Ch.195195. Or did you feel a change of heart since it’s been a while since we met?

“What does that mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Don’t participate in tomorrow’s monster hunt.”

It was an absurd statement, but I had to take it somewhat seriously.

Clara’s gaze didn’t look the least bit casual.

With my arms crossed heavily, I slowly opened my mouth.

“And the reason is?”

“Can’t you just not participate in the monster hunt without asking why?”

“If I don’t know the reason, I have no reason not to go.”

When I showed a firm expression, Clara let out a deep sigh.

“…I’m uncomfortable meeting you.”

No, that’s a lie.

I’ve already checked her condition with my “Eye Inspection.”

*Ding* ♪

Name: Clara

Current State: Anxiety, Sadness, Flutter.

If she’s uncomfortable, shouldn’t “irritation” or “anger” come before anxiety and sadness?

And what’s with the “flutter”?

“Did Brond put you up to this?”

“N-no, that’s not it.”

“Then have I made you uncomfortable since I came to Pandera territory?”

“…That’s not it either…”

“Then why are you telling me not to participate in the monster hunt? I heard the hunt itself is quite free, so we could easily avoid running into each other.”

“…”

Clara stands awkwardly, keeping her mouth shut like she’s got honey stuck in her throat.

“If you have nothing to say, I’m leaving.”

“W-wait…”

Just as I was about to turn away, Clara urgently grabbed me.

I looked at her with questioning eyes.

“What is it exactly?”

“…I think Brond is plotting something.”

“A plot?”

“When I was at the tavern earlier, I overheard something. I think he’s planning to put you in danger during tomorrow’s monster hunt…”

“How exactly is he planning to put me in danger?”

“I couldn’t hear that part, but it seems like he has a plan.”

Did I end the duel with Swell too quickly for Brond to grasp the situation?

Brond’s plan?

I had expected this.

That’s why I showed my skills as a warning not to mess with me.

Plus.

Village Chief Loris, who wants to establish ties with Selden Alphonse, would have added his own words.

I thought Brond would know to be patient, but apparently he lacks brains too.

By the way.

Why is Clara telling me this?

Wasn’t she uninterested in Jawil Wilson to begin with?

Sympathy?

Or has she fallen for me wearing Jawil Wilson’s transformed skin?

I casually scratched the bridge of my nose.

“Clara, why are you telling me this?”

“B-because… you’ll be in danger.”

“Didn’t you used to freak out whenever you ran into me? Or have you had a change of heart after seeing me again after so long?”

“…That’s not it either.”

If she’s developed an interest in me just because I easily took down Swell, I need to draw the line right now.

I’m Selden Alphonse, and although Jawil Wilson said he wouldn’t visit his hometown, you never know what might happen.

If I maintain a relationship with Clara and he finds out?

He’d be like, “Young master, how could you!” and sulk for at least a few months.

I took a step closer to Clara.

“Thanks for telling me, but I have a reason to participate in tomorrow’s monster hunt.”

“B-but Brond is plotting something!”

“It’s fine. No matter how grand Brond’s scheme is, it won’t harm me. I have the skills to handle it.”

“I went out of my way to warn you… and you’re not thinking about the consequences.”

“Consequences?”

“Do you think it ends if you safely overcome Brond’s plot!?”

I tilted my head at Clara’s raised voice.

“I’m going to return to Lake territory after the monster hunt, so…”

“Sure, it might end for you, but do you think Brond’s personality will let him leave Wortman and Berik alone?”

“…What?”

“Do you know how much Brond has been tormenting Wortman and Berik since you left Pandera territory? Things were just starting to get better… and then you came back.”

Looking at Clara, I spoke in a low voice.

“So, after I left Pandera territory, Brond tormented Wortman and Berik? Because of me?”

“…Yes.”

By the way.

Why does Brond dislike Jawil Wilson so much?

Is it because he likes Clara just like Brond does?

Is that enough reason to torment friends like this?

“Anyway, I understand what you’re saying.”

“I’ll take that as you understood.”

With those final words, Clara walked away.

I hurriedly made my way back to Wortman’s house.

Creeeeak-!

As soon as I entered the house, I was startled.

Wortman and Berik were looking at me with eyes full of anticipation.

“What’s this? Clara coming to visit!! When did you secretly meet with Clara!?”

“See, I told you Clara seemed to have fallen for Jawil Wilson during the duel with Swell!”

According to Clara, after Jawil Wilson left Pandera territory, they were tormented by Brond…

But why are these guys so cheerful?

Strangely, a laugh escaped me.

I’ve known two people who, no matter how much they get beaten, might be scared momentarily but act as if nothing happened the next day.

One is Leonard, and the other is Jawil Wilson.

‘Yes, you guys are truly Jawil Wilson’s friends.’

Anyone else would have been unwelcoming when Jawil Wilson returned to Pandera territory, even if they were childhood friends.

They wouldn’t want to get involved and risk facing trouble from Brond.

But.

Wortman and Berik were indeed Jawil Wilson’s friends.

They welcomed him even more warmly.

And even when there was friction with Brond, they might have been scared, but they didn’t run away and stood firmly behind him.

“Hey, why aren’t you saying anything!! What happened with Clara outside!!”

“Did you kiss or something? Wow… at this rate, our Jawil Wilson might decide to live in Pandera territory again!”

Though they seem a bit lighthearted as friends, I felt envious of Jawil Wilson.

I pulled out a chair and sat down again.

“Let’s have a drink.”

Berik quickly sat in the chair opposite me and leaned forward.

“Why can’t you talk!! I’m curious!!”

Then, Wortman also sat down and raised his voice.

“Tell us quickly!! What were you doing with Clara!?”

I slowly turned my gaze to the window.

In the dark night, only the moonlight shone brilliantly; it was pitch black.

But I didn’t feel lonely.

I had people to share a drink with.

Looking alternately at Wortman and Berik, I raised my glass high and grinned.

“Today, I’ll specially tell the story about Clara to whoever can drink better than me!”

*

“Hurry up.”

The next day.

When I arrived at the entrance of the Silver Forest, Wortman, who had followed me, kept dry heaving.

“…You heartless bastard.”

“What makes me heartless?”

“How could you not tell us anything till the end?”

“I told you, I’d tell the person who could drink better than me.”

I shrugged with both arms raised, and Wortman, still suffering from last night’s aftermath, pressed his temples firmly.

“B-but I passed out later than Berik, so you should tell me.”

“I’m not Berik, am I?”

“You really are heartless… you’re not going to tell me till the end?”

“Haha! By the way, where’s Berik?”

Wortman wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and continued.

“He must be completely knocked out… that’s why I told him to sleep at my house.”

Apparently not so noble, as Berik’s figure can be seen in the distance.

Walking like a zombie.

He passed out earlier than Wortman last night, so why does he look so much worse?

I sighed deeply and raised my voice to Berik.

“Hurry up!”

“…I’m dying, really…”

With Berik standing in front of me, furrowing his brow, I crossed my arms heavily.

“Listen, Berik, Wortman.”

Wortman, who seemed less hungover than Berik, nodded.

“What is it?”

“Today, I’m going to hunt alone.”

“W-what!? While the danger level is low enough that hunting alone isn’t reckless, why would you do that!?”

If Clara’s words are all true, I can’t let Wortman and Berik get caught up in Brond’s plot.

If they get hurt by mistake, how could I face Jawil Wilson?

So whatever happens, I’ll handle it alone.

With a gaze devoid of any lightness, I spoke.

“It seems Brond has plotted something, and you could be in danger too.”

“P-plot?”

“Yes, that’s what Clara told me last night. She has no reason to lie to me, so I think it’s the truth.”

Wortman swallows hard with a tense expression.

“Then shouldn’t we skip today’s hunt?”

“It’s fine, I can escape on my own somehow.”

Berik, who had been hanging his head until now, straightens his back.

“…No, we’re going together. I can’t watch you face danger alone.”

“Don’t worry, I’m from the Alphonse—”

“We’re not weak either, so trust us.”

Just as I was about to persuade them again, I hesitated.

Berik’s focus, which had been blurred by the hangover, had become firm.

The same was true for Wortman beside him.

Hah…

Why are Jawil Wilson’s friends so manly?

They say birds of a feather flock together, but still.

Before I knew it, a gentle smile had formed on my lips.

Scratching the back of my head a couple of times, I laughed softly.

“Alright, just don’t slow me down.”