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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbs1BJxUHf
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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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzXQ2sbTnN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n2Xx4Aqf3
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz1GYA08Ci
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBdotN6kz
"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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmr4Csvu3C
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQs1JRTrda
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkoRYR6FT8
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Flinty shrugged.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxLkHP8Gw0
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7a58HOxzCw
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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...79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcR9SBrq21
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"I hope it's just a cultural thing."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2IgTmtpMu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg85dLPsAY
"Why don't we ask them?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyeRrbyrQp
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"Not a bad idea."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnP7h5EvFZN
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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?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAvDfnepab
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyqviApoEh
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"Wow, is this a farm?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNjthau2nD
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZlArPkus4
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK5BHF6JE5
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqycsHFmVM
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbsHROppclH
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"Uh, Flinty?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJ98M0r1QF
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOumjUksEn
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"Kenny!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qw0Z3CPAO
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI431ArnCAu
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAEA2Z37M7
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjWkqO7gmI
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJkujpVPaN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj29L8izAAf
"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx410x4sN4
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"Okay."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQ8OmUkWbV
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw0L3ealp4
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQfGxumcmj
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQNgJRj6UA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppa5AuctTY
He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0Vs23K04n
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfOYj5pjoV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0wHhdSIda
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzlCpXoTpI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGNKMEPvRc
"Vikky!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXaH7OmnEe
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KdFVA5tIf
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2N2u8NhWOt
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfP45ZiPRsc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvV7pzlim6d
"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89ZcGeyZtW
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She looked strangely amused.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5OA0zkiQe
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"Full name? Alright."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwYj5OzykT
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2iQ8N9dgW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡug3UDHkAyB
"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?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7myK69IVA6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRM4xjkP567
"Yes."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWZ7mttcut
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"Then let's get along."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKDrMKFJC1
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSOIT8IJI7
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjV3s4gu1y
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqni6yOiyT
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ehxhVl0nB
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaDmzNmhJT
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNOAIu4um0
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pkvvQFs4z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUYlWnblCy
"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns0sIpUebt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInHQROIFuk
All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouIamKnEsi
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj9sT9XThE
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"What, why?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd49xlksQb7
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5w47Pbgtn
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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..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWknBWZZFs
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6I24Vs27bF
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGx35LpAz8
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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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYUZHlx1mH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymDEn2GP1K
So that was what the lady from before was doing.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1GKI1WJIc
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0flRkAx4C
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ln4LSLlqx
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTETfay8I7
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xBvQ0Rlsm
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnoGZURAuY
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aP1J70opp
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtUchL2Cjt
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I made a grumpy face.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqEPtU3jnE
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3fXLLsuyc
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshD1fcYk38
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mFmI8fGdh
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7mWVzpcvS
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdho1GcS93
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It's worth a try if nothing else.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzazQJgHYOu
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLejzchknid
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9raOeJOUO
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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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL2JQaytMW
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P2TllZJx3
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"Yes."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwWfSOynlC
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"Can I see the crops?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy71b5IBpja
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"Uh, you can."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcNMyJrFVA
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBIz3EfOrH
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X6o154e7P
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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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTWwelv5zD
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPIvtTNLsc
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"W-What the hell is that!?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxLpAfQldc
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2K4o67MAO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZPvctYzDt
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQJloIUoak
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9AjONFInk
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKk78sJTz8f
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqgLg2P46W
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.
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ921247rJsp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZee45VQJge
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZqM9Sl9Tx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4luscHrIas
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMa88vqG9Db
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbc1aHBepX
"What are you doing?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoCZ7hLh61
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hvsUxdFFb
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKhTRiTGQA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPAaID2wRx
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqSf7heHsK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1oZd0HhtS
"You're an angel."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5zTPkX2kO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH1ZtlqIMQ
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSey5s8xBqU
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleCO9VeKT9
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcckzCs5VNq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKD64r4gTJ
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fOstcwyEH
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0DVfO6SXQ
There were very strange people in this city.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkqD4CpxMr
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJsIkr5edI
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMJCl2SNTV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6YidqHNGS
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukA0CWYZ31
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU2BWScemc
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrFARLgVd9
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPHQPB2hML
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4UAQPt3g2
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwUVR6rJtq
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m1XiOcRZ0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqxaPrtaA7
"Really?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P7MiSmRjY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHYd1PJukj
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDur5y9nQ27
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57b9mawYew
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25y1heUfpi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbHJyme8Gl
"Yes! Let's do it!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzBKzDZQkB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKveRARAFt8
"Fine by me."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e4p3b8Iy8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVOyFweaIG
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRNJ0Nm7ka
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEST2ZG8TYu
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HMCKnBO3W
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbVTHxuksu
"Is something wrong?" I asked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s6RcwHTr8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbxTLH0LQH
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsUh8jBQav
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhElOfRJ6zm
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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27YteVHwda
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVmmyDM6yf
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3glXJQ9UWW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNTsfBT0mL
"Is that so?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2w2k0FDjiK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVuVpCtTrt
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFJgnHwuK9
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SHRqpplOu
"Please, enter right here."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFYviy5A2b
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscN6fns2aK
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1QMZxPbwC
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicxQzxJk8L
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BVDiUxj6C
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym6h1xCZin
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi2OD57XHC
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUMIBbrTbm
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7UOVljOX3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ctaaDo2ro
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXQJLSsOSb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpU9PbCHmN
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6AO6CPE8C
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Y6LXQGfq
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22DbjBM56z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgorshyQXuj
"R-Right."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjzpOvZY0A
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKAPjN6vxP
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSHIJufWAo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFegT9vMkFW
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG7EmLKHg9
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd46jR2E2Ey
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb43xD7hiVi
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqg0Kxflsc
I nodded.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C0DdaeO97
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsQAbIKYBB
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadPxt7RmAV
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIN5wTS4D1
I raised my hand.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9QjUjcTHu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNgrMGOpKu
"Yes, Kenny?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56vBqvJCs1
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hvr5bRndx
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPlNC1I45L
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXJrHlchfe
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDqDYw2FFt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKTBQK7PfC
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2WSqf0lcq
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT09CSKHnTW
"Allowed to brew?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6JEdojq6f
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQyOr6JjTbE
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmUwyk2Mxj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjBmaBSM53
"I see."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLuNuk89Bv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXgbkYTVlQ
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–79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfZZrouZBF
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmlV9FWSun
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbdSrQF8Bt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2TSNliX6v
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkQ3lribfW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRujqeS61L
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXnmIiXw3C
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsFBglvFh5
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7SLOMc8Ni
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoX9osixoTU
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8D4fLuTa3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj3bsVYgmL
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXGwo8lE9p
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZ4xyqt9hx
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1pKkTJ5Pb
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0vjjkWa8fG
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNOQhqSNoj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvckXnnAiA3
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0ckFVDI9y
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmnbXLxmu3
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw0LigHkVZ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhA9zrYObW
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwzSbKSNhJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NtudOeWwe
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCxvTxio3e
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBxwwthugD
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIsWX9WZOj
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPjl09Sn1A
"...Wow, this plan sucks."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi88vdi7waK
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWDc3UsLP3
"Kenny!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAojTLi9IN3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4FdbnmjGk
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj9hWxfBgo
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvcnbujVHj
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb1A3QfW78
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbh6dWyJdFG
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBC3TQkWry
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0DM0HD1b1
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMbstR15RW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49AnViZTda
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkP4p6fhkL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS97rWTapEm
I nodded, but something was bothering me.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerrjfXnkN8
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YLWIMpbJ7
"Will the people really all come together?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoh4xM59KP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1Kk9qIHCb
Linda stepped in.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4lphW9JN6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMHxeWYcsg
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWw9wUMmJt
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKn5c5YJR8
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhOYms1oOX
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGNhCNngrq
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQkcbLKZ47
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHXAvbOd51
"Mhm!"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN6nHOoLnk
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyHButdL4n
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ8p2n2ptm
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyyDOpsmEl
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6kIU5V7ea
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMbdbFGqki
–
–
–
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbKKrYyfSL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkJAm5qO0l
I was having second thoughts.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqEddPIsT3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEtZntOk31
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wm0CMnDOI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoSAzTjNnW
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?79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6BLSuk30T
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvBrLxTiGo
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYUJIfPoNx
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV85lkrz2KH
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fOnegX3XI
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEdonyUR5Z
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEhTQp2S7K
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZL2tD9eHL8
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9IZgBQmNy
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1jBYJCszZ
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadyaNH45Ij
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8cPZQOvZY
Phew.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtVB2WR4pG
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOsmRvzG8Z
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kvQXOXoW3
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp6YuNDErE
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTe8lBcAIFs
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3RMVUM7sv
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOPxSuLRJu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKRjMfKr5Z
"Huh?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYJo9LFUva
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqZSeDXYJ6
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhiSYD81iW
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBLeRArDVw
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DASeILBQJ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGZaEjLAjW
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ38hXE6dC
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9vEZ9SLoe
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2hVI1kPTv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroB1RZqt6c
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJ6rERl9VQ
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArK2LMHZOG
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LcNpuFW9z
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtwXGQQiw9
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6mxccWFKz
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRv3oXqYVc
"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjD6xwqgSh
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXn2tsHah4
She looked suspicious of it.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI6zOTiyCB
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHZPZwLsNo
"How do I know it's safe?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJgLFlQeQR
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuSNLzey5y
"I can drink it right now and prove it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMd4VojSzO
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9K8Ckrh3di
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwbpBBC9b6
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSE5ryEAXY
"Fine. I'll try it."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu0CWuzZAP
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdW8IzA6KP
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVWKS6MYWp
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zmAYb4M7H
"...Okay, fine. It's good."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbQQ0nYzqA
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEFFFEAxdA
Yes!79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ICdkWJiY
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLE7xzMFmV
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGgt6PSqUu
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFqAbHl4ZP
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCIXiP9waC
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxeu11MEHS
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Fq0RZKHNw
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg1Uqa8Bh8
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn4Ab0WuLS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX8al0FA0W
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.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSWMb2LFo4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH8sjEmzZf
"What are you doing?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOArZFNaxc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NgCXuMx2q
"Passing the time."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2qLDNadca
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT915Ti0gla
"By making fun of my face?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8lhjIVEaN
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvd5wWHxET
"I'm not making fun of you."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZ63FCZbAc
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX3jCzFQ1Z
She laughed a little.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulwKepJhbE
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvh0Dwvm8i9
"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."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEN5eAR9k0
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKfJQts0bq
"Of course."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9xulGwKkS
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTwfJLwXyR
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpkoQJ0tbv
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMwArVN3Df
"How'd you two meet?"79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23soxltFE4
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLGm9e1ivQ
"..."79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOol19MWiyL
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3waPFu2Qb
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.
