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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDccdh4CSq
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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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0c8jLYJq8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9Tito86yE
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWKOqOSdOb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeD9CqBBBX
"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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkXoesZoIO
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdCvFED2gu
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYLOoejE7a
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Flinty shrugged.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNAIWlgtpj
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLUCHreCyv
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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...159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWnsLgCtgn
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1MN6hPi7H
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"Why don't we ask them?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYp5uMbIG2
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"Not a bad idea."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbMZgYmN9g
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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?159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gJQoa2mPo
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCAQ9j3OvB
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"Wow, is this a farm?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiK3vUPdzQ
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QcVki3qBf
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewEa6Fi2fR
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3d2TiHT9h
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7049sBjVnL
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"Uh, Flinty?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLqA1qiS4W
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9hSZwcQWe
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"Kenny!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKbZvS5AIu
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtWorpu2A3
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLak88fiSLH
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKyrSCBaDu
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwI6t0STqs
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CCmspcTwi
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"Okay."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Ak90E6gR
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXQgK7Eo2O
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWvGbqSc7J
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlsLUckAAm
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AvewK1d43
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Um4r9rrTb
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdkGhH602U
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"Vikky!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVX4OLL4Ksn
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX6tUmeEEs
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSFyUcmBG5
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmJ9b501C3
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She looked strangely amused.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYQaJD3m0l
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"Full name? Alright."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX2HbnTTsF
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b0NBn5xOa
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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?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzQgTa6mfa
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"Yes."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLovibaOsBd
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"Then let's get along."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFI3xJeNKHk
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWA6pI3aX4
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvV7WwH13x
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkOE8bz3TX
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjRwtjudR8
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kzCVWBB3R
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkfuZEyUtf
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ka0oezkXG
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh9KyrNvU5
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHU19S95ECQ
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"What, why?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhg3nN0NQjy
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9ZrEX76gj
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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..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCO30daXig
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8bWdobT1w
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeghVCKdznO
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWol2kZYS0w
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6en7lJ6y7t
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQBAmkGLUS
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuEJJ8Iqnd
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbY9X2KhxZ
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5WHy4oUo1
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nv0uewkqH
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gMe9tEufK
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I made a grumpy face.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkiHLwHC38
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV2taDiEBw
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8AbKn0EQB
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujrI2kM6xm
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1Rj1G7ZDl
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ575NRf4VjK
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It's worth a try if nothing else.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR34xr5e0eu
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sxEoeOxtN
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMWUl8mtwg
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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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhC6sfjHaz
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTpR8OIRmQ
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"Yes."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpHS6wcTfa
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"Can I see the crops?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxtN2yHgBZ
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"Uh, you can."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Qowpx4zOH
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TCEeuuVtu
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzjF3Ytumt
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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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40BOONqO8d
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1osNNfym3
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"W-What the hell is that!?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXctEOFbxJ
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1ZDEXOcJL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SmGjDKAK8
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0d7sPuAYid
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUcXhhwdEW
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHPnaDP8iy
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmesVvT5RSz
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.
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIzeuApogX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKUixAvHMQ
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvqNMgfoX4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreUUNKufa2
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvfvyFLfsO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVxa9J3ngg
"What are you doing?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGZbaGS9fu
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyt4XMx6LBo
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzBMxGLVyA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxA8zIva77w
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo9yTX5PKq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigxSb9VO9L
"You're an angel."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ03D0DLdn
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN750EJRIx
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h7cYJqgTg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB38a9crqOL
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajQ4wV8qaC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F54eIa4yY
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJW1Q88evX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CCajYXNMO
There were very strange people in this city.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWHA2pb0Hs
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qqd9LTHLu
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eLV4kfJ0t
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GAQYbN2YU
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW59iR7PNqe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUO2WFxbyp
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77L6ev8pre
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcarx8CFaax
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd0rMPz5UJ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyrPz0l8m1
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKKvCp8G7k
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7I2b15jzj
"Really?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGvxNP9I3O
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJeoSEIgv98
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqF0DShrKT
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOHOx8n6uJ
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUHLjYt8as
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsIRFAJ4DW
"Yes! Let's do it!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvfK4EbWQM
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLiY7xhJXcN
"Fine by me."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAeccKEDOe
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxXoouZQI4
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BNlfVpR3C
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0t7V5ARp0
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIAnpawnBv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqRhAfCY7p
"Is something wrong?" I asked.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt7wOv0eDN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNnzFVXMny
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFVx1MsHSz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyUivmQsPY
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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79U338XoK1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jDHF4ORkZ
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBNu5352gf
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj82dd0Cr8S
"Is that so?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYCd5NHWzL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgtcEYkRBf
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWgPJ2ENRK
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IOUYJ6bAH
"Please, enter right here."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCOc8O9xJi
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UWwau79wv
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRx4gmMe14
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdPkXV6G9X
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7AqrV8Yk3f
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgGavAagb0
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspu3hh4qH2
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1lnDZnDtT7
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoAIZY6OSA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K6U6JXk8p
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrluRYKzNr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWJuxj8lgP
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuVr0JPxQX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkpOQJ2re7
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WTVaODFGj
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EAr4NnXBo
"R-Right."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Oq881p1es
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3EOIdzO3z
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8i4U6F3yt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHPaNkzZKz
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdgFM7FjWb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68yxNndKKc
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNym8cShsp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3Ztlv0qwu
I nodded.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5pNkbXqrA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPYKoCmyCn
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi93zfaBApO
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT7aVTbBGH
I raised my hand.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhTllhs880
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WTZe4ebya
"Yes, Kenny?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4M2D388Pb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mUZ0D4OLO
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iQy1YC3rb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GFucC395L
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYIXjuNorq
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1UPzQm13A
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9wK3SWUE1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJtEPYUa0u
"Allowed to brew?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qkLHmLf8b
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLiYzv1EvJ
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95DdlzN22u
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQPBSolnVq
"I see."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7J60FSL6a
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIH7M6Slsy
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–159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvw68R7tds
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpJ8KOOIoB
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXGhXgW47S
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzm5OsORmi
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q6fva2qJ4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUw1bcTUkn
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHor5oRdJv3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13mvqSBJiR
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwIW5zp3xE
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEdbkuYTV2
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWctLRjRTZA
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84B7f3UIy7
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RBdQppvyX
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIn98HUz4v
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrRwO9cMF1
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXkE796j2r
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmP1IXZtju
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2fO14VMnk
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG6JRZgvJT
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDIKIS0Lpv
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqAxnASydh
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlm5DkiJq3W
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf1nPpm4by
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEK9AkrQDS
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFuMcUCymz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssQ9ZzMo4o
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJk8sv7IYv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3QCIUju49
"...Wow, this plan sucks."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrckeD4x6x
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Zynl9uPjy
"Kenny!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM01uC7JGv9
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM6G9gz77K
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbobtPiYV4
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguaTfSqxEf
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1naJblarp6
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwosSvr5X5
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFtxxYWH4I
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLdlo2u7T5
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdEapYjZ7d
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyFhCn3QJC
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fdEcjP1eL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2cz8W4Cgg
I nodded, but something was bothering me.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4Xc798Xcg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVUOe0E3K0
"Will the people really all come together?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNOJlaSyAg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fwMeWxS6w
Linda stepped in.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDj2RrGbqZ
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"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS84eTdTunF
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGslYimSja
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oJeCEQhvr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLgexr9znQ
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MVOM40G20
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT48qi7WbLx
"Mhm!"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkG23q3Jtp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtbqtVmHvu
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnNE888qXd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkszCy1bGWl
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynxMaBjxZT
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyZEMLd41g
–
–
–
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakXI7gmnWt
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOyQWoBX6L
I was having second thoughts.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oVNbiUe2j
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSHMHh1ipby
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLhFFRDweH
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqpCZUsX6P
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?159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6jZ0v1Ovg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mFZzxZ6AE
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroEKoClfbr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjA9pirs9g
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNfphi4XV5
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6YZUmaj2h
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqu2Gm9AGb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjq8tF1lf3x
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr5cOyyBMB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBPDKOA4ZU
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDU50whfsV
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKkFHBsUC1
Phew.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAm9hCXrZp3
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtz7ZwD4bbC
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWeGIQoIFd
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCwuWrNdzc
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TidDEjwCQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNNaN73qnc
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEu7ZCXtP85
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZwD0VvYh4
"Huh?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnOkTSH8EC
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxqzdhhkIR
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBblWXAaBb
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGMofTRRRA
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDZI0eJkEk
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWOZX42nDL
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMUQe41mxr
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKTose8j7T
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrY5lB6Ji0
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6GiNOv589
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvVZiyfbfg
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbnooRrGpj
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzqGYSaw4L
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEyoDcWdsS
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsev8uHq2Ow
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UCTsciLIG
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gY01yCAQv
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC6dl99dmw
She looked suspicious of it.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBq43SnaDB
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBeaaC9hxlq
"How do I know it's safe?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLb22ZU1xz2
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVEeQzwyPC
"I can drink it right now and prove it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHijciXaQ6n
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AXJ6p0YPd
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZFVDF4uGl
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDIbDHZkY6
"Fine. I'll try it."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZbqjsDhdN
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGYFpnrPrX
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5XTL0oQlp
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDaUZeqy55
"...Okay, fine. It's good."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlcBRUj0Im
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RewsfXYbd
Yes!159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXip3HdrZ91
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GTuRl98hu
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdCZjt2iPc
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOw2uNIeglZ
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q5STkDmAI
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7lQQUga4G
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32j92Y6r4S
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfKAionymP
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TjjDBfEzz
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMca2TllCgI
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.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNWQ4g3EpL
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4OADwrcpH
"What are you doing?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IY6xDk01g
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nS72xP5vD
"Passing the time."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OBMrZdGJh
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi21iYE6E2
"By making fun of my face?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHjB9Vvr7j
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHHeNjDaid
"I'm not making fun of you."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9hdj3N86W
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJe6S25UZ3
She laughed a little.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT8QdWiQ6S
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKbNSY1Kwt
"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."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLePmxzv07
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SMiiFQ5sx
"Of course."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3VWamkVxR
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANf478PWbD
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURmsHUQZpU
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IKjasp3yz
"How'd you two meet?"159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1vaCxIiIQ
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMQ50kWgcV
"..."159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1OQbpy5Zx
159Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRiFAtJ3uL
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.
