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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt1EiZPGVo
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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?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjklN6jGX29
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUmFA2dPw4
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"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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7HGGdOw9W
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtG268xdrA
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA2ylv2Udi
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Flinty shrugged.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQY5wETedWB
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbrKEKkNp0
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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...161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg7RvPP3aV
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAPaQAXiI1
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"Why don't we ask them?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OaSLC6DWf
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"Not a bad idea."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDEUYZtse8
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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?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5aBHWxmBA
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9Anvzhpzf
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"Wow, is this a farm?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGQbrc8hJV
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMzvbQjcXQ
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJiuALq5OC
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvp0d7l4qO
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvkH9dlXD2
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"Uh, Flinty?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahPATcSNh6
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CmZM2QIgm
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"Kenny!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFU7PKrulu
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrAYhflKYp
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJX1Yb4hU9
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqC2QN3OHnf
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wnY1gV9wd
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpPmMV6JYP
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"Okay."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZvqAi2vhl
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9NTw9HS14
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb7hSOYduY
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUALtlAUhaV
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCOeKgKOhJ
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKVBw76306
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1a7ioqPlFt
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"Vikky!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zVPuJO248
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTBj1DYMsJ
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWGwkX9RSe
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K1KVkkfsP
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She looked strangely amused.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98LBrFUlZg
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"Full name? Alright."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd4ZYByxnZ
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO3aQRKjQh
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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?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xEmQHMWFl
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"Yes."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ldlLE6GF0
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"Then let's get along."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q4UaO8UkD
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7Kv7N2ytP
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorUFJoRclL
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5sWUFwhMy
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuqh50UmFg
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZmSKYtD09
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHHTqpEwU4
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvvWQ3ytLw
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Lbvzcr8Qw
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxwJrG4arW
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"What, why?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLDqgqCgbG
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1SGa4OZRf
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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..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKQgsJYV6W
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvFrpvebya
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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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQSrgzr0g3
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FZ5FHZLPn
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgq3fmA5OUO
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtVCoDBs21
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDnciqhpGG
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGSzUUqdjT
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIR4IlrDJp
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNgKSJzaiP
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9wfLJxBsA
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I made a grumpy face.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35PCFqTRlM
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2zeSpIXEs
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNS9X0jhgSZ
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALDCaqthLs
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucWowlIkXp
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaL85dsgKf
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It's worth a try if nothing else.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRpASQ3RJe
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8EvLBxhZL
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskDNzwFGPQ
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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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a12ETqSiZ
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxs7WVCYK6
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"Yes."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YCwTYQGSf
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"Can I see the crops?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6IJJyRxp2
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"Uh, you can."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6VFnSSXaU
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvOQirRpha
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOutTo02lRs
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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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht8PlnRM1w
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDVCiCNVGN
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"W-What the hell is that!?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERlFMUMlme
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsur1ynoSx
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKxO5tGBEz
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnHNI0imM9
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmktuufWEy
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLiglGl5zf
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa11oVdBYM
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.
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxi6C6RJPMT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGCAyjlxbW
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNDfmM7tj7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TCyrVnhfq
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY4GdPIgWt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHvmSi3qE4
"What are you doing?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDVrzcnsyO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqY4aNWC8g
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuYkTYSznq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTt7EIwZHd
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvfi6pW88b
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNWxHNbyal
"You're an angel."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DmN6LwKOd
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwwelPXvVB
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pk3x86l2W
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrsJmd2Fey
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoBZxqOkY4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVakBjlu9pC
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVuGe6q23x
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICu9IZ4ppP
There were very strange people in this city.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevA1ZMr5aT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLm3nKD7JKq
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGckvVLfcts
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOSGhw4Ahk
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzrGZ5ijie
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLg6t7QQ2so
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2PDMcMiqB
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8k63CCfdY
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdN33jELjS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsncGLYnHPk
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzeknH0QRR
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMoihbJPNk
"Really?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNLs3BkQxW
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgZWwFmc6c
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo53eXCaNip
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UeppyfS6D
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxrgQ9xuYb
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dnRTNaeHT
"Yes! Let's do it!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5aV8DwBI1V
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RlHPnmk3S
"Fine by me."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztruXflJ6y
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5wGM2zm4z
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B7IGxtw9K
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rSwSJ0Ro5
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCplFOYYLJH
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaXCCcEoCU
"Is something wrong?" I asked.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoRwCBVgiz
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrJQG28wJe
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIo7Zqqc12
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxnHRqzByg
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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhN8pUqUJ4
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Dr50woyDu
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8K2aXvThZ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡequ4T2zf7u
"Is that so?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9BugYkxz7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtF5a3NZdz
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQT80f20pE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFe8IkW6al
"Please, enter right here."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95jbdJbijC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVa2JGaXuf
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPWbufLqeS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoGKyVylcm
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uOwsatphB
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMWlG7dVna
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfDnv4cCOS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxqsq4Eb8R
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhaVoLWjrE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t31DVMlNU
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOB7RDy14LC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtqxZR3LTg
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdsM2Lw2rd
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0sw9DjaIu
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZK79PUAJG
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsPn8qeJ76
"R-Right."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi5toDPfCJ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81A9mIbRxr
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FCRdwyV8l
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdtmGjDoE8
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZxTVs0LjN
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLjnj03bod
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFDOcbL8zq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZF7AS2PyF
I nodded.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfiHa7Mu1T
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rBstxB7DT
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxdsOWfvtS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfW0ztGnGuT
I raised my hand.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBjFCzxMAn
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioqcBzljjm
"Yes, Kenny?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCcqyNnZ1D
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGU5n5PXZ9
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzVVeNp6UT
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNw0x4Ocr3
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRKHukBSbU
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5E6mZRLSd
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycLkPRrg6V
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnw9i8HPHN
"Allowed to brew?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcBoZBdx8b
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuMKCgBcZP
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALrkf08abR
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGOI7uVQMv
"I see."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn0YosMXQ5
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOETPQ3EDJ
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–161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf342SlQFfS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf3es5iCmR
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCvhsQYfXS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtnWmqUk2D
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNbSpFlNZq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lE3xrmLQj
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOS0YNExEl
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGss8vWNhb
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIedwY77JK2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzUFIRHeOp
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzBxUI5DpN
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JURBhA0u9
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPcWH2wwrO
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ233VtIfI
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRRRlXjz2I
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUywAWaaAm
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6Z5GBsAL2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg09qKXgZc
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIorEhVO5N
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdCS21ZfiJ
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJh7DseYOiv
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbZg1QwIsa
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrDxTfSHw1
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe45CuX1qrt
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7u6sDR6jY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnV2maH799
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoluwIThMX
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGWPzT6CG8
"...Wow, this plan sucks."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX21YiUT25
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv6V7NpD7P
"Kenny!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2t7RwtYf7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBkCuYsq8t
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yioHqI9qq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx4RjnjFjA
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp5bsFhFW3
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡennqRRh7rH
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAEsMWnkAS
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31LM7cRT55
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZh2tRnHLi
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoTDYN2AGE
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3diZLu5U3e
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgV4MO5Y0gL
I nodded, but something was bothering me.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVuXXMCEm8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDid8H6L9R
"Will the people really all come together?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhzYQeh7NC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4smADftZne
Linda stepped in.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTmmguEss8
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6g7lZHwp1
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4A2fqXp4w
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ggsyU4ZF7
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuFe92poCB
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHED5871YS1
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc96MCPKMBj
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSE8FyF2gz
"Mhm!"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaQdgjWlHY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLuRYR52O3
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Xt1lGATC
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6hRUoNJtr
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ2m2AHpLo
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX48sS2ataE
–
–
–
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tl23fcQO2
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeaaL0RW9Q
I was having second thoughts.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjeo3s1dTy
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGriGyk7aPp
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEvYwME8Rs
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9Vyjkboj7
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?161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkMezFIynM
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsy6y76ItF
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMWRQhFVEt
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWkfbZoBnh
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7N9WiicVK
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvplaVemQX
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLHYdHDavj
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3QRnozCRl
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczLdJMyWwq
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewSJ51S3lB
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAdJVEfyI7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1PwPLhqjE
Phew.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UKYmcws4g
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1b39eDVEZG
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiVReTHQ3h
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbXd0nBRLO
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1HK94zpZQ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I6aigySp0
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMi4cEDiLnK
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBvTsa166Q
"Huh?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvumb49q36
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc2ElAxcxG
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSLeNXm3s7
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQE07I0Oi1
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5fefwHsMZ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWEK7hzXDs
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wKk8Sr47e
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcHnhQJfj2
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDZ7JxSavm
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1ryVDEV9K
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcZkGgjKdE
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoAUYgS3Pu
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI1oTqZUtb
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuxhSyy2aq
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjser2P7G2t
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXJo0lMYEg
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSytV1l5wsL
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W2YIHOedP
She looked suspicious of it.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbm3Ay95eA
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"How do I know it's safe?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV3LvAP99m
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhT9RqT4zN
"I can drink it right now and prove it."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHxrNdLv14
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv14ENNKJK
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jh11n7NqM
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4gmLU0QVD
"Fine. I'll try it."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWreDqqH2h
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbUCy6nEM6
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOMq0VwT8T
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVhOaGuTBu
"...Okay, fine. It's good."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qXnxyU97F
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYKnJrd6aY
Yes!161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BCyiwIVjg
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSelfZmTVDx
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoi0xFrEAD
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvX3meD2LL
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4Tulk9Bgj
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VXO8eSUET
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZqwXEJbxr
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBu7Rk4rGM
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x1P7TCq2I
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTTz595Pvq
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.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZLR93Q4Wc
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6TNCXEwUA
"What are you doing?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqDttEdP8p
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRFJRZD4S9
"Passing the time."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ly8S3N4Ct
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"By making fun of my face?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhN6leVSGnk
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXeaPw7Icl
"I'm not making fun of you."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG34sbZCBHx
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9c58UppVO
She laughed a little.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAPnnuXaWK
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YTO7hedOI
"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."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjASwLnaEY
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d8fQSXsN2
"Of course."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFytyWxHug
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG2cJgBHeI
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqvuKnVXot
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgDtDWvnzm
"How'd you two meet?"161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvbmJf4Opx
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGH7mALRvAd
"..."161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYZslDyyXQ
161Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0rqIPS4B4
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.
