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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8r5hxpUrP
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpi2QnKlNe
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She nodded.
"Alright, that sounds like a plan. How will we contact her, though?"
Flinty froze, then nervously laughed. Looks like that plan is out of the window. I thought of a substitute plan while Flinty stared at the ground clenching her head.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2brqJRsUs
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"I think if I send a message–"
"That's too slow. I have a better idea."
Despite her dejected face she still listened.
"What if I grow a plant tall enough to push us over the wall?"
Flinty seemed excited at first, but then her face grew contorted.
"But, won't that make us intruding really obvious?"
Ah, crap. Now I was looking dejected. I tried thinking of another idea but that was easier said than done.
So, I suppose in the meantime–
"We'll go with the letter. Do you think it'll be sent in time?"
"We could ask the guard to deliver it. No, that won't happen, will it? Hmm..."
The both of us furiously brainstormed. I was suddenly made aware of my hunger, and thirst, and my general tiredness. Maybe stopping by a restaurant before entering was a good idea?
Right as I was about to suggest that though, I caught something in the corner of my eye. I turned my head to see a woman in a dusty, casual dress with an apron on as she was holding a vase over her head.
"Flinty, look!"
She did look, and I felt like she got the same idea as me. We ran out of the alleyway to the woman.
Time to put my best kid face on.
"U-Uhm, miss?" I said.
"Excuse me, miss?" Flinty said. But, she wasn't putting on puppy eyes like I. Actually, she had no reason to; she's adorable as is.
"A-Ah, what's the matter, children?"
Flinty took the conversation.
"A friend of mine named Vikky invited us to her home, but the guard won't let us pass! Can you please help us?"
The woman looked flustered, but then she furrowed her brows menacingly. Excellent. You did a great job, Flinty.
"Is that so? Follow me then."
The woman took us to the guard and confronted him. Even though the guard explained over and over that we needed written permission, the woman didn't let up. I felt sorry for the guard, but that's what he gets for picking a fight with petty kids.
The guard stared daggers at us, but he let us go anyway. He mumbled something about "idiot adults." I get it. They're great, aren't they?
With that, we were now in the Green Zone. Before us was a cobbled bridge over a creek of water. Over the bridge was a field of grass with houses sprawled around. It was a misfit in a city like this, but it was still a pretty sight.
"Come on, Kenny!"
"Right."
We ran over the cobbled bridge, but before crossing it, I leaned down and stared at the creak. I could seriously see my reflection in it. I looked a lot older than I thought I did.
Buffalo Village didn't have any such creek, just a well. This was an exciting moment for me. A second later, another reflection joined mine: Flinty's.
"I love doing this too," she said. "We don't have any mirrors at home."
"I could've sworn I saw some at the Tea Mage's shop."
"Huh? Where?"
"Probably the greenhouse."
"Probably!?"
I got up and crossed the bridge. Flinty rushed after me.
Honestly, aside from the grass, it was just like the city. The buildings looked like and were spaced the same, and it was just about as busy too. People here wore different clothing though. While those in the main parts of the city wore tight pants, shirts, vests and the like, the people here dressed in the same clothing. The women wore what the lady from earlier was wearing, while the men wore white shirts with a blue vest and brown pants.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYHBCKB1kZ
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOkzoxnz0g
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L1tszAiN6
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Flinty shrugged.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc1EeCFm2R
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22jvzBbKrC
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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...218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYlRdpmtcy
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFghwV4JxXy
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"Why don't we ask them?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m4jaQLil5
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"Not a bad idea."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwZ9XjKWhD
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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?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahB1ppb9Pn
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzArNUuf7yM
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"Wow, is this a farm?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9c4BRMOWC
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYa2aagOvkh
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXq9tnGXk0w
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIv0ZFR0C6
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZwXVMN9q0
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"Uh, Flinty?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaLrFuTBnN
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXDCaSjCFS
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"Kenny!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5EjjoNYKW
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjwFrgaNCK
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2UikLmLOP
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRj15nobiQ
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoVpRzcy0d
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1Qag45uS5
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"Okay."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Vtm6ULsYF
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJO5oOgkQbN
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQbdwpVXbbW
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXvVgzCPqp
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYlgkYxhTG
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpBnkK643Q
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl8eUqUPp4
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"Vikky!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWoc84hgYQ
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xIXavNdGu
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhDfSpiRmL
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zvpffsutX
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She looked strangely amused.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtsEspFQ0H
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"Full name? Alright."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo2TXOCnWQ
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUs5oAWeY3m
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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?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMB7ODFokj
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"Yes."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoqczMpqTE
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"Then let's get along."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVgoQiddX6
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPd83Wg7C0
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHfr0wrgPJ
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEFvrd1gtS
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22qXCJsJPJ
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2okNDM8nC2
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2QeYEgzii
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXLW22G3Ui
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7J73PM86Ox
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"What, why?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8kkVxEtRD
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU8FlXZrny
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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..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqKql2UrbR
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLdAdLuVQ1
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTtXyH6CzZ
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHGbhpqFmy
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbWdjJVOze
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5E0IeqjCO
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpuuSi6Qsc
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClTAEnWgfs
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8tI3nHjkd
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG8RIeHT7O
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOrs1Wfj75
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I made a grumpy face.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQXXqIe2RC
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfnW2clsBu
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwppWZwDGrb
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnSQD7Fbkd
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkOiyEtYmz
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnnloAq3eA
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It's worth a try if nothing else.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHWnsyNao8
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTyU5y6tEQ
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhUhyRy5SD
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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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpYwXtZdeG
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaI7CbGbV5
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"Yes."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMg7tkb90p
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"Can I see the crops?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XdL67O5hp
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"Uh, you can."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWcACR0ZYh
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSN6FjEfmD
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyqhUPCigO
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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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj9MoOwpXY
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxu0NvB2Lf
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"W-What the hell is that!?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFl5e70XVj
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxvcqCGRfJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yxV2XCMIe
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJhpvc1Hog
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeYwaMuyAc
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFViLxoscSV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTu9AGkCsa
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.
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW80xrSFwpL
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwyRm9ngyP
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjZMnvBBzJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77KUf6aKRo
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxApEMcPeMr
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx034D3k7ZG
"What are you doing?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbKzopygLa
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyepbqLGCZ
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblvvOHirqI
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLMm72PIyV
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSoFb8Aua7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1DNoQQ6D9
"You're an angel."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfz9WeaKC4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjjRWHF4de
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sgS3MALoA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0OcoLrVo7
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrtrYcTSYW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g139eDA2H
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCWNzjTBa6
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3Cqqn11PA
There were very strange people in this city.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuBLPqeeBt
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBnwElzkP6
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeXgTwEmD1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcriK771U2F
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto8GtBC5wV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcddrucQFqI
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE3lSZrzKC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKfBKUKl0l
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5UBG1aLCD
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfU5Le4Tgh
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFr3qTJaH5L
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUWl3OfDQw
"Really?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlUj2IcXkd
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3u7XyEVdQ
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Rnh8ysPiO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aO81GOtVb
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOIvwyw1S9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivA8QoGJ1X
"Yes! Let's do it!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUuweNfz9H
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxYsjDIAR9
"Fine by me."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTjRSmV77o
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQK4Pjgprj
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsD4GBr9kW
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1YnlZ2mTL
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqtmm2IMsF
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdwLPeTjVe
"Is something wrong?" I asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PTdSL0CbX
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlSoAOS94m
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVgTgb7nh1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dpEf5T1O5
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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOaY0Xk41v
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK4FVotx8k
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOil057IKf
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHwI7ThtbY
"Is that so?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12OOOlOWOi
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFf5rnDRZ4
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pu3FnjO90
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVN4xlq7hg
"Please, enter right here."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wDZ7WFySA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQekzyLrcy
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA4gyhX1Du
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToEsEUJFIX
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7vYOd1MjG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewL0gKnZW3
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2vcVi83O0
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcNyOkbnGn
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm96Lzi3or
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zV6FqstBi
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkYKjIQQku
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW5v4pS2P6
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3L4j4dJfE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUZicQVnBX
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTCJOiCDuG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡji9NTS0vXu
"R-Right."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dC0skP6nB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0UXF3RDyE
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqJosy1hki
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrbOlKVXPS
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkkQl9Wj6KR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7BN7nDvq
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzyU5w2UgS
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkohFbPYc1
I nodded.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGfPBKuayc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Qa13jyVX
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKlwNmA1TR
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxBVNz8JTF
I raised my hand.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd2IuvXoob
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqX8m3Z2IZQ
"Yes, Kenny?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd48RMJeLo
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ4nD3N1DK
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgj1oDtgOAU
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1Ot3Lc1pC
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKruohhoZW4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEzX4kZnew
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlgLaVB5by
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWqs6MODzi
"Allowed to brew?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI4M3sf1nP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI1X8t9PgZ
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Rojt3Mmge
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwviAQglcw2
"I see."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡND7S73arUu
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkF05KMeeN
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–218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEZlvXGpq9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TdQGCMTnW
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cTJz7ki63
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIndtm5OrU
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxs3bWc5m8
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHcLijpH03
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gp7d4GK29
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoZ7WTFpyM
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhKLhv3HaO
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7fe9Rsckc
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprPFfJ9T5R
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKCtkmLHHd
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaC0rnTDAd
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT0YXVzKfV
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXGu9jU8ef
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoEVCpzuCH
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJxnZG1Qt0
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmfYNEeYD3
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEsotqw4NE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06XG2menXx
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KXNlwxiyC
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpR49zJjbn
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvrpfzrn4f
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYbqKSjgtZ
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDeVJVYcvxM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UgE5d0hTP
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XGxLzSYW3
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhjOIb6M2a
"...Wow, this plan sucks."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSNlYEgAEG
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD3DHQhSVL
"Kenny!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrWPv5Lzt4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J5GvdmM5q
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFVjVGWBld
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19c8zjcvZb
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnSAvLlJ32
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqoOCGtxUC
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcIUroLVA9
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgmiuJzRvd
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1luckurmG7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YYuRnOGIc
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4HZPQjDoh
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNlhUW2Wbx
I nodded, but something was bothering me.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfNqdBcjiA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwagpb6aFtN
"Will the people really all come together?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X3cRxeN4p
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrv0iAR4AnM
Linda stepped in.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpd7W6PJrc
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75rf1F5dqq
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGe02ygmd2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc22O5kTEj
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW1e3iAoC2
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlvJy6SUAw
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56iZ0EMHr5
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNiKzKuXLa
"Mhm!"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViZIqRdkTm
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhH6s5AXq0
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINs0jkTPm1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeFshci0ca
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5ucvrBjPk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTy2xZLhWoj
–
–
–
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNi6QNpr1xE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡys8Xe0cRbo
I was having second thoughts.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Fh8FT4nzZ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UhlNXCngd
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3WtGV3EBx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fis7VLjvj
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?218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XKHXnXKg1
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbhzNtpGnY
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rPfL6tp6H
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwiBAJTDVw
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi5jtXJDuj
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUGsaKNPxT
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY5OHZDDbx
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWFNmCTgmK
"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHlynG8Ka4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cc0o0ccQB
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgPLXR9ai4
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVzZHfaOAL
Phew.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6MbtvC32x
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Msrth4may
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpcqcYp0Gv
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlhSKuvx5o
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u1PjxQSq0
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5k2dDrxuhK
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9JNhyR4je
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YDkLPuPUd
"Huh?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumlCrRMD6C
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUh6aK8CUG
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UW8jTT26z
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5iCi7rWVA
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqUuzFpM3k
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27YvgF0MD9
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHYLZH2w5c
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMnhTQTPCO
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOWL8U0rcA
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq2nsKs8aP
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcjgQLALJIJ
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvkyxAlAKK
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmClq2WXFV7
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ocSMdnWfU
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuomij5gsk
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Uc0g8sPX
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡik3MK7yIPW
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She looked suspicious of it.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ363vnVcAqV
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"How do I know it's safe?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgPMICVgZe
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWNxx2UpTr
"I can drink it right now and prove it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3Ywvkp28M
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqN3CL9JLX3
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLenyOgBAxE
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDEt3aw7A7
"Fine. I'll try it."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc5ba8Lp9S
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuEJziZbxu
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ8SShR6HY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAhFtWUxIf
"...Okay, fine. It's good."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV3wEZFR9P
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEkICnJNak
Yes!218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98du4ASbLG
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I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VmPUubcmP
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsjDuB145c
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgijmXuF8C
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnmNUK1hHR
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxrcflq4qV
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PF0Cw8AMt
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuH9EclTrqM
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlws9URHhWq
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.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQF1GzTWhN
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0UH5xExWf
"What are you doing?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB0CadZ0tj
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"Passing the time."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUoZJ9iS9l
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"By making fun of my face?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zvJWhWAsE
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"I'm not making fun of you."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQulE3XhWk
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She laughed a little.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wSGoIxXts
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04WXgKCRwS
"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."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVjaLSJXdB
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMQI8BjxHh
"Of course."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL14KLXNfCY
218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz3VmO3xmO
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4RXNcV9cw
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"How'd you two meet?"218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLh5WLbT3gV
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"..."218Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyDStzZQQb
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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.
