Arisugawa faced the feelings of those with values different from his own.
Aerin’s mouth moved silently as she looked at Heiring, who had returned.
“Ah, no, it’s not…”
“Is there something you need to talk to me about?”
“N-no, it’s just, I got a little carried away.”
Heiring tells her to rest and tries to leave. Ultimately, it’s up to her whether to say it or not. But this time, I didn’t just brush it off; I properly stated my opinion and faced them. I have no regrets.
Heiring, who had started walking when the conversation died down, stopped.
“I’m sorry for making you accompany me on such a dangerous mission. I almost injured you. I will report this to the superiors and do my best to ensure you can work in a better environment.”
“Huh?”
The color drained from Aerin’s face, replaced by despair. She seemed frozen, unsure of what to do.
“Isn’t there anything else you need to tell him?”
“Wh-what? Is there something you need to tell me?”
Heiring’s figure disappears into the night. That’s right, these two are passing each other by. They are too considerate of each other, and they are not conveying important things. Being lovers is not the only way to forge a bond.
“Heirling regretted not having more strength. He thought that battle requires power, not technique.”
“Th-that’s not true, it’s technique that’s needed. Ah, we… w-wait.”
Heiring stops at Aerin’s call.
“There is something I wanted to say. I believe that battle requires both strength and technique. And, well, I’m not strong and I haven’t studied enough, but I want to be of help to you, so please let me work with you as I strive to become capable someday.”
“You have both talent and ability. That’s precisely why there’s a place where you can be even more active.”
“Then, is it not enough that I like you?”
This rendered Heiring speechless. He’s a serious person, and he probably dislikes the idea of his junior getting hurt due to his lack of skill. I can understand that feeling. He knows he wouldn’t forgive himself if something happened.
But one must have courage. The decision to borrow someone’s strength is sometimes difficult.
“…I see, thank you. I’ve secured a simple lodging for you, so come later.”
After Heiring left, the surroundings fell silent for a moment. Then Aerin turned to me.
“H-he left. Wh-what should I do?”
“Isn’t that a good thing?”
I don’t know how she interpreted it, but I’ll let it go. Aerin looked embarrassed but also happy.
“It’s getting dark, so you should head to the inn. I have my companions.”
“Yes, be careful.”
He walked towards the inn with light steps.
“That was good, wasn’t it, brother? You were unusually passionate.”
“Karubene? Since when were you watching?”
Tsk, it’s annoying how he seems to be wandering but is actually listening.
“Indeed. Is Brother finally playing Cupid?”
“Be quiet.”
“Hahaha, don’t sulk. We have an early day tomorrow, so let’s rest.”
You were the one teasing me, honestly. I want to retort, but my stamina is at its limit. I need to get some sleep here, or it will affect tomorrow. I decided to rest after her.
The next morning, we bid farewell to Heiring and Aerin. Heiring bowed deeply towards us.
“I apologize for putting you in danger. I am truly sorry.”
“Not at all, please continue to work hard together.”
Aerin, standing behind him, looked somewhat relieved. What I did might have been meddling. Still, if it helped them find a thread of resolution, even a little, and if she can now like herself, then it’s good.
We started walking again towards our next destination. Next is the Centaur country, the Centaur Kingdom, a country called the center of this world. Although, that’s probably just what the Centaur tribe claims.
Emerging from the forest, a vast country appeared in our view. The Flower Harpy country was impressive, with its high walls and neat appearance. But this place gave a grand impression, as if a mountain had been carved out to create it. The buildings seem to have been added piece by piece as they could be made.
Of course, there were no high walls. It’s built to suit a large race.
“Wow! This is amazing. This is the Centaur country, it’s so big!”
Philiana’s eyes sparkled. Their races must have completely different forms.
“Let’s go right away!”
“Wait! It’s still quite a distance from here… Ah, if you run, no one will be able to keep up with you!”
Despite Nina’s protest, Philiana sped off, kicking up a cloud of sand.
