Sharin repelled the approaching Earthworm.
“Ah, sorry.”
I retracted the handkerchief I was holding. I might have done something insensitive. Sharin looked at me with eyes that seemed scared and bewildered.
“Pauline, let’s go.”
It couldn’t be helped. I couldn’t say exactly what it was, but I shouldn’t pry any further. Pauline wordlessly gently took my hand.
“W-wait…!”
Sharin’s voice, about to break, could be heard from behind. It seemed I had caused her unnecessary worry. The sounds of the surroundings gradually returned. That’s right, now that the Earthworm was repelled, this was our chance. We had to hurry, or more earthworms would swarm here if they heard this sound.
“Ah, Arisugawa…”
A voice called me. Should I turn back? What is this complicated feeling? It felt like a deep chasm had formed. I thought Sharin alone would remain the same. Was it because I felt betrayed? I unconsciously expected too much, even though she must have been struggling too.
When I turned around, she was there, shedding tears. Her bravery from moments ago was gone, and she looked like a lost child.
“Sharin, what’s wrong? Did I do something?”
Pauline also let go of my hand and rushed to Sharin. Meanwhile, tears were overflowing. I wiped them with the handkerchief I was holding.
“I-I just didn’t know.”
“Didn’t know what?”
At this, the companions who were about to move forward stopped, wondering what was happening.
“I-I became rough with you, but I didn’t know how to control myself. No matter what I did, it just got worse. I-I want things to be like they were before.”
I felt the same way from the opposite perspective. Before, just having her standing beside me was enough to give me courage. But gradually, I started to fear Sharin. Because she scared me, I avoided her gaze, without considering her feelings.
“Sharin, I’m sorry. I should have talked to you properly.”
“Ugh – boys don’t cry –”
She said, but she cried even more. Her usually composed face was wet with tears and snot.
“Boys cry too. You were scared of yourself changing, weren’t you? I was too. Besides, I was bothered by some strange man in town. People’s eyes on me have changed too. But isn’t it okay to change sometimes? It’s only for a little while, so let’s enjoy it.”
“Arisugawa, are you having fun?”
“To be honest, no, but it’s fun to see a different side of Sharin.”
For a moment, her face seemed to return to normal. I wiped her dirty face haphazardly and urged her to hurry.
“Honestly, what are you two doing? Stop crying and let’s go.”
“Yeah, I know.”
At Nina’s prompting, Sharin regained her composure and set off as if nothing had happened. The other members didn’t mention Sharin’s behavior either. It was a gesture of consideration, perhaps because they had all done something embarrassing and couldn’t speak of it.
Except for this guy.
“Wow, you two are so lovey-dovey. ‘I love you even if your gender changes,’ right?”
“I’ll punch you. Besides, weren’t you sulking because you were left alone?”
Kalbene grinned as he walked briskly. What was he talking about? He was in a mess too.
“Are you worried about me? But don’t worry, I’m devoted to my brother. Mmm, I love him. It doesn’t count if it’s between girls, right?”
“Huh? What are you talking about? Of course it counts.”
I pushed away Kalbene, who had moved closer. Yet, he tried to force his way in. Why was he joking now? I had to catch up to Sylvie as soon as possible.
“My brother became a girl♡, so his power is weak and he’s cute♡. Come on, admit it♡. It’s not good to lie to an old man♡.”
“Don’t use hearts instead of punctuation. That’s disgusting.”
I hit Kalbene’s head with the hilt of my dagger. The perverted old man cried out and slowed down. Honestly, at a time like this. Or perhaps he was doing it on purpose. Still, it was too malicious. Where did he learn such lines?
After walking for a while, we saw a makeshift camp of another unit, likely where they had encountered the Earthworm. Just in time, we could rest here for a bit. Cecilia and Veronica needed to rest. Cecilia, whom I had offered my shoulder to, was now sleeping on Philiana’s back.
The Naga warriors also seemed to be struggling, and the atmosphere of the camp was heavy. As soon as they saw us, everyone stood up.
“What? Civilians? You’re still here?”
“Where did you come from? It’s dangerous, so go back.”
“Excuse me, did a girl riding a sword pass by around here?”
Riding a sword…? They looked confused. Of course, if a group of civilians suddenly appeared and said something like that, it would make no sense.
“No, I haven’t seen anyone.”
“I see. Excuse me, but could we rest for a while?”
Everyone looked like they had something they wanted to say, but I ignored them and sat down under the shade of a nearby tree.
