Chapter 176: In the Shadows of the City...
{TL: By Creed}
In a back alley where sunlight could hardly reach, multiple shadows of people could be seen.
Among them, one man—who had the appearance of a merchant—had turned completely pale.
Surrounded by armed strangers, his body trembled with fear.
"Gyahhh!?"
The merchant-like man suddenly let out a scream as he was slashed.
Clutching his bleeding arm, he collapsed to the ground.
"Hahaha! Serves you right!"
"You're getting what you deserve for all the dirty deeds you've done. This is divine punishment!"
"Go ahead and cry! Beg for your life!"
The assailants laughed loudly.
They seemed to think nothing of hurting others; in fact, they even appeared to be enjoying it.
The strange and unsettling behavior of the assailants only deepened the merchant-like man's fear.
"Somebody, please...!"
He called for help, but there was no one to answer.
His face became one of utter despair as tears welled up in his eyes.
As they laughed at his misery, the assailants slowly closed the distance between them...
Then, they raised their swords.
The blade of the sword was jet black, with a crimson jewel embedded in its hilt.
――――――――――
We returned to the inn and had a meal.
Afterward, we discussed our next steps in our room.
“What should we do next?”
“Well… I’d like to hear from Lyra again. If we give it a bit of time, she might have some new information for us.”
“Yeah, I agree.”
Although we’d learned a little about beastkin, we still hadn’t figured out why Aisha was being targeted.
We needed to gather a lot more information.
“Also, if possible, I’d like to secure some sources of information other than Lyra.”
“But is there anyone more knowledgeable about beastkin than Lyra?”
“It’s actually the opposite, Fate.”
“Huh?”
“Lyra is indeed very knowledgeable about beastkin. However, I think it’s also worth listening to people who aren’t experts. Experts sometimes overlook simple things because of their expertise. On the other hand, amateurs might stumble upon unexpected insights.”
“I see.”
There might be discoveries we hadn’t even considered.
In other words, instead of relying solely on Lyra, we should gather information from a wider range of people.
“Then how about we check out the Adventurers’ Guild here? When it comes to gathering information, the Adventurers’ Guild is always a good place to start.”
“Yes, I think that’s a great idea. That’s just like you, Fate.”
“No, it’s thanks to you, Sofia. I wouldn’t have even thought about collecting information from ordinary people.”
“No, no, it’s not because of me. You’re the one who has such flexible thinking, Fate.”
“No, no, Sofia really…”
“No, no, Fate really…”
“Oh, right, you two aren’t just doting parents—you’re also a hopelessly lovey-dovey couple.”
““……””
Under Licorice’s exasperated gaze, we both turned red with embarrassment.
I was happy to be told I got along well with Sofia, but…
I wasn’t used to it yet, and it made me a little shy.
“Ahem… Anyway, about tomorrow.”
Pulling myself together, I discussed tomorrow’s plans with Sofia.
In the end, we decided to split into two groups.
Sofia and Aisha would go to see Lyra again, while Licorice and I would visit the Adventurers’ Guild.
As for the finer details of the schedule, we’d work them out tomorrow.
We’d play it by ear and adapt as we went.
“By the way…”
I glanced at Aisha, who was playing with the puppy.
“Aisha, is something wrong?”
Until a moment ago, she’d seemed to be having fun, but now her expression was serious.
“I’m thinking about this little one’s name.”
“Oh, right. If you’re going to keep it, you’ll need to name it.”
“Are you having trouble thinking of one?”
“Yeah… I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, how about we all think of one together?”
Sofia smiled warmly as she said this, and Aisha smiled back just as brightly.
“This is where I, the ever-brilliant and overwhelmingly creative Licorice, step in! Let’s see… How about ‘Wonderful’? You know, because it’s a dog.”
“…”
“…”
“…”
“Wait, what’s with the silence?”
“What about you, Fate?”
Licorice protested, “Don’t ignore me!” but I continued thinking anyway.
“Hmm… Oh, wait. Before we decide, is the puppy a boy or a girl?”
“It’s a girl.”
“Got it. In that case… How about ‘Snow’?”
“Snow…?”
“Yeah. Her silver fur is so beautiful, and it reminded me of snow shining in the morning sunlight. What do you think, Aisha?”
“Snow…”
Aisha softly repeated the name to herself.
After a moment, her eyes sparkled brightly, just like the puppy’s fur.
“Yes! Snow is perfect!”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“From today on, your name is Snow, okay?”
“Woof!”
The puppy—Snow—barked happily as if she were thrilled, wagging her tail with excitement.
TL Note: Snow joins the party.
Next
Comments
Post a Comment