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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk6Miq50el
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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?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuGdnRDwDU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmvulQUSnn
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbMqyQCIfr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14GohkBh6p
"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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9nIUv8TAm
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNK4PEfUq4
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKK73ETsq6u
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Flinty shrugged.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfINf78c5in
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdh7vEyhIY
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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...144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdcTlUe3MN
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfX2Whfm8X
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"Why don't we ask them?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1aVgozCEn
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"Not a bad idea."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOPDKzLnaC
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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?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUvoMk9iZG
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Hdhp30rF
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"Wow, is this a farm?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uRTuvLdzC
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh3sFlKGfY
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLVCMaiAu7
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eoQAkvDUI
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBRo1O1gID
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"Uh, Flinty?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eicQCCQjn
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcmD3UXJm6
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"Kenny!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQQfXgLtk2
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPv2INyF7k
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hlnPs9JmC
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrTcivGb1D
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHwrWKChCl
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbEhOqOKVq
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"Okay."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE3xPepldy
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzT43LCTlq
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hqHjeC9xX
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYJ2Frzqb1
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFI1hYxE1i
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOnitjiL4t
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarvwV4fg0N
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"Vikky!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh4yWzt0sY
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pdPXSx4Wg
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgDNCaNrQ3
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwqIUh7Vqx
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She looked strangely amused.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KYikwtNp1
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"Full name? Alright."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyBIzAp13S
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo74r329Jtt
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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?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj5UwjDPt5
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"Yes."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKufRPiHJQ
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"Then let's get along."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDraw3WZpk
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYxMLTSa3G
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgivrbtSKo
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSSygSiLQ2
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLKjF6pO7w
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIn8HAUZIl
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteI11XWoYU
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiNkg8goJT
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXkTZx1Lx9
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"What, why?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB4LtkWJ3qc
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzni4nCEry3
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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..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lqcXFM8hl
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ELhIs3gHr
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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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD6vKwnx8s
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kQwrizMxl
So that was what the lady from before was doing.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LlgvBmF7q
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mSlobeJLi
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuWuWkp9yL
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncBeHnw253
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtMunxCZfl
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjK7LKMoeHB
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30FfxZe4ZM
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4f4JSlFnW
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I made a grumpy face.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJpYmJjbjA
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgSzYnrgGk
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GOtFI57BP
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLeRUK9wCK
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSezQLNUngT
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa23NEi6JlG
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It's worth a try if nothing else.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HEDh9sGND
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5dQFaoikh
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOo7jTgN5y5
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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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHuE5PHhVL
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakL9G054dx
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"Yes."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchk7i7sYuD
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"Can I see the crops?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzatKyOmPWg
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"Uh, you can."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD75bM7RxX
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8Q7GqriWD
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdjIzyQHzQ
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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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4slw5E3DRA
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nuA2cg0ez
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"W-What the hell is that!?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaznSnXW43g
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOvtGOFxAu
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDePhacRJ6I
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGySKPjmcx
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfIsa60LK2
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCujdyYGnM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTK19x1mJt
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.
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3nMKfssF9
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRJyMlDHq8
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1XmpcDWEB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOXxKwp753
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnereDkJV3U
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cM2mDQY4j
"What are you doing?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMavLWVtcN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOlHt5OSG9
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGwwAzL1bU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIXoik7xV1
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rhor9qECp
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaCTCPN8eU
"You're an angel."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL5JAtA6Bs
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0putDx2TPV
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSctEjaek9H
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRr7WWzvdk
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpnBKFIGkE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTRqPWJVFeR
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1TTM3teMb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhnxhTk1eX
There were very strange people in this city.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY8eo1StcM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1e0KdlpVU
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgNRFXMyE8
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3AIntT1Hr
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWegQVWUaLT
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfC6EeY83G
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzGjvzbdjv
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9CvUtzJmx
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFA1RBpnZIc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfKV8pySbq
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRpe2rni0h
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSH8bZEhAf
"Really?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ68kueKU33
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx2dxDwX9B
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItAoPWbrqz
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImxgorS857
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcL7J5vtC3
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcmlOwF0eB
"Yes! Let's do it!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUmqCCymVh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpS0DUxLrU
"Fine by me."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBQ6w7h30A
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLuwJXeUxjT
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7kmtxrBYB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfVVEJJJVJ
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkoNCj5XrN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepu5ZFFcsS
"Is something wrong?" I asked.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXyuHF5ivx
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRLndRE2j7
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmqRbNnmgh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhQ17KFFyy
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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyw24PqkjLC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB69GCZmPMZ
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNXfmIVhAM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp3BcDSFWU
"Is that so?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkWlXDdbrf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsCi6zjbt9
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ysKhzIbIc
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLW7IvAvtcN
"Please, enter right here."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzX1xdAZqJj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ARlkhaKUJ
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXfnxjsDzh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudHJuuMh5W
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnFQqDI2Qf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBC202UP4l
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtljXJKM1i
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7wq51Nbkp
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwXeKasFqf
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQFnJvhFyV
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJU5keANUX0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjVwgr4kcA
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSjUAYtBSz
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7MKk6FtSk
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3via2tEBrH
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ4PsVtZkY
"R-Right."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwe6XklVRI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx84fuJtyCK
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDq3CzujNhM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuG1iZPzPSy
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZL3qy1Fob
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwywEaYlrh
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZ1hAXL2LF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1Ezo0GVfV
I nodded.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZcBde0Igq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TnngHgA3K
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t0eBqGzWn
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObBS68zC8g
I raised my hand.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40kwe9Fb8w
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFNJhMLiWN
"Yes, Kenny?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZdAWTzze7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJPgsSrKyJ
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7Qh0PUxe2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfYzNwH3Qw
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2aa5o3Kqp
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6zYbm2r4J
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8kqMGlnvg
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs40Orpwkm
"Allowed to brew?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwqofaFC2G
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLno0M7CXcm
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hxIFN3L3Z
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcl5P2zgUVe
"I see."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2i47htTOsW
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZND1M27eS
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–144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXoWAUj4Oy
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJJbc0NsOD
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwTCPVOWvr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgxFEh6s9P
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ8iQWPNWs
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSfpfJ7QuE
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALXF2ou4vI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGeKSArV23L
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBR6kEyDKi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpo3uAZRMS
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1VlGX1UXE
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQGJpq09cI
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhgYK330KY
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29yPbvnt1m
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYseFUm9XLC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmmyALlSaV
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrcRNsfDYR
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2zvSHSFHV
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5LLME8wxI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxqU2Hv5vw
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUtQK2mZdF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd22BER54mC
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22GSOna9fb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUjGDPXQyt
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06kopNnsKF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z2Zwt9vWA
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmJdByfAYF
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaI73Iy9Cl
"...Wow, this plan sucks."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yiIqJs9XM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXVM9HkHn8
"Kenny!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu66Mxh00PU
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXQeyZw7jl
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7kpcBT33b
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYplEfinsAH
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkImZBpUlBk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLq6f14Ojf
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8dZomMjaM
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a6153jMvW
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG41gzR6IY7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyLQxI7r2y
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXibj25QOB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzof3CSbEd
I nodded, but something was bothering me.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SSPN98B8L
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeCI5SWZdd
"Will the people really all come together?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzFOXlOFKj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8mxYAmUaQ
Linda stepped in.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ikNs3EfiC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOSO7DO3Br
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBkkCxw0t5
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRLmKL9QMr
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypSoC4rCWZ
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKUTZqW5OD
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKrBH0FAA0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv5WprgoXj
"Mhm!"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhNc9J6UfS
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZneuemRgk
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMltfWURBrT
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKWpQNqyhK
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGqNbYnt6l
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85ZPs3qIkH
–
–
–
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpZ5kN7e5p
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYH9iRODWG
I was having second thoughts.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgghXlyKqu7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tdwHwcO3k
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJKFLZtpA8
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwDWQsk52D
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?144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdp6CBx9qrk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT61mxuATi
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlmqDGmK9O
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Nnkzik0I
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8U5TuQlTr
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8IfYciTx5
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1WoPUV4ms
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZnPPnT2em
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNXG8Ah0i2
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiXnjtqkKq
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHQW9rrOd7
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80uCBNJpgb
Phew.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡft79uD8wba
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAAh2GK4T4
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxweoROll0
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1JBkTS0ZB
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fRoOMa9Sm
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSG6rhsqWz4
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTIMlLgheC
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GylwYkAXX
"Huh?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZUlHDM8Hh
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoljtUJ4Lvy
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrytCvPeTVa
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJ7TfHtnM2
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAksGNHpWB
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG27CspWR7
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GZmCD4aBj
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG01n00d2Zg
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd5NLGm23S
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGOBVe1azY
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u5bhpzgLi
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFC0XmPScw
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQP7JUN7I4Q
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrWEHyvCnk
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hFsYMOImN
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgGxYbD8uV
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hrTFiYjWx
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiiUZN9a5v
She looked suspicious of it.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPLnyAzQHg
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeRvmV2nni
"How do I know it's safe?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImUl3EBZT9
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcC77jMMrbv
"I can drink it right now and prove it."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡig6ATK9doG
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEVMW2FocY
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRfKdYSPew
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4DfBPMFg9
"Fine. I'll try it."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffVvxjeQpD
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQu1St7S8T
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXF1V3NapLP
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN9yX43FxB
"...Okay, fine. It's good."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vXCokyvvK
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpA3i5FtW8Q
Yes!144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LSSk9I5aA
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPgBprARyi
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FKmjCyO9D
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LZmEUHTuC
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpFJt2e3Lw
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWrdG6pJq9
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAi6k8WcYFI
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNgGOwlcb6
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXkzKksRkz
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxJwnf4k71
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.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssl8SFLbuA
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo7tofEE1g
"What are you doing?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Eq1zIhDFb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3oIj6FhwD
"Passing the time."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8DYGHhXdb
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dg3eqTpAf
"By making fun of my face?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUh2ZC4U4c
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEtgqHStlC
"I'm not making fun of you."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6Acl0rXtk
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqwVGn9yLa
She laughed a little.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rBNxvkJKR
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUfNpGAHjG
"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."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1GQae1PNq
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSWlnjsTBi
"Of course."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaGEWWJwke
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZKzJ3l2YM
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwVqUVmA99
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0OaHlBslM
"How'd you two meet?"144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9zjXcJAJe
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOU8ZKWA4C
"..."144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM8Nhm1b7b
144Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQgLdTQtJa
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.
