Horn-san was incredibly strong.
He didn’t have the physical ability that Sofia did.
It might sound rude, but even his sword skills were probably below Sofia’s.
However, he more than made up for it with his vast combat experience.
For example, when facing an orc.
Thanks to his many years of experience, he could easily predict the orc’s actions.
Only Horn-san’s attacks landed, while the orc’s never touched him.
It was almost like he could see the future.
He understood the habits and behavior patterns of many monsters, allowing him to handle battles advantageously.
That was a major advantage.
Then there was his knowledge as an adventurer.
Disarming traps, finding the exit of a labyrinth.
Survival techniques and countless other things.
He knew so much, even things I had no idea about, and it was incredibly educational.
I was genuinely impressed—so this is what a seasoned adventurer is like.
"Horn-san, you’re amazing!"
I said that with an excited voice.
Horn-san, having finished checking the surroundings, sheathed his sword and gave a wry smile.
"No, no, I’m nothing special."
"But you know so many things I don’t… I thought I knew a decent amount because of everything I’ve been through, but that was just arrogance."
"There’s no need to put yourself down like that. Fate, your knowledge is quite impressive. When I was about your age, I didn’t know anything."
"But still…"
"Don’t be so down. If you’re that eager, I’ll pass on the knowledge I’ve gained."
"Really!?"
"Of course. If you don’t mind learning from someone like me, by all means—absorb as much as you can."
"Yes! I’ll do my best!"
"Ho ho ho, never thought I’d have a student at my age."
Horn-san laughed joyfully.
Seeing that made me smile too.
――――――――――
"Gyaa!?"
Sofia cut down the monster.
However, her gaze wasn’t on the monster.
It was directed at Fate and Horn, who were a little farther away.
"Hmph..."
Sofia’s eyes were narrowed as she looked at the two of them.
Her face was also displeased, and she looked somewhat like a child sulking.
While keeping her gaze fixed on the two of them, she continued slashing down the surrounding monsters.
She looked like a fully automated killing machine.
If Aisha had been here, she might have been scared.
"Muuu..."
"Hey, Sofia."
Licorice spoke to Sofia with a somewhat exasperated look on her face.
"What is it?"
"It’s dangerous to be looking away. There are still plenty of monsters in our area, you know."
"This is nothing. I’m fine."
Saying this, Sofia swung her sword again.
A monster that was attempting to ambush from behind was vertically cleaved in two.
Her sword speed was like the wind.
The monster that was cut didn’t even realize it was dead for a while.
"Well, you might be fine, but... what’s with that? Are you really that concerned about those two?"
"I-I’m not concerned or anything..."
"You’re totally concerned! It’s hilarious."
She laughed merrily.
"Oh? There are monsters here too?"
"I’m a fairy! The cute, cute, beautiful fairy Licorice-chan!?"
Threatened by Sofia, Licorice quickly surrendered.
However, that didn’t deter Licorice.
"So, why are you watching those two?"
"...I’m curious, okay?"
"Curious about what?"
"Fate acting so friendly with someone other than me..."
In short, Sofia was jealous of Horn.
Licorice let out a sigh of exasperation.
"You know... that’s not really about being friendly, it’s admiration, right? Admiration. It’s not love or anything like that, so you don’t need to worry."
"I understand that, but... still, it bothers me!"
"Because you’re a lovesick girl?"
"Yes!"
"How troublesome."
Licorice was half exasperated, but also half amused.
Love.
It was a feeling that her kind, the fairies, didn’t really understand.
Because of that, she didn’t cling to it like Sofia did.
Still, watching from the sidelines, it was fun and interesting.
If given the chance, she thought she might want to try it herself.
"Well, don’t worry. It’s just admiration, and there’s no way he’d follow him or something."
"Yeah... but even so, it’s a somewhat dangerous development, so it’s a bit troublesome."
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
A brief silence.
"...Well, let’s just hurry up and kill the monsters."
Licorice decided to pretend she hadn’t heard anything.
Comments
Post a Comment