Chapter 28

The voice of the Book of Acacia echoed in Jill's mind.

"Ugh"

She almost responded, but clamped her mouth shut.

Then, she took a deep breath and replied in her mind.

(What kind of person is it? Another child?)

"It's not a juvenile. It's an adult male."

(Can you show me an image that only I can see?)

"Understood. I'll activate private mode."

Then, a screen floated in the air.

But Maureen and the others didn't notice it.

Jill was once again taken aback, but this time she managed to keep from making a sound.

She quickly realized that this was probably some kind of ancient magic.

She then looked at the screen that only she could see.

"What's the matter, Jill?"

Matthew and the others looked at her curiously as she stared at nothing.

Jill pondered how to explain.

"Um, well..."

But since an intruder had come, she decided it would be unwise to keep it a secret.

If they suspected something, she would have to bluff by saying she could use some amazing magic.

"...It seems someone has entered the forest."

"What?"

Matthew signaled to the other two.

It meant, "Don't say anything unnecessary."

But only Jill didn't notice this and tried to bluff poorly.

"Ah, no, I just had a feeling... something like that..."

"It's fine. A mysterious magic is cast over the entire mansion, and we know you can use it. I don't know the full extent, but it must be a kind of anti-thief magic, right?"

"Ah, yes, something like that."

Matthew had already almost completely figured out Jill's true nature. Gald, Maureen, and even Laurent had heard the story when the horse armor was completed.

The three were troubled and then got angry at Matthew for hiding such important information. They fought and drank at Laurent's shop until they finally came to an understanding. They decided that unless Jill asked for it, they would treat her as they always had. Jill thought she was keeping it a secret, but in reality, she was the one being kept in the dark.

"So, how many are there? What do they look like? Be as detailed as possible."

"There's one. A man in a robe... He looks like a traveler, not someone from town. His face is hard to see because of the hood."

"Does he have any weapons?"

"Not that I can see. But he has a rather large bag... Wait?"

"What is it?"

"Karappa is getting really angry. He's started fighting."

◆

Dylan Karappa.

A large crab monster that has existed in the land of the Dylan Magic Kingdom for a long time.

The average size is from 50 to 80 centimeters. However, this is only within the range that humans have observed. It is believed that individuals several times larger live in the depths of dungeons or secret places. The Karappa with Jill is proof of this.

They mainly inhabit freshwater rivers, water sources, dungeons, and underground water sources, but can survive for long periods without water by storing water in their large bodies or using magic.

Their temperament is gentle. This is said to be because their defense is so high that they are rarely targeted by other animals, and because they are slow and do not actively hunt.

After living for about ten years, they instinctively learn water and defensive magic, which further reduces the number of external threats. They are said to be the most delicious when made into a soup, but few people target Karappa. Karappa protect the water sources and forests they inhabit, so evil or ferocious monsters do not come near. In short, considering Karappa hunting is synonymous with being a greedy fool.

That's why Jill and the others came to help the Karappa they were fighting.

Maureen even took out a spear to protect the Karappa.

"Hey, hey, wait! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

"Bubble, bubble, bubble!"

"Hey, Lord Jill! Can you stop him! Or is it her!?"

The Karappa cast a water spell.

It was called [Water Bullet], a spell that shoots water like a bullet.

An expert could use it to punch a hole in a wall.

It was being fired without hesitation at the intruder.

The intruder was skillfully dodging the spells.

But it was a close call.

Eventually, one would hit.

"Um, sorry, who are you...?"

"Wh-what!?"

The intruder seemed slightly shocked by these words.

"It's me, me! Oh, Lord Gald is here too!"

"I don't know you! Show your face!"

"Oh, I forgot."

The intruder pulled off the hood.

There was a silver-haired, handsome man.

He was the man who had traveled with them for a while on the way from the capital to this mansion.

Jill was trying to remember his name when Gald spoke.

"Aren't you Ionai!"

"Ah, Karappa, hold on. Maureen, put down your spear. It seems to be an acquaintance."

"Bubble, bubble..."

"Is it okay?"

The Karappa, who was about to cast a lethal spell, stopped moving with a dissatisfied look.

Maureen also relaxed her stance, though she was still suspicious.

The intruder—Ionai—let out a sigh and sat down.

"Phew... Thanks. I'm grateful."

"Why is Karappa attacking you? That's not normal."

"Well, I was hated for something that happened a while back. I did something bad."

Ionai shrugged and smiled wryly.

Karappa was still angry, clicking its claws as a warning.

By the way, Jill remembered the first time she met Ionai.

They had traveled together for one night, parted ways, and then she met Karappa right after.

At that time, Karappa was terribly injured.

"...This Karappa was in a terrible state when I first met it. Did you do this?"

"No way. I have no will or strength to do such a thing."

"But you must have some connection, right?"

"You're sharp."

Ionai smiled and raised a finger.

"On the way, we were about to be attacked by wolf monsters that followed the scent of meat. So I pushed this Karappa into the fray and escaped."

"You didn't just push a monster onto it. Of course it's angry... And you expected me to help, didn't you?"

Ionai smiled again, as if to say, "You got it."

Jill was exasperated.

"I also did something wrong. Can you accept my apology?"

"Y-Yes?"

Jill spoke to Karappa.

"I'm sorry. I was risking my life... but that's no excuse. Do as you please."

Ionai knelt on one knee, took a dagger from his pocket, and placed it on the ground.

It was the correct posture to show surrender in war or duels, meaning, "I have no weapons, do with me as you please." It was a human custom that didn't apply to animals or monsters. Still, Ionai took the proper action with utmost seriousness.

"...Click"

Then, Karappa skillfully picked up the dagger.

"Eh, are you taking it? It's quite a valuable piece..."

"Bubble, bubble"

Karappa turned its back and walked into the forest, as if to say, "I forgive you."

"...Well, that's fine. If he considers it an apology, that's better than nothing."

"But just leaving the scene doesn't mean he's forgiven you."

Jill was a bit exasperated by Ionai's nonchalant behavior.

But Ionai didn't seem to mind and smiled brightly.

"That's fine. Finding a resolution and stepping back is a very rational action. But isn't it true that these days, too many people can't take such actions?"

"That's..."

Jill was speechless.

She was impressed by his ability to say such profound words so calmly right after such a struggle.

It was a statement she couldn't help but listen to.

"Trapped by relationships, unable to step back or forgive. Unable to let go of those who have become enemies. Becoming insensitive to the value of life. Compared to such people, I even respect the rationality of that Karappa."

Respecting the rationality of a Karappa.

If it were just that, even a child would laugh.

But Jill couldn't laugh.

She even thought it was true.

At the same time, she felt that Ionai was more than just a painter.

The impression she had from the beginning grew stronger.

"...Anyway, please come to the mansion. I'll at least offer you some tea."

"Oh, that's very kind of you."

Ionai's face brightened.

It was as if he had completely forgotten his profound words.

Sighing, Jill decided to guide Ionai to the mansion.

Thank you for reading!

If you found it interesting and want to read more, please rate it with the stars [☆☆☆☆☆] below the ads.

(Star ratings are a great encouragement to authors, not just for my work)

Thank you very much.