After returning to the empty house and eating, the group’s minds were restless due to the commotion.
The next day, I headed to the clinic to check on Donner.
“Oh, good morning. You’re the person who came yesterday, aren’t you?”
“Good morning. How is she doing?”
According to the doctor, she had survived and was stable.
“It grazed her abdomen, but luckily didn’t injure any internal organs. She was fortunate.”
For the time being, this preserved the relationship between Keraino and the High Elf. Since nobody died, we had to pursue Auroa. That’s right, I might be able to get information from that brat.
As soon as I went outside, I heard that bothersome voice. Sharin, who had been sticking to me since yesterday, seemed quite exhausted. She had a look of extreme discomfort on her face. I had never seen anyone turn so pale, no matter how intense the battle.
“Arisugawa… Help me.”
Her voice was hoarse. Meanwhile, Aurion next to her was lively, unconcerned about anyone else’s condition.
“Oh, gooood moooorning. Yesterday was such a mess, you know? Siren kept chasing me. Well, I, being me, would never lose to someone like that, of course.”
“It’s because you did something awful. More importantly, where is Auroa now?”
“How would I, being me, know that? I was just hired, you know. See, I’m overflowing with talent, aren’t I? I have great innate skills, maybe I’m a gifted one?”
Ah, useless. Well, Auroa probably hired him with this in mind. A simple tool with an empty head, who wouldn’t even consider betrayal. Perfect for a scapegoat.
“My immense magic power, my athletic ability, and this cute face. They say Heaven doesn’t bestow two gifts, but I, being me, have received so many. It’s only natural that Auroa would offer me a job.”
“You’ve told me this story three times already.”
“Really? You remember my stories? I’m so haaaaappy!”
Perhaps she no longer had the energy to shake him off, as Sharin didn’t react to Aurion clinging to her.
“Hey, can you move away from Sharin? She looks pretty exhausted.”
It’s because of you. With battles continuing, it would be a problem to lose such a valuable asset.
“What? Are you saying you’re after Sharin?”
“N-no, it’s not like that, but she’s clearly uncomfortable. If you like someone, you have to pay attention to their feelings.”
Aurion pouted and peered at Sharin’s face.
“It’s the same as yesterday.”
“That means she’s been uncomfortable since the moment she met you.”
“Stop being jealous. Sharin and I are both cat demi-humans, don’t you think we’re a perfect couple? It’s destiny, right? You agree, don’t you? You’re human, aren’t you? A loser banished from paradise.”
For some reason, hearing this from him made my blood boil. Well, sure, we’re different races, but I’ve lived longer than him.
“I, being me, am rich, and I have a family. I can make Sharin happy for the rest of my life. What do you have?”
“Huh? Uh…”
What do I have? Nothing. I have no money, no home. What I have is…
“Memories.”
“Huh? What’s that? I don’t get it.”
“For now, just get away from Sharin. She needs some time alone. If you like her, it’s important to be considerate of her feelings too.”
Aurion unhappily moved away from Sharin.
“Finally, he’s gone. Thank you…”
Sharin staggered back to the inn. Anyone would go crazy if they had to listen to that kind of chatter all night. She’d been taken by an incredible person. I had intended to gather supplies needed for the rest of our journey, but I would have to go alone.
Usually, I would have gone with Sharin. Now then, would there be any shops in this unpopulated High Elf village? I wondered, but surprisingly, I found some. There were a few bakeries and a general store.
And the people were surprisingly kind. I expected to be looked down upon as an outsider, especially a human, but they welcomed me warmly. Some people, seeing my dirtiness, recommended a bath, while others, seeing my wounds, offered treatment.
Somehow, they all seemed bored. In a small community, every day was the same. Living a long life is a double-edged sword, I guess.
As I went around the village, it quickly became dark. And thanks to the villagers’ kindness, my stamina had recovered considerably. It seemed the two I met at first were just unusually exclusive.
Now, I wonder how Sharin is doing. I wonder if Aurion kept his promise and stopped bothering her.
