Volume 5 Chapter 10 I've Slipped Away, But...
Although there were a few minor troubles, we were able to enjoy a relatively safe Eubarest tour from there. The beginning of our vacation was a bit worrisome, but once we got past that, things went smoothly.
"But is it really okay? Today, I have Yukina-kun all to myself."
"Well, if those two say it's fine, then it must be."
Walking side by side with Kyunei, who was clinging to my arm, I replied, recalling this morning's conversation.
'It's not a good thing to eavesdrop on someone else's conversation, but well... I'm still grateful for it.'
As always, Mikage is serious and conscientious. Since she yielded last time, this time she said it's her turn. Aina went along with it, so today Aina and Mikage are going their separate ways.
"Both of them didn't have to worry so much."
Kyunei seemed a bit troubled, but I understood their feelings.
Despite a bewitching atmosphere – perhaps that's not the best way to put it – Kyunei is very caring.
Maybe it's because she deals with people a lot as a doctor, or maybe it's just her temperament. She always looks out for everyone, including me, which is really helpful.
On the other hand, due to her past experience as a former prost***te and her succubus nature, she may sometimes do surprising things, but that might also be seen as part of her charm.
'Are you in a position to talk about others like that'
It's like a cool and sharp remark piercing through my mind, making me want to tsukkomi strongly.
But I swallowed that feeling and teasingly said to Kyunei,
"So, you didn't want to go on a date with me?"
"Ugh, you're so unfair with your words."
Kyunei tightened her grip on my arm. It was a sign that she was enjoying this situation.
"You know, it feels like it's been a while since we walked around aimlessly like this, just the two of us."
"Maybe it has. I've accompanied you on trips to buy ingredients and groceries before, but that didn't exactly feel like a date."
Of course, shopping with Kyunei was fun in its own way. Just walking with such a beautiful person could be considered a date.
But maybe we hadn't truly enjoyed each other's company without a purpose before. Perhaps, this was the first time our relationship had truly gotten closer since that first date.
"What's wrong? Why are you staring at people's faces so intently?"
"When we went on our first date, I remember you blushing and burying your face in my chest. Looking back now, it was such a cute reaction.
"...There was a time when I was really embarrassed and had a face that I didn't want anyone to see."
Kyunei blushes shyly, and her reaction is so adorable. I feel a little superior thinking that I'm the only one who gets to see this side of her, despite her mature sidde.
As Kyunei and I enjoy our conversation and tease each other at the roadside stalls on our date, Kyunei suddenly stops and points her finger.
"Look, Yukina-kun. Over there."
When I looked in that direction I saw a crowd of people making a lot of noise. For a moment, I thought there might be some trouble going on, but it seems they're just having a good time.
'I think you've realized that you tend to attract trouble, partner.'
I promised myself I would definitely finish Gram later, and then I looked at Kyunei. She smiled and let go of my arm, instead holding my hand and leading me towards the crowd.
"Alright, alright, as you wish."
Following her lead, I walked towards the crowd.
At first, it was tough to maneuver through the people, but when it became apparent that a stunningly beautiful woman had cut in front of them, the crowd suddenly parted. When Kyunei smiled and nodded, the man ogled her shamelessly. He probably had a date with her lover, but she seemed to be hitting him for it. Meanwhile, holding hands as we were, I couldn't help but attract jealous glances, as usual.
Once we got through the crowd, there was an event taking place.
"Step right up, everyone! Anyone who can pull out this legendary sword will win a fabulous prize!"
A chubby man with a small box in his arms loudly announced to the gathered crowd. Behind him, there was a sword stuck in the ground, with a fancy design on it.
There's a man trying to pull out the sword right now. He's big and muscular, but the sword doesn't budge.
'It's like those attractions you see in tourist spots. They exaggerate about the legendary sword, but flashy and energetic shows are what matters.'
As Gram said, it seems like the sword is just for show. Even so, judging by the crowd, the merchant's plan worked perfectly.
Eventually, the man gave up and let go of the sword. He sighed, looking disappointed, and disappeared into the crowd.
"Alright, who's next to give it a try?"
In response to the merchant's appeal, a new man rolled up his sleeves confidently and paid some money to the merchant to try.
But like before, no matter how hard he tried, the sword wouldn't come out, and he walked away disappointed.
'Hmm, I see how it is.'
Gram caught my attention with his odd-sounding voice, but before I could ask, Kyunei lightly pulled my arm.
"Yukina-kun, why not give it a try? They say you'll get a prize if you can pull it out."
"...Well, I guess I'll give it a shot."
Since we were at a tourist spot, it seemed like a fun idea to join in on this kind of event once in a while.
"Could you hold onto this for me?"
"Okay. Okay."
I asked Kyunei as I handed her the black spear and approached the merchant looking for challengers.
"Ah, we have a new challenger here. Will he be able to impress the girl?"
The merchant exclaimed loudly, seeming to have noticed my exchange with Kyunei. He shouted some provocative lines, which were met with cheers and jeers from the crowd.
I paid the merchant some money.
"So, what do I get if I can pull it out?"
"That's a surprise for after you manage to pull it out."
I couldn't help but think, "What's that all about?" as I quietly chuckled to myself.
Why was there so much excitement without knowing what the reward would be after pulling it out?
As Gram would say, events like this thrive on excitement. Maybe I should praise the skill of this merchant who's doing a great job of keeping the crowd entertained.
Despite my initial hesitation, I found myself getting caught up in the atmosphere and joining in.
"Let's see..."
I grabbed the handle of the sword stuck in the ground with both hands and gave it a light tug.
Hmm, instead of feeling like it's "stuck," it feels more like it's being held firmly "in place," almost as if it's really heavy.
Despite its decorations, it feels heavier than a one-handed sword should. Maybe they used a special material for it.
"Hmph!"
I tried putting more force into it than before, but the sword didn't budge.
"I can't even pull it out..."
This should be easy for two people to lift if it were a human.
Feeling a bit nervous, I glanced at the merchant's face out of the corner of my eye. He still had the same smile on his face, unchanged and unwavering.
"Ugh..."
His smile somehow made me angry.
He seemed so confident of his victory—that's why his smile bothered me.
"Come on, Yukina-kun, you can do it!"
Kyunei cheered, waving her hand at me.
Being cheered on by my lover motivated me. I had to succeed here to prove myself as a man.
So, I decided to give it my all.
"Inhale... exhale... Hmph!!"
I took a deep breath and pushed with all my might. But before the sword budged, the ground beneath my foot sank in, forming the shape of my shoe.
"――!?"
The merchant's smile wavered slightly at seeing this, but it didn't completely disappear.
"Grrr!"
I continued to exert all my strength.
--Crack, crack.
With each push, it felt like the ground was resisting.
"Hey, dear customer! That's enough--"
The merchant, whose smile had completely disappeared, tried to stop me in a hurry, but before that.
"Haaaaaaaa!!"
BOOOMMM.
There was a loud sound. Along with a satisfying sound of cutting through something, the weight on my arm suddenly became lighter.
"Alright...hey, wait, what!?"
I felt accomplished as I pulled out what I had just removed, but I couldn't help but shout.
Because the sword was uprooting the ground it had been stuck in.
If a chunk of ground the size of a small bag was attached to the tip of the sword, anyone would be amazed.
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