ONE of my favorite things to do was wander the morning markets, looking for unusual fruits so I could try them. It was difficult to find fruits as sweet as those on Earth, but I enjoyed discovering ones I’d never seen before. I always tried to guess how they would taste based on their appearances, and then when I actually tasted them, the flavors would turn out to be completely different.
On this particular day, as usual, I was strolling through the morning market with a paper bag full of different fruits I had bought. I walked around the city for a while before sitting down on a bench under an enormous tree—not because I was tired, but because I wanted to dig into some of those fruits.
The first one I took out was the color of a cherry but the shape of a grape, and I popped it into my mouth. The skin was bitter, and the flesh was half sour, half sweet. I guess I should have peeled it first. Now I’ll know for next time.
While I was snacking, I suddenly caught a glimpse of swinging golden tresses out of the corner of my eye. A woman wearing a fluffy skirt sat down next to me without asking first, her ladylike demeanor truly the pinnacle of elegance. I had actually once asked her if she was descended from nobility or something, but she’d brushed the question off.
I knew three things about her: First, she was a Rank 1 adventurer and master of the Golden Wings clan. Second, her name was Viche Valeri.
And third, arguably the most important piece of information—she was my stalker.
After sitting down next to me as if it were the most natural thing in the world, she smiled brightly and began to speak.
“So nice to have another day of lovely weather,” she said. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I certainly would.”
“Oh, fruits again? You really do love them, don’t you?”
“I really do.”
“You know, it makes me very happy to see you wearing the bespoke robe I gave you.”
“…Thank you again so much for the gift.”
“I wonder, does the fact that you wear it every day mean your feelings for me have turned to love?”
“Respectfully…no.”
For the record, I was terrified of her. It was the first time in my life that someone had ever followed me so relentlessly. In fact, I seriously doubted 99.9 percent of people behaved like her. I mean, whenever I went out on my days off, there was a high probability I’d find her walking next to me within ten minutes or so. I had no idea what kind of information network she had, but apparently she knew basically everything I did.
To be clear, she hadn’t done anything to me. But her enigmatic aura paired with her status as a first-rank adventurer made my blood run cold.
Also, when we walked together, she would manage to tumble into my chest at least once a day, always with an excuse like, “Oops! I tripped!”
It was the worst. I also wished she would stop taking such deep breaths while her face was buried there. On the plus side, she made me so wary that by contrast, I no longer got even a little nervous when other women hugged me.
“…As a change of pace, I actually came here today to talk about something serious.”
“What is it?”
I sat up straight at the sound of Viche’s strangely quiet voice. Usually, around this time, she would say something like, “Oh, no, my anemia,” and dive straight into my lap.
“Haruka,” she said instead, “are you planning on joining my clan or not?”
I suddenly remembered Ellie’s attempt to recruit me back when I’d first gotten to this world, and when she’d mentioned she belonged to Viche’s clan. Looking back, it was probably a good thing I hadn’t agreed so readily.
“That’s not something I can decide on my own,” I said. “The key point is that I heard only women can join. You are aware that I’m in a party with Al and Montana, right?”
“Yes, and I’m inviting you to join us anyway.”
Her nonchalant attitude was making me nervous.
“So am I to understand that you’re implying I should decide without even consulting my party members, and just accept your offer? Just abandon them like so much garbage?”
At my forceful tone, her eyes widened and she smiled. “Oooh, Haruka, you can speak harshly like that? I quite like that side of you too. The wrinkles between your eyebrows are lovely.”
I sighed in agitation when I realized she wasn’t taking me seriously at all. It felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. Our experiences as adventurers were so different that despite my seriousness, she thought of me as nothing more than a puppy playing around or something. Of course, I was only able to argue this firmly because I knew Viche wouldn’t hurt me. Yes, she scared me, but I’d never felt any malice or hostility from her.
“Though I appreciate your invitation,” I said, leaving no room for interpretation, “I believe I’ve made my position clear.”
Then I stood up to leave her behind—but her next words gave me pause.
“Well, I knew it wouldn’t work. But be careful, Haruka,” she warned. “Your sudden rise in the ranks has incited jealousy among quite a few people. I thought that if you joined us, I could take care of you, should worse come to worst.”
I turned around to listen to her, but I felt awkward when I saw her unsmiling face, so I averted my gaze. She was a Rank 1 adventurer who had established roots in this city, which meant there was definitely truth to what she said. I doubted she was the type to say something so irresponsible just to upset me.
“Thank you for your advice,” I said sincerely.
“You’re quite welcome. As you know, I’m quite fond of you, Haruka. I’d be glad to help so long as it’s within my power and reach.”
Viche really did make a pretty picture sitting on the bench, smiling up at me. I know she’s not a bad person. Just a little creepy. I could acknowledge that her invitation to join her clan stemmed from genuine concern for me.
I took a few steps away, then stopped and turned back around.
“Um,” I started hesitantly, “I’m searching for a good hamburger steak restaurant again today… Would you happen to have any recommendations?”
Viche hopped off the bench right away and skipped over to stand next to me.
“Whoa!” I cried out in surprise when I felt something touch my butt.
“I really like that sweet side of you too, Haruka.”
I rubbed my arms, which were now covered in goosebumps, and glared at her. I shouldn’t have invited her, after all. Of course, I’d had the same thought before, but next time, I definitely wouldn’t make this mistake again.
(Despite my silent promise to myself, I was secretly looking forward to eating at whatever restaurant she’d take me to.)