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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWrqGZhww5
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5z85afwRIP
"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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl70rnpaUb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5NjVuZLsh
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBprVQEbqw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHZIBd14xV
"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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWCf36U9R2
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"So, how do you like it?" Flinty asks.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo3yPzWCQS
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"Their attire reminds me of home. Is there a reason why they all wear the same clothes, though?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIARJcXBkn
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Flinty shrugged.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS22q9xzDNV
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"Maybe so you can tell that they're from here?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vNhQTMQ0I
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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...206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOWUZVlLSX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡES5G5TwwlU
"I hope it's just a cultural thing."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEiKQzMkHG
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"Why don't we ask them?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvI9ZEVAt5
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"Not a bad idea."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai7gpK4PGy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dwt43Qkow
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?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZeswvxzD4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEQ7n3B0EH
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM39wOX9TZh
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"Wow, is this a farm?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtWAHbuBTd
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"Yep! There are crops behind the buildings, too. I'll show you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHnjgEmrMe
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O0OEPUtHT
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpAaebEqhn
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It was a giant. And it was burly, too.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQgFKqsBdC
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"Uh, Flinty?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJyAeBJb6p
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I had my tendril out and pointed at the dog. When Flinty saw the dog, she ran towards him.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrCYnWFzUZ
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"Kenny!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FNKhqdGvC
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Ha, I was worrying over nothing. Wait, Kenny?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIoDosdloG
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"That dog's name is Kenny?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xgpY6pJbE
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c7Z5k3xWu
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After a minute, the dog calmed down and Flinty was able to sit.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhV7lbStILS
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"Y-Yeah, his name is Kenny. He's really nice. You should try petting him."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwmZwf0Nqs
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"Okay."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHv2uyaB1Q
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtMZYvZ1Nq
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"H-Hey, that tickles..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsyJwuB9WP
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBKpvCUIna
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He had a flat face, but I thought it made him look cuter.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHQNkR6cE2
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"You two got off to a good start, didn't you?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxWUxpUHQw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRIX37MXAM
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBvnAMUOgDB
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"Vikky!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7a0Bwdlyt
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6tZtTrBVT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBDcbaYy7A
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcNgohVQ4q
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"Hello, my name is Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsA9idni61g
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She looked strangely amused.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBl7x1BNca
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"Full name? Alright."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7fNJpF3PA
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She took my hand, straightened her back, and shook it.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi7qf9F4S9
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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?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXG7Kqpu8Wh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fvbYM46LO
"Yes."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE35dkaRRR
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"Then let's get along."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ueyWjC511
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She was polite. Flinty invited good company.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWGSgPUOxa
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"V-Vikky, please call him Kenny."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu19yPHhOs
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiOyKtOJfS
I'm supposed to be the one who has a say on that. Eh, whatever.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2HRMFkkk4u
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"So, Flinty, Kenny, what brings you two to the Green Zone?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt2fPCmnbZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDTR1xOR8E
"I wanted to introduce Kenny to the place, and to you too. I'm his guide right now!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8uRDyOXla
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"Ah, exciting. Would you guys like to–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte2ebAKzap
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All of a sudden, she cut off her sentence, then looked at us nervously.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGzQLPrFM9
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"A-Actually, Flitny, you caught us at a bad time. Maybe later?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJi0BQGLnw
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"What, why?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2mTWgjk2q
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Victoria glanced at the farmhouse and then back at us. She leaned in and began to whisper.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtlZ4uTgWm
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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..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuv9bWieuyK
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QrELwYs9K
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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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBM5NU3SqUf
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg4PXBUcCV
So that was what the lady from before was doing.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshqBHBjYu0
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"That sounds awful. Is there–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQZNWOhEvL
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"Nope, don't even think about it. I'm not going to get you kids involved with something dangerous."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0eSfvuMRv
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5k4EX4Cn0
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"Well, Vikky," I started, "I happen to possess a certain set of skills–"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaFeDjwRay
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"I don't wanna hear it. I'm not getting you two involved, plain and simple."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WvQnqGUUk
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"Wait, Vikky, Kenny can absolutely help!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCt25yImIt
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"Huh? You're kidding, Flinty. Just look at him."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSd40YD2LH
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I made a grumpy face.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnDWe0CgQY
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"No offense, of course, but it's best if someone older comes around later."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZlIMSiM1B
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0I9QZGWJZ
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"Vikky, please, let us help you," Flinty insisted.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV0r0kwYN3
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KPnQJIhT1
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ65cfhqj5
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It's worth a try if nothing else.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooXIFMV4mh
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"...Do you want to help? That bad?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoNDr9dmR1
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The both of us nodded. Victoria sighed and put her hands on her hips.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8dq5E4NJn
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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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvCWTeFExw
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"There's still a part of them left?" I asked. Victoria looked at me curiously.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURY4T6UGBT
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"Yes."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGNrzKsK1L
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"Can I see the crops?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK0gz9ORf8
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"Uh, you can."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpql79U9OX
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I followed Victoria to the farmhouse. Flinty was giving me a big smile. I blushed a little.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrx0ScBtM3
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–
–
–
The field before me was vast. It was a field of numerous crops. It was mostly just grain and corn.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAurZj4H7yf
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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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHlLwuS2DX
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That barely mattered, though. I cracked my knuckles and got out my tendril. Victoria was bewildered.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGUvn1NTw9
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"W-What the hell is that!?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZKjajfR41
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"It's Kenny's tendril!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldGfJpcnMp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdcKOZtTld
"Tendril!? Wait, Flinty, you're okay with this?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmezjWEs8fH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdjMtxO9ac
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIcxjZEAHz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoRvPAjFY4
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.
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWf6u1UJ6oh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzX5KuNqCs
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQmN0IX1d4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRHIvGoHObh
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UfO23gL8q
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxjmeRVABF
"What are you doing?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D9QXeDoXk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLocE3lZ53T
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnsRXUs73f
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABisq65b06
She looked up at my face with tears forming in her eyes.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAB5oCWJxw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8nuhHdnEq
"You're an angel."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDztHrchx7y
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPp3TpErUX
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aFQShs8Qd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgynIvWKRtb
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡludsGntXOo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBcmuVT7JT
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfWgugSsdw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUEwCsDR2V
There were very strange people in this city.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlChBs3bVNH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNq3aGZl6x
"A-Ah, I apologize, Kenny. Seeing such a feat baffled me."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFKLzskPIq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzA8jUmdanG
"No... worries. Anyway, what about the monster?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8e9uEfb8V
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13ZbYy7XhQ
Victoria's face returned to being concerned.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJG7ghu15e
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3SbfSrzGs
"I don't know about this. Honestly, now that you've shown me that, I want you to stay away from danger even more."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSweXm4zIqZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsXtcP1boR
"But Kenny can fight, Vikky!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWEqIo0pxV1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxdh6IfYqr
"Really?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIuxDhSgDv
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRHzeriOmw
She pinched her chin and stared at the ground. I'm glad Flinty was taking charge here.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v6OT066IV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTzG8w5trO
"...How about I consult my mother first? She's dealing with the brunt of the problem after all."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqrnf2xpGp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7lSTtYIXg
"Yes! Let's do it!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBaDsNUnMZZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M5plUXUG9
"Fine by me."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti160uBBK4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOL3NCSALcG
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNxwuhxSlP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6idiy70n0g
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSuVGSUXrk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIfpoGiO3s
"Is something wrong?" I asked.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvrPScB47k
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsg3HkLEZ4
"...Well, when I see you doing stuff like that with magic, it makes me really excited."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPvp9DYjaD
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdI7NSC25V
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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTYA0woTF1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWokQybzDJM
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5wStU7Zpo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZiFPrdlj1
"Is that so?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwxWqwyqUh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAhsdblFa1
Her smile slowly faded. Her hands were shaking. Something was clearly wrong. But, we were in the farmhouse already. I'll ask her later.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49GntNZTVF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRcSQynX7J
"Please, enter right here."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLittUqdydp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGQLqrmbfh
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZs9kj5MR7r
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9ozqIMRvW
"Take a seat. I'll bring some food over."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91LNYiwPcy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ801lMBdgBA
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaFIU8ipXt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkmZqxheNZ
"I'm Kenneth Buffalo Chambers. It's a pleasure meeting you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjstt8ywiA
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqz1NYOYS4p
"Oh, how nice. I was afraid that he would be more menacing."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v9eQVbWFi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEfyGaMflr
The old lady accepted my handshake and smiled.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMZyeCxgyd
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgkN26tkaB
"So you're Flitny's new friend? I'm glad. Flinty is a good girl y'know, so treat her well."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVvIswbpOz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16yM0jCo5f
"R-Right."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSSVBGC4DX
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zOOXhjxzt
"Mom, we're here to talk about something else."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBNz2a5rUN
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cCKQfHGxb
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDzjXa0tBz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxnkW5snnM
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRvFeUsBPh
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztm6MAa7JK
I nodded.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKG98zy7GV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHeJh3SHDg
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYFHKhwrnE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3cEwk80oo
I raised my hand.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wYIsqB3lk
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKi9BqN8Z2
"Yes, Kenny?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OHEejkZgE
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xsUQm123U
"I was wondering, why does the city leave monsters in the Green Zone anyway? Shouldn't they try to eradicate them?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAjqAvu2r2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYBxTYKRTY
The old lady joined her hands together in a finger tent.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0djjQ3qqk1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKGhoaeyJd
"...Kenny, there is a very special situation occurring in the kingdom right now. Thus, monsters have been allowed to brew in the forest."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsTFz4A0og
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwV9PnMx2H
"Allowed to brew?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJE2Hgh4Ulb
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvUvWtUntn
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAX2QaSBCt
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutl0gL6TdZ
"I see."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AYzDQu0q2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBbzCN5XjO
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–206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoJd9WVG9m
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX10UuQUilH
"That means that someone is creating the monster, correct?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEgethFwEZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXdibmeKVh
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBxgdn1PUm
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuKvemJ9Ir
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhL4TktnZy
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzQccR6JDk
"Even after hearing this, do you two still wish to help us?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZhtfvC0Cz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCYvGb7rIg
I looked at Flinty, and she looked at me. She was giving me a look as if the answer was obvious. I sighed.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwdU7SApkB
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGAMeyRDYJ
"Yes, we'll help in whatever way we can."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyVaTXkhdP
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJDu2g3A1d
The old lady got up from her seat and bowed.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFZEEHZt3m
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivDH8xF54Z
"Thank you. My name is Linda. I'll be working with you and Victoria to find the perpetrator."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpUdYu96ny
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1P49pPvXU
–
–
–
After the situation was revealed to us, we were given a basic run down.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXlL5qBO2U
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn83gS8NeD
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a9eX4fzzq
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCX8Zd7UD5
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRu5BKb3Ft
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LzO1AJVkF
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqJRJOaUhz
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuBIMfEGBY
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Mpx7cgKVQ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz9SsfBHmtk
"...Wow, this plan sucks."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGpII2Q14b
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G1pyj9pIs
"Kenny!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXt5ApIN6O
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhJ35tOaKi
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOMAXVMUxZ
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhouhmTozV
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3loZcV8v3o
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdC12Bxs1T
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvokGb4eFtC
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUi6J8EQrMO
"So, when do we start the first plan?" I asked.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrlufUMHJY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpnK37vHxR
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6QLCcO5ZI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87SoOl1uEy
I nodded, but something was bothering me.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiTNFaWRn1
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtlOxET62c
"Will the people really all come together?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwsrfjNV2R
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJRJ8qiQrC
Linda stepped in.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEhOpOk5D2
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfFvzefPlH
"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuoRplIwBa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPvNrPuTBI
Huh. I could've sworn I saw more people than that. Well, not that I'd know.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv6QJQxg8F
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnExtQ2iAHa
"Kenny, Mom, let's get going. Flinty, you'll watch the crowd from a distance to catch anyone suspicious."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WutpkFh3i
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuZxLAg5iQ
"Mhm!"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfUKEXuTgU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcIVXWtwhmP
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT02FC9ff5h
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQoaeCflTX
Anyway, with the plan created, the four of us left the farmhouse.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJzkwgrT1h
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISLfFeoHMQ
–
–
–
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwWaVVvcNw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxafOvzi42l
I was having second thoughts.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ6IMToBnF
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsB3j2vTDqJ
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGirskpQmaR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPDsRGUzpR
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?206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLA16lmAJTH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83n5yMksZF
"...Something terrible. Gah, darn it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRG8TpKudsM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyRwjojyxX
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdIPbWzp3n
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdPRq8usiS
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziM51cHGvw
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnQ2WeQvey
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ahI9DE6oa
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDziBLeEQb
I sighed. I was shaking. I only just noticed. I quickly stopped myself.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtnBJSoz3w
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSagzkOUIOM
Phew.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0JbHqaxnI
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBxe5JRqXN
The words of Jackson and Anabelle rang in my head just now.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIQq4WdV84
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOCoO5yvT1
Sorry, I'll keep them in mind, I promise. And I'll keep it this time.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYsW380lm8
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6a90AmEzx
"Haa, hey Kenny! Mom should be bringing the people here in ten minutes. Are you alright over here?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnk0l31Nma
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H5uUlWvSK
"Huh?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoPQ9eYKlg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAbVJqu2a4V
It was Victoria. She suddenly appeared beside me. She was out of breath and rubbing her brow.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OoQ9DpDHg
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzZTWW5lEH
"Uh, I'm just fine. You don't look so good though. Do you want something to drink?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYcwDsR4PH
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A8kiGsQPw
She was out of breath. She looked exhausted, to be honest.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlr5mmwGS8E
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGq2KLe3xd
"...That would be nice. Do you have anything?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJyYmL9vo6
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueA3Iy7dic
"Well, yes, but I don't think you'll like it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpWYYAr8Bo
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5fojgC1VK
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX247YLy93I
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0NITHWqIg
"W-What is that!?" She yelled.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH27YEuts2
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"It's a flower that excretes a drinkable liquid. It's much more refreshing and tastier than water. You can try some."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsYRF36WyV
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5E4bigAzkU
She looked suspicious of it.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVMgDAKex4
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"How do I know it's safe?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKmLtp6mEj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkFztt0rrp
"I can drink it right now and prove it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbKs6qnu6O
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79nEHVU205
So I did. The water tasted much better than I remember. She had her eyes on me for a minute before sighing.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5XiW2wgbc
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTlgEzI0Kk
"Fine. I'll try it."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeaXZdwgO4
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyjee48DXO
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8HhR9rjKj
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq36KHvHfFy
"...Okay, fine. It's good."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oMxHCxIxF
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Yes!206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVTEKbx7fU
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBUOM1fxBJ
I don't know why I was so happy. I almost jumped in the air. Victoria noticed my excitement.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaXFm2xvWR
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDMcSiqiTP
"That tendril hasn't won me over yet, though."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzuVD3oMmi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnZ94SGwEr
"Did I at least get some of your trust?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30rtkgCiVM
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVOcJIsVj9
"Huh? You already had it, goofball."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSM1bHye6qT
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX3mxIdo1X
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.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbXvKAmzEg
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"What are you doing?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyexASm0HC
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"Passing the time."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3f7uvR0e0
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"By making fun of my face?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSDL9k5MVi
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1iioeVpbU
"I'm not making fun of you."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN69BsoBINK
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She laughed a little.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHseb80cMWI
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"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."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCok9aYvvx
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyyvnH1RUc
"Of course."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUVKuaP5hp
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlCtAsXLnL
"But, can I ask you a few questions? It's about Flinty."
I suddenly had a terrible feeling.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl33j1YZt41
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS4281DTX3
"How'd you two meet?"206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GL4PkJQ9s
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjOtuPaF8P
"..."206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBQ6g9f6lY
206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47v547DpSR
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.
