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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORIMufNCbC
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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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83nnAQ2JDj
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIV4oHXtX7
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MBpliaEDB
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygMGPym07c
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBtd0XFBUx
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Flinty shrugged.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLG1YILgq9
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU7qUTNDta
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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...217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjHOt3CqwC
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujRbHxLxeN
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"Why don't we ask them?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3KqeESPKR
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"Not a bad idea."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nr3tO6QGC
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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?217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXd2A9scYp
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAylEd5PzN
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"Wow, is this a farm?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM8PnRjqYd
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZG7vVsbsNe
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CvpVbIeuj
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwMC9DKdbV
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzz10oySgVG
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"Uh, Flinty?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSqZbmiyjV
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaw0HK6nl0O
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"Kenny!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk2Svykfow
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNhbd0hsyG
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAInecMihn
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm6C2itpyx
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvt2Ths7s5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDlQo0ovQV
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvAKmihnEy
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"Okay."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmChyTHPbM
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES9FpsrQvS
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIO2vrNw8oC
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVPuwcoo6h
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF5pZTLfVc
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPdZ8CS6Xj
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhODR9okPMO
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"Vikky!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCX0EwWEHd
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVCbRsBdAJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJFSizpde
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcrpufWi6K
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKclIRVyRPE
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She looked strangely amused.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlRapLmM6t
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"Full name? Alright."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU4uoH3tXC
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTUHTWHAZ5
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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?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOF1S4M3CG
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"Yes."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfJ5aCZw3r
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"Then let's get along."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU7ta7RlFJ
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡct5KUl9FAE
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZ3wguyRtC
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I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkBtwHBeHzx
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1xz6Ggurc
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"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lS5WFA7cq
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xtk6R9KXk
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUbRx42toH
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2uBKtKPe9
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"What, why?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bun7Eucnu
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiJsbAFf9u
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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..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNI9tJxmiV4
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLUkHblzqD
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNP630hiym
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So that was what the lady from before was doing.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvRVRyI63v
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVaZNu6ZBXs
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q5NyuEtXV
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM01prC3KK
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96h2fkZ6wd
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSQ9WQXz5y
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV3SUAAI5r
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiINxDKzVT
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I made a grumpy face.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCs93od9A8
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8Fsu79d0c
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWkEDwaeTF
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevWDhrcPFI
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3xSRkSF5H
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSslbxK3U8
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It's worth a try if nothing else.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyGw5CEIO0
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGATiWHQKeY
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUY7ztHj9S
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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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrULkPmmnO7
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVlfUCQo4h
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"Yes."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjCtC1r3mJ
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"Can I see the crops?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf86MwTN4pp
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"Uh, you can."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZZrRg4P3B
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqwizuh6EV
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1KuWOrmsm
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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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajw1HgV3iq
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkHzX87BWw
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"W-What the hell is that!?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZE2NeZpRe
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpX4Gy8bVl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyIAueRAZd
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbgzTHq8CO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4MtpH70km
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IHmLQQjUJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8849mXDyz
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.
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuSgSdZeDL
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT5K67iarL
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M6uUuxgMJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiWX8CFIao
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRsC0D55RI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo61OABHpQ
"What are you doing?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCx79nXS0R
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEziU2XWs9
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjosPRUQKT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6Gqdtm4JY
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpUTiM5916
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u9ZHcFhqo
"You're an angel."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMnlQ14UpJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ipbFUS9dP
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAdvImJCMw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZafgMFfwD
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08MW6INNHo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOhCg8XYtH
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLalYGJnPEM
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Aukgp4fWG
There were very strange people in this city.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uay1g1Muf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NzwsfpIV1
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNVWxAUoBn
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxK3JS9h8S
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph5qr55jn7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdxuz74TFR
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI0fiG8XWz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevQKycQOfM
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWl0Z7lTeU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrXPPRfODOr
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9LzSX35F9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9mPCFBNGR
"Really?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqSKxCZxAf
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pzqM5uWDS
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOqoco822n
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JrykO3A1I
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNtL9MitVV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QhxiWM57N
"Yes! Let's do it!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQX4pHK0VZl
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYi3vDL8wmT
"Fine by me."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoyBBCiXBe
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OjHNTzs8c
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPK7D7tDRC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gScVXac7o
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMSdWfeSxwj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegA8MrL2MT
"Is something wrong?" I asked.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtIBGBL4ln
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDDXGuVZqT
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1keztrI0S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZapkapz0ZV
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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2Gm3VfQkw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0VhQ7dkFF
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3a0y6n3je
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj80AnpgJm
"Is that so?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqpiFWZQ0g
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeMdZXSbIm
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv95MlqN2fz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOZ1fn4Hyl
"Please, enter right here."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95ydMx0jBw
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpch0CE8z1u
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4JCqkUiOQF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut4D9aQrXn
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BAgE0nGD3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcT33P4amO
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qaf8kkZte
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfE6TUglrR
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRkeqQMKuY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuLGGHJ3Oo
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpLWwo6mbc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnk6MilNGd
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl55NnepFr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZDjcr4eAx
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdcirWkaZs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QwikEFyCd
"R-Right."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb578YIMLZA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SFvARYlxQ
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqlfPEyGXU
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71hDBW7yu1
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsghHms2iki
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrdvThAxDO
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXcHHupnNV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSAVEJ1ova
I nodded.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLtuMKu2AW
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe94HKMIswz
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy49u5A6c0r
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbwlq5TL49
I raised my hand.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UzIzKSdf7
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BmvYcYBQC
"Yes, Kenny?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaCqscCVpK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60JnvUJ50k
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNlmiagtH2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xx8XuoJF7
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRk9iglRb1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89EHH88P1G
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gXWFcfQ8t
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlThLNofUM8
"Allowed to brew?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6u6OwyT7S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2eB1hoIow
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ5WjXRAGG
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIElVqME8RR
"I see."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ne1nq0l9
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1LjrS8NAO
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–217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7b7hJBvuN
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOh61MPiEt
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6hxi2klRA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJh6fITw46
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHH6kRIUjc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI93dgg3i1S
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG3bum2qeI
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA86ArgnqpF
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Guf9O2lC6
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sQcjvwPFE
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIlgGluzxs
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xGrtFz1YK
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewz4VuQrF1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuOaCR7ih1
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVVlslGaU1
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Z6jyoHKZQ
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaTGavrC6h
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8A8phHEm6
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxYMosvqCc
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ceFzdWmfE
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95QGCxyftC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDag5G26hvp
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJT8OZbWCd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqayoRcMmc0
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX1hnrJgFC
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1lBS22mZW
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU2hzPoBQ0
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sN8lybwz4
"...Wow, this plan sucks."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtmUpt2OLR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWw7KO05zn
"Kenny!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRemgdGohV
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLxa8qFk2n
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE0oNNx32H
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEE3rF8fquW
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPjpfMY4qA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJXyTOcoXV
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYWWqJ4T6B
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinNH1jv6IF
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLiDhtNTVF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYAxYXzruI
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJsVYiogWe
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCRJEZMr10
I nodded, but something was bothering me.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gkT1jCoJe
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW4ZOJ0zNj
"Will the people really all come together?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZrk9sp9Ue
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwkIKYYnbm
Linda stepped in.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruHqc9PLoQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAaFHTBfYo
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwVWZpugpO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYwYqqJABK
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDef4SC1me
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaFcEhURt8
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tQu08FznK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaLCj6taDj
"Mhm!"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQhRpBVkCa
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfBIkJ9UzB
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqHc0Dwc9q
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7gguCGgWO
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmc37WL73qD
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1K52IFKxsZ
–
–
–
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ax19f20rH
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkDsUC6qdL
I was having second thoughts.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwMBLKHzJz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwgL8VIEIz
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPDACTx6Jj
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvr4XZ0lhzz
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?217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmapuSroHG5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsSvNACHnG
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWU2aNSqqY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqyjNOSJZD
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCmXFQOF9l
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLWiJqurPn
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQcCK7mm7S
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7JnGF3sck
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDDgMOGz6g
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnLVP09apb
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsujWpFsMQ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRvZQ1C0mM
Phew.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbiBBLYSEd
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDB2ggIWH6w
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsL7fgNaDP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wq3i92EMU
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiNjXTz5ZK
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumItx1FHa4
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e75Ax6oaB
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87tY5k6MY
"Huh?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwlF8KM0kJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVvxRC5WXj
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6qWnY0c0U
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcP2esDXB4
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CQ6jNrRBz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpDFGzZP6Y
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVqiOcRnyY
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMz8rN0AvRd
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbs6vXv5Vg
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAaUeHmhpS
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLzvteyXTF
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrDvK1OlUC
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IojN0KNli
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPus8JDqw7F
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrUnluBZlm
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGcviziw9m1
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKpkZ7fT8a
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9dY4lMEDC
She looked suspicious of it.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLHGRbL0d2
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYTSKNxRAB
"How do I know it's safe?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZToES0zNbJ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j2x82Ajz0
"I can drink it right now and prove it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6CuCEsd2k
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqimp6dk2FV
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHBfllnXxZ
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6LiVXYXFU
"Fine. I'll try it."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKMb8unn7f
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelK11Q0ryG
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVDwvBZHq3
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJhIZA7vkN
"...Okay, fine. It's good."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFj7FKo5mo
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRrMJiaJrB
Yes!217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAV2WHpiwpu
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeeO4iaxuc
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBTADXXbj5
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo0iaGmIZJx
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXCBkXAYcr
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3iho2BhyN
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjRpd0vRQq
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyMmAF1oSD
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkhgkc9ChO
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwS2HZEke56
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.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt1d92xzjP
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeN885q7p
"What are you doing?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDaaN9LA0Z
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL38U2583gP
"Passing the time."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp3vIUtW8z
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ogJjLUJJ
"By making fun of my face?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6E227SgBA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUpquwdDh2
"I'm not making fun of you."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFiN2ETafA
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Ep3xXsbG
She laughed a little.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLoZpf6CBR
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmutcPOeAd5
"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."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvewdJCZbk
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUQwwE9CuK
"Of course."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRx7YFbenAb
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufZfs9eW9q
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ21bhq1sMz
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFDO5o2ESq
"How'd you two meet?"217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8LeaGvL1g
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9KX2kWTO3
"..."217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXQqKlGciT
217Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCln1Wzs2S
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.
