『Neizan: Do you want me to shut that mouth for you? 』
『Arthur: I don't even know what to say to you anymore. 』
『Neizan: Good. Now let's gather our things and get going. 』
After their conversation, the group headed toward the stable, where they would meet someone.
『Arthur: Heyyy Pablooo! 』
Arthur waved at the middle-aged man working in the stable, who turned to see who was calling.
『Pablo: Oh, Arthur. Hello, young man, and miss. 』
『Lina: Hello. 』
『Arthur: How's it going, Pablo? It's been a week since I last saw you. 』
『Pablo: Well, still working, as usual. If you've come for the horses, they're ready in the stable. I filed their hooves, changed their horseshoes, and cleaned and brushed them. 』
『Arthur: Thanks a lot, Pablo. How much do I owe you? 』
『Pablo: That'll be two silver coins. 』
『Arthur: No problem, here you go. 』
『???: Woff! 』
As the group approached the horses, a dog suddenly leaped toward the dark-haired boy.
『Neizan: Calm down, Nana, stay. 』
The dog immediately stopped and stared at him, responding to his command.
Only then did the boy crouch down to pet her.
Nana was a female German Shepherd the boy owned. She was about nine months old by now.
『Neizan: Good girl. 』
『Arthur: She's really happy to see you. 』
『Lina: Aww, she's so cute. Can I pet her? 』
『Neizan: Of course, come here. 』
Lina crouched down to pet Nana, and soon Nana started licking her hand, then moved closer to her face.
『Lina: Hahaha, not that! 』
『Neizan: Nana, stay. 』
『Lina: She's so well-behaved. 』
『Neizan: Looks like she likes you. 』
The young man smiled, and everyone watched and laughed together.
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Later, after they left the place, they were all in a carriage being pulled by two horses.
Arthur was driving the carriage while Lina and Nana played with a rope inside.
In the front seat, the two boys were conversing.
『Arthur: Do you think we should stay away from that village for a while? 』
『Neizan: Yeah, at least until the guards and people who saw me forget my face. Though, I'm sure they'll put up a wanted poster for me as a fugitive murderer in that village and the surrounding ones. 』
『Arthur: Honestly, it's probably safest for you to lay low for a while. At least I can still go back there since no one knows I'm involved in your crimes. 』
『Neizan: I know. You can go back for our things next time and take your time with the clients. 』
『Arthur: Yeah, I thought that too. But we could also take this time to finish the work we still have at home. 』
『Neizan: That guy, Pablo... 』
『Arthur: Yeah, what about him? 』
『Neizan: It's still early, but maybe when he realizes I'm a fugitive, he might turn us in. Even if he doesn't have proof against you, he's a witness who saw us together. 』
『Arthur: You're right, but I don't think he'll betray you without any evidence. We've known each other for a long time, and we get along well. 』
『Neizan: I'm just saying, don't let your guard down, that's all. 』
『Arthur: Despite how dumb I look, you know me well enough. I know how to handle people better than you. 』
『Neizan: ...Well. 』
『Arthur: Well, what? 』
『Neizan: You're right, except when it comes to girls. 』
『Arthur: Idiot. I can talk to them, but with you around, it's harder. 』
『Neizan: Sure, that must be it. Hahaha. 』
『Arthur: You're really a pain sometimes. 』
『Neizan: Hey, Lina, do I seem like a pain to you? 』
『Lina: Not at all. 』
She smiled as she said it.
『Arthur: See? She laughed at you. 』
『Neizan: I wouldn't be so sure about that if I were you. 』
『Arthur: Tell me, Lina, who were you laughing at?』
Arthur turned towards her, raising an eyebrow with a mischievous smile, clearly interested.
『Lina: At both of you, hahaha. 』
Lina covered her mouth with her hand, trying to suppress her laughter while her eyes sparkled with amusement.
『Arthur: Well, hearing that, I'll take it. 』
『Neizan: Ha, what a guy. 』
Neizan shrugged, letting out an amused laugh, and then looked at Lina.
『Lina: Can I ask you something? How old are you guys? 』
『Neizan: You don't have to be so formal, with Arthur, I'm sure he'll tell you his whole life story if you let him, hahaha. 』
『Arthur: Shut up. I'm 21, Lina. 』
Arthur looked at him with a slight smile, though his tone was a bit more serious. Apparently, he felt older with the joke, but decided to play along.
『Neizan: You're only saying that? You're already an old dog. 』
Arthur snorted, somewhat annoyed.
『Lina: And how old are you? 』
Lina looked at him curiously, leaning slightly forward, expecting an answer.
『Neizan: 19 years old. 』
『Lina: Oh. 』
Lina smiled softly, nodding while thinking about the age difference, then raised an eyebrow in interest.
『Arthur: Seems like you're happier now, huh? 』
『Neizan: Now you're starting to understand girls. 』
『Arthur: You're driving me crazy. 』
『Lina: Don't worry, Arthur, I like you too. 』
『Arthur: You don't know how glad I am to hear that. Thanks. 』
Arthur smiled broadly, his tone now more relaxed, and he seemed relieved to have received a bit of support.
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『Neizan: Well, we've arrived. 』
The boy looked out the window, gesturing calmly towards the nearby stable.
He stretched a bit and then stood up, ready to leave.
Before them stood a large wooden house. With two stories, it seemed to cover more than 150 square meters at first glance.
Though unfinished, it was clear that a few windows were still missing on the upper floor, and there were a couple of doors missing inside the rooms.
The furniture and decorations were scarce, and the walls were still only partially painted.
Despite all of this, it was a much more pleasant place compared to the dusty, old cabin they had left behind.
『Lina: It's amazing. Did you build it all by yourselves? 』
『Neizan: You could say so, although with the help of a carpenter Arthur hired. 』
『Lina: The house is beautiful. Once it's finished and decorated, it must look even better. 』
『Arthur: This house is great. The idea was mine, because I've wanted a place like this for a long time to help me unwind from the stress of my job as a merchant. 』
『Neizan: The truth is, you deserve it. You've worked just as hard as I have building it, even if you're a softie. 』
『Arthur: Yeah, you had to flatter yourself. 』
『Neizan: Hahaha, I was just kidding. 』
『Lina: So, will this be my new home? 』
『Neizan: Well... Arthur and I talked, and... 』
『Lina: And? 』
『Neizan: For now, you can stay with us, but remember, this isn't your house, okay? 』
『Lina: Okay. Thank you so much for everything, guys. I'd like to help with whatever you need, so I'm ready to start working now. 』
『Neizan: Well, you can start by cleaning the rooms. But don't go into mine, I'll take care of that myself. 』
『Arthur: Well, I'll stay here for the night and leave tomorrow, but for now, I'm going to have something to eat. 』
『Lina: Are you leaving so soon? 』