GalaxyTL
After about a week of rehabilitation, I was finally able to eat normal meals, and walk a short distance if I had something to hold onto. I still get tired easily, but I think it’s important to work hard. A child’s healing ability is amazing.
Ronny’s already back to normal. As expected of the sturdy Dwarves! But it seems Licht still gets tired easily. So it was decided that one more person would accompany us on our journey to the human continent!
“Why Kei!? Shouldn’t I be the escort!?”
“Of course not, you idiot oni! We can’t let a walking disaster like you loose on the human continent!”
When we arrived at the guild hall, Juma-kun was being disciplined by Saura-san.
No, seriously, he’s trapped in some kind of net… Juma-kun’s struggling to get out, but he’s only getting more entangled. It looks like one of those suspicious person repelling tools.
And Saura-san was sitting in a chair right in front of him, elegantly drinking tea with her legs crossed, lecturing him. …Or rather, disciplining him?
“Schlie is unsuitable because he’s a nature magic user, Nika would scare the humans with his size, and Meg-chan’s the only girl. So Kei, who’s perfect at taking care of girls and is also skilled, is the best choice.”
“Hmm, you have such a high opinion of me, Sauradite. I’m honored.”
“You were just the least problematic option. It was a process of elimination! Don’t come any closer!”
Even though Kei-san was giving Saura-san a sidelong glance as if they were being cold-shouldered, but were smiling gently. They haven’t changed at all.
“…She’s a woman… Right?”
Licht, observing this scene, asked me that in a small voice, so I answered without hesitation.
“The concept of gender doesn’t exist for Kei-san. Kei-san is Kei-san. Okay?”
“…Okay. I kind of get it.”
It’s a good thing he’s a quick learner. In Licht’s mind, “Kei-san” has now been added as a new gender category. By the way, I’ve already emphasized that Schlie-san is male. Licht, observing this, and recalling my words, nodded deeply. He really is adaptable. Onee-san appreciates it.
“But you and those two, you really do get along well. Ronaldo’s future plans are still undecided, but… Licht, you don’t really have anywhere to go, do you? What are you going to do after this is over?”
“W-Well…”
Based on her tone, she’s probably implying that she’ll listen if he wants to join the guild. It’s not like she can decide on her own whether someone can join Ortus. So whose permission do we need? The Don, Dad, of course.
“You see! Licht’s a bit special. We need to explain, but I thought it would be best if Dad was the first to hear about it…”
“Special? The Don will make the final decision, but if you’re thinking of joining, I’ll listen to you first, okay?”
Saura-san tilted her head and asked that. The fact that she’s willing to listen means she’s not completely against it, right? Just knowing that gave me some relief. But I think it would be less confusing if Dad heard about his “former Japanese” situation first. I tried my best to convey this.
“I want to do that, but I think there’s an order to things. Because I… I want Licht to be part of my family!”
When I shouted that, the hall fell silent. I don’t think I was shouting that loudly, but it echoed strangely. Huh? What?
“An order…?”
“Meg-chan wants…?”
“Someone to be part of her family…!?”
Everyone gradually started murmuring. Why? Did I say something weird? Because everyone in Ortus becomes like family once they join, right?
“M-Meg… I’m super happy about how you feel, but… I think you might have phrased it in a way that’s easily misunderstood…?”
“Misunderstood? Why? Don’t you want to be part of the family, Licht?”
When Licht said that with a strained smile and cold sweat, I puffed up my cheeks, feeling a bit hurt, and asked him that.
“Are they having a lovers’ quarrel…?”
“What the hell, is that brat going to turn down Meg’s proposal?”
“Wait, Meg! I feel like I’m being incredibly misunderstood right now!”
Licht started backing away, looking even more flustered. I don’t get it at all. There’s no misunderstanding, I only meant what I said, right? Hmm, strange. I unintentionally tilted my head. Even Ronny had a bitter smile on his face. Am I the only one who doesn’t understand? Thinking that, I looked up at Gil-san, who was standing next to me. Gil-san should understand!
“…Gil-san?”
There was no response. He was so still he looked like he was sleeping standing up. Gil-san!? What on earth is going on!? Did I say something incredibly weird without realizing it?
Confused, I looked up at Kei-san, asking for help. Kei-san, who was looking at me with a serious, almost pitying gaze, knelt to meet my eyes. Then, placing their hands on my shoulders, they started to speak as if lecturing me.
“I respect your feelings, Meg-chan… but if it’s a human, I think you’ll go through a lot of pain…”
“That’s why! I’m saying that’s not it! Won’t you listen to me, even for a little bit!?”
But Licht interjected in a panic. So why is he so flustered? A hand was placed on Licht’s shoulder. Ah, Gil-san. You can move?
“…Let’s hear him out.”
“Y-Yes!”
Licht, his whole body trembling, responded to that low voice. Looking around, everyone else, who had been murmuring, had huge grins on their faces. Well, well, well. As expected of Gil-san. It seems he resolved the situation perfectly. I relaxed and smiled along with everyone else.
“…What a terrible experience…”
After that, as they were diligently saying their goodbyes, Licht, looking exhausted, came back with Gil-san. I wonder where they went? They wouldn’t tell me. “It’s a man-to-man talk”, they said. Hmmm. Heeeh.
“It’s not fair, having a talk with Gil-san, just the two of you…”
“…Right? It’s fine! His favorite’s Gil-san!”
What’s that supposed to mean? That’s obvious! Gil-san’s his lifesaver and his papa! But I’ll forgive him because I was able to witness the rare, cute Gil-san looking away, embarrassed at Licht’s words.
“No more… Meg, you’re too loved…”
“Why is Licht the one who’s tired? Well, I do think everyone’s a bit too overprotective…”
“Ah, it’s fine. I was an idiot for even asking.”
“Licht, you’ve had it rough. I’ll listen if you have any complaints.”
“Ronnyyyyy!!”
Now he’s getting close to Ronny. Boys are so hard to understand.
“Well then, should we head out? Gilnandio, I’m counting on you.”
“Yeah.”
Saying goodbye to everyone in the hall, we headed outside. And there was the all too familiar basket! But it was a bit bigger!
“I’ll take you all to the mine together. Get in.”
It’s the stork delivery service! Kei-san seems to be happy, saying he’d always wanted to try riding in it. Gil-san is making a dubious face.
I think I can ride on Gil-san in his Shadow Eagle form now, but I’m still weak from rehabilitation. And we can’t have Licht overexert himself either, so we’ll obediently ride in the basket. Ah, the dream of riding on Gil-san’s feathery back…
…No, no, this isn’t the time to be thinking about those things. We’re going to meet with criminals and talk to them.
I have to properly observe and judge them, no matter what they’re like. It’ll be fine. I can endure it, with everyone here.
I slapped my cheeks to fire myself up, and then we all got in the basket, and Gil-san took off. Operation: Convince Ronny’s Dad is a go!