Showing The City

“So if that was your first time in real combat, does that mean you’re a newly registered adventurer?”

After gathering the Horn Rabbits into one place for the time being, Rebecca asked the woman that question. The woman hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.

“…No, I work for a trading company and am currently staying in this city. I had the day off today, so while exploring the city I thought I might try going a little outside as well… I thought it would be fine since I can use magic, but I underestimated the danger.”

The woman averted her eyes from us slightly and spoke quickly. It felt like she was hiding something… but I had no intention of pressing her about something she wanted to keep secret.

“Even if you can use magic, it’s still dangerous out there.”

Rebecca didn’t seem to find anything suspicious and instead stood up, ready to lecture the woman who looked apologetic. Being able to genuinely worry about someone she had just met was one of Rebecca’s good qualities.

“Rebecca, that’s enough. We haven’t even exchanged names yet.”

“Oh, right! I’m Rebecca. This is Luca. We’re adventurers in the same party. What about you?”

“My name is… Ann. Rebecca-san, Luca-san, thank you very much.”

The woman who introduced herself as Ann bowed gracefully and then smiled gently.

“So your name’s Ann. Do you have any plans now?”

“Let’s see… for now I’ve had enough of being outside the city, so I was thinking of going back and getting some lunch.”

“I see. Then we’ll escort you back to the city. And if you’d like, how about having lunch with us? It’s more fun with several people than being alone, right?”

After making that suggestion to Ann, Rebecca looked at me, and I nodded to show my agreement. Rebecca then turned back to Ann, who hesitated slightly before slowly speaking.

“…Would that be alright? I wouldn’t be troubling you, would I?”

“Of course not!”

“Our quest was just completed a moment ago, so we were about to head back anyway.”

“I see. …Then I would appreciate it.”

“Got it! If we’re going to be together for a while, you don’t need to speak so formally.”

Rebecca said that with a friendly smile, and Ann seemed to relax, nodding as the tension left her body.

“Thank you. I look forward to it.”

After that, the three of us returned to the city, and because Ann said she wanted to see the place where the two of us usually ate, we decided to go to the dining hall inside the Adventurer Guild.

After each of us ordered the dishes we wanted, Rebecca leaned over the table and peered at Ann’s face.

“So, after we eat, where should we go?”

“Hey, are you already assuming we’ll spend the afternoon together? Ann might have plans…”

“Oh, right. Do you have anything planned this afternoon? If not, would you like to explore the city with us? I was born and raised here, and Luca has lived here for years, so we know the place well.”

Rebecca seemed to have taken a liking to Ann during the walk back to the guild and was leaning forward enthusiastically. Ann smiled happily at Rebecca’s behavior.

“I don’t have any plans this afternoon. Would it be alright if I asked you to guide me around?”

“Of course! Where should we go? My recommendation is the plaza filled with beautiful flowers. Or maybe watching a stage performance? Or, something simple like shopping at the market.”

“Let’s see… I’d like to go shopping. I want something that will remind me of today.”

“That sounds great! Maybe an accessory you can attach to your bag?”

Ann smiled happily at Rebecca’s suggestion, and our afternoon plan was decided—choosing accessories.

Rebecca had never been able to buy accessories because she didn’t have much money before, but she loved looking at beautiful ones, and she seemed very knowledgeable about where different kinds were sold.

“Rebecca, I’m glad you had time to look around the city like that.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Well, I thought you had been so busy that every day was a struggle, so I’m glad you had some enjoyable time too.”

“—Luca, you really say things like that so casually.”

Rebecca muttered something under her breath, then puffed her lips slightly before looking at me.

“From now on, let’s do a lot more fun things. With us, we won’t have to chase quests just because we’re broke, right?”

“Yeah, that’s probably true. We should have some room to breathe.”

“Then I want to buy lots of stylish clothes! And you should buy lots of things you want too, Luca.”

Her words made me happy, and I naturally smiled and nodded.

“You two are really close. I’m a little jealous.”

“Don’t you have anyone you’re close with, Ann? Like coworkers from the trading company?”

“Well… there are people who talk to me, but if you ask whether we’re truly close, I can only shake my head.”

“I see. Then why not become friends with us? It might only last while you’re staying in this city, but…”

Rebecca’s voice gradually lost its momentum, as if she had suddenly realized the inevitable farewell that would come soon, but Ann smiled warmly.

“Thank you, Rebecca, Luca. I’m glad I met you.”

“That’s a bit exaggerated. Come on, let’s finish eating and go pick out some accessories!”

After finishing the cheap guild lunch that was neither particularly good nor bad, we headed to the bustling market, the liveliest place in the city.