Chapter 90

This is the story of when the preparations for the wetland extermination team were nearing completion.

Liefan and I have been spending a lot of time together lately.

When we leave the production guild together, the new staff member, Plum Furtia, gives us a sidelong glance.

Uh, what?

"No, you two seem to be getting along well today."

"Better than fighting, right?"

I often end up sitting seiza, but it’s not a fight.

"No, no. I wish you a long and happy life together."

"…Something about the way you say it feels off."

"Plum-chan! It’s not like that!"

"Sure, sure. Lord Kyle is waiting, right? Please hurry along."

"Ugh! Ugh!"

Their conversation is hard to understand, but it seems they’re not together.

…What?

I found their mysterious conversation puzzling, but I confirmed the report items while walking with Liefan.

We ended up at Lord Kyle’s residence to report, as usual, but…

Myna was pushing Liefan.

Though it’s hard to understand what she’s saying, she’s pushing Liefan with both hands, trying hard.

"Ah, Lady Myna?"

When Liefan was about to sit in her usual chair next to me, Myna pushed her forcefully to a seat one away from me.

"Lady Myna? Should I sit here?"

"…Hmm."

Myna nodded contentedly and climbed onto my lap.

She puffed out her cheeks, looking very satisfied.

On another day, when Kyle’s business took longer and Liefan and I were waiting, Myna came over.

It’s not unusual for her to come, but that day, Liefan was also pushed to another seat.

It would have been easier to sit next to each other since we were looking at the same documents…

On yet another day, when we went on an inspection led by Kyle.

It was a relaxing time, moving slowly on horseback.

I had Myna sit in front of me on the horse, chatting with Kyle. Myna seemed to be enjoying it.

However, when Kyle started chatting with Persia and I switched to chatting with Liefan, Myna’s mood suddenly turned sour.

"Myna, does your butt hurt?"

"…!!"

She slapped my cheek.

"Ouch. Craft is the worst."

"I was just worried about your butt!"

This time, I got a chop on the head from Liefan.

Ouch! That really hurt!

This is how Myna’s actions have been unpredictable lately.

And the ultimate moment was…

"…Hmm!"

Early in the morning, Myna was clinging tightly to my leg.

It was the day we were setting out for the wetland extermination.

"Uh, Myna? We’re about to set out…"

"…Hmm!"

Persia also looked troubled. It would be easy to forcibly pull her off, but that’s not possible.

Kyle also came over.

"Myna?"

"…"

Kyle looked back and forth between Myna, who was clinging tightly, and me.

After a moment of silence, he seemed to make a decision.

"Myna, you want to come with us, don’t you?"

"…Hmm."

Hold on, that’s too much to ask.

We can easily protect ourselves from hydras, but the border is unpredictable. I don’t really want to bring her.

"Myna… yeah, that’s right."

Kyle spoke gently.

What does he mean by "that’s right"?

"…Brother Craft. I understand that Myna will be a burden, but I’m asking you. Please take her with you to Zayed Village."

"Huh?"

That was an unexpected request.

"What will you do when you get to Zayed Village?"

"I’ll leave her at Brother Zayed’s residence. Is that okay, Myna?"

"If it’s just the trip to the village, it should be safe with Raidock and Eva also coming along. But are you really going to leave Myna with Zayed?"

"I understand that you don’t trust Brother Zayed, but Myna will be fine."

"Really?"

Then Alphard and Persia also chimed in with a wry smile.

"Lord Zayed is surprisingly lenient with Lady Myna. When Myna threw a tantrum about following Lord Kyle, Lord Zayed offered to take care of her."

Persia continued, but her expression was as if she had bitten into a sour bug.

"Of course, when Myna found out, she became even more determined to follow Lord Kyle, and I ended up becoming his guard to come along."

Ah, yeah. That’s why she has that expression.

"And Myna’s attitude now is exactly the same as back then… meaning, she won’t budge, even with a crowbar."

So that’s why Kyle suggested a compromise.

Kyle continued.

"In any case, it’s a good time for both of you to visit Brother Zayed and show your sincerity and commitment to the wetland reclamation."

That’s true.

I turned to Myna, who was clinging to me.

"Myna, do you really want to come with us?"

"…Hmm."

I thought for a few seconds and continued.

"That’s not enough. If you want to come, you have to say it in words."

If the usually quiet Myna shows her will here…

"…Ni"

Ni?

"Brother Craft… I want to… be with you."

Wow.

It was a longer sentence than I expected. Is this the first time I’ve heard her say such a long sentence?

I raised my hands in surrender.

Her resolve is genuine. She probably doesn’t want to be separated from Kyle, who is going to Zayed.

"Alright. I’ll protect you. It’s a promise."

Then Myna slowly let go of my leg and stood up.

She lightly brushed off her dress and gently grabbed my cloak.

"…Hmm."

Myna’s face was lowered, so I couldn’t see her expression.

Ah, right. I could ask Mr. Jabir instead of leaving her with Zayed. He’s busy, but I’ll ask him when we get there. Yeah.

Because of this situation, Myna ended up coming with us to Zayed Village.

…

I didn’t expect this decision would lead to such a situation…

◆

Myna is also riding on my farming horse, the Black Dragon.

Myna was in a good mood.

A beautiful tune hummed softly on the horse.

…She can’t play instruments, but she can hum melodies.

However, I still can’t have a proper conversation with Myna.

Persia, who usually translates for us, isn’t here, and Kyle is in a different part of the formation.

Yeah, he’s handling the horses well.

Well, since we’re here, I might as well try to have a conversation with Myna…

Of course, Myna usually listens to me and I often tell her adventure stories, but we don’t have a proper back-and-forth conversation.

Is there anything we can talk about?

Ah, right.

I took out the slightly creepy doll hanging from my waist.

"I’m taking good care of this doll you gave me."

The humming stopped.

Myna turned her body and looked up at me intently.

(Stare)

…Yeah, Myna. Look at me and say something.

"Ah, um. I’ve been carrying this doll. It kept me company during the border survey. Thank you."

"…(Stare)"

Say something, Myna!

When I was at a loss, Myna’s voice, faint and soft, reached me.

"…Important?"

Wow! It’s been a while since I heard a word from Myna outside of the morning request!

Next, let’s try a phrase!

Joking aside, I’ll respond properly.

"Yeah, it’s important!"

"…Hmm."

Myna nodded contentedly and turned back to face forward.

Eh, is the conversation over?

Her humming started again, so I guess it’s fine.

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