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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcL7J57ckQZ
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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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27vdfiVJ5T
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv76l8dPT8C
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2D2A0Sj9t
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzS9Wr6Vum
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bXgft1GyV
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Flinty shrugged.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ874PiAAYLl
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8Evww0qUM
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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...233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMCgGnChQY
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oZPApVnOl
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"Why don't we ask them?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7D1h8ND7K
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"Not a bad idea."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZXGRNlG5P
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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?233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC18Zs4oh9H
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRj4PEw1av
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"Wow, is this a farm?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47zVnSihoc
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8w9dNPiP5v
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwPCTQi66W
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvvQvEx4kM
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUleFHIEPBz
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"Uh, Flinty?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleJKcJHEfj
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7siG3jIFqC
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"Kenny!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2Rezcr9My
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs85NU6PQcx
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozeixZXZEU
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PaahUNVR9
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKuMJTirDQ
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTkefsfzpA
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"Okay."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyBuS4SlPc
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kk1lJbFlM
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhvKh5uyE8
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vLbafZS0V
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpMG9v9oiX
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGTSEgIWg2
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQT7q6vIdaX
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"Vikky!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3z9UDQNVY
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqBWyd2gEw
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXawM28jCms
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9RJ7hwWZ7
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She looked strangely amused.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Pvt2oWy6t
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"Full name? Alright."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0hknkOHLR
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrilXtwG6a
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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?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjplT9HJqU
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"Yes."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg9KYQQml5
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"Then let's get along."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjcbuR9gFJ
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNRUSOHRFT
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVifGK2CpCz
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Be17eXTYV
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwo1ladbOP
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6PmdVVV2I
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Q6ZkPFqX
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasmVLLeMBE
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM20S5rve9b
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"What, why?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7tzpC2Bhd
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YFnAoHL8Z
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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..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJewYfFooeH
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKvRlBFlFX
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAETuvVOzLd
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagBK0iPoDU
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRfC0dlhcl
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWToIDRVofj
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuqIVhmBds
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUjy6Qyxvl
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxjHjFR29p
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EeRYR7LHv
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc0eNDsKfI
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I made a grumpy face.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQhKxTpbFR
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlxr3voXlZ
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjzv58Jhbd
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Z3owjxiIu
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWONFDeLT1N
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkpLJND1dn
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It's worth a try if nothing else.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEftsnkGJj
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZln2Q2azb
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y6WfJiJNq
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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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB3d0kOhWm
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkxCURGgY1
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"Yes."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugbtkvqzVL
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"Can I see the crops?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfg4IqopNk
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"Uh, you can."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0W4Ke8hZk
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs8p9i7sKE
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLsX3itJpk
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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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtz7WuxiSX
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x373odsxw
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"W-What the hell is that!?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDq6ENCbTn
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx1qmQkWIb
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvegHAMJGm
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBckrtEBbaj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZHtZlkyQv
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zugtibDb8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FuTWBWzWq
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.
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN0VgIxAur
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKht0vJkNv
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9RrxUzLJM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFcT1S0dhi
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYLEvHJbaY
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8uBFOgDsm
"What are you doing?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZuRzq6qEg
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgB0pEpUuaD
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjjIklUQIi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZqCsy46dC
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpbBwNCt9c
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkldMLiBXfq
"You're an angel."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNmbtmc6Yn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQaNn6eLK4
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yiOCbivQr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrSrKcWuOt
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIL5ac9OsQx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbukcR7bUrF
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MeoNVWzq3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqdzsjPFaq
There were very strange people in this city.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡValyLVpmat
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNEPaR4az
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jH4fduaiM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrre9EDEBt
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3W7joLMuzk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxorFYD2x4Z
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eWnltEobW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsFgG0JnMD
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlYqNYohXB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7ojWSjXsn
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9UwDANu42
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxYBF3L0il
"Really?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWf02MjeRP
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpKvcw9ozX
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcP6MvRulq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOv5TcZfh5
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUlpn1HvRF
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtykltCMmQY
"Yes! Let's do it!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jH9Ft1nc6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvqQlW0C1N
"Fine by me."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHmpIJjULN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oEazzF3XL
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvfX6CGf99
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMepSDUr93
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsriGfbg8B
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fdXcT0LzR
"Is something wrong?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXWRwCNNps
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZcugAKOlL
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRV3HBsm7k
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAy3r8GxK4
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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS53Ui8yPea
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwhu6Ne2uW
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5V8gLp7yM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTQ3nsNUwK
"Is that so?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWYKa2Nq9F
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjwi7svzO8
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59fuhbneh3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLYgaGSEDq
"Please, enter right here."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGPmgAt8Xi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4xSNg9Te2
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePdOuGbjuq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzl86Pclk5
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmfFW1E51u
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3abNddXDma
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ES55Nzt5U
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEjMkPvijE
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkc68JulY9
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNFxNMdxUI
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qencAyAEE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rcvEeKuL0
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKcbNt8hGp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQhFs5Lr7w
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9O7KBe5jo6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84RHX2LdOD
"R-Right."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tCXLaSzsI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZfAxXxE5m
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjI5J3fDLB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o9jfQTa5R
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsXgZ5f6at
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jCxLHz0du
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhmWxSOcF6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1hCKEc71S
I nodded.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZgAIqwsik
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbyrcNKoR4
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmI2Ma0s01
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpl9ZwJMsNM
I raised my hand.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrIam3d49Ul
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9me6mNOcv
"Yes, Kenny?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX0snwJWXd
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLnVV2ggAO
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy2Ck6cuH3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69E40RemgW
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnN7i79oVX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHlhZeC1vz
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sncCwOHYZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IcYvTbcHz
"Allowed to brew?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlloMryGOA
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJLdOpOlI4
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP1NOWp06J
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw5qZGm6zh
"I see."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9rvUQ1Zx5
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FCe2EV5YL
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–233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcPtTUKaUp
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTOAGHSxHg
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6JmTfFBF1
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDEG0Eia1Y
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbUf0PktNH
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckuDHN62bU
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4Kdtqp1S7
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaqCxhA2ey
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDQTFCmCvt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnV3ovdWr4U
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyjoRz8Cef
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdNkAWnmoc
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDegjCmhPmO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6N9qJRA2RU
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxDcs7U3Jc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNG9NSJqewd
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQJTte0n53
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz3C46Us5V
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNk0n4q50a8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGMi4hqeiX
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlMEkITmRQ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSbBr2rwuc
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61b7FpwmnE
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQpPLlCvwM
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJUCpyvHqc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhljfFjdXUS
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z74NF3zmW
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkvdumoCNJ
"...Wow, this plan sucks."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz2bLmnjIM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnofN1t7ER0
"Kenny!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7B3oQrWCBy
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvU0vGq9wXF
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBptg08wJq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1wM4GSiHc
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5ItiNBNKS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDnAVv2Yl3
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X9TA2k0yc
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSELTxHea4f
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3V5aqISQN
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAMre54h5G
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE6kMPgrMx
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPiSwDuT98
I nodded, but something was bothering me.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcaqFg652F
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJgodefnMs
"Will the people really all come together?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjyVH52cnS
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuRiL8zetf
Linda stepped in.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1ClUuJ2Er
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbtIhdbFaS
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZwnWybDfj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzobhgKnJq
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMsdFCgodTI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJpHbH3IO0
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSOy7vtlZ2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXM3zDadUC
"Mhm!"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTkbTKvXQ2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRLZ2brxJX
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcHjTJIkMt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWknPXvWuhS
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfme00CbhuB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6dJ1EWxioL
–
–
–
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXRnio8MaM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlICnWY6zv
I was having second thoughts.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zU976hqzB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvEuBG5bi3
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcMi1QmxOU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9DAjf175H
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?233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIgFYdQpPn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnNwzEYrhB
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolYs4hmtir
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg6q0oqqvf
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQOez8Yymv
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JaL4DC0x3
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyJcQzOjJI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0XTrvT0yz
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHgcdaa2hX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJbvfONswq
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gZu3vicOZ
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVCyhPb09x
Phew.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQF0b9MJLr
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBAB3Rtpfj
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcFTEi2NwI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDiORLSU5GO
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisY7ilrzu6
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevHIKhVdfk
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrjH1M7DWi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ04xN0X3Q1
"Huh?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgh61K4mKlL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnTySU9Wmg
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9eedqJF23
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mrYLUTZEf
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjrBrsK5FO
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyejcqOe4ik
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3fkX0uIJM
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RYNiRcyWB
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvB7qw45cmt
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOLFPqbelY
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJu5jbe4Tn
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12HyqXxOPR
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dkaMULPpB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoPdsNm4B3
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDlnYsdkpB
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ593mNxdU3l
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLSgwDTg9y
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf4bjMAou6
She looked suspicious of it.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPGBeo578k
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"How do I know it's safe?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBu9MEY3KV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYod4CmMrAh
"I can drink it right now and prove it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VuMlpwnRI
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u5a1GRxcL
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELQoB9Hmdj
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRa3OPtF4X
"Fine. I'll try it."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4av34EvUi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaY7zDOHuu
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKOnqgYywU
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixs2YQj2ND
"...Okay, fine. It's good."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VcITh86sq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2ICkBddpX
Yes!233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvAFCAKDY3
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOKOXXLNXw
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJj7attdoX
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa6GFxKsSP
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4cnzopt1j
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNaTXQNSPq
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fh2Ja7kne
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsqVJQoi4e
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VU5xUKiUm
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IO2Pu3eq1
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.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7fzKcKyNi
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3ZIwkxJG5
"What are you doing?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDlN779KKk
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGgZgPtYmd
"Passing the time."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw7qvRBh4e
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8164pUUsjM
"By making fun of my face?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbKtMjDzSq
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeScQM6jtbR
"I'm not making fun of you."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcZ7QOMM6G
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She laughed a little.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxn0VWRZ6i
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNActwH9LS
"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."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhG0ZzBoE8
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFtGriB0qw
"Of course."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L2iMMYDU2
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESOiaXIVtQ
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvwnIf5wiD
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYjwfb3fkU
"How'd you two meet?"233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt8KqaWHnV
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia6J1rVSiu
"..."233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ076f2uOmAL
233Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFAIMvm6TX
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.
