Chapter 8: Friendship
"Grandpa!"
While talking to Kennel, Ashley and Berine came out of the guild together.
"Ashley-sama...! Please don't run like that!"
Kennel instinctively lifted his waist and gestured to stop Ashley, who came running over to them. Berine, who was next to her, seemed to be unaware.
These two have probably been doing this for a while. If this is their normal, then it's definitely a bit overprotective.
"No, Grandpa. My body feels really good right now. Actually, Theodore-sama told me about the Qi circulation I did."
Ashley tells Kennel about the Qi circulation I did.
"What... is that true?"
"Yes, well, it's temporary though."
"Even so. It's not often that we see Ashley-sama in such good condition. Thank you very much."
That was just for my satisfaction, not out of kindness. So I decided to give a vague answer.
"Oh, Teo-kun."
Lucian also came back. ...It seems like people are gathering.
Forest Bird is personable, so it's unlikely to damage the impression of adventurers in front of Kennel.
"Shall we depart soon?"
"No, I'm sorry, but actually... everyone's weapons and armor aren't finished being maintained."
"Is it because of the Killer Ant?"
"Yes. The fastenings are loose, and apparently the blades won't work without sharpening... It might not be finished until tomorrow."
...We used our weapons quite a bit in the battle against the ants. Since their outer shells are hard, weapons tend to get damaged when fighting them. What was it about ant acid? If they're not a higher species, then it shouldn't be a problem.
In any case, since we're putting our lives on the line, we need to have something that fits our hands. It's not as simple as just replacing them.
"Well, then we need to find a place to stay."
"If that's the case, would you like to stay at my house?"
Ashley asked, but there was no easy answer.
"Is that okay?"
"...I don't really have a reason for you to do that."
"A reason?"
Ashley tilted her head curiously. If it was Berine, she would understand that I value lending and borrowing things, but Ashley doesn't have that kind of negotiation skill, so it's actually difficult.
No...that's not it. I should admit it already.
I see myself in Ashley's situation. If her parents passed away five years ago, then the reason is probably the same as my mother's.
That's why I want to support her, without considering things like profit and loss or debts.
But at the same time, I feel like I want to get involved more. I regret not having the power I have now five years ago to help my mother.
As a result of that regret, should I be extra kind to Ashley?... It's fruitless.
I don't have the kindness to help anyone indiscriminately like my mother did, and it's never-ending. That's why I've come to want to move forward with a motive that I can be satisfied with.
Besides, Ashley... shouldn't have any reason to empathize with me that much. Although she seems to trust me a little too much because I helped her regain her health, even taking that into account, she probably only offered me a place to stay out of kindness.
"Can I ask for your help too?"
"Well, just so you know, I'll be leaving early tomorrow."
"I understand."
Kennel nodded regretfully.
"Theodore-sama."
Ashley called my name, and I turned to her. Ashley seemed a little embarrassed as she said:
"I just...want to become friends with Theodore-sama."
"Huh?"
I paused for a moment when she said that.
Friends?
Come to think of it...have I ever had someone I could call a friend here?
It was impossible in the earl's territory. If Byron or Daryl was glaring at them, no one would come near me.
I trust Grace, but she's more like a sister than a friend. She also maintains her position as a servant.
Ashley is waiting for my answer. I took a deep breath and replied,
"I understand, Ashley-sama. Let's be friends."
So...well, it's okay. Even if there's someone who's a little different from others in their behavior. It's like being a loner or something.
"I'm glad..."
"I'm going to Termwills. I'll write you a letter or something."
"Yes, I'll write too."
"It's normal to stay at a friend's house for one night, right?"
"Yes."
Um... It's normal for friends to teach each other beginner-level recovery magic spells, right? I know Ashley has talent, so I'll jot down the basics of magic manipulation and incantation in a memo, just in case I can't teach her everything before we leave.
Meanwhile, Kennel and Berine were talking next to us.
"Lord Kennel, I have a good idea, actually."
Berine spoke to Kennel with a cheerful sales smile. Kennel sighed, looking really annoyed.
"What do you want, vixen?"
But Berine doesn't seem to care about being called that.
"The reason your watchful eye didn't reach Oslo this time was because you were taking care of Ashley's health and education, as well as managing your estate and other affairs, right?"
"Hmm..."
"So, I have a proposal. - If you'll lend me your ear for a moment."
"Hmm..."
As Berine whispered something to Kennel, his face turned red with anger the moment he heard her words.
"Oh no, no. I'd like you to listen to my entire story-"
However, Berine didn't seem fluster at all and murmured something else. As a result, Kennel's complexion quickly returned to normal.
... Hmm. I wonder what persuasive argument she used. Berine, on the other hand, has been smiling throughout the conversation. I knew it, but... she's quite cunning.
"How about it? I can also introduce you to a reliable doctor. And, you see, Kennel-sama should be the one who knows best about the things that are currently overwhelming him. As a noble, what's important is human connections. I believe that it would be more beneficial for Ashley-sama's future than the current situation. And also--"
Kennel interrupted the continuous persuasion like a bamboo split by raising his hand.
"I understand! I got it! I will hear you out later, my friend! Is that okay?! I'm also thinking about the future ahead!"
"Of course. As I am also here as an assistant, despite being incompetent, I will do my best to cooperate."
Berine's smile seemed to be convinced of victory.
"Really, everyone is the same."
"Well then, we'll go look for an inn."
"No, you guys come along too. You, Lucien. You too, vixen."
Kennel stopped Lucien who was trying to leave and said.
When he looked at Berine, she shrugged her shoulders.
"I judged that it would be better for the two of you to see the adventurers with your own eyes and make a decision. I also suggested this to Kennel-sama. In that regard, the people of Forest Bird are trustworthy and have a good personality."
... Forest Bird might not be a suitable example, but there aren't really that many people who would tarnish the Adventurer's Guild's reputation, so it might just balance out in Kennel's mind.
"By the way, what did you tell Kennel-san?"
"Well, it's more fun to keep quiet. Theodore-san will understand eventually."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"I'm not plotting anything bad, you know? It's just that it's my creed to think up strategies but not do anything evil."
... What could it be, I wonder?
Regardless of Berine's true intentions, with all of this, I made my first "friend" in this world.