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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9PMXyHpQv
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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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlE9rf7xC6G
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMZ2x7XnGf
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYxE08Ytib
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXwV78i2mx
"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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnyEQWBH7F
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm5tNWl4Ty
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfqLbJlbAd
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Flinty shrugged.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDufZ1Ti76M
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg0XBWbtxN
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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...184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0uf45QwfX
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZHJihThoe
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"Why don't we ask them?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyw1jFXkzb
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"Not a bad idea."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLzKFTLIf0
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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?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEAKC4ryXz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYKBDh03cY
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV3ynz4fpb
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"Wow, is this a farm?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9L5dUmhit
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQPKiIu1c3
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBho5k7XUu
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeumVP2SVDV
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdRuxT5sX4
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"Uh, Flinty?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu2YasU4bu
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsOdvZjuAJ
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"Kenny!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSCSs9ZTYZ
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF4qcwBRkW
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3gjm4wTw1
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sy68xkdve
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA62JA21vd
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbLfDjgCI9
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDjolDGb0U
"Okay."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PAfE11LZh
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lRZEnozem
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzuWHF3aFv
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1RGnmjXr2
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUsjuWRm6r
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9DQmxJsbK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFQ5Z2ULo2
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZKcJ8ukv6
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"Vikky!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oULX8tH7T
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxVKVCv7as
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHxiplkZD4
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEtdHtXUPb
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjlXsOiKZ2
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She looked strangely amused.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xEjEM8ziW
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"Full name? Alright."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnbv2IiQUH
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfc8Z3jmMm
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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?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HNEDixuD1
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"Yes."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2oJWkjUvM
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"Then let's get along."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeFFhNfHD0
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9PSPR6Tv7
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodVCXbTu3X
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatqNiPTzy1
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfAjCTDBEI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ327KlmKlwc
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7sHETOR4A
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswZ07NnjrL
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFWhF2kjio
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepHXtMLloF
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"What, why?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWY4W6WYhH
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKYM7PEifR
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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..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8mc2c4GNc
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tbg2Z7JtW
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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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIer5SJCN1y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknK5yzMEsM
So that was what the lady from before was doing.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtD4MdO5IN
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdiBrht4Kg
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyiBFpXYOQ
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6AHXeQLIA
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW1XNihl91
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzgJsUaiir
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYxSusNGZf
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhnsMTvZwp
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I made a grumpy face.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56HxmJAmkZ
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFq9na3vfh
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGw22n1zuX
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeZDJSOL8o
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwTiWJ8Wnn
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjUH5QKXGb
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It's worth a try if nothing else.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYn0T01val
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFrSUDT8Lf
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUj1WkHEMIO
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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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnHT8ebg22
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW28R3w3sYl
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"Yes."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54SRKt2DWa
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"Can I see the crops?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOjNZpXA2u
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"Uh, you can."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKZsrV62B0
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiDA3Lt9bG
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YdSSQEYwu
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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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZEAiLj2a2b
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1jKkD0WC3
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"W-What the hell is that!?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Hf5lFInbY
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZDrMI7M2V
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡil39ab92EX
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTfjaBhltq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtHej3bYEH
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMx4pqIe78
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5UP4pqUtu
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.
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxAP8mW96E
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxBpKlp3Ob
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyI4u764wF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ514uFF6w0z
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L2gzNEhU3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkosLUIVqY
"What are you doing?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPy5zdytbbg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWRcuWKtoJ
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfnwEyXDgp
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBUOz1Fwyp
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFP2yOOA0o
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWiTfSOarz
"You're an angel."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQ2nlXmr6K
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTOAVcAGgn
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDA8Q01Sdgt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekjbOG0Qyn
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOJnOivldn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MLDAFH7XT
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43axRxFHBm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdbSG2PB8z
There were very strange people in this city.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqCdcXOuxR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBqIEGBaJp
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcCVTsWAik
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdz1EgY5si
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos7ro4rgTS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt4VQsEkVg
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazAW29iHNf
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJqtDmX9c1
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4xcEFJxqT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkU4EXhVPqW
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoG9dk6fST
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx0ewxDzjO
"Really?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTLM4nZPIr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHn9rvm5oe
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCcdYRJR12
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYWYBtkhqu
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvF9NbjsoM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfN4rb7mHeY
"Yes! Let's do it!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxa5AeaFCQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gM4wxLV0j
"Fine by me."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aiuUPGIVM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMJJJqTsnD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfOS7qYbHW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSztuzfao34
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbkYwKfepR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4wRw8jnxb
"Is something wrong?" I asked.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMepDDcoaN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9XDby6Fm5
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFD7Fqj1Ovm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5hjmGw5HD
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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsFxvmCdQt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdgtxqRRGh
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlUn7Pi9X3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7STKNmhPr
"Is that so?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeASkeHW4Qm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbausoLH4X
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx4tUt1VoI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroAd1RPK44
"Please, enter right here."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIoqLdBFmZ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cmB48BhF2
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7weTLduVT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6wUdUzu7M
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YxaQ1HIXh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynK4XV60Va
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvG6ORk7scP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpO6lFWotPw
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwgxFnssAr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwQETzUsJB
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdv7zKCXgC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSqNX7FAtc
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL6IDPJsso
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IY160luA4
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrmiDwgmNR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1NxAFNIVm
"R-Right."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAri8XmuSB5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuEa3k1p8i
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0GoG2EwJ5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUr26tAr5X
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBpbMVycdQ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPK4G5YvsH
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5j26vMThz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KBOQ7vMFK
I nodded.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL1NgDvPdR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQWWwZCaOs
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8GZcp79UU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58QfkzqsVs
I raised my hand.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJp3hmfcxBR
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUXYPkzTc8
"Yes, Kenny?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hwKayTVWt
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD3XgxGt19
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylrK0AtuGA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSLisLshTA
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97JackHj5B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi2ERDIrlR
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXZvcyoiCn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOur2cxNXth
"Allowed to brew?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMiZy2L12I
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO34iLrlZxf
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUxSp21Aix
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsI7XxU4lI
"I see."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvVMvRhref
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY3KfgR7WV
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–184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk51pBGuCt8
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWPLvcXIp3
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6W7Aq08TF
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGBD7zkPKl
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqV8Jss27x
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTWqlwlTYJ
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcvzhHspJG
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrZWweyZ9v
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEYSEqTOVT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyZiS3DEmJ
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhELrOxqJe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISVt8KOVS0
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwpes7f9px
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXJ8bu6qh4
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIZAzzRfSi
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYVGbBPkDP
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQx3sEeyAw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c5EXhMi5N
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcBrvcNAdg
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzkxqxo0qa
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiR2W7nvUdd
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU8Y4hwQcX
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhTte03mFhz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2OAnmZbmY
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMhTJg4LpI
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsfXrfBKDD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmsEpvpxnh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTZZQZYJWT
"...Wow, this plan sucks."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs998g0wMBU
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHh5OQSkHWm
"Kenny!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV97ACuNYZ0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuXEdAV7mD
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVS19K6eBMV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhxAbLYI2D
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVEPZR94Rm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyLYdUlure
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJkRzQkEwh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwgBh6pnJe
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0DEt5RdoS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCISfRYeW6t
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWPkUklM6Q
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkhRbD3jTr
I nodded, but something was bothering me.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08crs7GheN
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNT00XB59X7
"Will the people really all come together?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtl6rSJOR9b
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQGEK6RAIG
Linda stepped in.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC95bRgY0o
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5G6KXzPn0c
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAVqmcZKHn
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewllyjKRQp
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ497xyRC9KS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUN3I2YKuR
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGAOoCOuUC
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbatEHqYI2C
"Mhm!"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVYgW1bYY5
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXan5jg1aph
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFTjAXBIC4
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz5eyyurh0
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgm0EhfPCP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGra2XkwX7
–
–
–
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiWRVrvzYK
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnIyHJU8Fs
I was having second thoughts.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3cB1oorHq
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPke1yB832Q
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TXTEAPkXz
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni8GNASOxv
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?184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2tZMokZC6
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lXsvKUdvz
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh7VsoPPJr
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALJKGdrU7r
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhnDVqU1dw
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtAAsTTlpT
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfw6F4fZE4u
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznQcv36NpY
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUvpnYuH5Y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPfsikG261
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNrlcHC1OS
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciPwksEeJN
Phew.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9bt4tNry3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNqDois3Ib
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmleVibScEl
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sTPZXLhwg
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxkBmO3pMm
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IBvd7BD1j
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7T4Di2pv2p
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5cvNEOnnA
"Huh?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJP62p4Hha
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7qMepg70j
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWiGit7pgX
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRsVzz9vTb
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZs1jOvYCs
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc8mwmkH7l
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnm7i3rIxl1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dpuILR0mB
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQPpgUfMvM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfh7dXzjvqo
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUHjxOlG7F
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dghbMkP7T
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpF2KjAlfV
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CQGfeM8Vt
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6rH7w6hmk
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLx7rC6cts
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YSex9QCNe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCyg1ymJbX
She looked suspicious of it.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFoHOlBcku
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYwHrn1ii1
"How do I know it's safe?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRstOPfB6yM
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM0jAuFTjt
"I can drink it right now and prove it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTE2dryDJe
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7Kl5Oaxfa
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvey8Sx9cI0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIqBykFoXU
"Fine. I'll try it."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhPlHOnzrh
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJmPJHTfFC
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenoBAeNsBD
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXmOpmJgDh
"...Okay, fine. It's good."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ibaDpnfrj
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8i9d0UrLq7
Yes!184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtVv7rIGTE
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFNBnYjt4I
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eqQFcRU4Y
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT3mUpe1pF
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2I0EJpUZA
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Psvc8UMkQ
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpVLjlpyi0
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiad6920wxx
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUe9czqiS2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KUeIStdWE
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.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP2atBG6tB
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWclYhbl9b
"What are you doing?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTviuLwsS2
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweAEOHrk3w
"Passing the time."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfJchMRIJT
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK44KkfoaCI
"By making fun of my face?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbIuenZYhJ
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLpJiMC2AP
"I'm not making fun of you."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQY5GMmHyP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmUrMlfSPz
She laughed a little.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ36NGhaEm3
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cYthCP33X
"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."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukVbcVSA9v
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAnfDZz2gb
"Of course."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxRgKltU1B
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz9gmqwxbH
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZCBWKrZxW
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDV5Tf2ftH
"How'd you two meet?"184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDz7iqxPK1
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUCyO0NVhxA
"..."184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwsjvbfzvP
184Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnSGu4JEvS
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.
