After finishing our tea and leaving the Skylark Pavilion, we headed to the Adventurer’s Guild.
Waiting for us were the guild members: Cliche-san, Berde-san, and Schnei-san. Alongside them were Noah, Parker-san, and Novium-san.
Though it wasn’t Mint’s first time meeting them—just like with Tomoe-san and the others—we still took the time to reintroduce ourselves, just in case.
We were ushered into a reception room where tea and sweets were served. For us, it was a moment to relax during the discussions, but for Mint and Chocola, it marked their second snack time of the day.
「You really could go on forever with milk, couldn’t you?」
「Bark!」
While I looked on in exasperation at Chocola, who was enthusiastically lapping up milk with his nose buried in the dish, Mint sat neatly, munching on cookies with impeccable manners.
Nevertheless, as with Tomoe-san and her group, Mint quickly learned everyone’s names and warmed up to them, given they were already familiar faces.
「Noah and Parker—remember! Mint sick, you visit!」
「Oh, you recall that? …Smart, and such a good girl.」
Noah’s words carried genuine admiration as he narrowed his eyes fondly.
When Mint suffered from attribute conflict, they met each other. But not only did she remember that time clearly, she had also been aware of her condition back then. The fact that she had conducted herself without a trace of discomfort hadn’t gone unnoticed.
「Sorry if it feels intimidating to be surrounded by such rough-looking old men. Are you scared?」
「? Not scared.」
Mint tilted her head curiously at Berde-san’s words.
Maybe she doesn’t even have the concept of judging someone as scary or kind just by their appearance.
「Well, rest assured, the Guild will keep an eye out. I wasn’t lying when I said you’re part of our family now.」
「Thank you, Cliche-san.」
「And us blacksmiths owe you a lot, too. Most of us are cooped up in our workshops glaring at iron all day, but I’ll make sure they’re reminded to greet you properly when they’re out in town.」
「Thank you, Novium-san. I truly appreciate your kindness.」
It reminded me of the community watch initiatives we had back in Japan. Ensuring local residents know and care for children makes it harder for suspicious people to approach. I never thought I’d be doing something similar in another world.
「Not that I think anyone would dare cause trouble. …That child’s magic power is beyond extraordinary.」
「Indeed, far stronger than mine.」
Cliche-san glanced at Mint, who was gently blowing on her steaming tea, with a strained expression. Meanwhile, Grandma Seralinde nodded approvingly, her face lighting up with subtle pride.
「That said, it’s always better to prepare for the worst. Besides, I want Mint to enjoy her time here in Sidera. I don’t want her to have any unpleasant experiences.」
「You’re right… This is a good city, but that doesn’t mean it’s spotless from end to end. There are always people with bad intentions, ready to cause trouble.」
Schnei-san nodded, biting his lip.
I’d heard that recently, there had been a reason to increase vigilance around Tomoe-san. Well, she is incredibly popular. As for Schnei-san, he’s actually quite handsome in terms of features, but his sharp gaze and intimidating demeanor tend to overshadow that.
Setting aside criminals, there were bound to be spies from the Elven Nation of Alfheim lurking somewhere. Whether they intended to harm us or not, I didn’t want them snooping around as they pleased, and the thought of being underestimated was infuriating.
The fact that everyone here was willing to not only say they stood with Mint but to show it through their actions was something I was genuinely grateful for.
But…
Despite our gratitude, everyone wore somewhat bitter expressions.
「Sui, we all feel like we owe you an apology.」
「What…?」
Leaning forward across the table, Noah spoke on behalf of everyone.
His gaze dropped as he sat directly across from me.
「When it comes to the matter with the Elven Nation of Alfheim, we’re powerless… There’s nothing we can do to help.」
「That’s not…」
「If we could, we’d march with you into that floating castle right now. We’d demand justice for Karen and Dolce, maybe even throw in a good kick or two while telling them to cut the nonsense. But… we can’t.」
Parker-san’s words, nearly spat out, made me realize something.
Of course… everyone here feels the same way.
Because of Karen’s biological parents, I had unconsciously started to see this as the Hatano family’s problem. It felt like a one-on-one battle between us and the Elven Nation.
But the truth was far more complex, and the people here didn’t see it as someone else’s issue.
Noah is the third prince of the Solx Kingdom. Parker-san is a princess of the Beastkin Territory. If either of them were to intervene, this entire matter could escalate into an international incident.
「In Noah’s case, it’s due to his political power. As for us, we lack the strength. If we were in the forest, that’d be one thing, but up in the sky? We’d only be a burden.」
Berde-san clenched his fists, unable to hide his frustration.
「It’s not just that we lack the strength—if we were taken hostage because of it, we’d be complete fools. If I were in their position and planning to oppose you, that’s exactly what I’d do. That’s why the only thing we can do is keep watch over this city. All we can do is protect Mint, Pochi…the family you left behind.」
Schnei-san, as if speaking for everyone’s feelings, squeezed out his words.
「Thank you. It means a lot—it really does.」
So, I—no, we—
Exchanged glances with Karen, nodded at mother, and patted Chocola on the back.
Then, smiling at Mint, who was cautiously sipping her cooled tea, I said:
「The truth is, we could’ve stayed in the Dragon Village. It’s safe there; no outside threats could reach us. But we chose Sidera instead. We thought it would be better here. And that’s because of all of you. We wanted Mint to spend her time in this city, where you all are.」
「? What’s wrong, Sui?」
Mint, hearing her name, looked up and tilted her head in curiosity.
So I asked:
「Mint, do you not like the idea of staying here for a while?」
「Why? Mint, excited!」
Mint’s face lit up, her body practically bouncing with energy.
「I love playing with Grandma! Tomoe and Rira are so kind! And Noa, Parkeru…..Berde, Scy, Krihe, Nobium—everyone make happy. Warm, like Sui!」
Mint is perceptive.
She can sense the emotions of others by reading the wavelengths of their magic power or their aura, understanding what kind of person they are. And to those who show her kindness, she responds with an equal measure of her own smile.
It’s likely an innate ability of the blood demon flower Alraune, a species that ensures survival by being loved by others. But at the same time, it’s also the gentleness Mint herself has cultivated through her life so far.
There was a brief silence.
After a moment, Berde-san was the one to respond.
「…I see.」
His rugged face softened into a surprisingly friendly smile.
Exchanging glances with Noah and Cliche-san, he placed his large hand on Mint’s head, stroking her gently with an unexpected delicacy for someone with such rough fingers.
「But listen, Mint-chan. It’s not just us. The folks at the market, the workers at the ranch, the shopkeepers—there are all kinds of people living in this city. And we’re all family. That’s why, while you’re here, everyone will be watching over you. We’ll all do our best to keep you smiling.」
「Bar!」
She probably didn’t catch all the meaning behind his words.
Even so, Mint beamed at Berde-san, nodding vigorously and letting him continue stroking her, though she seemed ticklish.
「Thank you so much. Take care of me.」
With heartfelt gratitude, we bowed our heads to everyone.
「…But please, don’t spoil her too much.」
「Can’t promise that. Most of our lot are suckers for kids.」
Berde-san’s playful remark was likely the truth.
Since returning to this world, I haven’t once seen a single child in this city wearing a troubled expression.
——————————————————
Sidera is a city established by the kingdom as a frontier outpost. Its history is relatively short compared to other cities, to the extent that there’s a saying: Trace five generations back, and everyone here was a wanderer.
Because of this, the city has a strong culture of cherishing children as treasures of the future.
While the high mortality rate of adventurers leaves many orphans, the entire city comes together to support children who have lost their parents.
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