Vol 2 Chapter 7.3 (2/2)

My expression was same as that of a lamb’s in front of a wolf.

「Kuku, I’m just kidding. Don’t take it seriously……however, I will grant you only one wish. Afterward, I have no intention of getting along with you. And pray that you won’t have to regret like a worthless man for not killing me.」

「Please don’t say such a terribly terrible thing with such a straight face… By the way, I would like to ask one more thing…」

As for what I was going to ask, I already had the answer. Just that… it would have more significance if I heard it from her own mouth…

「Is there something still left unsaid?」

「…What’s your name?」

「What would you do when you heard it? It’s nothing of importance.」

「Knowing someone’s name is a form of attachment. Honestly, I don’t mean to fight you once more. Please take it as a silly precaution. By the way, I’m Seiji Agatsuma.」

The opponent, who had a discouraged expression about her face, heavily opened her mouth after a brief moment.

「Alba… Alba Mewt…」

Saying merely that, Alba went away at the same speed with which she came cras.h.i.+ng, as if it was played back in reverse.

After a short while, only a black dot could be seen.

――Really… She was just like a storm…

「I’m so tired~~ It was too much.」

As it was, my body flopped back like 大.

The moist ground caught me softly.

…Although I couldn’t steal any skill, it’s fine, isn’t it?

Lim was rus.h.i.+ng toward me, while I was in such a state. She had a smile born out of delight over my safety, tinged with a color of desire to hear the story.

I thought she would blame me for letting Alba go. However, it didn’t seem to be so.

My heart, that was tired after the battle, was healed by Lim’s smile.

「――――That was why…」

「So, it was that.」

I recounted my conversation with Alba from a while ago to Lim.

Even though Alba herself wasn’t the ringleader of the invasion on the village, I didn’t think she would understand that easily.

However, the words Lim said next took me by surprise.

「I think Seiji made the right decision. But I… will never forgive demons… Had I been alone, I would have ended up killed. I’m not capable. I was only leeching off Seiji, so it’s definitely not my place to get angry.」

「Lim…」

「That’s that, but I was rescued by Seiji. Therefore, I’m sincerely grateful to you… Thank you…」

Aah… My persevering was worth it…

That was why I was able to protect her well.

After caressing Lim’s head for a while, I patted the side of Rook’s neck.

Although it was covered in tough scales, it somehow felt good and raised a delighted cry.

――Well then. Although it was still early in terms of time, I wondered if we should return for today.

I didn’t feel like hunting Slimes, and we had enjoyed the scenery already.

Above all, I was tired.

「…Hey, Lim… When we straddle Rook on the way back――can you please sit behind me?」

「Eh? Okay, but…why…?」

「There’s no deep meaning to it. Think of it as part of your thanks toward me.」

Although Lim had a wondering look about her face, she nodded obediently.

――Now then, let’s return. To the town of Merville.

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