The group, having escaped the clutches of the Diepser, departed from Spring Harbor.
However, there were those who were not pleased with such a peaceful journey. Lauren, burdened with a mountain of comics, wore a grumpy expression, looking as though she wished she could have read the continuations. It was difficult to know what to do when she said things like that. And Veronica was even more transformed. While we were enjoying our vacation, she had somehow been acting on her own and was now dyed in the colors of the big city. She’d dyed her hair, donned platform boots, and applied purple eyeshadow and lipstick. She looked like a rock star.
She was currently on a cart that Philiana was pulling. It had been lost before, but they had bought a new one because it was convenient. Perhaps it was because of the Centaurs in this world, but there were various types and shapes available, making it easy to choose.
Furthermore, Nina was applying makeup, and Philiana seemed happy to have found underwear that suited her.Apparently, there was a lingerie shop that stocked larger sizes. Pauline had also changed into a cute floral dress and put on a hat. As for Piyo, he was playing with a strange toy he had found somewhere.
Continuing to walk while taking breaks, they finally reached their destination, an inn. They were able to rent rooms without incident and could rest, albeit in somewhat cramped spaces. It had been a long time since their journey had gone so smoothly. They hoped to reach Shindo without any further trouble.
At night, they gathered in a small resting area outside to talk. Everyone seemed curious about how I had defeated the witch. I told them that I had met Mismol and fought together with him. Most of them seemed half-believing, with only Piyo and Pauline praising me with amazement. Nina shrugged and said, “Seriously?”
“You mean that guy, Mismol, defeated her while you were captured?”
“No, well, maybe, but you all know him, right? He’s the keyboardist for the Dragon Triangle.”
After a slight pause, there were exclamations of “Ehh?”
“No way! Who? The guy on the end? The guy on the end…?”
Sadly, it seemed none of them remembered his appearance. It must have been difficult for him to be in a band when he disliked being the center of attention. Veronica appeared from the shadows of the inn, smoking a cigarette.
“Oh, good morning, Veronica. You’ve gotten quite stylish.”
When I commented on her outfit, she slightly smirked, seeming pleased.
“Hmph, this is what you call rock. I wish I had more time to listen to this kind of music. It wouldn’t be bad to come back after I’m done with my business. More importantly, look at this.”
She slightly lifted the hem of the tank top she was wearing. A crow tattoo was etched on her side hip. Philiana covered her mouth with her hand and said, “My.”
“Is that a tattoo? That’s amazing. Didn’t it hurt?”
“It hurt. But doesn’t it look cool?”
Veronica exhaled a puff of smoke, her face looking satisfied.
The next day, they continued walking in the same manner. The buildings had become fewer, but occasionally, houses could be seen in the distance. Sheep grazed in the fields, making for a peaceful road. The weather was clear, and they might reach their destination earlier than expected. I wondered what kind of place Shindo would be. Would it be a large town like Spring Harbor, or perhaps a quiet rural town with just a library? As I was idly thinking about such things, I spotted a man sitting by the roadside.
He wore a simple hat woven from grass and sat cross-legged on a stone, motionless. His appearance was not particularly good either. He wore thin clothes with frayed sleeves and a faded sash around his waist. “Well, there are all sorts of people,” I thought, “Maybe he’s training.” I decided not to disturb him.
We passed by without paying much attention.
“Excuse me, could you wait a moment?”
Just then, a hoarse male voice called out from behind us. Turning around, I saw the man who had been sitting stand up and face us. His face was hidden by his hat, but I wondered if he was a beggar.
“What is it?”
“No, I just wanted to ask you something. If I’m mistaken, but are you by any chance the group of Brave?”
The man slowly lifted his hat. His skin was grayish, with pointed ears. I wondered how he had gotten information about us.
