Seeing Pauline’s happy appearance, Karubene decided to leave her in the village.
“W-wait!”
It was Lauren who spoke up then.
“I-I understand what you’re saying, Karubene. I think so too. I-I want her to be happy here. B-but I want to continue traveling with Pauline.”
Lauren continued before Karubene could reply.
“When it was just Pauline and I, I didn’t know what to do at first. To be honest, she was a bit like a bug, and I was a little wary. B-but after talking to her, it was so much fun, and it was the first time I felt like I had to protect someone. She gave me the determination to fight, and… and I want to apologize.”
Lauren turned back to Pauline and bowed her head.
“I-I’m so sorry, I-I was the reason you were taken by the Giant Centipede. I was too scared to say it.”
Pauline seemed a little taken aback at first, but then she giggled. Lauren looked up, puzzled.
“Heh, isn’t that the same as me?”
“Huh, the same?”
“Yes, I also thought Lauren seemed difficult and I didn’t like her much at first. But watching you try your best, I thought you were cool. When you got angry at Garuda and the others, I was so happy. And when the Spider Bugfolk attacked, I regret not stopping them. I’m sorry, everyone.”
So that’s why Pauline had realized it back then. As fellow Bugfolk, she must have recognized the danger. She probably gambled on the slim chance because we were all worn out.
Pauline approached Lauren, who was still bowing, and took her hand.
“I want to travel with Lauren too. We’re both strange, so we get along. And I’ll decide my own happiness.”
Then, she turned back to Karubene and pointed her finger sharply.
“Don’t decide for me. If you do it again, you’ll regret it. Come on, let’s go.”
Everyone was stunned as Pauline, having packed her belongings, walked away briskly.
“Ouch, that hurts. Hey, Older Sister.”
Veronica, who was lying on the cart Pauline had received, snorted and turned away. That’s right, now only Pauline could argue with Veronica. It might be difficult if she were gone.
Then, just as she was about to walk away, Pauline took a few steps, turned back, and said,
“Oh, right. Horn, you had someone more suited for you, didn’t you?”
As she said that, she glanced towards Lady. She was the one who had been taking care of them at the infirmary. Come to think of it, she had seemed interested in Horn. In fact, Lady, whose name was called by Pauline, covered her mouth with her hand, looking embarrassed.
And Horn himself was just staring blankly. Oh well, if you’re nearby, you should notice, though I’m in no position to say that.
“I wish you happiness.”
Waving her hand and smiling, Pauline started walking again. Piyo followed behind her.
“Pauline, wait for me!”
“Shall we go, too? It seems to be the case, so please do your best.”
“Ah, ah, goodbye…”
Horn waved back, looking as if he had no idea what had happened. The other Bugfolk, also only half understanding the situation, saw them off.
Beyond the Bugfolk village, the dim forest continued. It was morning, so there was some light, but it was still eerie. The forest, at first glance, seems to be just a lot of trees, but in reality, the atmosphere varies greatly from region to region. Some places, like this one, have tall trees that block sunlight, creating dim areas, while others are bright and open. The forest where the Vampire mansion was located was colder and darker. There are also forests that give a warm impression.
We want to reach the next town as soon as possible. We can’t afford to be attacked by the Spider Queen again. Our injuries haven’t healed yet. The bleeding has stopped, but it will likely worsen again if we move. Besides, Cecilia’s stamina hasn’t returned yet. Piyo’s wings were also burned, and Veronica’s face is swollen. Even though Karubene looks fine, he’s probably not at his best.
“Ah, Piyo’s goggles are broken.”
“What, really? But the frames are still there, so if we can replace the lenses, it should be fine.”
The impact of the explosion seemed to have cracked the lenses of the goggles I had given him. I hope they can fix it in the next town. Karubene put his hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, Older Brother, aren’t you going to my hometown?”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop by.”
“I want to set foot on the soil of my hometown too… I want to meet people of my own race.”
I say that, but I’m sure there’s a wine fountain or something there. She just wants to drink sake, that’s a given.
“I’m not going to a wine fountain.”
“W-why do you know that?”
I meant it as a joke. If it really exists, then there’s even less reason to go. While we were talking, we spotted buildings in the distance. There was an old iron gate. Nina glanced around suspiciously.
“Hmm, it seems there really is a town. The gate is open, let’s proceed cautiously.”
“Right, then Sharin and I will go in first. You all follow us.”
Sharin and I passed through the rusted gate. Beside it, a signboard read ‘Welcome’. Stepping into the town, the ground was paved with stone, and the buildings were well-constructed. We also saw a few people.
I wondered what it would be like, since it wasn’t on the map, but it’s a beautiful place. However, the people passing by all seemed to walk in a way that avoided us.
