I chuckled inwardly, observing the guard's style, wearing tight yellow pants with clearly engraved banana motifs on the side. I imagined myself in a more mature version of him, haha. Damn. Just imagining it made me laugh. It seems Arin would be more alike and suitable to be a guard here, even more gallant if she were the guard, I guess.
"If you don't mind, I can wash those not-so-dirty clothes, and I don't have a problem with their smell, what do you think about staying at my place for a few days? My laundry skills are pretty good." Mira and Arin came to where I was.
Mira immediately offered to wash my clothes at her place, though I felt embarrassed, I was greatly helped by her offer.
"But who would want to wash these sweaty and slightly dusty uniforms? You don't like getting dirty, do you?"
"Here, right in front of you."
"Are you sure?" I confirmed once again.
"Yes, Nimaaa, just open up the uniform quickly," she requested as if wanting to strip off all my clothes.
"P-please help me."
Arin laughed, pointing at me. Moments later, Mira joined in laughing at her joke, then she went off to wash my clothes. I wore regular clothes afterward, not as lively and cool as before. Damn. My coolness decreased significantly. I only dared to wear a t-shirt and shorts, not daring to leave Mira's house. Around fifteen minutes later, Mira returned with my slightly damp clothes; she intended to hang them outside in her yard.
During those fifteen minutes, I listened to the guards chattering about strange things related to the relocation of this settlement. Arin sat on the front bench of Mira's house, looking puzzled while glancing at me because we both heard the guards' conversation. I immediately called her into the house.
"At least we know the gist of it, from what they said, this place can only hold on for five more days, Rin. No need to think too much about it," I whispered, explaining quietly.
"Then why were you pretending to listen to the guards' explanation so seriously if you were going to say this?" she replied, also in a whisper.
"Eh? You saw me, huh. Of course, I have to listen seriously if there's a discussion concerning this place. Well, it seems Mira relayed everything correctly earlier."
"Well, at least Mira should know this info too, right? Besides, it would be unfair to her if she didn't know such important info; she might feel neglected later."
Arin expressed her concern, albeit not explicitly, but I knew she was worried about Mira and the other elves. Ever since I arrived in this elf village, I could feel the strong demonic energy enveloping the area with malicious intent, an energy that seemed to be poisonous to living beings nearby. It seems I can't just sit still with this situation.
I slapped my cheek.
I finally couldn't hold back anymore. For over two years, I had always restrained myself, never taking the initiative to attack anyone or any monster because managing my territory was my only priority, but now it's a bit different; it seems this has been building up in my head for too long, and I really want to release my stress from holding back for so long. Considering the demons openly spreading their evil energy, it seems my pent-up stress can be unleashed on those damn demons disturbing this territory.
Right, isn't it? Going on adventures with Arin is always enjoyable. Hehe.
From behind Mira's house, I could see the guards and the people packing their belongings, preparing to move settlements. I didn't understand why I suddenly felt restless and worried, whispering to each other. After making sure my uniform could be finished by this evening, all thanks to Mira who came to tell me about my clothes, and at that moment, I told her what I heard from the guards. At the latest, it would be midnight; we would prepare to leave the village and head to where the demons were before the villagers left, moving to a new and unfamiliar area for them, meaning they would have to learn new things about their next living environment because elves are a race that lives in the forest and heavily relies on the forest.
Once my uniform is done, I'll be busy enhancing its other functions for the preparation against demons. Whatever I can improve, I will, if it's within my capabilities. The wall clock showed eleven at night; Arin and I only carried our weapons on our belts, while other items were stored dimensionally. The streets became quieter and more deserted; the sounds of insects and creaking wood from the wind could be heard everywhere. People had gone back to their homes except for the guards on duty and similar activities.
After the drizzle earlier in the evening, the night sky now looked starry, thin clouds seemed to obscure our view of the beautiful stars in the night sky. Mira hastily prepared her equipment because she wanted to join us in attacking those demons, conquering and avenging her late father. One of my hands held her bag containing her belongings; she entrusted her stuff to my dimensional storage. My other hand held her bow and arrows. Her long hair fluttered over her shoulders in the night breeze.
Mira was actually a very skilled long-range attacker; in the fights we had seen before, she was forced to use a sword because it was not feasible to use a bow at close range with the enemy. She was like a sniper when she had her bow; with this, I could trust our rear to Mira in the fight against demons. Would she be willing if I invited her to adventure with us after we dealt with these demons? It seems we need a long-range attacker like her, especially since she's as beautiful as Arin, of course, I would gladly accept her. Haha.
"Don't tell the villagers, okay?" Arin shouted to Mira.
"Hey, I'm not that dumb, Rin," I laughed, not responding.
Seeing their behavior made me really want to protect them. What is this feeling? Is this love? If so, can it be with just these two women? I can't choose between them. I want to protect their smiles. Smiles that look like family.
This is also the first time I've seen Arin laugh with someone other than me. Previously, she never showed her true nature to anyone else. Does this mean she already considers Mira someone close and trustworthy? Hopefully. I want to see these two women better up close and continue walking with them. Sometimes life isn't always bad, right?