We savored the lunch meticulously crafted by Jess and Eva. My plate was replenished three times, and the village's well-stocked provisions allowed us to feast to our heart's content. The day unfolded seamlessly without major hitches.
Angie and I outlined our plan for the journey to Winterland, while Jess and Eva chose relaxation and play. Unbeknownst to the rest, Nat discreetly positioned herself at the village's rear, near the forest entrance.
Before her lay a project she had toiled on for the past hour.
"I apologize for the delay."
It was a makeshift grave.
"I hadn't constructed a grave until now, thinking you might still be alive. Even now, I can only offer an empty tomb... But I hope the items buried here serve a purpose."
Unable to bury her father's body, Nat opted to use his most cherished belongings.
"Soon, I'll embark on a new journey with the Hero and his companions. Thanks to them, those responsible for your death were punished, and my life was spared. They claim to owe me a favor, but I think it's the other way around. Without them, my demise would have been imminent."
"..."
"...It's not that I didn't want to accompany you, Father. It's just that dying in such a miserable way would have been too sad, you know?"
Nat recalled her father's demise, and her expression darkened.
"I'll remember the last words you said before we parted. I'll live life on my own terms. After all, living in hiding and fearing the world isn't the lifestyle I want."
Nat placed her hand on the grave.
"...And at the end of my journey, when it's time for us to meet, I'll share tales of all my adventures."
She knelt and prayed to the Goddess for her father's eternal peace.
Finally, she rose and left the place.
In the end, Nat couldn't shed any tears.
***
Night fell, and we opted for a grand banquet as a farewell dinner. The next day, we had to embark on a week-long journey to reach Winterland, and we wanted to make the most of the opportunity.
We gathered in the main dining room of the inn, where a fireplace provided refuge from the extreme cold. Illuminated by the fireplace and strategically placed candles, the moderate lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Despite our resistance to the cold, amplified by our mana use, the pervasive chill made us uncomfortable, especially with the blizzard outside.
"It could be problematic if blizzards occur during our travels," I expressed concern.
"Well, there's not much we can do. Even we can't control or predict the weather," Angie remarked, sipping her beer.
Prepared for camping in the open during our days of travel, we had brought tents. However, considering the weather and distance, we decided to utilize a horse-drawn carriage found in the village.
"Forget about those trivial concerns, Franz. Now it's time for some fun!"
Eva, visibly excited, was eager to commence the festivities.
Despite this world's advancements, entertainment options were limited due to high poverty rates. However, beer remained a universal element in various games.
"I propose a game... Each of us will ask someone else a question, and the responder must choose between answering truthfully or taking a sip of beer," I suggested.
Avoiding lies was crucial to preserve the excitement, given Nat's ability to detect falsehoods.
"Sounds like fun!" Eva exclaimed, raising her arms.
"I've never played such games. I'm very excited too," Nat added.
Jess and Angie, engrossed in their conversation, agreed when they noticed my questioning look.
"I think it's an excellent game, Franz. Can I start?" Angie asked.
"Sure, go ahead."
"This question is for you, Franz. What's the last prank you played on any of us?"
"..."
In an instant, my mind replayed countless pranks from my time in this world. However, my focus was on whether the last prank on the girls was suitable for discussion or better kept secret.
"..."
Slurp, Slurp, Gulp.
Without hesitation, I downed a large gulp of beer.
Angie, Eva, and Nat eyed me with narrowed eyes.
'Please, don't look at me like that.'
Certain secrets should remain undisclosed!
Starting with Angie's question, the game began, but I assured them that I would answer the next one.
Following the established order, it was Jess's turn.
"In that case, I'll also ask you a question, Franz."
Unworried, I awaited her query.
"So, Franz... What kind of women do you like?"
"..."
Damn!
I hadn't considered Jess's personality. Faced with my colleagues' expectant faces, I had no choice but to respond.
Initially averse to discussing love, my military colleagues' curiosity evoked a deep sense of shame.
"I don't have a particular style I dislike. If I had to choose, I find long, straight hair attractive. As for personality, I appreciate someone I can lean on, brave and smart."
"Regarding personality, you only mentioned typical preferences," Jess said, frowning.
"What did you expect me to say? We're all looking for the same thing," I shrugged.
The questioning continued for hours, with emptied beer glasses and lively laughter. As the game progressed, Nat became visibly drunk, and Eva teetered on the edge of slumber.
"It's better if we go to sleep now. We leave early tomorrow morning," Angie suggested.
"Eh? Let's have one more drink! hehehe~"
Despite Jess's intoxicated protest, we decided to conclude the game.
"I'll take Eva to her room," Angie announced, effortlessly lifting the inebriated Eva with one arm.
Angie disappeared with Eva, and I took the opportunity to clean up before leaving. Upon returning, I found Jess and Nat sleeping on the floor, right in front of the fireplace.
A small smile crossed my face as I turned off the fireplace and carefully carried both girls in my arms.
'If they wake up or someone sees me, it could be dangerously misunderstood.'
I ascended the stairs, attempting to wake them beforehand to prevent any misunderstandings, but neither responded.
Placing Nat on her bed first, I proceeded to Jess's room. Upon leaving her on the bed, an unexpected event unfolded.
"!!!"
Jess's arms enveloped my neck, pulling me down onto the bed with her.
Attempting to rise, Jess's arms held me in place.
"Jess, this is..."
Our noses practically touched, the freezing weather accentuating the warmth emanating from her.
In the dim candlelight, I observed Jess's flushed face. Fortunately, we were both still in our winter coats.
"Jess, we're both drunk. This isn't a good idea," I tried to reason.
Suddenly, one of Jess's hands released my neck, accompanied by a sound. She skillfully undid the buttons on her coat, revealing herself.
Caught in a dilemma, temptation surged, fueled by my intoxicated state. However, I was not one to succumb solely to impulses.
Primarily, Jess was clearly under the influence of alcohol, impacting her rational decision-making. Even if it were of her own volition, there were cases where individuals woke up the next day with no recollection of their actions.
Considering Nat, Angie, and Eva in neighboring rooms, the risk of them waking up due to our actions was too great.
"Jess, please stop. We're not alone here."
Attempting to reason with her intensified Jess's boldness. She pulled my head to her chest, whispering, "You know I have long hair like the girls you like."
My face pressed against her chest, I struggled to breathe amid the scent of her perfume. Dizzy from alcohol, self-control wavered, but just as I was about to succumb, a sound reached my ears.
"...Sob, sniff, sniff."
Nat's crying echoed through the wall, a poignant reminder of her grief.
Facing the wall, I turned away. That night, Nat mourned her father, her tears acting as a powerful deterrent to any misguided actions.