Chapter 7

We walked to the central square of the capital.

There was no sign of anyone around.

Occasionally, I could see guards searching for something, but they didn't seem to notice us.

Is this the power of this girl's skill?

It's quite something.

Once the guard left and she confirmed we were alone, she began to speak to me.

"First, I must apologize. I'm really sorry for following you, my benefactor. But I really wanted to meet you again."

She bowed deeply.

"Also, I must apologize for what happened at the guild. It was very rude of me to suddenly tell you to leave when you were talking to the guild master. I shouldn't have shown such a face in front of the citizens, and it seemed like you had your own reasons."

"No, I don't mind."

Actually, there wasn't much of a reason.

"So, what do you want with me?"

Why did she chase after me like this?

I don't understand.

Maybe I did something wrong without realizing it.

"My request is simple. I just want to properly thank you for saving my life—thank you very much."

The girl with long hair bowed deeply again.

"Really, for something like that? I thought you already thanked me earlier."

"No, that wasn't enough. You not only saved my life but also saved many citizens of the kingdom."

That's a bit much for just subduing a rampaging bull.

True, those guards were in a sorry state, but I could have ended up like that too if I had made a mistake.

Thinking back, it was reckless of me to act without the necessary skills.

Besides, she is an excellent skill user. She might have handled it on her own without my interference.

—Right.

Why didn't I realize it?

I thought it was strange that she stayed on the ground for so long.

She didn't run away. She didn't need to.

"—No, you don't have to go to such lengths. I might have just caused trouble. I'm the one who should apologize for butting in."

"No, no, that's not true! I am truly grateful. If you hadn't come to my aid, I don't know what would have happened to me!"

She seems to be a very principled girl.

It's impressive that she can show such consideration at her age.

"—I see. Then I'll accept your gratitude."

"I want to give you the best possible thanks for this... Please tell me what you want. My father is very grateful to you and wants to offer a heartfelt thank you, using all our resources."

"What?"

Using all their resources?

What does she mean?

"No, no, your words are enough. I really don't need anything more."

"No, I must properly thank you. My father and brother also want to meet you and express their gratitude."

"No, really, there's no need for thanks. Your words are enough."

"That's not acceptable! I am a person of standing. I can't just do nothing for someone who saved my life!"

"No, I don't need it."

I don't know what her position is, but I don't need anything I don't need.

"...No, I can't let it go like this! I must offer a proper thank you from my family!"

"No, I don't want it."

"Then, is there anything you need help with? My family can support you in any way... Even my father can offer advice on land matters."

"I don't need that either."

What?

Land matters? Why is this coming up?

I have a house and fields in the mountains.

I don't need it.

"But...!!"

I noticed she was on the verge of tears.

Why?

I'm saying that words are enough.

"I'm really sorry, but I don't need any thanks."

"...No, you have an obligation to accept my thanks!"

...Obligation?

I don't think thanks should come with obligations...

"...No matter what, I don't need anything I don't want."

"...Then, I won't move from here until you accept my thanks."

She won't back down.

She seems serious.

She's almost crying.

She's just a kid...

No, a kid.

This girl is quite stubborn.

She reminds me of myself.

Over a decade ago, when I visited the training grounds of the priests and was turned away, I stubbornly said I wouldn't leave until they let me train. The instructors probably saw me like this.

She seems serious.

I don't want to wait three days and three nights without food or water.

—There's no choice.

I should at least accept her gratitude.

"...Alright. If it's just meeting your father and brother..."

"...Really!?"

I don't need such an elaborate thank you.

I just subdued a rampaging bull in the city.

I didn't expect the city bulls to be so aggressive.

It doesn't seem to be a big topic, and maybe this kind of thing happens often in the capital.

I'm not familiar with the culture here, but maybe there's a custom to entertain someone who saves you from a bull with all your might.

There's no choice.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

"But really, there's no need for such a big thank you."

"Understood! Let's go right away. Please follow me closely. I don't want to draw attention, so I'll use multiple skills like [Concealment] and [Detection Block] to hide us."

With that, she started walking quickly.

Her face, which was on the verge of tears, had turned into a composed smile.

Was she faking the tears?

She might be quite strategic for a child.

I had no choice but to follow the girl as she walked lightly through the night streets.