Chapter 12

After playing with Shira at Mary's inn, Narsena and I went to various shops to sell the materials.

"It's gotten completely dark, hasn't it?"

"Yeah. We got caught up in conversation..."

As a result, by the time Narsena and I tried to return to the inn, the sun had set, and it was completely dark. We were able to skip the troublesome procedures thanks to the shopkeepers. However, it's only natural that it took time to go to nearly ten shops to exchange materials and talk.

"Yeah, everyone was happy today..."

"Yes! Big brother is already so popular!"

"Hehe. Thanks."

But I didn't dislike the hassle that ordinary adventurers would avoid.

Being thanked by the shopkeepers, getting extra bonuses, talking with Mary, and playing with Shira...

If the adventurers in this town saw my actions, they might mock me for not being adventurous enough. But the days I spent in the town were so fresh and enjoyable that I didn't mind being mocked.

The reason I was accepted in the town probably had a lot to do with her personality. After all, I wasn't accepted to this extent when I used to sell meat at the butcher's.

If it weren't for her, I would still be spending my days in a corner of the Adventurer's Guild, believing I was useless. I can easily imagine that scene. Moreover, the changes in me, thanks to Narsena, weren't just that.

"By the way, big brother, you threw a fireball at the monster today, right? Is that a magic item?"

"No, it's magic."

"Really? ...Magic!?"

"Yeah, it's pretty useful, isn't it?"

When I talk to Narsena, I become most aware of my own changes.

Perceiving and handling magic without relying on skills is a technique I learned from a master who was called a top-tier expert. After a few months of guidance from my master, I mastered it in a few years, which was quite a fast pace.

"Well, I can only use basic magic for intimidation."

However, I soon realized that I was just a talented but poor person. In a life where I often lacked food, I desperately practiced magic to change myself, who was constantly called incompetent and defective. The result was just a basic level of magic that couldn't even be used for attacks. Therefore, this magic is nothing but a trauma to me.

But when I talk about this magic to Narsena, I don't feel any trauma at all.

"Even just basic magic is amazing! How can big brother use such a thing without a magic enhancement skill!?"

After all, even my hopeless abilities are recognized by Narsena.

Her somewhat exaggerated reaction makes me want to laugh. Narsena doesn't realize it, but the truly amazing thing isn't just that I can use a bit of magic. The truly amazing thing is Narsena, who recognizes my efforts, even for abilities that would only be mocked if I talked about them to others.

"I learned it from my master."

"Who is your master, really... How can a healer teach magic...?"

"You'll meet him eventually, probably."

"Uh-huh... You're just saying that..."

While chatting with Narsena, I feel a sense of gratitude towards her, which I can't count how many times I've felt. I don't know what she intends to do in the future. Indeed, I finally understand that I am somewhat competent. But I am still an extreme adventurer, and one day Narsena might team up with a more excellent adventurer.

Still, if she ever finds herself in danger, I will definitely go to help her.

I secretly make this resolve while smiling without showing any signs of it on the surface.

"That's not true. I don't have proof, but I really feel like Narsena will meet my master someday. Maybe you already have."

"Of course you're just saying that! Ugh!"

Narsena pouts and complains at my words. I can't help but laugh, even though I feel bad. Narsena turns away, expressing her dissatisfaction.

"...You really remind me of her."

When I notice Narsena's emotionally rich appearance, I mutter these words. Every time I see Narsena, I can't help but overlap her image with that of a certain girl.

A girl who was emotionally rich, kind, and very strong.

And she was the girl who made me want to gain power through a distorted way of fighting, separating defense and attack.

I apologize for the shortness. From next time, I will write about the past that made Rauzto feel inferior.