After our lively time with the fairies around the campfire, roasting sweet potatoes, two days had passed.
We were now making our way toward Sidera.
Our purpose? To collect an item we had requested from Novium-san—the ‘Fairy’s Tear’ as we informally called it. It was a gem formed from the tears shed by Color-san.
The process of crafting it into an accessory had been completed, and we received word.
The message floated in the crystal communication device: ‘Please, fast, get’. Clearly, even Novium-san sensed the immense power within the gem and preferred not to keep it close.
Anyway.
We arrived in the square, riding on Ji Liz’s back.
Waiting to greet us was Grandma Seralinde.
And the first to leap down from Ji Liz’s back and embrace Grandma was—
「Grandma!」
「Ara ara, welcome. You’ve come a long way.」
It was Mint, who had ventured beyond the forest for the first time in her life.
「Phew! Mint here!」
「Must have been a tiring journey.」
「Not at all! Ji Liz’s back huge!」
Mint playfully pressed their head against Grandma’s belly, who smiled in response.
Ji Liz, too, revealed a toothy grin, clearly amused.
「Oh oh, heartwarming indeed. It’s going to be a short stay today, right?」
「Yes, just to collect the accessory. After that, I’ll show Mint around the city a bit.」
「Then I’ll take a nap while I wait.」
And so, with a wry smile, I turned to Mint and the others.
「Shall we explore the market? Mint, if you get tired among the crowds, just let me know right away.」
「Uuuuu!」
※※※
「Karen, look red tato. To mato!」
「Hmm, tomatoes. They’re piled up high.」
「Amazing! Look delicious!」
「All of those are for sale. People walking around here buy them.」
「We buy them too?」
「We’re good for now; we’ve got vegetables in the pantry. Besides, those tomatoes are a special variety you can’t eat raw. …Sui can eat it for some reason, so Mint, be careful.」
「I see. Too bad!」
The bustling market on the main street was as usual, and Mint wandered around, wide-eyed and curious.
「Smoke thingy there, what?」
「That’s a yakitori stall. They sell skewered meat.」
「Meat?」
「By the way, Mint, you’ve been handling solid food quite well lately. Ready to try some meat or fish?」
「Meat? I eat it every night!」
「Ah, right. From your perspective that might be the case…」
Mint’s curiosity led her to ask various questions, yet she always held someone’s hand and behaved properly. She didn’t reach out impulsively to touch the goods. We never explicitly taught her these norms, but perhaps the magical memories she absorbed have such knowledge when she was born.
「Does Chocola play with Mint often?」
「Bark.」
「Yes, that’s commendable. You’re like a big brother.」
「Bark!」
As we walked side by side, Grandma Seralinde engaged in what seemed like a conversation(?) with Chocola. It was amusing how they somehow understood each other. From Chocola’s perspective, it might be more like ‘allowing her to pet him’.
「Oh, Sui and company. You’ve got a cute young lady with you today.」
「Hello. She’s part of our family.」
A stern-faced adventurer noticed us and addressed Mint, crouching down to meet her gaze.
「Nice to meet you, young lady. What’s your name?」
Adventurer Zeke-san, whose name I’m fairly certain is correct, wore lightweight armor with a sword at his side. His hair, tied back, and the sharp gaze along with the scars on his cheek would undoubtedly make him stand out in Japan. Actually, even in this world, he’s probably the type who’d make children cry.
However, Mint paid him no mind.
With a bright smile, Mint said,
「Nice to meet you! I’m Mint.」
「Ah, Mint, a good name.」
Zeke-san’s stern expression softened.
「Actually, it’s quite impressive that you’re not scared of me. Truly fitting for Sui’s family.」
「? Must Mint scared?」
「No no and thank you for that.」
Surprisingly, Zeke-san seemed to have a soft spot for kids. He ruffled Mint’s hair before saying ‘see you later’ and waving and departing.
As we watched him go, Karen leaned in and whispered,
「You know, Sui, I think Mint isn’t afraid because she’s stronger than him.」
「Ah…. I see.」
While Mint hadn’t fought actual monsters, her combat abilities were likely substantial. Her magical power rivaled mother’s, and her versatility with earth magic was impressive. Plus, my protective barriers and the magical assistance from the pendant I’d given her added to her resilience.
In all likelihood, no unsavory characters in this town could even scratch Mint, let alone frighten her.
「Sui, lift?」
「Sure, here you go.」
「Hehe, so high!」
Her childlike behavior was endearing, but I’d never let my guard down. Even though there was no immediate danger, I’d never take my eyes off her.
「Thanks, Sui! Market look great!」
「Yes, it’s bustling with people.」
「Hey, what’s there? Ano, smells sweet!」
「Oh, that’s fruit candy. They’re probably using grapes, pomegranates, and yellowberries right now.」
It was a common treat for the townsfolk—a confection made by coating seasonal fruits with syrup and then lightly toasting the surface. Similar to Japanese apple candy.
In Sidera, our homegrown fruits often lean toward the tart side due to insufficient varietal improvements. Using syrup to enhance their sweetness makes perfect sense. Unlike sugar, syrup is relatively inexpensive, making it accessible to everyone.
「Mint, would you like to try one?」
「…Is it okay?」
「Hmm, I’d like to try it too. Let’s have some together.」
「Ara then, Grandma will buy it for you.」
「Yay! Grandma, love!」
「You’re welcome. You’re all in this together. Sui, how about Chocola? Can he have some too?」
「Thanks. Berries should be fine for him. Just go easy on the syrup.」
「Bark!」
Chocola wagged his tail enthusiastically, seemingly eager for a taste as well.
As we strolled through the market, Mint’s giggles and Karen’s smiles warmed my heart. Even Chocola joined in, his tail wagging.
Our exploration continued until Mint, exhausted from her excitement, began to doze off.
——————————————————
AN: By the way, Zeke may have a stern face, but he’s a true adventurer. And despite appearances, he’s quite different from the cliché types or the burly Berde.
Also, Sidera’s adventurers tend to be well-mannered. Those who act tough usually learn their lesson swiftly when facing forest monsters.
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