You’re Not Very Childlike, Are You?

While waiting outside, Kikori wondered, What did she mean by that earlier?

It couldn’t possibly mean she was going to let him stay over.

He had no memory of forming that kind of relationship, and he couldn’t imagine it happening.

If that was the case, then…

“So in the end, it’s debt bondage and slave labor or something…”

“Could you stop saying things that sound so bad if someone overhears?”

Thunk—his head was tapped, and Kikori instinctively turned around.

Standing there was a staff member clad in gear that looked just like an adventurer’s equipment.

Clearly custom-made armor and a helmet, a double-edged battle axe in hand—and, incredibly, the same kind of round shield Kikori used.

“Well then, shall we go?”

“Uh—go where?”

“Where else? We need to earn your lodging money. Right?”

As the staff member strode off briskly, Kikori hurried after her, his eyes darting back and forth in confusion.

“Huh? I mean… is this really okay?”

“What part?”

“Isn’t it bad to show favoritism toward a specific adventurer?”

“Hm.”

She stopped abruptly and looked straight at Kikori.

“I thought this yesterday too, but… you’re not very childlike, are you?”

“Huh?”

“The way you look at goods—you’re not knowledgeable, but you’re used to it. And you don’t choose based on admiration. It’s strangely mature.”

“Well… I kind of have to survive on my own.”

“That just now too. Talking about ‘favoritism toward specific adventurers’—you sound like a central government official.”

He messed up again. Kikori felt an unpleasant sweat break out.

He knew that concepts like fairness weren’t all that common here, yet he’d gone and said something unnecessary again.

What should he do? He thought desperately, but no words came out.

“Uh, um…”

“Well, whether it’s good or bad—it’s good. Supporting someone who seems promising is part of the job too.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. People support others in different ways, though. Like introducing profitable jobs.”

“Then why are you doing this for me?”

“Aria.”

“Huh?”

“My name is Aria. Nice to meet you.”

“Ah—y-yes. Nice to meet you too.”

“I did introduce myself earlier, you know.”

“S-sorry.”

“Oh no, it’s fine.”

Laughing at Kikori’s reply, Aria started walking again.

“Alright, let’s go, Kikori. I’ll give you a proper lesson on what hunting really is.”

“Yes! Ah—but you still haven’t told me the reason—”

As Kikori chased after her, Aria turned back with a grin.

“I just thought I’d mark you since you’re kind of my type.”

“Wha—!?”

“Just kidding. Now come on, let’s go!”