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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtyB5GxL9R
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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?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoK8n0A1Li
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT48qDnwDfh
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSIJdxBpP
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0e5biQo3F
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ5OMDPmx1
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Flinty shrugged.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVvTl55lTM
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PgP2bTzb6
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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...132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9mLoVbWjw
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7djb8FIWP
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"Why don't we ask them?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx01Y4UxKmO
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"Not a bad idea."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ645W22LJ71
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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?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB0DgOWfoy
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbkVWJYaJQ
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"Wow, is this a farm?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoieNaYZkcv
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39cysLQJDo
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVv7GbVu4j
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76YYUUA2oY
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzRU5xxgrm6
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"Uh, Flinty?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeuGx17zXc
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrMadDDxRK
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"Kenny!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dB2XpQXik
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG1uZ89tmW
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSXm5FjpTa
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKkWemGpLt
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCjyfIru5m
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTU30cJnkOQ
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"Okay."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjnG6zD8xA
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawMeTqVAVK
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ro8ScWnms
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbnJn3spd3
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyX2RRdBjDu
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSZThL7Nc0
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpQEYiAB2s
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"Vikky!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxbr7RtkHk
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Jed9n2LSW
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm07ic0d81C
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXb0zRTZGU
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She looked strangely amused.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VepP5owV4
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"Full name? Alright."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOe2aUnavM
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwpKKdlXam
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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?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCRr7GGz46
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"Yes."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKzcThaZaH
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"Then let's get along."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iyashfHgv
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BeMTBvqwv
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8G3F3ORPx
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iesljkANL
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAKIJBQMw8
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSdLutSBcu
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GDg08p8OX
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaJ5gaW5Se
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMI5txGPyc
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"What, why?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwiPu3mCrr
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78hdtMa3y0
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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..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSYFEhkZkv
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEnWfZHbWM
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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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaiyk4El3N
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3aLnRaqWq
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilQKRONXZP
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTnJp5Yz5p
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw31tdgLDzi
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gOO0mTIp3
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vlncUgGSb
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJR0uui6aaM
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NlSLrKvB6
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I made a grumpy face.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS2AIHrlzK
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ5f0ncFI8
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufGusPLS4s
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxc9alaNxBb
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeFnzuaC28
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHMNIr2hV0
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It's worth a try if nothing else.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdCqWEeGAn
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxVL34XEtS
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrP5XXnojCB
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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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYCXWjChHV
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlSy62njeW
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"Yes."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEkMPxZrFz
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"Can I see the crops?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyDFaoNPAW
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"Uh, you can."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl4HQT04Pf
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjFRdEqSeZ
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSfEnJQGuQ
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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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASVGkJxktY
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwfj8w67Mp
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"W-What the hell is that!?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAjJatoxw9
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbhOOM8obo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7YCfx4oUYf
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKq1k7BkPm
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8z1Hkga1r
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzexUZ3ROx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkbF24p3I5
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.
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GXhyuUzyI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIr90AZiQX
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ooiebmiRF
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK1KofCUSQ
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cRnnce2UE
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kcjjJ9sDA
"What are you doing?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiZKlmzr86
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieyeKtNNnX
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUlviWUkgI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95RoES6sjw
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqvkwSkTSE
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBkjhku2pY
"You're an angel."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuyfDB0sxg
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoenZM3hDQ
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAuBDbvGhM
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4zIhMFvv4
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMJoR8uJWj
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V5NNg9US9
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW72WdyaSsi
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeCSbdFzir
There were very strange people in this city.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EdpnmV2tt
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hAoUdgXxn
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomjo070HGR
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurPM1dLyPS
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ689NNbIUt2
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqznIFOluvB
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6uo9LOcyn
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfYX8fYbKi
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRVEUwoCOI
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0UcWkszWS
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡissuXBsYDS
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuJbtbvsfV
"Really?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3EMVSW1A6p
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA1dnjo51F
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrxYUaPMOk
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX02OCisGn
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjqrhWxT4V
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuzd0tFwZ9
"Yes! Let's do it!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz67js0cpa
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4MRh2qEqD
"Fine by me."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ213bzf1OHY
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFH8XMB9cx
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPdi3pPcRd
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqrx2BhMkc
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKsSnxy0Gn
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBZb7JoDz3
"Is something wrong?" I asked.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC0wQm87gQ
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtYF6Zmys5
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsbALwZO75
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmVUZQecQt
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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtYaqZVmYi
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpHoaLD31g
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYb6IUB3Hh
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gAT69KLGB
"Is that so?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSfi7fgDIZ
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2uYJaeIsI
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKlg5mU1FK
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdS5g9CyKI
"Please, enter right here."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUu01yGRpA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzus8BGfeZ
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsG7JIaFIbm
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsGG7TpmHv
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq3oAjWibO
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqgLJr23KR
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTww9Y3JlD
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3Y5zHTWLP
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNT9CkJgh3
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjbXHNqMdw
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzw6pOyJCnR
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpBCQSRu8d
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7Gl0JbsPb
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBhgohUDvT
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbxKWWBcoW
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QHbfrDDC5
"R-Right."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFEGnjieHy
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTHhR3dEGg
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS47AuUArC
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49WoA78BNF
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheXu0rv0o3
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqWdMsuFRR
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtIaxXWThA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgcsWujsbO
I nodded.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4q4suuMxzr
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l7XkvLKyr
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI534UPLAN
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBMB1TXX53
I raised my hand.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXXReaqcdv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ1qt0ZRBw
"Yes, Kenny?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXjVunRJ74
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2JaRXMcMa
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39kcg1O2ST
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGEP6BnLic
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvn0w7iDN4I
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8Dfn42nJk
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwkC9NKd2O
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoC1IFW4xj
"Allowed to brew?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ca0YZ6BBR
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fYWAKgUZO
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9jc1AKfi5
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXrOZ5ndo5
"I see."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMduFLNWL3f
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6RuGPgsEU
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–132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnPlk9rMA9
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuUHjjRM5v
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkPVwIcEae
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIbfEbweqi
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lcXruDXns
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEpDZwZpb3
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WZR48rSit
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhhipOfQKS
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0dTtExvDH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOjt1GMCFJ
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpC2Vo94yv
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLbZBQbU0C
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGC9hpvTOP
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyeJ8frZSm
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdyAPo31HX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoniu8kpQB
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGkFBwJQ3p
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaliVbvqOh
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtI3Co0JUsX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlplq3LSndn
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOf8rdsTkA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpJrxtAYtU
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOOLrqiipl
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ya7lq9gS9
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU82ZT0bOG7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd0YtX45iR
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSCi60kYST
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZS0tRinuT
"...Wow, this plan sucks."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiHNKam9iE
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0odducgZZl
"Kenny!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNR28wl820
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jOxI84jZC
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq65iH3pzTY
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeF8KRBJwwZ
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE7YIi0sW6
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cR8vjscrD
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtkElSLHtz
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u9Om9md42
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHoiDPkZym
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w4KG7ebZK
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEMA2pw19C
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBU6s1uQ5E
I nodded, but something was bothering me.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSGJ2TNM1S
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH1XdhGzI4
"Will the people really all come together?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTHOxmZmJY
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGuhizMTrp
Linda stepped in.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfb6L5ADe7b
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHjOlipYQa
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bf8zrKvpK
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOJ95X0ml5
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7VUWCsmAh
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA9E2X21VV
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XFArveshd
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRYrbbTR6F
"Mhm!"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyk5ORojjS
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKMK6nCeWF
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37J5DVts7R
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvsgRBAaX1
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHrUkLb4XF
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdDKrxCbnt
–
–
–
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRLwpL7C4H
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ymJ4m5EK
I was having second thoughts.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJLrJQgtPc
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOaWfGi6eC
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD2RDwqKaV
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyDwbzFpML
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?132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYXiVQ3TPK
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUV5V00peH
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgi6cJvDmM
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlB5KYGS1Cg
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHBfSAcWux
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSe6MPmGnw
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmtYB3JiXU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWnx1qPZdl
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3gUplw12d
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRrLRfMcJB
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1XHXlL0qX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEle52AMf8a
Phew.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBUqKuGOh8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMljYif4xpr
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZW1D1h0bOX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxC0NKoKVe
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZI4pvxyR8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YjT7zzcw5
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjmzkIwt3V
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiBJ4cF5gl
"Huh?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZwJ7qHk6f
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttL1P899KR
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMHZteXY43
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRHxR8yBiP
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbv1JfMbCH
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PkEWgGbmd
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYiXfMGEGo
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqssaCW5ndH
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5R4lGLbaZ
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhr6rHXydw
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnzNBcQcjL
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rBJrwsyqd
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXlnQuZ1Ba
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwr6XVvwJg
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyyzfL2tyr
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7mxTO7kjU
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuMGbCh3hk
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1I4VhBYkfe
She looked suspicious of it.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVbJnQhB69
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr0rphAA4d
"How do I know it's safe?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW4DkqJLU7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9vkWMJ2rK
"I can drink it right now and prove it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYtFrYNGOA
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko1dElx3ny
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuhONPGNNB
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPSPupVszj
"Fine. I'll try it."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rxdo4nExq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU6UeyBwj4
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxObbUCnIg
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi26rmfOlG3
"...Okay, fine. It's good."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT83BoLRtc
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZhkLKeicd
Yes!132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9M8wEbYlG
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMFKtCCtQp
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQogLx1buB
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQcJ9rurIX
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoH3ZuJgU7
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCI0IhiIJr
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjIGYVhg9y
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtf323hkzZ2
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptU6EevunC
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojEMWc02Xa
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.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToc3aixURU
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cnRz20144
"What are you doing?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCHa6SdX0A
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqMVLX2Cjb
"Passing the time."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlTCcJe8fe
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mroZRIKjA
"By making fun of my face?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfgv2BtdQq
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzGK2rMBFL
"I'm not making fun of you."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTM1uz3f4SX
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkHeBoVnuH
She laughed a little.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9e9wUM1N5
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTWjPh23ZH
"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."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uIEC7uphW
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkVZs0LnzE
"Of course."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHun6Aimg8
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6E4KVTAH8I
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXyiTtHh4L
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yPbAHcUOR
"How'd you two meet?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4AAN0d4vP
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHS6MFNIA8r
"..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTQrTLGuNx
132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOgSYDmRBO
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.
