Veronica woke up as Pauline nursed her.
For two days after Veronica’s revival, we rested while being cared for by the Kobolds. Piyo was happily running around with the children. Seeing them like this, they still seemed very young. As for Veronica, though encouraged by Pauline, her burns had greatly improved thanks to the nursing.
When we told them we were leaving, they shared gold, silver, and jewels with us as thanks.
“I feel a bit sorry, is it okay to take so much?”
“You are lifesavers. We will offer prayers. So, where are you going?”
I showed them the map and told the Kobolds where we intended to go next. Seeing it, they tilted their heads and pondered.
“From here on, it’s dangerous. It’s the territory of a large Beastman. If you enter, you’ll be killed.”
A large Beastman? Is there a village of Beastmen ahead? It doesn’t seem friendly either. Although it’s against my will, I should probably take a detour. I thanked the Kobolds and broke camp. It was reluctant, but I couldn’t help but move forward. Besides, I felt bad for being taken care of for so long.
Since it was daytime, Veronica was riding on Philiana’s back. She didn’t say anything, but it seemed she would accompany us on the journey. Taking a detour naturally meant a longer route. I was conflicted between wanting to escape this bothersome deep forest quickly and wanting to proceed safely.
Pushing through the thick, encroaching green, we forced our way through pathless terrain. The grass spread out at our feet like a carpet, leaving no room to place our feet. The stagnant heat and humidity made me feel like I was constantly in a fragrant sauna. And despite all our efforts, we were making no progress. This only added to my melancholy.
Suddenly, a flash of pink caught my eye. I hurriedly followed the vibrant color. There, blooming magnificently amidst the green, was a large, beautiful pink flower. I instinctively wanted to reach out and touch it. But this was a trap. They were likely trying to lure prey this way. Piyo also noticed this unusual flower and stared at it with a puzzled expression.
“Wow, what a beautiful flower. It has a sweet scent, too.”
“But don’t touch it, it’s a trap.”
Piyo pouted, “I know!” Just as we moved away, trying to keep our distance, Pauline casually walked towards the flower. It was as if she were a bee drawn to the scent of honey.
“Pauline, wait! Don’t go!”
I grabbed her by the scruff of her neck in a panic. Then, as if waiting for this moment, a large lizard opened its mouth wide from beneath the flower and lunged. I instinctively pulled Pauline back and fell backward. The flower was, in fact, part of a large lizard’s body. Not only that, but its scales were like leaves, camouflaging it within the dense foliage. The lizard, having missed its prey, snapped its jaws shut and lumbered away.
Piyo was astonished and dumbfounded by this.
“Ah, I’m sorry. It smelled so nice, I just… Thank you.”
Pauline stood up and bowed repeatedly. This deep forest is truly, how should I say it, relentless. If there’s even a small gap, someone will find it and slip through. Pauline couldn’t go against her instincts. We were perfect prey for this deep forest.
