Volume 2 Chapter 20 Exhaustion
After we got back home, we immediately took out another Orb and smashed it to pieces.
With this, there shouldn't be anyone getting manipulated again... at least, that's the hope.
Now, we need to set up a barrier for vigilance.
I guess I'll consult Suzu about that.
"We're back! We made it home safe this time too!"
"We're home, everyone!"
Just then, the voices of my little sisters echoed from the entrance.
Come to think of it, they said they'd be back today if everything went smoothly.
"Welcome back, you two! Perfect timing──I've just started preparing dinner!"
"Oh? What's on the menu today?"
"I'm craving some meat. Suzu, let's have a feast tonight!"
I unceremoniously grabbed my little sisters by the scruffs of their necks as they peeked into the kitchen where Belle was getting ready to cook.
Seriously, it's only been a moment since we got back from an adventure, and they're full of energy.
"Come on, Minori, Suzu. First, drop your bags and go wash up. I won't let filthy people eat in my house!"
"Whoa, the landlord's angry! Run for it!"
"Run!"
Waving my hands, I watched as my little sisters dashed off to their room.
It's funny how they look so alike, even though we're not blood-related.
"Hehe, they're lively, aren't they?"
Lene poked her head out from the workshop, chuckling at the sight of Minori and Suzu's retreating figures.
"Yeah. 'Always look ahead in life. If you stare at the ground, you'll miss the important things.' Those are the words of my 'teacher.'"
"The teacher left behind all kinds of sayings, huh? They must have been quite a famous scholar. But you never told me their name, did you?"
"Nope, didn't share that either."
Yeah, for some reason, "Teacher" didn't tell me his name.
Looking at how many connections he had, it seems Lene was right.
He's a pretty famous guy.
"Ah, that's right, Mr. Ryuuji. Like with Adiliana and the incident at the harbor... I should properly tell everyone."
"...Yeah, I guess so."
That said, it brings up the question of why Lene was being controlled... I'd rather not go there.
Heavy.
"Oh my, Mr. Ryuuji. You shouldn't go through life with your head hanging down like that."
Lene, who had completely perked up, teased me about my slumped shoulders.
* * *
"Hmm, so, the Dark Mage who made the Evil Tree attack Cattle Village..."
Minori, picking at her stir-fry, drew her eyebrows together.
Minori had a hard time with that Evil Tree, so it's probably not a fond memory for her.
"So, Suzu, I want to set up a protective barrier later. Will you help?"
"Hn. Suzu can handle it."
My little sister firmly raises her thumb.
Such a dependable Second Rank adventurer, she is.
"Hey, what's wrong, Belle? Why so down?"
"B-but..."
Belle droops her cat ears weakly and peeks at Lene's face while looking down.
...Ah, I see.
She did tell her about her feelings.
It's understandable she'd react this way now that she realizes she's being seen as an obstacle.
"Belle, I'm sorry, it's alright now. I told Mr. Ryuuji how I feel."
"Ngh!"
I almost choked on my food.
"Ooh!" My sisters and Belle all exclaimed at the table.
Did she really have to say that right now!?
"Go for it, Lene! Finally, spring has come for Big Bro Ryuuji!"
"What's the plan? How many kids are we talking about?"
"Hey, you dummy siblings."
Minori and Suzu had already started to playfully bicker, and they were too fired up to calm down.
Belle, blushing furiously, was staring up at the sky for some reason.
Hey, what are you daydreaming about?
...With that, it's not like I can say I haven't given her an answer.
No way... did Lene say that on purpose, knowing exactly what she was doing?
Glancing over at the elf caught in the whirlwind, she looked back at me with a gentle smile.
...She was no elf, but a little imp.
* * *
After the bustling, exhausting dinner had ended, I found myself alone with Lene in the workshop.
It's tough having to cover for so many things.
As I was maintaining the equipment, I hadn't noticed Lene approaching me until she was right beside me.
Her face looked somewhat satisfied.
"Mr. Ryuuji, do you have a moment?"
"What is it, little imp?"
A bit put out, I tried to grumble with a pout, but Lene just found it amusing and laughed.
Damn it, Lene's defense is way stronger than my attack power.
"Well, whether I'm an elf or a little imp, either is fine... but I'd like you to listen my story."
"A story...?"
"About my sister."
Lene's sudden serious tone made me catch my breath.
Come to think of it, there was a suspicion that Lene's sister was Adiliana's superior.
I had forgotten.
"What I'm about to tell you is something that happened 5 years ago in an elf village... It's an incident that has yet to be reported to the Inquisition Bureau."
"...Why hasn't it been reported?"
Of course, I had to present the obvious question.
If there's any involvement with a cult, it's crucial to report to the Inquisition immediately, or there could be penalties applied.
"Just because that elf village was isolated, and I, the sole survivor at the time, was naive, doesn't mean I can ignore it. I intend to make a report, and I'm prepared to face the consequences."
"...I see."
That's when Lene had to speak up.
That's probably because it's closely related to the current situation.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)