I started looking for companions and encountered a strange Centaur.
The pink Centaur child in front of me was staring intently at me.
“Um, hello, I’m not suspicious or anything. I’m just looking for companions.”
Is pink actually dyed? At this age? Or are all Centaur children this color? Is it just in this region? Various questions popped up like bubbles. Then the boy opened his mouth.
“No, you’re suspicious. I have to report you.”
“Aaaah, wait, hold on, hold on! Just a moment!”
I blocked the road to stop him as he suddenly started running. I never expected it to go like this. The boy scowled, his face looking thoroughly displeased.
“I’m just looking for companions. I’m not suspicious. My appearance is a bit unusual, but there’s a reason for it. Oh, is your mother or father around? There’s something I need to ask.”
His displeased expression then shifted to a sulky one.
“My parents aren’t here, but I live alone. I don’t want to get involved in trouble, so can I go?”
Live alone? This young child? I didn’t quite understand, but maybe it was normal here.
“Right, then could you tell me where to find a clothing store and a place to bathe? I can’t go into town looking like this.”
“Did you escape from prison?”
P-prison… What is this child saying. But it’s possible that’s how others might see me.
“No, that’s not it. Actually, I was shipwrecked at sea.”
“A poacher?”
“No.”
This is bad. This child is extremely wary of me. I have to do something.
“I’m not suspicious. Really, how can I make you believe me?”
“Hmm, let me see. If you buy me a Special Sundae, maybe. With extra chocolate sauce and cream.”
…What is he talking about? Chocolate sauce? So I just need to buy him something sweet?
“Alright, but first I want to find a clothing store and a bath.”
“Do I have to come with you? It’s my day off, and I don’t want to spend it with some strange suspicious person.”
What a rude child. I wanted to say, *You’re* the strange one. He sighed.
“Fine. Then let’s just buy something suitable? Follow me.”
I ended up following the pink Centaur, grumbling. He was a bit chubby, and though I shouldn’t laugh, his t-shirt was tight. We left the sandy beach and climbed the stone pavement stairs.
“Huff, puff, I’m tired. I’m thirsty, can I have a drink first?”
“No, guide me quickly.”
We only climbed a little. I pushed the whining child from behind and managed to guide him near the shops. It looked like a souvenir shop, selling colorful shirts and shorts. There were also miscellaneous items like fruits, snacks, and daily necessities.
“Wow, not bad. It’s like a tourist spot. I can’t go in dressed like this, so I’ll ask you to do the shopping.”
I didn’t know how long it would take to buy clothes, so I gave him a few small gold coins for now.
“Anything is fine? Don’t complain later. Also, can I buy some ice cream?”
I was too tired to care and just nodded vaguely. At this rate, one or two ice creams wouldn’t matter. Huh? What, ice cream?
