It's ticklish.
It feels like some fluffy grass is brushing in front of my face.
There's a pleasant smell in the air, and I'm resting so comfortably.
I'm being gently rocked up and down...
"We're almost there."
Aileen's voice spoke from in front of me.
"Just ten more minutes and we'll be out of the ruins."
Ahead, I heard Luchi's voice.
"Ugh… I haven't slept a wink. I'm getting too old for this."
And the bald guy… no, Heinzel's voice echoed too.
Someone's arms were holding me under my back and legs, and I was floating in the air.
Am I… being carried by Aileen?
And my greatsword is missing from my waist too…
I remember falling asleep, but how long has it been since then?
Aileen must have been really worried about me… Ugh…
"By the way, didn't we plan to rest in the village of Roholan before entering Havlon?" Heinzel asked.
"Yes. We'll stay there until Noah recovers a bit," Aileen replied.
"Hm, maybe I should stay there and help train Noah too," Luchi suggested.
"Oh, that sounds fun. Teaching the little squirt might be amusing."
Wha…?
Me? Train? Why?
I was about to announce that I was awake, but their strange conversation kept me quiet.
"Could you also teach me swordsmanship?" Aileen asked.
Huh?
Why does Aileen want to learn the sword?
"The young lady, huh? What about learning how to wield a polearm instead? This halberd is the most thrilling—"
"No, I'd prefer a sword. I'm not interested in… such heavy and… brutish weapons," she replied, holding back her insult.
"Hahaha! Well said, young lady. The sword has a certain romance to it that a polearm lacks. I like your attitude. Let's do some training together in Roholan."
What are they talking about?
A single-handed sword? A halberd having romance?
Romance is in greatswords!
You should learn from me!
I was going to keep pretending to sleep, but I can't let Aileen learn some puny sword technique.
I need to wake up and add my two cents—
"Yes, thank you. But first… I need to talk to Noah about a few things," Aileen said.
Oh, uh.
I guess I'll wait a bit longer.
"That makes sense… You two must have a lot to discuss. Heinzel, what do you say we take a little break? I hear the stone-grilled steak in Roholan is amazing."
"Hm, I'm all for it."
"You agree to everything, don't you?"
"I've been working on softening my responses. You know, to avoid scaring Noah."
"Pfft—Heinzel, cute things suit you more than you'd think."
"That guy? He may look tough, but he loves cute things. He has a ton of pets at home. I can't even step foot inside—I'm allergic!"
"Who doesn't love cute things?"
"Well, I suppose that's true. But it's a little strange to imagine Heinzel being into that... Haha…"
I pictured Heinzel's face in my mind.
From what I remember… let's see…
That smooth head he shaves every morning.
He's as tall as my greatsword.
And his face… Hmm… I don't really remember.
He's like the image of a macho man, but cute things?
Well… everyone likes cute things, I guess.
But I prefer cool stuff.
Like greatswords.
And let's be honest, I look cool when I fight, right?
Yeah, that's right. I'm cool.
"Hehe."
"Hm? Noah? Are you awake?"
Gah!
I thought I was laughing in my head, but it came out loud!
I-I should pretend to still be asleep…
"Is she sleeping? Folks, did you know people use abdominal breathing when they sleep?"
"Hm? I hadn't noticed anything."
"Heinzel, you must have lost your brain along with your hair. Of course, you wouldn't notice while she's sleeping."
"Oh… true."
"Well… if she's not using abdominal breathing, Noah, care to explain what chest breathing means?"
Heh. You think that's a tough question, Aileen?
"It means I'm awake…! Huh?!"
Wait, what?!
"Pretending to sleep, were you?"
Aileen's firm voice poked at my guilty conscience.
Of course, she saw through it. She's no ordinary person…
"U-uh, good… morning, Aileen… and, uh… the old men…?"
I waved awkwardly, giving a forced smile.
"Oh, the little one is awake."
"You're up sooner than expected."
"Yes. Good morning, Noah. How are you feeling?"
Aileen's hair fell softly in front of my face.
Hm… did she lower her head?
Without my sensing ability, I feel so blind. Ugh!
"I'm better now… but, um, could you… put me down? I can walk now...!"
"No. Absolutely not."
"H-huh…? But isn't it heavy…?"
"Not at all. In fact, you're so light it's worrying. Just stay put until we reach Roholan."
Aileen's voice left no room for negotiation.
This is embarrassing…
And… her, um, cushion… it's soft, which makes this even more awkward…
"Then… at least my greatsword…"
I could use my sword to sense the surroundings!
"Your greatsword? Noah, you're light, but that thing is heavy. We'll be in Roholan soon, so just hang in there for a bit, okay?"
Liar…
My greatsword is lighter than me…
"O-okay."
"Good. You're such a good girl, Noah."
Aileen patted my bottom.
Holding me up with her arms and patting me with one hand—what kind of skill is this…?
"Young lady, if it's too much for you, I can carry her. My muscles are perfect for this—"
"No, I'll carry her. Noah thinks you're scary, Heinzel."
What?!
I didn't say that!
"N-no, I never said that… Ack—!"
Aileen pinched my butt and whispered for me to hush.
Why… why are you making me out to be a bad person?
"Ah… really? Well… I guess that makes sense…"
"Haha! The little one actually said that?"
Look at that! The bald guy is hurt by this!
"Yes. So I'll carry her. Right, Noah?"
Pinch
"Eek! Y-yes…"
"Haha, see? She agrees."
Aileen's being strange…
"Young lady," Heinzel's sulky voice cut in.
Ugh… poor Heinzel… bald and now losing confidence…
"Yes?"
"I can teach you some useful techniques… but could you teach me how to get along with kids?"
"Haha! Heinzel, I've always told you to work on your face first. That's what scares people. Well… ahem, I've said too much."
Luchi suddenly cut himself off, clearing his throat.
Hmm… was he being considerate because I'm blind?
Luchi is so kind!
"Luchi, you really are the worst."
"Yeah… I know."
Well, that was a bit harsh…
"Haha! I can't believe you two are platinum-ranked adventurers… Haha! Fine. I'll teach you how to get along with kids. What about you, Luchi? Want to learn too?"
"P-please do…"
And so, their conversation carried on, with me left completely out of it.
I wanted to join in, but I could never find the right moment… not once.
Every time I tried to speak, Luchi, Heinzel, or Aileen would steal my turn!
Why! Let me join in too!
Did they get close while I was asleep?!
But I knew Aileen first!
I'm closer to Aileen!!
Out of frustration, I gripped the edge of Aileen's clothes tightly.
I'll have to tell her everything I couldn't say later.
The old men can go eat their steaks.
Aileen and I will spend time together, just the two of us.
* * * *
"Noah. Don't we have a lot to talk about?"
I was in the middle of snacking in Roholan when Aileen grabbed me and pulled me into an inn room.
This wasn't the kind of alone time I had in mind...
"U-um… yes…"
Aileen's voice was low.
Was she upset because I went out on my own after she had entrusted me with her protection?
Didn't she forgive me last time…?
"Phew… Well, let's start with you, Noah. Is there anything you're curious about or want to say to me?"
Hmm…
There was something I wanted to ask since earlier.
"Are you sure… I can ask anything?"
"Yes. Anything. I'll answer all of it, so feel free to ask whatever you want."
"Umm… So… I can really ask?"
Depending on her answer, I could end up distancing myself from Aileen forever...
Really?
"Yes."
Gripping the handle of my greatsword tightly in my arms, I summoned all my courage to speak.
"Out of those old guys and me…! Who… who are you closer to?!"