GalaxyTL
“Oh, Meg-chan. How’s the view from up there?”
A voice called out from below. It was a voice that had snuck up on me without a sound. Hmm, I’m getting used to this!
I looked down and saw Kei-san standing there, shading their eyes with their hand as they looked up at me.
“I can shee lots of things so much better!”
“Fufu, that’s good. Veronika, children who don’t cry when you pick them up are precious, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, you’re right!”
Nika-san laughed heartily, pleased. Seeing him so happy made me happy too!
“Say, Meg-chan? I’m taking tomorrow off. Would you like to go on a date?”
“Date?”
Seeing Kei-san casually inviting me with a refreshing smile, I thought, “Ah, this is how they usually ask girls out.” So natural and effortless. No girl would be able to refuse. They’d probably even cancel prior engagements just to go on a date with them.
“Remember our promise yesterday? About going to the dressmaker? I’ll show you around town a little too.”
“Weally!?”
“Aw, you look so happy, Meg!”
Of course, I was happy! I hadn’t really seen the town because I was asleep when we arrived. And the air travel was just too comfortable…!
“Fufu, I’m going to be the envy of everyone because I’m with such a cute girl.”
What are you talking about, Kei-san…? I’m the one who’ll be the envy of your fans!
“Kei, you sure you’ll be okay by yourself? What about an escort?”
“Hmm, you’re right. I’ll ask Sauradite.”
An escort? Was the town that dangerous? As I was worrying, Kei-san gave a reassuring smile.
“Hmm, it’s not like I’m weak or anything, but I’m not confident about protecting someone while we’re out. I can easily get away, but it would be troublesome if something happened. Sorry for being unreliable…”
Kei-san apologized, so I shook my head vigorously to let them know it was fine. I’m the one who’s a burden, don’t apologize!
“It’s not that the town is dangerous, per se… It’s just that, for better or worse, Special-grade people stand out.”
Nika-san’s words made me realize something. Okay, I think I get it. Meaning, unsavory individuals exist everywhere, right?
There were only four Special-grade guilds in the world, which meant they were also famous, and their members, especially those who’d been around for a long time, would be well-known. People were whispering about Gil-san too!
That must be why everyone at Ortus was capable of fighting. To be able to protect themselves, at the very least. It all made sense now.
But what about me? I suddenly appeared, was taken in, and needed protection. I was a child, visibly weak. If someone tried to take me, I’d be easily captured. I was a rare, elven “child,” so rumors would spread quickly. “There’s a child at Special-grade Guild Ortus.” What would unsavory individuals think? They’d target me, of course. I was an easy target.
Ugh, I’m such a burden. I wanted to bury my head in my hands… And I had to admit that I was, objectively speaking, very attractive right now. Definitely worth exploiting. Even for someone strong, protecting me while also protecting themselves would be a challenge. So it wasn’t Kei-san’s fault.
“Hmm, well, I don’t think there are any idiots who’d try to pick a fight with us.”
“But it would be bad if they took Meg hostage. We wouldn’t want her to feel even the slightest bit scared, right?”
“Of course. But I won’t hold back if something happens.”
“You won’t be the only one, that’s for sure!”
Huh? A chill ran down my spine. The atmosphere had turned ominous! I understood they were just concerned about me, but…? To avoid any casualties, I’d make sure to be careful myself…!
But it was depressing. To think that going out to town would cause so much trouble.
“I… want to be strong too…”
I sighed, “Haa,” and flexed, trying to make a muscle. …Where is it? As I was doing this, perched on Nika-san’s shoulders, Kei-san chuckled.
“Oh, you’re so adorable, Meg-chan! You’ve made me laugh so many times since yesterday.”
“Whoa, whoa, that’s rare, Kei.”
“Children are treasures, Veronika. You understand that now?”
Kei-san, winking as they said this, their usual mysterious aura subdued, looked unexpectedly adorable. I hadn’t seen this side of them before.
I was lifted again and transferred to Nika-san’s arms. Yep, even without being on his shoulders, this was high enough.
“Meg, there’s no need to rush. Everyone was a little kid like you at one point. No one’s strong from the start!”
“That’s right, Meg-chan. If you want to work hard, you can be as strong as you want to be. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t worked hard.”
Their words were warm and comforting. Being mentally an adult, I couldn’t help but be impatient. This was a repeating cycle for me.
I’d learn about reality, panic, feel motivated to do something, and then resolve to do my best. This cycle repeated over and over, I’d be troubled, then optimistic. How simple and troublesome I was.
But I guess that’s how humans are. We reassure ourselves and feel a sense of peace by encouraging each other and motivating ourselves. Or maybe I was just a spoiled brat.
“But you need talent, you know. If you don’t have it, you have to work twice as hard.”
“Hmm, you’re talking about me.”
“Gahaha! Me too!”
They were both hard workers. It was strange to me, someone who only knew their current selves. They’d worked hard, utilizing their unique strengths as demi-humans. …Yeah, I have to try my best too!
Speaking of which, Kei-san was so normal around men. Did they transform into their handsome persona only when they were around women?
“Sorry for the wait! I’m so sorry, Meg. Did you wait long?”
The guild door chimed, and Schlie-san rushed over to me, a brisk pace and an apologetic expression. It was clear he’d hurried.
“Hmm, Schlie Letziano, you look beautiful even when you’re flustered.”
“…I think it would be best if you were quiet for a while.”
Kei-san was still Kei-san, even when they were with a man. Was it just Schlie-san, or was it Kei-san, who found everyone attractive, no matter their gender? It must be both.
Anyway, it didn’t matter. I had to greet Schlie-san, who’d rushed over here for me!
“Welcome back, Schlie-shan! I didn’t wait that long!”
And then, I added, “Good work!”, trying to smile, despite stumbling over my words. Schlie-san stopped moving. Huh? What’s wrong? I looked around, and Nika-san, Kei-san, and even the guild members who’d been casually looking our way, had also frozen. Wh-What’s going on? Is this an emergency!?
“…Ah, my fatigue has vanished.”
“Hmm, I want to be told that too…”
“So this is… healing!”
Isn’t that a bit of an overreaction? Do you guys get praised that rarely? I was confused, but then Schlie-san reached out, and so did I. I was transferred from Nika-san’s sturdy arms to Schlie-san’s gentler embrace. It felt like going from a fun playground to a cozy cradle.
“You had something you wanted to ask, right? Shall we talk after dinner?”
“! Y-Yesh!”
“Ahh, my heart feels cleansed…”
Schlie-san muttered this wearily, hugging me tightly. His work must have been really tough today.
Everyone’s always working so hard. If they’d be this happy to be praised, I’d try my best to encourage everyone, even if it was just a small gesture.
But Schlie-san! Everyone’s staring, so could you let go of me now? But this is such a treat… I took the opportunity to sniff this wonderful Schlie-san scent, “Sniff, sniff.”