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Translator: Xini
Proofreader: Silavin
“You know, the horse wanted to play with me, so I gave it some food and played with it.”
On our way back to Shiki, Light Blue explained the series of events, oh so innocently. There was no indication that this kid was abducted or attacked whatsoever, but his only response to the direwolf that carried him by the scruff of his neck was, ‘It wants to play with me’. I suppose I should call it a child’s intuition instead. Incidentally, he keeps calling the monster horse, because, ‘Huh? A horse takes you anywhere when you feed it, right?’ said he. I think I should have Ms. Blue explain to him, from scratch, the danger posed by monsters.
Ms. Schwarz conversed with the direwolf that abducted Light Blue and had it return to its pack in the forest.
On our way back, Gray released the signal that Light Blue had been found safe and sound, and upon regrouping with the other search parties, we ensured that everyone was unharmed before returning to Shiki.
“Mommy!”
I suppose she knew that we were returning with him owing to the signal, for Ms. Blue stood at the entrance to the forest along with other children and upon seeing us emerge, they rushed to us and Ms. Blue wept tears as she hugged Light Blue.
While the embraced Light Blue had no idea what was happening and looked completely baffled. The townspeople heaved a sigh of relief at witnessing the reunion of the parent with child, and considered the problem resolved.
“You okay, Mommy? You said you won’t step out in the rain because the face lotion you secretly apply will come off?’
Child, stop.
Ms. Blue, drained of all tears, looked at her child and grinned. And quietly bonked him on his head. Well… even if the situation with the direwolf this time was out of his hand, I guess that much was still within the scope of discipline, so I decided to turn a blind eye.
Everyone around had a wry smile on their faces and I’m sure they will pretend it never happened by tomorrow.
“What about injuries? Are you hurt anywhere?! What about a gash from the direwolf’s fangs? Or scratches you got from wading through trees? Listen, you shouldn’t hide any injuries from a doctor. Small bruises can turn into scars later. So, you better show me all your injuries. C’mon, c’mon, hurry!”
“Hey, Ivory. Chill out.”
“How could I! This is an isolated case. Of course, I must use the opportunity to observe and commit all details to memory.”
The deviant doctor, Ivory, tried to get close to the patient while her breathing was ragged.
I can understand that she’s worried about his wellbeing as a doctor but panting that hard only makes her look suspicious. That said, Light Blue has already received some simple healing, but should he need further treatment, we have no choice but to rely on this doctor.
“Well then, I shall take my leave first. Rain doesn’t agree with my hair. I need to get into the bath as soon as possible.”
“Okay, thanks for today. We found him quickly thanks to you. I’ll visit you with the reward later.”
“Never mind that. Moreover, I was planning on leaving tomorrow. So if you insist on a reward, then just welcome me when I stop by again.”
Ms. Schwarz looked at the reunited family with a smile on her face and made to get back to the inn.
Had it not been for her help, we may have not found him in time. Not to mention, she’s only shown good intentions this past week and even now, she turned down the reward and showed consideration towards us by promising to visit in the future.
… So, I wonder if she is a good person after all.
“My clothes are also wet and a nuisance… alright, I’m gonna have it washed anyway, might as well strip now.”
“If you try to strip here, I’m sorry to say this but I’ll have to restrain you before you pull it off.”
“Are you saying you don’t wanna see the beautiful artwork that is my body…?!”
“Didn’t you say that an artwork is appreciated more when it’s seen less?”
Correction. She may be a good person, but the fact remains that she’s a pervert. Ms. Schwarz uttered, ‘Just kidding,’ which could be either a lie or truth and walked back to the inn.
“Lord Clo.”
And as I saw her disappear from view, Gray addressed me in a hushed manner.
Away from prying ears, when everyone’s focus was away from us, I and Gray began discussing the most concerning problem of all.
“Yeah, I know. How this whole thing came about, right?”
“Yes. There are no records of direwolves ever attacking humans in Shiki.”
Without intention to eat or harm, I’m sure there’s been no instance when monsters abducted a human just to play with them.
“Looks like this one strayed from its pack and was starving as a result. It had full intention of devouring him but the snacks that Light Blue coincidentally had on him was enough to fill its belly, so it went along with what the boy wanted.”
Is what Ms. Schwarz said.
Turns out it was true that Light Blue had some snacks on him, and as long as I can’t affirm or deny her claim all I could say is that it may be so.
I can’t let my guard down. Even if this whole incident may have been an accident or something caused by the monster’s change in habitat, I need to be more vigilant—
“… Huh?”
“What is it?”
That’s weird. Why do I feel like something’s off?
Feeling relieved after seeing everyone here safe and sound, a strange feeling washed over me as I was thinking of ways to strengthen the security.
Lady Violet was nowhere.
She could still be looking for Light Blue because she was yet unfamiliar with the lay of the land or through a strong sense of responsibility. No, then why do I not even see Apricot, who was with her? Did they not notice the signal from Gray due to the rain? But he’s signaled multiple times and is still doing so, she should realize that we’ve returned to Shiki by now.
Is she circling the perimeter of the forest to steer clear of monsters? And is on her way back? Yes. I’m sure that’s it. I would be troubled if not. Because, that means—
“Lady Violet?”
That can only mean something happened to Lady Violet.
