GalaxyTL
Before heading to the infirmary, Saura-san declared that the second most important issue was to prepare a change of clothes for me as quickly as possible and gave instructions to Kei-san. Again, why were my personal matters considered so important?
Sensing my bewilderment, Schlie-san explained.
“Children are incredibly, incredibly precious, you see. While our kind, and demi-humans in general, are physically robust, many still lose their lives to illnesses or accidents. And the amount of love and care they receive in their early years, how happy they are, shapes their long lives. To us, children are treasures. Every adult feels obligated to protect them, no matter the cost.”
It was true that young children were more vulnerable. Elf, demi-human, it made no difference… Maybe the probability was the same, even if the overall numbers were smaller.
I was probably still viewing things from a human perspective, so I felt their reactions were a bit excessive. But changing my mindset wouldn’t happen overnight. Ah, this is difficult.
However, the idea that your childhood environment shaped your life resonated with me. And since their lifespans were far longer than humans, I could understand why it was so important to them.
“…To start, I’ll put together an absolutely adorable outfit for you. Can I take your measurements? And then, we’ll go to the shop together. We’ll take more detailed measurements and choose fabrics you like, okay?”
“When it comes to fashion, we can always count on Kei. Meg, let’s rely on Kei for this.”
“…O-okii, thank you vewy much.”
It’s just, I wasn’t used to being treated so kindly, everyone I’d met had been so nice, and I couldn’t help but fight back tears. Wasn’t I being a bit too much of a crybaby, even for a child? I was so lucky… I was glad Gil-san was the one who found me, that I was here at Ortus.
The mood turned a little somber as I teared up, but there was a warmth in the air.
After taking my measurements, Kei-san said, “See you later,” and left the guild with a brisk pace. Their footsteps were so quiet… They did say it was their nature, but just what kind of demi-human were they? I made a mental note to ask them next time as I watched them go.
Then, I was sitting on a sofa in the guild’s dining area when Saura-san returned and called out to me.
“I got permission from Ludo. Seems he was planning to suggest it himself later. He said he wanted to finish his work quickly and have dinner with you. He wanted to eat with you not as a doctor, but as Ludo, and deepen our friendship! That was his super personal reason. I figured since you’ll be in his care, it’s probably for the best. So I went ahead and said yes. Is that okay?”
Oh, what a lovely invitation. I wanted to build a trusting relationship with the doctor, too. Of course, I had no objections, so I immediately nodded. What were we having for dinner, I wondered?
“In that case, Meg, please relax here for a bit. I’m very sorry, but I have some things I need to take care of… Will you be alright by yourself?”
Ah, right. Schlie-san must have had things to do too, yet he spent the whole day with me. I shouldn’t be making any selfish demands.
But I felt a little lonely. I wasn’t as uneasy as I was with Gil-san, but I couldn’t help but feel my eyes welling up. Nooo, bad, bad, I have to hold back!
“…I-I’ll be fine! Will Schlie-shan have dinnew with me too…?”
I managed to choke back my tears and squeeze out the words. Schlie-san’s face softened as he patted my head. Did I say something strange?
“Well then, I have to get to work and finish everything quickly. It’s a promise. Meg, I’ll have dinner with you.”
“Okii! But don’t push yourself too hard, okay!?”
I had a feeling I was making them work too hard, but I was happy, so I replied energetically. Don’t forget to let them know you’re worried about them. I’m a well-behaved little girl who can wait patiently! Bring it on!
After waving goodbye to Schlie-san, who was smiling, I was left alone in the dining area. There were people scattered around the guild, but they all seemed busy.
My attention was suddenly drawn to the new world I’d discovered earlier. Yeah, I had some time to kill, so I thought I’d do a little spirit observation. I leaned back on the sofa and looked around. …From an outsider’s perspective, I’d probably just look like I was spacing out.
Looking at them closely, I could see how unique each light was. Not just their color, but the way they glowed and flickered was different and interesting. Some were very active, while others remained motionless. I had no idea which one was which type of spirit, but I’d ask Schlie-san about it later.
How long had I been… like this? I think I spent quite a long time observing the spirits. They were so entertaining, approaching me and showing off their unique movements; I never got bored. I imagined it would be even more fun if I could hear their voices. Were they trying to talk to me? I wonder what they were saying?
“Sowwy… I can’t hear you. It would be nice to talk to you, though.”
I wasn’t sure if they could understand, but as I said that, the lights seemed to flicker happily. Apparently, they could sense simple emotions. Fufu, it’s kinda cute!
Then, I spotted a spirit that I couldn’t take my eyes off. A small, pink light, flickering weakly in a corner of the guild room. Motionless.
Maybe it was unwell? Could spirits get sick? I couldn’t just sit there and do nothing, I had to check on it.
I started to move, trying to get closer…
…But. The sofa was too high for me, and it was so soft that I sank into it every time I moved. Wait, how did I even get up here in the first place? Oh right, I was carried.
However! I couldn’t give up now! I had to get to that spirit, no matter what. I was getting desperate. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get down. In fact, I was practically drowning in the fluffy cushions. To an onlooker, it probably just looked like I was playing around on the sofa. T-That’s not it!
I sighed, “Haa…” at a loss for what to do, when a shadow suddenly fell over me. What’s that? I looked up and saw…
“Whatcha playing at, little one?!”
A giant of a man with golden hair stood there, laughing heartily.
…Huge!!