🦊 🦊 🦊
AS we head back down the path that leads from the forest to the city, we bump into Rinny, who’s been out looking for us as well. Upon seeing Macro lugging two huge sacks full of nuts, he breaks down laughing, immediately understanding what happened.
Ugh! It’s not THAT funny! You can’t learn without making a few mistakes along the way!
“Sorry, sorry,” he laughs. “I’ve just never found myself in that kinda predicament before. I’m still blown away by how weak and fragile you two young ladies are!”
“Who are you calling weak and fragile?!” Claire snaps at him. “I work out all the time! I bet I’m stronger than most girls! It’s just that you guys are all overpowered chowder-heads!”
“Seriously? How do the princesses of the world even live their daily lives?”
What does he think most girls do?
I quickly realize his look of befuddlement is genuine, and I can’t help but giggle at how ridiculous the situation is.
“Oh, right,” he suddenly says. “I told Ektor I’d let him know right away once we found you two, so I’ll go on ahead.”
“What? Ektor was looking for us, too? Won’t it be difficult to track him down?” I ask.
It’s our fault they ended up running around town, trying to track us down. With that in mind, I feel bad having to rely on Rinny to go further out of his way. However, Rinny responds to my question while pointing to himself proudly.
“There’s no nose better than mine! I’ll be able to pick up Ektor’s scent right away, so don’t worry your pretty little head over it! It’s faster this way, too!”
I see. I guess his race has a very strong sense of smell. I didn’t realize that was even a thing! And despite his size, he’s very fast. My mind flashes back to the monster attack on our village and how he’d been a ginger blur, zipping from one ogre to the next. It was pretty amazing watching him at work, taking down one monster after another. It’s funny how the two guys’ appearances don’t seem to match their strengths at all. Macro is small but strong, and Rinny is large but quick. It’s almost as if their abilities were swapped. Maybe they’re more alike than I give them credit for.
“It’s ’cause he’s a wild animal,” Macro says dryly.
“What?! What did you just say, you pouty jerk?!”
Maybe the reason why they fight all the time is because of how similar they are?
Claire and I both share a laugh and entrust locating Ektor to Rinny.
Once those two start fighting, they never seem to stop! I wish there was something I could do, but apparently, this is how they’ve been since they were kids. Still, enough is enough!
After saying goodbye to Rinny, the three of us head straight back home. By the time we arrive, it’s already dusk, although I’m relieved we managed to get back before nightfall, mainly thanks to Macro’s expert escort.
“Miku! Claire! I’m glad you’re back, safe and sound!”
Rinny and Ektor must have been waiting for us in front of the guild. Upon seeing us, Ektor rushes forward, clearly relieved, a huge smile on his face. He must have been really worried. I apologize immediately before thanking them for looking for us, and Ektor laughs it off, saying it was no problem at all.
He’s so sweet!
“What’s most important is that you’re safe. And Claire, too, of course.”
“Am I chopped liver or something?”
Flustered as I usually am when faced with kind words, Claire immediately stomps in between us, destroying the mood.
I can see the sparks flying between them! All she does lately is try to start fights over everything he says!
“That’s not what I meant! Are you jealous or something?” Ektor provokes her.
“Seriously? I think your good looks have gone to your head.”
“I have feelings, too, you know. And you hurt them when you say stuff like that.”
Those two really can’t get along, huh? They only just met not that long ago, so there’s still time for them to maybe someday overcome their differences. I pray that day comes sooner rather than later. Come on! I wish they’d just get along!
“Bwahaha! Nothing gets past you, Claire!” Rinny laughs.
“I know first impressions can be deceptive,” she responds.
“You’re spot on when it comes to Ektor and his big head,” Macro points out.
“Come on, Rinny… Macro… Even you guys are picking on me?” Ektor groans.
The teasing seems to be good-natured. Although I can’t tell if Claire is amused or annoyed, it’s clear the three guys are very close friends. I can tell their teasing is based on mutual trust and not anger.
How neat! I wish I had a friendship like that.
“Both Claire and I know Ektor’s a really good guy, though,” I say with a smile.
“M-Miku! Miku’s heart is like some pure oasis…!” Ektor gushes. “She’s so incredibly sweet! She’s an angel! No, a goddess!”
Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a bit?! Being complimented that much is really embarrassing!
Rinny and Macro are staring at Ektor with looks of annoyed disgust on their faces.
Wh-What should I do?!
“I, of all people, know just how angelic Miku is,” Claire cuts in. “But that’s enough of that. Let’s go get something to eat! Please lead the way.”
“H-Hey! Don’t shove me! It hurts! You’re seriously strong when you want to be—ow, ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay, I’m going!!”
Claire stepped past me and started shoving Ektor from behind, forcing him to walk ahead.
Isn’t she hitting him a little too hard there? I wonder if he’s okay… But I think she saved me from an awkward situation! My face would’ve turned beet red if he kept on praising me like that! It makes me happy and embarrassed at the same time, after all. My face is still a little hot even now.
“Let’s get going, Miku,” Rinny says to me. “Everything they serve there is tasty!”
“Okay! I’m looking forward to it!” I say, running to catch up with the others. There’s nothing better than good food!