Chapter 1624 – Lost High Elf ⑤

In order to bring Fors-san to Hydra Kingdom, it’s necessary for us to reach the Teleportation Gate. The distance from here to there would normally be nothing to worry about, but I learned a while ago that you should never take your eyes off Fors-san, so this distance now ended up becoming a tricky one.

[……Fors-san, I wouldn’t have something like a collar and a leash, so how about we hold hands instead?]

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[Whoa there, aren’t you making quite the violent remark there with a kind smile on your face…… Good gracious, I don’t know if I should be pleased or saddened that your understanding of me has become extremely high in just a short while…… Your words somewhat remind me of the old days. The passage of time can certainly be cruel. Even the gentle Hikari, by the latter half of our journey, had treated me so roughly, saying things like “Let’s just tie her to a post in front of our base with a rope and fix her in place”.]

It’s just my guess, but Neun-san had probably been gentle at her treatment towards her at the beginning, supporting Fors-san when she wandered off. However, the fact that she ended up being treated roughly indicates how often she had gotten lost.

As I had such a thought in mind, Fors-san looked unusually troubled about something as her gaze slightly wandered about.

[……Ahh, but even if I do understand your wariness, rest assured. I don’t intend to get lost any further, so there’s no need to hold hands.]

[I see…… Well then, shall we hold hands?]

[……Look at those eyes, so free from hesitation…… as if to say that this isn’t the first time you’ve dealt with a troubling person like I am. I can even feel your determination to never give in on this, as if to say conceding on this matter in itself is no different from acknowledgment……]

When one speaks of someone getting lost, Tre-san is also such a person, and I’ve also dealt with other troubling people…… various people with quite the habits.

When dealing with people like her, conceding here leads to failure. It truly requires the determination to forcefully assert one’s own opinion. Without that, control over the situation can’t be maintained.

[……W- Well, but you see, this is a bit inconvenient for me…… I have my own reasons why I’d like you to excuse myself from this…… No, of course, I’m well aware of my own lack of sense of direction. I also understand that what you propose is the best option there is. But you see, society doesn’t always view things under reason. Sometimes, we would have to make choices in which might be inefficient, yet inevitable.]

[Do you find something inconvenient with holding hands with me?]

It’s just that, Fors-san seemed unusually hesitant, or perhaps, somewhat embarrassed, so I tilted my head and asked…… to which Fors-san averted her gaze before speaking.

[……No, you see, I already told you before, didn’t I? I don’t intend to throw away my public decency as a woman. I still hold a certain amount of shame. So, ummm, I, you see…… Within the days I had gotten lost, bathing and stuff like that…… N- No, I’d like it if you do not misunderstand me! I’ve been using magic to keep my body clean and smelling good! H- However, even if my body is clean, my mind still holds some hesitation……]

[I see…… Even if there’s no problem at all, there’s still that part of you that feels concerned about it.]

[Ahh, you understand what I feel? I see…… I’m glad you understand.]

[Well then, for the time being, let’s just hold hands.]

[……That’s strange? Even though I should have conveyed my thoughts to you, I’m not getting the results I wanted. Your lack of hesitancy, it’s as if you’re saying me not getting lost is more important than my trivial worries…… almost as if you’re convinced that if we don’t hold hands, I’ll end up getting lost……]

Indeed, that’s what I think. I understand the reason behind Fors-san’s hesitation about holding hands. Of course, I am inclined to be considerate in that aspect, given that Fors-san is a woman. However, even if I do feel that way…… My intuition is telling me that if I back down here, this woman will definitely get lost…… then all that awaits me is a frantic search around the Royal capital.

[Fors-san, I don’t mind, so let’s hold hands. Come on, let’s get going.]

[……I don’t dislike pushy men but…… Ugh, uuuu…… A- Alright. Looking back, the reason I’m in this situation is me. I’ll take those terms……]

Seeing Fors-san nod with a faint blush on her cheeks while saying that, I start to feel like I’m doing something mischievous…… but unfortunately for her, based on my past experiences, I can’t give in here, so I have no choice but to push forward.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Isn’t this that? Putting aside what Kaito thinks, for Fors, this would be “something he’d have to take responsibility for”! I know a lot about this!!!]