𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬
“Well, there’s no use worrying too much about Rest-boy. Ru-boy will handle that.”
ㅤ
That’s what Auntie Elle said at the inn we finally arrived at.
ㅤ
“Rather than that, we need to think about ourselves.
Our purpose in this town is to resupply and deal with a few other things to some extent.
So! The rest of the time will be precious moments of rest we can naturally fit into this grueling journey of constant travel and battles.
That being said! Everyone should take the time to recharge!”
ㅤ
And just like that, Auntie Elle dived into the inn’s bed. That was yesterday.
We parted ways with Ruberto and his team and stayed at a moderately priced inn, pretending to be high-ranking adventurers so as not to cause a fuss about the hero’s visit.
She probably said what she did to lighten the somewhat heavy atmosphere caused by the issue with Rest.
On that night, it seems like three girls gathered in the next room, and maybe the two who weren’t quite satisfied with the Rest also gave some support.
ㅤ
ㅤ
And then, the next day.
Having finally slept in a comfy bed and rested, we quickly started moving to accomplish our few goals in this town.
ㅤ
“I’ve left the shopping for supplies to Stella and Al-boy. We have other errands to run.”
“What other errands?”
ㅤ
Were there, really?
ㅤ
“I’m going to the barracks to coordinate a time to talk to Ru-boy.”
“I’m also going to the barracks with Ernesta-sama to help treat the injured soldiers.”
“I feel like training, so I’ll go hunt some nearby monsters as a form of practice.”
“That means by process of elimination, you two are in charge of shopping.”
“I see.”
ㅤ
Come to think of it, we did have quite a few things to do.
However, all these tasks seem like they could be completed in a day.
We’re planning to stay in this town for about a week, so if we finish everything today, we can relax later.
ㅤ
That said, I have no intention of taking it easy.
A single day of rest can cause my swordsmanship to rust.
Especially since the essence of my sword is its delicacy.
A small mistake could be fatal.
If I, who am not strong, want to maintain my deadly power, I can’t afford even the slightest negligence and must keep honing my skills.
I guess I’ll have my usual duel with Stella once the shopping is done.
ㅤ
By the way. . . . . .
ㅤ
“Why are you dressed like that?”
“It’s, it’s fine, okay!”
ㅤ
Stella, who was also in charge of shopping, was dressed strangely, like a town girl.
It’s a fairly ornate dress based on blue and white.
She isn’t even carrying her Divine Tree wooden sword, let alone her Holy Sword, like she’s going out on a date or something.
It suits her, which makes it tough.
The contrast from usual is putting pressure on my psyche.
ㅤ
I know who the culprit behind this psychological attack is.
It’s Rin and Auntie Elle, who are grinning in front of me.
They plotted this.
Probably last night when the three girls gathered, they whispered something into Stella’s ear.
So that would mean sending us out for shopping alone was part of the plan as well.
But now that Rest has appeared as a rival, I can’t outright criticize them.
Damn them.
ㅤ
“Alright, we’ll be going then! Have fun shopping!”
“Just remember, it’s only shopping, okay! It’s not a date, so feel free to enjoy yourselves!”
“Uh, yeah, good luck?”
ㅤ
Saying whatever they please, they left.
All that remains is me and Stella, along with a bit too much money for shopping and a magic bag for carrying items.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
ㅤ
“. . . . . .Should we go then?”
“. . . . . .Yeah.”
ㅤ
We can’t just keep standing around doing nothing.
I tried to encourage Stella to get moving, intending to go shopping.
ㅤ
“What’s the matter?”
ㅤ
However, even when I started walking, Stella didn’t follow.
As I tilted my head, Stella blushed hesitantly, then resolutely extended her right hand.
ㅤ
“Could you hold my hand. . . . . .?”
“Huh?!”
ㅤ
Is that voice and that upward glance against the rules. . . . . .?!
Grr!
It’s causing significant mental damage!
You two, those girls!
They’ve been putting strange ideas into Stella’s head!
And what’s worse, as a man, I can’t refuse this. . . . . .!
ㅤ
“. . . . . .Here.”
ㅤ
In the end, after some hesitation, I grasped Stella’s extended right hand with my left.
Stella smiled happily, but then puffed out her cheeks slightly, appearing somewhat displeased.
ㅤ
“Take off your gauntlets.”
“I refuse.”
ㅤ
It seems Stella isn’t happy with the Mithril gauntlets I’m wearing around town.
The palm parts of the gauntlets are like thick gloves, after all.
The grip must be uncomfortable.
But this is the best I can do right now, thanks to your mental attacks.
Besides,
ㅤ
“Being prepared for battle is necessary. Even in town, you never know when a perverted Holy Warrior might attack.”
“Hmm.”
“. . . . . .What is it?”
ㅤ
I tried to make a case for my equipment, but Stella peered into my face and then seemed satisfied for some reason.
. . . . . .Did she notice the heat gathering in my face?!
ㅤ
“Well, for today, just seeing that expression on your face is enough for me. Let’s go.”
“. . . . . .Alright.”
ㅤ
Damn it, it feels like she’s taken control.
And she’s becoming much more daring in how she approaches things.
I’m reaching my limit in how much longer I can deceive myself, damn it.
ㅤ
“By the way, I’m not saying you should go fully equipped like me, but how about carrying at least a sword?”
“It’s fine. If needed, the Holy Sword can fly over through space to reach me.
That feature lets it come to previous heroes in dire straits or really bad situations to Sword Saints as well.”
“You’re telling me Sword Saints can also use the Holy Sword?”
“According to Ernesta-san, only in the absolute worst cases when there is no hero.
Apparently, anyone other than a hero using the Holy Sword would die from the recoil.
By the way, if the Demon King appeared before I was ready, Ruberto-san was planning to use the Holy Sword to repel him, even at the risk of his life.”
“. . . . . .Good thing it didn’t come to that.”
ㅤ
Chatting like this, we left the inn and headed out into the town.
Even through the gauntlets, the sensation of holding hands filled me with a happiness that was almost intoxicating.
. . . . . .That’s why it’s so difficult.
Because this happens, I can’t yet express how I feel.
Struggling to keep my emotions in check, but still overwhelmed by those that seep out, I set off for shopping.
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