Chapter 14: Reunion
I had been so absorbed in remodeling my house that I didn’t notice the snow falling in the Demon Forest, though it wasn’t enough to accumulate. The herb plants are evergreens, making them easier to find in the autumn when other greenery starts to dwindle.
However, this is also the time when carnivorous Demon Beasts venture out from the depths of the forest.
Well, I’m still going.
“Hey!”
The side gate is more convenient for entering the forest than the main gate, but I was stopped by Pink Head.
“What is it?”
“It’s dangerous in the forest when it gets cold!”
She looks up at me with wide eyes.
“Thanks, but I’m aware of that.”
“Please don’t push yourself! Your life is more important than money!”
I dodge her hand as she reaches for my robe. I think I’m responding with a voice and face as cold as ice.
“I’m not pushing myself, so don’t worry about it.”
“But…!”
Why doesn’t she give up? She seems like she wants to say something more, but I ignore her and pass through the gate. My identification card has increased again, but it’s more convenient to enter the forest this way than through the main gate.
The nearest back gate facing the forest is usually kept tightly shut, meant for squads to exit in case of emergencies. If your Guild rank is Kin, it seems you can get in even alone.
Now that I can enter through the main gate and two other gates, it’s no longer a problem if the gatekeeper remembers me. I had thought about just using Teleportation directly to the forest, but I guess I’ll take the long way. Pink Head will probably get bored of this soon enough.
After walking for a while, I spot a familiar man. Ah, I see, he must have come out to match Pink Head’s schedule. It seems he wasn’t lying in wait this time. They really are a close brother and sister.
Once I enter the forest, I had planned to Teleport to the spring water hidden in the shade of the trees, but today I’ll just walk quietly.
“Excuse me.”
I walk faster and call out to pass him.
“Oh, you’re that guy from before.”
Pink Brother notices me. Well, he has a memorable face, so it can’t be helped. I’ve only met him once, but he’s big enough that I remembered him too.
“Sorry about that! And I know it’s a bit much to ask, but could you drop by the Adventurer’s Guild? Kaina is being pressured from above.”
“Why is Kaina being pressured?”
He bows his head vigorously, but I have a question about what he just said.
“They lost an excellent adventurer to the Merchant Guild.”
“The cause is you and your sister, isn’t it?”
“I know I’m at fault.”
I understand that it’s because he tried to take my request to the Guild without settling things first, but the way he’s acting feels off, and it’s unsettling that Pink Head is the one in charge.
“There’s a condition.”
“What is it?”
He looks at me with a tense expression—Dean, that’s his name.
“Don’t let your sister get close to me. To be specific, I want you to make sure she doesn’t follow me, get in my line of sight, or talk to me if you see her in town.”
The suspicion of being ambushed this time stems from his usual behavior.
This is the first time I’ve been spoken to directly, but she has tried to drop handkerchiefs, stumble in front of me, and make a fuss about not having enough change at stalls.
All of those little acts started after she checked to see if I was watching, so I ignored them all. In reality, she just paid and picked things up as she passed by.
“Got it. But are you sure? My sister is cute, you know?”
He says this with a look of surprise, which surprises me in turn. The sister filter is strong with him.
“From my perspective, her actions are creepy, and she’s not my type.”
“…”
He falls silent when I say it plainly.
“So if Amil isn’t your type, then what kind do you like…?”
I think I’d prefer someone completely opposite from my sister. She’s a makeup monster, transforming from glamorous beauty to cute girl, but I want someone who doesn’t wear much makeup and doesn’t assert her femininity too much—neither as a woman nor a girl.
For a moment, Leon comes to mind, but she’s so understated that she looks like a man. Scratch that; I still want a little bit of girlish charm.
“As an apology from me, I’d like to tell you about a place where rare plants grow, if you’re interested. Do you have any plans for the forest?”
Dean looks at me with a puzzled expression.
“No, I just thought I’d gather some herbs before the snow piles up.”
I wonder if the rare plants are medicinal or edible.
“Alright, then why don’t we go now?”
Dean flashes a friendly smile.
“Yeah, please.”
He’s pretty normal as long as he’s not in love with his sister.
And so, we head into the forest together. Along the way, a Horned Rabbit appears, but Dean swiftly takes it down. I’m just observing his fighting style.
He steps in, swings down, and follows through. He’s aware of his surroundings and moves his feet skillfully. His attacks are bold, but he doesn’t let his guard down. Perhaps it’s knowledge gained from experience, as he anticipates the rabbit’s movements and executes his own without waste.
“Hey, don’t stare too much. It’s embarrassing.”
Dean says while hunting the rabbit.
“Don’t worry about it.”
“I feel like I’m being leered at!”
He crushes the head of one rabbit as he speaks.
“I’m just observing your fighting style.”
“That’s what makes it embarrassing! You’re strong enough to take down bears in succession, right?”
“I rely more on brute strength.”
“Brute strength?”
He puts away his sword and looks me over with a dubious expression, then returns his gaze to my face.
“…”
I don’t have a chest like Dean’s! I’m not as tall either! Damn it! I’m definitely going to grow taller! Someone get me milk, milk!
After all, Dean is a resident of this fantasy world, and he’s huge and muscular!