I began searching for the child’s family, who had collapsed with a high fever.
I explained the child to Lealo. She tilted her head, saying she didn’t know either.
“Are there any other villages near here?”
“There are, but this is the northernmost village of the Flower Harpies. Even if there are nearby villages, it’s uncertain if the same race lives there. We’re different from the Harpies living in Shindo, aren’t we?”
That’s right. If that’s the case, where did it come from? The mystery only deepened.
“Oh, could it be that there’s a Hunter Harpy village near here?”
“Ah, him. He’s my brother.”
Eh?! I had assumed he came from another village. His race is different, though. Could he be a half-sibling or something?
“We’re not blood-related. It’s surprising at first, isn’t it? Considering our history. But he’s precious family and a companion to us. I’m the head of the guard, but I’m not blessed with physique, am I?”
There must be some reason. It seems it was Lealo’s brother who was the first to inform us when we were approaching this village. He’s truly like an eagle’s eye. He’s an excellent warrior.
“Well, first, we need to solve the mystery of this child. Any other clues?”
“Hmm, now that you mention it, they were wearing a cute hat. It had a button shaped like a bird’s face, and they were wearing clothes like overalls.”
When I relayed information about the clothes, Lealo’s smile suddenly vanished. Did I say something bad?
“Take it back to where it came from immediately.”
“Eh, that’s impossible. They have a fever.”
“Just do it quickly.”
What is this all of a sudden? They want me to leave a child who hasn’t regained consciousness and has a high fever out in the snow?
“Why? It’s pitiful.”
“That child is not from this village. Just do as I say.”
I absolutely cannot do that. It’s too cruel to say that just because the child isn’t from this village.
“I can’t do it. Why would you say something like that?”
“You don’t know the circumstances here.”
“Then please explain.”
Lealo shook her head, saying she couldn’t. Why would they do such a persecutory thing? What kind of people are these villagers? For the time being, I remained silent and left the Guard Wing branch.
“It seems we have no choice but to search for the parents ourselves.”
“Indeed. This village feels strange.”
Sharin agreed and returned to the lodgings with me. When I told our companions what we were told, they were equally surprised.
“That’s terrible! I object.”
“But why did she suddenly say that?”
As Cecilia said, I don’t understand. I only mentioned the clothing. What secret does this cute hat hold?
“Let’s wait until the child wakes up. We’ll know if we can talk to them.”
We waited for a while until the strange child woke up. Then, perhaps sensing something, Lealo visited with her brother.
All eyes were fixed on her. What she would say next would dictate our response.
“So, the child is still here.”
“Of course. I can’t possibly leave a child in this condition out in the cold.”
Lealo sighed as if to say, “Oh dear.”
“That’s not a child. They’re already an adult.”
“There’s no way that’s true. They look about four or five years old.”
“That race is small from birth.”
Small from birth? Could it be, perhaps, a Hummingbird Har? The smallest Harpy in the world, that description fits perfectly. They didn’t have the beautiful feathers I’d heard of, but the fluffy down might have looked that way.
“So, are they a different race from you all?”
“Yes, they aren’t even Flower Harpies.”
They look no different from the snow country Harpies living here, but if they say they’re a different race, then so be it.
“Could they be Hummingbird Harpies?”
“…No, but they’re not.”
Whaaat? They’re not? But they look like the world’s smallest Harpies. Are there even smaller ones? Perhaps palm-sized? But I can’t say for sure they don’t exist.
“Then what are they?”
Lealo hesitated at my question. What is it? Judging by her attitude earlier, is there something she can’t say?
“I can’t say. They are a reclusive race that has cut off contact with the outside world. If even one of them is known to be here, it would be bad for both sides.”
“But they’ll die if we leave them. At least until they recover.”
“It can’t be helped. But promise me you’ll take them back immediately once their fever subsides.”
When I said I promised, the two of them reluctantly left. What is going on? Right, I should ask Lealo’s mother. I have a feeling she might know something. Thus, I decided to visit Lealo’s house alone once more.
