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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHNygEaouC
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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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF1oGmCDj8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1bXEfNc8S
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sVc8UHZ1t
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RpLB3o7lx
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGmW8By5nm
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0xRwH39nA
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Flinty shrugged.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxgVXLPtCE
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea3uow6kIj
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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...130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqWOqNJLdQ
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp3Wpgunpo
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"Why don't we ask them?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA10HTIO28H
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"Not a bad idea."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2GZiK2Iih
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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?130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyNQYQEYae
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCk4FE7MBU
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"Wow, is this a farm?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VzD42FLdV
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVu0SFkR6tG
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ezKqPYX1
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sJPNsk9zq
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k0neQ7S9L
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"Uh, Flinty?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CZ5ymFSZ1
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoh8BIXuJE
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"Kenny!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGQNTvrChg
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD6bHrp8Gj
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qGzGAzAi9
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEWzCICB6Q
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuleZaYmESM
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNB3tdqSTI
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"Okay."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5OCVCMZ3j
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfVBzQCRHi
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyQylrqjf9
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhXzHpN7hR
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoR9xsofIyG
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4puZgNfxWQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4siXAVeoTj
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRi1qn6kGJ6
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"Vikky!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IpBW02CQg
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimBkJVt1Ke
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pqDYmoAOC
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uxc3KgPhT
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She looked strangely amused.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko5AtEQZlY
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"Full name? Alright."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9myJ9b8A8
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGGMuTWUkS
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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?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcc2QgffnM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnktqqTe0Q
"Yes."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QGjx6xCKz
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"Then let's get along."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTtMp9ULvw
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ280lfT5art
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XmSMWswBt
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJiBvD7Fba
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXd9rhw7h1
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpOJVlM7Dy
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeAsRBOb1q
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZEAJmnfWw
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTvrnYnlRO
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"What, why?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxen4KESX2
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJCngoDSUp
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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..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDT4OFVXVz
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZrv4E427f
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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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsrLj8jH4n
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleAardWLUl
So that was what the lady from before was doing.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcokdUQp57F
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCdrzCs1TK
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNto9xg8dPO
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNwR9XF9RN
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX7ZgWNrnK
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27XKyWZKFj
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBDl9FHxXB
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWEiQFiDg6
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I made a grumpy face.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡek79TVtmYH
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQImnuo8g0
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C2ZFXv2zs
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLV4F5tYzC
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKiIozpuJO
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuyzmXdTSO
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It's worth a try if nothing else.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFAOK4pq3g
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvPdApK6pu
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtn2jiYUNq
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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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3BDZw66vz
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXaUXEz7MP
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"Yes."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb08qI569U
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"Can I see the crops?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeLWTjq77X
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"Uh, you can."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nA8gZWtii
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBleysXMGdC
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4kbb9MpPI
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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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhaaKsWogX
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHwgJ23Ezl
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"W-What the hell is that!?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ex7lMQk6q
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Dmrxmy67X
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZP36ndISw
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D8ndMSIv6
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfirLTiaK9O
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxQv1RbbaZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NAdIYCBke
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.
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxP6drpzw2V
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4onamBVyJh
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡui9yHu0jtv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9UBPMK3t8
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61F1QzUgsb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeSZJ1OdMy
"What are you doing?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7JmngjOyU
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53Yjqxyali
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJND4lJkIp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVOW0URh4R
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnVioCBs9w
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiRt5bEj8z
"You're an angel."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy39KFEaqPp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0QotVzPtA
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDK3c87S3IC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1LWh8MoeT
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqNLbVVt9s
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8TDNokD23
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghobtgBI1n
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiEHZJBPUq
There were very strange people in this city.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlVg1g9BZk
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDjevotchR
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwm0BdjnT9
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUSBsVLglg
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsKL9fxD5j
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9pY2rIzrW
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg1jGR9W3N
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajXpfpn73W
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGL4GyS79N
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN08TZVvdqb
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTGeJXDxlY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbwNwgdzHR
"Really?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGxy1PNku1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB1Smhd0yQ
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGIiKxrCXp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUHrFob5d1
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI93XDFcx3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMDXWOL5fT
"Yes! Let's do it!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyIIb2VNvD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdRtqNxPGK
"Fine by me."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsdF9Dhl9y
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcOUdFXDf9
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6OkpHn4qp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrEhe5Tk5l
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54lBkUBxnL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq09BCUAWLO
"Is something wrong?" I asked.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ApFbzPoQr
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqTpj10eHQ
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4V8NYgaLM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPra5d56wa6
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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobNQUkewJ7
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYIS07eddO
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNabxs9DyoP
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiQ8dmuybe
"Is that so?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRJyIyr87D
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxKvTK2EBq
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgktUJh39uw
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9Baq3xMMJ
"Please, enter right here."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wUi2jRedv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FfI4gTvHz
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgO6PJJiyvU
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrE098JZL07
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDOuh3vr0L
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwT7zW7aOjy
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVcOuCMHwp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqWpGgjJqi
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWDdeKSEbW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiWmlQoz9T
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjYtB1c1FP
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLcTE1MdVM
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVYosKuNmh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTznPRg2K4
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DczeLTw5r
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSEqSW7k99
"R-Right."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQLuLxwE2q
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhys0S2aoCW
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2q5NJRlJR3
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Sdx13GSAx
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6JkD8IAG8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25awqRp88c
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLPDDwAeXy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vtMAta4w7
I nodded.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHPAflsdzG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NQbyahh0i
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxOcn1J9rJ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43hLWs32GR
I raised my hand.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9q6jsMbLB
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVOtaYqZ89
"Yes, Kenny?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX2XweIRaN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9vjRHyR73
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDAWn3SiYI
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFdt9HXgPk
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgbOFf8u4w
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7CbGCED4G
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19wBiHaFqt
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQySa2EB4U
"Allowed to brew?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7Zv0067MX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz32cB5iHTq
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcn82AmwLNG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcz8pekmO0j
"I see."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWxGLwlIEZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH8Uz9gUc0
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–130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NmAOfgFJR
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt7yQ7jHfJ
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUYQpH8tLW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB6EeFZBOa
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutZbsh3SL2
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXZl8sLS7D
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeDHhsNCTb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaPJyHSPQ3
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOx8lfXu1n
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmbAiZUL8N
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl3p1ABtjG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4XUmYFRSn
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcbORno8AA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6lxIE9gmP
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04olJaqvx6
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1qk4TuHxA
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmQJq08nWQ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9jLiu8Kil
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswTKHgNqFW
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMKj2zAxOY
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmfxMBx33O
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykJm8xBQHn
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU7CychPat
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W6RA9khfv
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoLwsaSAgc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vb3DPe2CZ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwQLgDNt1i
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlsTGkA2lN
"...Wow, this plan sucks."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3GVq1F4Ge
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z8sQpB9Pr
"Kenny!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwtEfhOgHA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2HTxKxtLx
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8OGyfypgN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWFq2zjQYb
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGfU2ZGL20
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOMmJHpVyZ
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1YoWb940B
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuddAZxVMY
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgkwHdxZqN
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx151VaisjK
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopuVkNjvC4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OKv0ma3qY
I nodded, but something was bothering me.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSoNcrk4pb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4nvBh0T7C
"Will the people really all come together?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i98UgQQKh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMDs13gA4F
Linda stepped in.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfibCBtG4T
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnowTHOPD7t
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NekLZavLr
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtlxrU7DCe
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w4ZFVVzAb
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0brpSPYYa
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvKwruiC7o
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTsWhVXQzk
"Mhm!"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvMYIE30jg
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEox1cP4XU
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5D7wjiGRJv
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZzbzUyxhg
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjqdDBEGSy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbD3MGqVhR
–
–
–
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaARrrzybl
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpL6iHJvvC
I was having second thoughts.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOyIHumTqZ
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZe8krsp6x
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQEFlidNqr
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCcxbDrqDk
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?130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fwHEZGIiD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk3ySalHtD
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFM8cyEg8d
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9NfIGuyU7
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29cqyNXD76
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqujzqBir7X
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLKkSM6vFL
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmNBoX65IX
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYroGtyIx8
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Jq0CUv65F
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnncbeRxv5
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwgzV5exZO
Phew.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDOWAsQZSX
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PdNrT7X8O
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xzpj5NwPU
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7bIear3wP
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZrnpsBDSG
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurNxTvxaG9
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoNqvvogyc
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHlPqDEAfK
"Huh?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqWzXMcMT1
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gh0uiC4vB
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNxXRF5mzh
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5rq3dSn7G
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxNWRKnb05
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnfRcnMYQJ
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyjepSPCYT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n8g4bBLzZ
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjB4ZdKQvp
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPb0NGBpd8
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4svw10xHA
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8CYFdDSdD
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM5Ukt2AiT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTpnYV4jhC
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygcKQpjwQT
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2NULlIMLX
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZk8s27eP8d
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti5IoGLyXI
She looked suspicious of it.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAtHqBqvI4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBza2ziexN
"How do I know it's safe?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZYLTNxyCa
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYwTumxm0t
"I can drink it right now and prove it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVheFCLTcTi
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pWRMl7O5s
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6ZsK8NgXF
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOQdSnErbD
"Fine. I'll try it."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56g3XtzDTH
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6OnoPj5u9
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAvTbYBGJY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg5isMeWZvt
"...Okay, fine. It's good."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIc3pr5u6t
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5LkukVRBu
Yes!130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIS4MEAw8GY
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWRfMGeumy
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSpeRh41iy
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A1iZrGwWq
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcYN3XfYlH
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb4nd1IWF0
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEY38IJ99J
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTU8cCQAFd
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxjwMW1pw5
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyxCKenieY
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.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN9d0zpBbYf
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQUqacFbH4
"What are you doing?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ATKD1AXu0
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWVLeOSje4
"Passing the time."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d6td4F9XM
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08bAZftqEg
"By making fun of my face?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxl7X3dfhz
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPZZ9S5ZlC
"I'm not making fun of you."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgDw0tKCJD
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojoXtRrLJ3
She laughed a little.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mfyxrenmm
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWBCZpeCVe
"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."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7RWHrwD9t
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBRAlitvRH
"Of course."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30ddR9ZOem
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZKFmtftu8
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhbAxfZrZ4
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasoEIy96tO
"How'd you two meet?"130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ06MjdwL2l
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUSXhlv2qG
"..."130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTLYS4LzNC
130Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPwu9reIiR
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.
