Chapter 19 – The Village of Roholon (2)

“Ugh… I’m exhausted…”

Rubia and I had just finished an excruciating shopping trip.

Even though the village wasn’t that big, the shops were well-stocked, so we ended up spending a long time walking around, buying various supplies.

“You worked hard, Noah. How do you like your new clothes? Do you feel comfortable in them? I didn’t expect to find Eastern-style clothing here.”

“Uh…”

Among all the things we bought, Rubia seemed most excited about my new outfit.

I couldn’t see the design clearly, but from the feel of it and Rubia’s description, it seemed like Eastern clothing.

Not exactly like traditional Korean clothes though… More like a modified priestess outfit or a yukata… something along those lines.

It didn’t have buttons and wrapped around the waist with a wide sash… something like that.

Apparently, it was made from the leather of a mutant ogre that once appeared in the Halvion Plains.

But here’s the weird part—the right sleeve was long, while the left side was sleeveless.

Did they run out of material while making it…?

“Is it uncomfortable?”

“No, the top part is fine…”

“And the bottom?”

“Well… it’s definitely comfortable. There’s nothing covering anything… at all… ugh…”

I squeezed my legs together, trying to pull down the hem of the outfit, which barely covered half my thighs.

The fabric was nice, and it felt cool and airy, but…

It was a dress.

A one-piece dress that combined the top and bottom… and it was very short.

One wrong move, and I might end up showing the whole village my underwear…

They definitely ran out of material.

I had been dead set against wearing it, absolutely refusing.

But there wasn’t any other outfit in my size available at the time.

And then the shop owner, after talking to Rubia for a bit, decided to give it to us for free.

So, I had no choice but to wear it.

It was originally priced at 15 gold, so getting it for free was a steal… otherwise, I wouldn’t have worn it, really.

I mean, do you know how much jelly you can buy with 15 gold?

“We got lucky. It was going to be discarded soon, so we got it just in time.”

“A-are you sure…?”

“About what?”

“That it was about to be thrown out… The owner said it was worth 15 gold, and then after talking to you, he suddenly gave it to us for free.”

Rubia looked at me calmly and responded in an unbothered voice.

“Well, I didn’t say much. I just asked how long he had it in stock. It seemed old.”

“Really…?”

“Of course.”

She sounded so confident…

Was it really just good luck?

While I was still unsure, Rubia smacked her lips and casually added, “It would’ve been nice if we bought some underwear while we were at it…”

“W-what…! Underwear…? Someone like you needs it! I don’t! Bandages are enough for me…!”

Rubia might need proper undergarments, but I’m fine with just bandages. Really.

“Sure, bandages work too. Easy to take off, after all.”

“W-what?! Take off… what…?!”

Her gaze suddenly felt sticky, so I wrapped my arms around myself and turned slightly.

“What do you think I mean? Don’t you change your underwear every day?”

“Well… y-yeah, I do, but…”

“Right?”

“…Yeah.”

Am I the weird one here…? I swear Rubia’s tone and expression were off just now.

Was it just my imagination?

“Your robe will be ready the day after tomorrow. Just hang in there a little longer.”

“I guess there’s no choice…”

My old robe had been completely shredded, so I had to order a new one.

Unlike others who can just buy off the rack, I’m so small I had to get it custom-made.

So, for the next two days, I’ll have to wear this dress around town… just thinking about it makes me sad.

To lift my spirits, I rummaged through the paper bag full of jelly treats.

Just feeling the jelly in my hand cheered me up a bit.

I pulled out a few and offered them to Rubia.

“Rubia, do you want some…?”

“I don’t really like overly sweet things. You can eat them all, Noah.”

“Really…? Okay then.”

Oh well. I had meant to share, but if she insists, I guess I’ll have to eat them all myself. Hehe…

I stuffed a handful of jelly into my mouth.

Chew, chew.

“Wow… Strawberry flavor! And… um… I don’t know.”

I ate so many at once, I couldn’t tell the flavors apart.

How can Rubia think these are too sweet? They’re delicious!

The sweet, chewy texture filled my mouth, making me swing my legs happily.

I guess wearing a skirt after always wearing pants feels strange. My legs feel so exposed, I can’t stop moving them.

The cool breeze brushing against my bare legs feels kind of nice, too.

Swallowing the jelly, I reached into the paper bag to pick out another one.

What flavor will it be this time?

As I fumbled around, I picked out a jelly that felt just right.

“I think that one is—”

“No! It’s more fun not knowing the flavor! Don’t tell me!”

One hand held the jelly while my other hand was still holding Rubia’s, which meant I couldn’t use my perception to sense anything.

Not that I could use it to figure out the jelly’s flavor anyway.

“Oh, really…?”

I nodded as I popped the jelly into my mouth.

“Mmm…! Apple flavor!”

I knew it felt special!

My mood instantly lifted, and I kicked my legs even more.

Sweets are the best.

“This village is so peaceful. I wouldn’t mind staying longer than planned.”

After gulping down the jelly, I nodded in agreement with Rubia.

“But didn’t you say we were short on time…?”

That’s why we took the dangerous shortcut and rode horses instead of a carriage…

Wait.

Wait a minute.

“Rubia! Where are our horses?!”

I just realized the horses were gone!

“Oh… they were eaten. The gnolls got them. Poor things…”

The jelly in my hand dropped to the ground.

“W-what…?”

I hadn’t been thinking about them, but they’re… dead…?

I mean, sure, they were annoying, but…

Dead…?

They walked so carefully when I held the reins, and I’d started to bond with them, even though they spat at me.

It was starting to feel like having a pet, and I thought maybe we’d become friends…

My throat tightened.

“T-they’re dead…?”

“Pfft—! Hahaha! Just kidding.”

“Huh…? Kidding? So they’re not dead?”

“No, they’re not. I left them at the stables. They’re fine, and I took care of the baggage too. Don’t worry. They’re alive and well.”

“R-really…?”

“Yes, we’ll go see them later.”

Phew… what a relief…

As annoying as they were, they did carry us safely, and I was starting to like them.

But… I don’t remember bringing them here…?

Wait…?

I didn’t hear any hoof sounds…?

“B-but… I didn’t hear any hoof sounds while we were walking here… You’re not lying, right? You didn’t replace them with other horses and pretend they’re the same, did you…?”

A bad memory surfaced, and I tightened my grip on Rubia’s hand.

When I was in middle school, I bought a chick for 500 won in front of the school.

One day, I noticed its chirps sounded different, so I asked my mom if it was the same chick.

She kept saying it was, but after I pushed her enough, she admitted the truth.

My original chick had died, and she secretly replaced it with a new one.

She thought I’d be too sad, so she brought in a more expensive, healthier chick…

But still!

I had grown attached to that chick in just one week…

I didn’t even get to bury it with my own hands, didn’t even get to say goodbye…

Ugh, I feel like crying just thinking about it.

So.

You didn’t do that… right, Rubia…?

Rubia stayed silent for a moment before carefully responding.

“I fitted them with hoof boots. Their hooves were getting worn out.”

“Ooh… so they’re just wearing shoes! Then they’re really still alive, right? Let’s go see them together later!”

“Yes, we will. But Noah…”

Rubia’s voice suddenly sounded serious.

“Y-yes…?”

Her grip tightened around my hand.

“I hope this isn’t too sensitive of a question, but…”

Rubia’s hand squeezed mine more firmly.

“Can you not use your Heightened Senses without your greatsword?”

“Uh… well…”

She figured it out! Emergency!

Did she realize because of what I said earlier…?

“N-no…”

But… Rubia told me her secret.

Should I really be hiding this from her?

“Hmm…”

I decided.

I’ll tell her.

I trust Rubia.

I leaned closer to her and whispered as quietly as possible.

“Yes… Without my greatsword, I can’t sense anything.”

Then I loosened my hand slightly and hooked my pinky around hers.

“So promise… Don’t tell anyone. Not even Hermilla knows. This is our secret. Just between me and you, okay?”

Rubia didn’t respond right away.

“R-Rubia…?”

“Just between… us?”

“Yes.”

Rubia’s pinky tightened around mine.

“Alright. Now we’ve shared a secret, so we’re really close friends now, aren’t we?”

Gasp…!

“R-really close friends…!”

“Yes.”

My heart swelled with warmth.

“So, earlier, you asked if we’re running out of time, right?”

Rubia unhooked her pinky and intertwined our fingers again.

“Yes. That’s why we took the horses and the dangerous route, isn’t it?”

“Exactly… My original plan was to only be gone for about ten days.”

“Then… shouldn’t we leave soon?!”

“It’s okay. Even if we’re a little late… I think it’ll be alright.”

Rubia let out a heavy sigh, full of hesitation.

“Hmm… Rubia, you said you ran away, right?”

“Yes…”

“Then… does that mean they’ll come for you again? Like those knights did?”

“…Yes.”

“What do you want to do, Rubia?”

I felt her hair brush against my face, probably because she had turned to look at me.

“I… I don’t want to go back yet.”

“Really?”

“Yes… It’s pathetic, isn’t it?”

I shook my head.

“No, not at all. In that case, Rubia… should I help you?”

Should I save you?

“How?”

“We just have to beat anyone who comes for you, right?”

“You’d… do that?”

“Do you think I can’t?”

I patted my chest confidently with my free hand.

“I can take down those weaklings easily.”

After all, I’m…

Rubia’s best friend, the 8-year veteran of Black Sun, and the #2 in PVP rankings.

I can take them all down.

“Weaklings… Pfft… hahaha! Weaklings?”

“Of course! Don’t you believe me?!”

Rubia patted my head, laughing.

“I believe you. Of course, I do. Who else would I trust if not you, Noah?”

“Right? Then just relax, Rubia. I’ll protect you.”

“For how long?”

After a brief pause, Rubia smiled so brightly, I could feel it even without seeing her face.

“For as long as I live.”

Until I die.

“Okay.”

I’ll protect you forever.

“Just trust me.”

I won’t let Rubia die.

No matter what.