings of the barracks. From there, she could observe the crowd from the back. As I stood, my face made strange contortions.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxXtGZo3LT
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe0bRGTJiQ
I was having second thoughts.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox3KRvmPjo
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3A9LPJsrtR
I mean, how couldn't I? A part of the plan was to talk to a group of inhabitants who were quietly minding their own business. This whole thing was honestly ridiculous.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmgHlkI5yt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6pceav2HA
I thought for a minute, that it would be a good idea to just grab Flitny and go. She'd obviously reject, but I already knew how to convince her. After all, weak or not, a monster is still a monster. Something terrible could happen, couldn't it?158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUC7hBoleCw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDBdwpfBEp
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCZdAPt7hG
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9AR4fQE8k
Now that I've articulated myself, I was my second thoughts were wavering. Something terrible could happen, and if I was to leave, then it would be to Victoria and Linda. Yet, here I was, complaining about it, thinking of excuses to get out of this Green Zone.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPD1DLLa9q
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg6UYjjziI
Once I realized that, I became determined. I can't afford to ignore this, to just brush it away and hope it all works out. Not when the issue is manageable and evident.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpod8l3NiX
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGJAvyoX9m
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARlJQ0COnl
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVBYNjKzeQ
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxmB4SuzCN
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RL9lFM8YH
Phew.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a4Nuh2Grt
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09mD3xA9uF
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlcTFUpVh4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJcOMZUSJc
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8jG3VceLw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchmMmQXVg5
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8sEddGrVC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho3q6C1snd
"Huh?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmKi9NpkHp
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63hJB8EJNh
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSCTCJDKCU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHfzIIfSAP
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNSQJaTTCh
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPsi1FPG5P
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL80xNQTEY
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vBm0xtn36
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WDK0YPC17
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90xSMGa8Hs
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgEhy80niM
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuULVKTYUg
She raised an eyebrow. I pulled out the tendril and she took a few steps back. I produced a Watery-Gad-Blossom and showed it to her.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKQqQlL5vf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhmXkHpCtl
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MG0vYRbRI
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GWSYhq0BB
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC7wzQG5wJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDE74Ej6py
She looked suspicious of it.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE15Io84yy4
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qXWAQIbE8
"How do I know it's safe?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6g157hklz
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAAsdlreW0
"I can drink it right now and prove it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigErUs7OjJ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthajLzTo2s
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM7r0cMxxC
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9ieajAPGB
"Fine. I'll try it."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLrSPADItU
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPGk7ewSdI
I extended the tendril to her. She looked intimidated but grabbed onto it anyway. She opened her mouth before the flower, and using mana spinning, I released some liquid. She drank out of it for about thirty seconds. When she finished, I returned the tendril.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv82bPW4Nhm
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3RL99ciTc
"...Okay, fine. It's good."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARVPErqcF1
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtmQFOILoea
Yes!158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96YocXUJ2j
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh90m6rJZd
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJlk2GWjmW
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1nCMLr8Lz
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw7m04P84O
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2ZdfiMVa5
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMv095wva9
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pAhdZ4LjN
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7c1WQ9Zew
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjxw54Qwlp
Oh. Well, now this is awkward. Victoria walked over and leaned beside me. She had a serious look on her face. I tried imitating it. She just looked at me with a raised eyebrow.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbfDkD7b0h
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2uxFKQIpA
"What are you doing?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zEoj2fdwv
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6gH0yZPTX
"Passing the time."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafAJQPMXFf
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy3BEOKxY8
"By making fun of my face?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqT4AgkPcNw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pwuBhAsTt
"I'm not making fun of you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV47WeWjBCr
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4G6HjnPMj
She laughed a little.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrwcOIi0PZ
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtdOXuDjXt
"I know, I'm just messing with you. Y'know Kenny, you're a really good kid. I don't think I've thanked you yet for helping us. So, thank you."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3yoF7cnycb
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcgXwlp9Vz
"Of course."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5yz0Cgnkq
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoGSKxQQB3
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBisFOVynOw
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR795BkB0Z
"How'd you two meet?"158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWNWk96zia
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4X4w9YrkI
"..."158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wDpvUHBRk
158Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNbBx5Cezf
It was an innocent question. I was relieved, since that meant I didn't have to share any of my feelings. So, I got a little closer and told the story.
