Chapter 17
Just as Mireille had said, no members of the Al-Reten attacked me or the girl as we headed for the exit.
As the entrance ceremony concludes, and the sun begins to set, I find myself walking through the slums, with the evening sun painting my silhouette.
「…Could you possibly stand up on your own now?」
「….Fue?」
Upon hearing my words, the girl lets out a surprised yelp… she’s currently in my arms, princess-carried by me.
「The effects of the ‘Night’s Cocoon’ have worn off by now. I understand not wanting to stand in the slums, but I’d appreciate it if you could.」
「Heh… Ah! No, umm… I-It’s not that I don’t want to stand up, okay!?」
「Ah.」
As she squirms in surprise, the girl slips from my grasp, rolling a short distance away before stopping.
「Seriously… Even the folks in the slums don’t tumble around like that. This place is dirtier than you might think.」
Looking at the girl who’s distanced herself from me, she stands up, swaying slightly. I call out to her, a perplexed tone in my voice.
「It’s not like they were going to kidnap me anyway… So it doesn’t really matter.」
「There might be germs or something here, so when you get home, make sure you wash thoroughly. Maybe even throw away those clothes, alright?」
「I-I get it.」
Hearing my advice, she nods and moves to walk beside me again.
「Sigh, you saved me again, didn’t you? Thank you, truly. If there’s any way I can repay…」
She begins to voice her gratitude.
「I’m a slum dweller, used to the world of darkness. I have deep ties with Al-Reten. In fact, I used to be one of its members. So, accepting your gratitude outright is… a bit complicated.」
I reply with a wry smile.
After all, it’s not like I’m completely uninvolved with Al-Reten, making it a bit hard to accept her thanks.
「About your village…」
「That’s enough.」
As the girl begins to inquire about my past, I place my index finger on her lips, silencing her, and give her a wink.
「Well, if you’re insisting on repaying me, maybe someday you can grant me one favor. That would be enough.」
「Eh, oh… Hyahii!!」
Upon hearing my words, she nods fervently.
「In that case, I’ll… I’ll take my leave around hereeeeeee!?」
「Wait! I’ll escort you at least until Highend! The slums are dangerous! And, by the way, you’re heading the wrong way! Can’t you see the wall?」
I find myself chasing after the girl, who’s dashed off in the wrong direction.
Maybe I should advance the events a bit?
A slight change wouldn’t hurt, right? Our protagonist can handle it… especially when I, the final boss, am behaving so passively.
<< Table of Contents >>