Finally, they arrived at the center of the island, but were troubled as they could not enter.
“Please wait, we were chasing that intruder! I know it might be impossible, but could you please negotiate?”
“Even if you say that, I can’t do anything about it.”
The old man threw away his tobacco and extinguished it with his foot. He took out a packet from his pocket, clicked his tongue when he found it empty, and crushed it.
“Then why are you here?”
“I dislike noise. Besides, no one would bother eating a dirty old man like me.”
Perhaps, but if they came out now, doesn’t that mean the door is open?
“I closed the door, so don’t just go in.”
The old man dangled a bunch of keys as if he had read my thoughts. If that’s the case, I have no choice but to take them by force. I’m sorry, but I can’t stop here. I put my hand on my dagger and quietly approached from behind.
“Please drop the keys. I don’t want to do anything rough.”
“What, are you threatening me? Stop it.”
“I’m serious, I absolutely have to chase after them.”
I slowly closed the distance. Frankly, I don’t feel good about this. But it can’t be helped, I won’t be able to catch up to Auroa and the others if I don’t.
“W-wait, put away that dangerous thing.”
“Then lend me the keys.”
The old man grabbed my sleeve. I instinctively pulled my arm away and grabbed the other person’s shoulder with my free hand. He then grabbed my wrist, aiming for the dagger I was holding.
“Let go, I’ll get serious.”
“You too, wait, wh-ouch!”
As we were struggling, we didn’t notice the bushes and fell. It was as if I had pushed the old man down. This is my chance, I can fight from a superior position. I immediately twisted my wrist, shook him off, and pointed my dagger at him.
With my other hand, I held down the open chest.
“Now, give me the keys.”
*Funi*. I felt the sensation of the chest I was holding down. Huh, why is this feeling so just right? I suddenly looked at the old man’s face and saw that he was slightly flushed from struggling, his breathing heavy. A glimpse of well-defined abs peeked out from his disheveled clothes.
Ah, what is it, a little… no no no, wait, wait, he’s just a neighborhood old man. But in this position, it feels like we’re too close. My cat ears twitched.
“C-cute… no, no, no.”
What was I thinking? Why am I getting excited over an old man like this?! Is this the Treasure Beastman’s trick?!
When I let go, the old man turned his body, saying “Ouch, ouch.”
“Waaah, I can’t get up, what are you going to do?”
His upper body was sunk in the bushes, and he seemed unable to get up. His rear, turned towards me, was wiggling. His long tail seemed to be seducing me like a snake.
“Hey, hey, lend me a hand, argh!”
Before I knew it, I was holding his nape from behind. Now I can snatch the keys.
“H-hey, no, stop! If I lose these, I’ll get in trouble.”
As I reached out, the old man desperately tried to pull them away so they wouldn’t be taken.
“Huuuh, here, hand them over already.”
“No! Stop, please, I’m begging you.”
I’m so close to reaching them. He’s taller than I thought, and his arms are long. Then, the old man suddenly reversed his body. I lost my balance and fell into the bushes. As I tried to get up, my neck was firmly grasped by his thick fingers.
“Hmph, the tables have turned, kid.”
“Ah, guh.”
Damn it, he’s heavier than me, I can’t escape. This old man, smirking like that. He’s deliberately jingling the keys in front of me.
“What happened to your bravery from before? Look, look, what you want is right in front of you.”
“Let go, damn you, aah!”
The moment my fingertips touched the keys, I felt an odd sensation between my legs.
“There, there, keep trying.”
“Aah, stop, you… you idiot!”
The old man’s knees were perfectly wedged between my legs. Knowing this, he deliberately rocked his body as if to bump into me.
“You old man…! L-like this…”
“And who is it that’s pinned down by that old man, hmm? Say it, if you can say it, maybe I’ll give you this.”
Damn it, why do I have to be completely at the mercy of such a mediocre middle-aged old man? But I need the keys. I can’t sacrifice my stomach for my back.
“Ugh, I, I am.”
“Eh, what did you say? Your voice is too quiet to hear.”
“Haaah, I…I am…”
Suddenly, I glanced to the side and saw everyone looking at me. …What am I even doing.
The old man and I stood up silently.
“Um, can you guide us then?”
“Mm… Yeah.”
As everyone watched, the two of us walked towards the castle.
