I arrived at the Comic Festival with Lauren.
How long had it been since Lauren’s figure disappeared into the crowd? We had evacuated the venue and were having lunch outside. As expected from a centaur country, the portions were enormous. Ordering a medium size and sharing it between two people was just right.
“Honestly, is Lauren forgetting her original purpose?”
“It’s fine once in a while. She needs a vacation too.”
That’s true, but we came here to shop, and if we continue like this, the sun will set before we know it.
“Did your world have events like this too?”
“Hmm, I think so. I wasn’t interested, so I don’t know much about it.”
Should I just go shopping now? But it would be terrible if I got lost in an unfamiliar place. Ah, I can’t stop yawning.
“Sharin, don’t you have anything you like?”
“Hmm, I, let me see. Come to think of it, what do I even like?”
“Hahaha, you’re asking me? That’s a tough one. Hey, what do you want to do after this journey is over? Even If I returned to my own world, I wouldn’t have a place there. But I want to see my parents and say just one word of thanks.”
Sharin seemed to be deep in thought. Was it that difficult a question? She has a family waiting for her, so she should go back. Family… come to think of it, Sharin was part of the Cat Bandit Group, are her parents there as well?
“Hey, are Sharin’s parents also bandits?”
“Huh? N-No.”
She was unusually evasive, a rare sight for her. Could she have run away from home? Was it a falling out like with Veronica?
“I don’t know my parents’ faces. I’ve been with companions since I can remember, and they were all the same, so I never found it strange.”
“But weren’t they all cat beastmen and demi-humans?”
“That was just a group of people with similar appearances gathering. It seems I was sold by someone when I was a child, and the boss picked me up. Well, he stole me.”
So that’s how it was. I asked a rude question. Still, it doesn’t change the fact that she has important companions waiting for her.
“After it’s all over, you should go back to everyone.”
“R-Right. They must be worried. I hope I’m not stealing anymore. After that, if you don’t mind, I’d like to visit your world.”
“Ah, of course. There are many places I want to show you.”
Places I want to visit with Sharin: a movie theater, an aquarium, maybe even a temple with a large Buddha statue. I feel like she’d be surprised no matter where I took her. Perhaps we could enjoy a relaxing vacation by the sea next time. No matter the place, I’m sure it would be fun with Sharin. Wait, why did I think it would be fun with Sharin? Is it because we often go shopping together?
“Hey, Arisugawa. You’re finally back.”
Oh, right. I was waiting for Lauren. The person who kept us waiting for half a day was now carrying a lot of luggage in both her arms and spider forelegs.
“You bought a lot.”
“Hah, I did it. I have no regrets in my life…”
“Stop saying such things and just tell me what to do with all this luggage. We were planning to go shopping, remember?”
For the time being, I sent Lauren back to the lodging alone. She’ll probably want to enjoy herself with all her purchases. After that, we purchased supplies for our journey as planned. We would be walking again to our next destination, the land of the Satyrs. Fortunately, it wasn’t too far.
By the time we finished our errands, the sun had already set. I wonder if everyone had a fun day? I had told them to try and not stand out, but would they have followed my instructions?
When I returned to the room, everyone was already gathered. Piyo, who was watching TV, turned around.
“Hiro, you’re finally back.”
“Yeah, I’m back. I’m tired.”
Applause and cheers flowed from the black and white television screen. On the screen was a centaur youth dressed in a flashy suit. He was singing and dancing with unique moves on stage. As he skillfully moonwalked on his four legs, even louder cheers erupted from the audience.
It was surprising to see such movements from a large centaur. I found myself sitting on the bed, captivated. Then, Elana approached with a map in hand.
“I’ve worked out most of the route. If you follow this main road, you should be able to reach our next destination, the God Goblet United Kingdom, safely.”
United Kingdom… so it’s a federation of multiple countries. I don’t know the circumstances under which it formed, but we’ll proceed with the path Elana has decided.
