I met a child Sphinx while resting by the river.
The appearance of Elana made the child Sphinx raise its tail. She seemed bothered by the threatening girl.
“What is this?”
“Y-you appeared! You’re definitely not from the village. Who are you and where did you come from!”
Elana scratched her body with a rustle and glanced back at me. I shrugged, not knowing either.
“State your name! What territory are you from! Usually, I just take your luggage, but this time, I saw your figure! You’re suspicious.”
“My name is Elana, is that okay? Let’s go, it’s getting dark.”
I followed her as she turned back. I was surprised that there were Sphinxes on this continent too, but I didn’t have time to deal with this. Besides, what if she harmed it and it called for companions? This was near their territory, and it would be troublesome if they stopped letting us pass.
“Hey! Don’t ignore me! You, don’t look down on me!”
The girl, angered by our ignoring her, lunged at Elana. But before I could warn her it was dangerous, she deftly dodged the attack and left. Meanwhile, the one who lunged cut through the air with her claws and crashed into the ground.
“Grrr, you, wait—!!”
She looked up with a sand-covered face, still seeming to want to fight. Should I pretend to be defeated somehow? Elana seemed to think so too, stopping her steps and looking back at the small Sphinx.
“You said you’d take my luggage earlier, do you do this every time someone comes? This is close to a village, are you okay?”
At those words, she snorted as if waiting for them.
“I’m a specialist in stealth! I haven’t been caught… much.”
“Don’t say things you shouldn’t.”
Of course, you’d get caught. I noticed you too. But why is she doing this? Is it just for money?
“Hey, why do you steal people’s things? Are you perhaps in financial trouble?”
“No, I’m not in financial trouble. Heh heh, my future dream is to be an adventurer, I’m interested in the outside world. The villagers only talk about boring things, read books, study.”
The girl stuck out her tongue.
“You’re all brains and no fun with just words.”
I see, it’s the same with Sphinxes wherever you go.
“So you’re envious of me.”
“Y-yes. Is that kind of thing allowed in your village?”
To my surprisingly frank opponent, Elana shook her head.
“No, it’s a special exception for me. The Queen permitted it. But that’s because she trusted I could protect myself with my own power. You’re still a child, isn’t that a bit dangerous?”
“Ho, I see, hmm hmm.”
Then, for some reason, the girl approached Elana and started observing her. Then she snapped her fingers.
“As I thought! Just as I expected! A smart and strong woman, perfect for my brother’s fiancée.”
What is she going to say now… I feel like I’m getting caught up in trouble again.
