The protagonist was able to stay at an inn in the northernmost village.
Philiana, who had her gaze fixed on him, flinched and averted her eyes.
“Wh-why are you saying such a thing?”
“When I charged at him head-on, he hit me with his fists and kicks. For a moment, I truly lost consciousness. He’s the same man, yet his power was completely different. I thought it was useless.”
I wonder how strong Veronica was to admit defeat. She might have been the strongest in terms of sheer power.
“That’s not true. Veronica-san was also very scary.”
“He almost bit my jaw. Even though it was just a graze, it swelled up.”
If he had hit my jaw, I might not be able to talk like this right now. Was I being praised? Philiana’s face turned red, and she hid it with her hands.
“Is that why you returned, older sister?”
“Well, yes.”
Karubene responded with a disinterested snort. It was as if a cocky brat had been hit on the head and finally quieted down. For the time being, the members who had changed have returned to normal.
Looking back calmly, I understood several things. One thing that occurred to me was that just because someone is a woman doesn’t mean they won’t have body hair. I had become much closer to a woman, but I still had hair on my shins. Some of it had thinned, though.
I vaguely ponder such things. The large fireplace made the room quite warm. The steam rising from the pot made the whole room toasty. It felt like a sauna.
“It’s late today, so let’s rest. We’ll get ready tomorrow.”
Looking back, I saw Piyo sleeping soundly with two children. The reindeer fur pillow looked comfortable. Their father was sitting beside them.
“Then, we will take our leave.”
“Ah, good night.”
The private room, far from the fireplace, was naturally cold. There must have been heating, but it was faster to just get into bed. My feet were cold, but within five minutes, they gradually warmed up. Moreover, it was fluffy and light. It felt like being wrapped in clouds.
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. However, I didn’t want to get out of this warm nest and stay here forever. I even felt like it would be fine to just live here as I am.
Well, naturally, I didn’t have time for that, so I got up. Brr, it’s cold. I knew it, but it was still cold. If I just pulled the futon over me again, it would be paradise.
As such, time passed while I couldn’t get up. Sharin, perhaps wondering why I wasn’t getting up, knocked on the door.
“Hey, Arisugawa, are you awake?”
“I’m awake, but—I don’t think I can today.”
“What are you talking about? How long have you been in there? Hurry up and get dressed.”
He sighed in exasperation as he looked at me curled up in the futon. But what could I do? I thought it was amazing enough that I woke up at all. Since I was being urged, I had no choice but to grudgingly crawl out of bed and get dressed.
“First, let’s explore the village. We’re short on both clothing and food.”
Yeah, yeah, I know. But for today, I want Sharin to go alone. I’ll be here by the fireplace. Besides, everyone else is gathered here too.
“Come on, older brother, you go.”
“You go for a change for once.”
“I can’t. Satyrs are weak to the cold.”
“What are you saying? You liar.”
Piyo and Pauline were also by the fireplace, and Lauren showed no signs of moving. Even Cecilia was leisurely drinking hot milk. Come to think of it, aren’t cats weak to the cold? You know, cats curl up in the kotatsu. Elana didn’t even come out to the lobby.
“Arisugawa, let’s go.”
“Today is my day off…”
Sharin’s hand reached for the hilt of his dagger, so I had no choice but to go outside. A clear blue sky stretched out infinitely. Yet, it was cold, and I was already miserable.
“Well, first, let’s get some clothes.”
“R-r-right!”
We left the inn and, upon exploring the village, quickly found a clothing store. However, they only sold clothes for harpies, so they had no sleeves and large openings at the chest. The residents here probably grow fluffy chest hair, which complicates wearing clothes. You might be fine with that, but I’m not! I wanted to say, but we outsiders are different.
All the clothing stores only had harpy attire. Well, it wouldn’t sell if they stocked for other races, so it makes sense. For now, I bought a coat to wear over my shoulders, a scarf, and ear warmers. Not having gloves was quite difficult. The boots were also a problem. They did have them, but they didn’t fit my feet.
Children’s laughter could be heard everywhere in the village. Comet and Star, whom I met yesterday, were also playing with the local children, pulling sleds and having fun.
“Children have it good.”
Then, a child playing with a ball kicked it too far. The ball, drawing an arc, rolled into the nearby forest. I stopped a child who was about to go after it.
“Wait, wait. It’s dangerous, so I’ll go get it.”
The trees were laden with snow. It would be a disaster if it fell. The snow grew deeper as I entered the forest. The areas where people didn’t pass hadn’t been shoveled. Now, which way did it roll? I wanted to finish my errands quickly and go back. Buying some sausage and grilling it by the fireplace would be amazing.
I endured the cold while lost in such fantasies. After walking for a while into the forest, I found not a ball, but a fallen child.
