In the house next door where I lived, an elderly couple was always getting along well.
During the day, they would talk softly to each other, but come nightfall, the grandma’s screams and the grandpa’s sobbing echoed through the walls.
The grandma had dementia.
She seemed fine during the day, but as night fell, her symptoms worsened, causing her to scream like a child.
Seeing this, my mom couldn’t just stand by; she would help out with side dishes and various things.
And every time she did, she always said the same thing.
“Ugh… Look at this. Raising kids is all for nothing, you know? No matter how well you give birth to them and raise them, when they’re old and sick, they won’t care…”
But…
Even while saying that, she would always give me a warm smile and say, “But our Noah is so nice; I don’t think he would abandon his mom, right?”
I nodded in agreement, thinking it was obvious.
And on that ‘day’, everything was the same as usual.
“Son! I’m going to take some side dishes to the grandma next door. Can you help me carry them? They’re really heavy.”
“Uh… I’m in the middle of a game… It’ll take a bit longer to finish…”
“Hmm… It’ll only take a moment. Can’t you?”
“Oh, right now there’s a boss… No! Why are you going in there! You crazy jerk—”
“Noah? Use nice words, okay?”
“Uh… I’m sorry. Um… Can I go in about 10 minutes?”
“Ugh… Fine. I’ll just go by myself. I’ll organize the fridge while I’m at it, too. That’ll take a while! And don’t look too closely; your eyes might go bad! Make sure to eat what’s on the table when you finish!”
“Umm… Okay, got it.”
“I’ll be back-”
“Oh, that mage’s damage… Ha.”
Thanks to my dad’s job, I was used to saying, “Have a safe trip.”
But on that particular ‘day’,
I was so absorbed in the game that I couldn’t say goodbye.
If only…
I had told her to be safe…
Maybe…
*
It itches.
It feels like doggrass is swaying in front of my face.
It smells good.
And I’m comfortably cradled.
Swaying ever so slightly up and down…
“Ah, we’re almost there, huh?”
I heard Aileen’s voice right in front of me.
“In about 10 more minutes, we’ll be out of this ruin.”
In front of me was Ruch’s voice.
“Ugh… I didn’t get a wink of sleep; I’m about to die from exhaustion. You really can’t fool age, can you?”
That bald guy… I mean, Heinzel’s voice echoed too.
Someone’s arms were supporting my back and legs, and my body was floating in the air.
Am I… being cradled by Aileen?
And I can’t find my great sword; it feels oddly empty around my waist…
I remember falling asleep, but how long has it been?
Aileen must be worried sick. Hmm…
“By the way, didn’t we say we’d rest in Loholan village before entering Halbion?”
“Yes. I plan to stay there until Noah’s health improves a bit.”
“Well then, how about we rest for a bit too? Heinzel. We can also help Noah with training together.”
“Oh, good idea. It’ll be fun to teach a tiny little kid like that!”
Huh…? Me…? Why?
I was trying to let them know I was awake, but seeing their strange conversation, I kept my mouth shut.
“Um, if possible… could you teach me swordsmanship…?”
Huh?
Why is Aileen suddenly interested in learning to fight?
“You want to learn? Then how about we start with the Halberd? It’s the most thrilling—”
“No. I’d prefer a sword. I can’t handle those… no, heavy weapons.”
“Ah-hah! That’s right. The lady knows something. Unlike that cumbersome Halberd, the sword has a romantic side to it. Fine, you’re already set up, so let’s train together in Loholan.”
What’s that supposed to mean?
What romance is there in a one-handed sword or a halberd?
Romance is in the great sword!
You should learn from me!
I tried to keep pretending to sleep, but I couldn’t hold it anymore.
I can’t just let Aileen learn a sword!
I have to get up and help out too—
“Yes. Thank you. But first… I’d like to talk to Noah about a few things before I ask for your help.”
Wait, what?
For now… let’s just stay still.
“Yeah. That makes sense… I’m sure the lady has a lot to discuss with the kiddo. Then, Heinzel, how about we take a little break? I heard the stone slab steak in Loholan is incredibly delicious.”
“Oh, that sounds good.”
“You always have great ideas, don’t you?”
“Isn’t it a bit stiff just to give a plain answer? It looks like this… I was just practicing, so Noah wouldn’t get scared.”
“Hahaha! Heinzel, despite your appearance… um… you’re a bit cute, aren’t you?”
“Even with that big body, he likes cute things. He takes care of pets at home. Ugh, I’m allergic and can’t even step in the house!”
“Isn’t it normal for everyone to like cute things?”
“That’s… true. But it feels strange to hear Heinzel likes them… haha…”
I tried to picture Heinzel’s image in my mind.
From my previous memories… uh…
He has a smooth, shaved head from shaving every morning.
He’s about the height of my great sword.
And his face… I can’t really remember.
Anyway, he looked like a macho man, but he likes cute things…?
Well… everyone likes cute things.
I like cool things, too.
And the great sword is cool!
Plus, I’m cool when I fight, right?
Yes. That’s right. I’m cool.
“Hehe.”
“Huh? Noah? Are you awake?”
Gah…
I accidentally laughed when I was trying to hold back.
Let’s just pretend to be asleep…
“Are you sleeping? Well… everyone. Do you know that a person breathes abdominally when they’re asleep?”
“Hmm? I didn’t feel anything at all.”
“Heinzel, I think you’ve lost both your hair and your intelligence. Obviously, if you’re sleeping, how would you feel it?”
“Oh… I see.”
“…Well, yeah. Let’s say that. Then I’ll ask you a tricky question. What does chest breathing mean, Noah?”
Heh.
Is this supposed to be hard?
Is Aileen an idiot?
“Um… It’s when you wake up…! Huh…!”
Oh, wait…?
“I was pretending to sleep, wasn’t I?”
Aileen’s sharp voice began poking at my conscience.
Just like Aileen.
You’re not an ordinary one…
“Um… G-Good… morning, Aileen… and, um… sirs…?”
I awkwardly waved my hand and smiled a little.
“Oh, the kiddo is awake!”
“You woke up sooner than I expected.”
“Yes. Noah. Good morning. How are you feeling?”
Aileen’s hair gently brushed my face.
Did I lean forward too much?
I can’t feel anything, so it’s pretty frustrating.
Oh no!
“I’m feeling better… But, um, could you put me down… I can walk now…!”
“Nope. Not gonna happen.”
“Uh… why, why…? Isn’t it heavy…?”
“Not at all. I’m actually a bit worried since you’re so light. I’ll just keep holding you like this until we reach Loholan.”
Aileen spoke in a voice that made it clear she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
I’m… embarrassed…
That soft… huh?
The cushioning… is over the top, and I’m embarrassed…
“W-Well then, at least the great sword…”
Let me see if I can glance around!
“The great sword? Noah is light, but the great sword is heavy… We’ll arrive at Loholan soon, so can’t you just hold it a little longer?”
Liar…
The great sword is lighter than me…
“Uh, alright…”
“Ahh… You’re so obedient; it makes you even cuter, Noah.”
Aileen’s hand patted my behind.
She’s holding me up with one arm but patting me with her hand… such incredible skill…!
“A lady can switch if it’s too heavy. My muscles are ready for this moment—”
“Nope. I’ll carry him. Noah said Heinzel is scary.”
What? Huh?!
What do you mean?!
I never said that!
“Oh, no, I didn’t say that…… Ugh-!”
As I tried to speak, Aileen pinched my behind and whispered for me to shush.
Why? Why?
Why are you making me sound like a weird person?!
“Uh… well… that’s true… Um… There’s no other way, right?”
“Hehe… Did the kiddo say that?”
See, bald guy is upset!
“Yes. So I’ll carry him. Is that okay, Noah?”
Pinch—
“Eek… Y-Yeah…”
“Ah, so it seems.”
Aileen has gone weird…
“Ahem… Aileen.”
Heinzel’s sulky voice was heard.
Ugh… Poor bald Heinzel…
He lost his hair and his confidence…
“Yes?”
“I’ll teach you some helpful techniques, so could you teach me how to get along with kids?”
“Ha-ha! Heinzel, didn’t I always tell you? Fix your face first. That face makes… Um… Cough. I misspoke.”
Ruch suddenly stopped talking and cleared his throat.
Hmm… Am I being considerate since I’m blind?
Ruch is so kind!
“Heinzel, you’re really hopeless.”
“Ugh… I think so too.”
No… You don’t have to be that harsh.
“Hahaha! Ha… These people are platinum adventurers… Hahaha… Alright, I’ll teach you how to get along with the kids. By the way, Ruch, do you want to learn too?”
“P-Please don’t…”
“Yes. Sounds good. Hehe—”
After that, the conversation continued, and I was completely left out!
I wanted to join in, but I just couldn’t catch the timing… Not even once.
Every time I tried to speak up, it was Ruch, Heinzel, or Aileen!
Why can’t I join in?!
I fell asleep, and they all became buddies while I wasn’t looking?!
Ah, Aileen knew me first though…!
Aileen and I are closer!!
Feeling frustrated, I tightly grabbed Aileen’s clothing.
The conversations I wanted to have… I’ll catch up later.
You gentlemen can just eat your meat.
Aileen and I are going to play together.
*
“Noah. We have a lot to talk about, don’t we?”
Upon arriving in Loholan, where I intended to grab some snacks, I was dragged into an inn room by Aileen.
I didn’t plan on doing this when we wanted to play together…
“Um… Y-Yeah…”
Aileen’s voice was low.
Was it because I went off on my own even though I was supposed to be her escort?
Didn’t I forgive her last time…?
No, given how much gold she gave me, there’s no way she’d forgive that easily…
“Phew… Well then, let’s have Noah speak first. Don’t you have any questions or anything to say to me?”
Uh, hmm…
There’s been something I’ve wanted to ask since earlier.
“R-Really… I can ask anything?”
“Yes. Anything. I’ll answer all of them, so feel free to ask.”
“Um… then… I-I’m serious…?”
Depending on the answer to this question,
I could lose Aileen forever…
Really?
“Yes.”
I clenched the hilt of the great sword in my arms tightly.
Summoning my courage, I spoke up.
“Who are you closer with…! The uncle or me…?! Wh-Who are you closer to?!”
