CH 203

「…Why does this happen?」(Aoba)

「What’s wrong, Aoba?」(Arge)

「No, nothing.

To go shopping, It’s correct to have people with geography accompany.

Yes, I’m not depressed.

I’m not.」(Aoba)

For some reason, Aoba-san was muttering, but the shopping itself was going well.

The town we dropped in was fairly large. Aoba and I have language translation skills, so we can talk without any problems. Felnote-san seems to understand the language of the empire to some extent.

「I’m quite surprised that Felnote-san can speak the language of the empire」(Arge)

「Because I need to read the code of the hostile country」(Felnote)

Although she talks with a casual tone, Felnote-san’s expression is serious.

Now she is wearing her robe deep, hiding her bicolor eyes from her surroundings.

The unique trait from the former Kingdom knight.

Her face is famous and will be a source of confusion.

「Why did you come shopping with us in the first place?

You know your reputation, right?

Isn’t it okay to just give us the map?」(Arge)

「I know my reputation around here.

But go shopping isn’t my only purpose」(Felnote)

「Maybe, you come to collect information?」(Arge)

「…Well, close but that’s not my intention」(Felnote)

While watching Felnote-san muttering, I chew the skewers I bought at the stall.

Fresh fish skewers have a good aroma and a refreshing taste.

Let’s buy some for Kuzuha-chan’s group on the way home.

「…Hey, Arge. You are too carefree… When did you buy something like that while we go shopping?」(Felnote)

「un~gu, is that so?

I bought this a while ago, from a store just before we entered the alley…

It was delicious, I’ll give others as a gift later」(Arge)

「… I think you were somewhat awkward when we first met but you seemed to have gotten used to traveling」(Felnote)

I tilted my head to Felnote-san, who seemed to be happy somehow.

「Haa~. I don’t think I change that much」(Arge)

「It’s not a bad thing.

…At least, it’s big progress that you no longer sleep or walk around naked.」(Felnote)

「Eh!?

Please tell me in detail!」(Aoba)

「Uh, Aoba?

I don’t want to stand out as much as possible, can you lower your voice?」(Felnote)

Felnote-san walks away to avoid crowds, trying to calm Aoba-san who heated up for some reason.

Naturally, we would follow her, so we slowly left the streets.

Our luggage is stored in my blood box, and Aoba-san can collect the meat with her ivy, so her steps are light.

While feeling that the traffic gradually decreases,

I asked Felnote-san in a voice as quiet as possible.

「Uhm, how far are we going?」(Arge)

「…Of the Republic. I was told by that Giddy person.」(Felnote)

「Akisame-san, right?」(Arge)

Akisame-san is the Republic’s politician, who belongs to Yotsuba Assembly.

He was always smiling and I couldn’t read him at all, but I was impressed by his astute.

Apparently, Akisame-san has told Felnote-san something.

「…The empire is overbearing.

The country looks calm, but taxes are heavy, recruitment for the war is endless.

Many people are dissatisfied with the devastating land.

Now that he has declared to be the enemy of the world」(Felnote)

「…Isn’t that right」(Arge)

「That’s why we will contact the Rebellion」(Felnote)

「Rebellion… isn’t it」(Arge)

Certainly, when I helped Terrier-chan, I have heard that name.

Felnote-san nods and continues.

「Yes, they have been there for a long time.

Their scale wasn’t that big, but…

If things get worse so far, they will have to move.

Anyway, as the empire has declared war, their name will rise immediately」(Felnote)

「In other words, the very first flower that fought against the unjust enviroment」(Aoba)

「Yes… Look」(Felnote)

Felnote-san pointed not by her finger but her gaze, to the further inside the back alley.

Apparently, There are some shabby figures.

No matter how we saw it, there are so many skinny people, who worry about what to eat instead of worrying about their clothes.

Both old and young. This is no doubt a slum.

「The town is still big, so the main street is neat.

But if you go off the road even a little …」(Arge)

「With the heavy tax, life difficulties such as conscription,

Many orphans were born. It means they have no home」(Felnote)

Aoba waved her hand while sighing.

The vine and the ivy grow to the back of the alley.

The people were shaking but they didn’t escape.

Next thing they saw… Many flowers bloom on the growing ivy, which eventually bears fruit.

Lots of fruit grew in front of homeless people.

「If you are hungry, you can’t afford to ẹnjoy flowers.

Take it」(Aoba)

Aoba-san’s words resonate, and people peel away the fruits in a calm manner.

The back alley, which smells dusty and dirty, was wrapped in a sweet scent.

「…we should avoid standing out though」(Felnote)

「People are not people unless they are treated like humans.

I will not overlook it.

This is my belief」(Aoba)

「…Maybe it’s okay with this much.

I’m sorry, Aoba」(Felnote)

「No, the same to you. I’m sorry, Felnote-san」(Aoba)

「I don’t mind. Please follow me, I’m leading the way」(Felnote)

I thought it would be a fight, but Aoba-san and Felnote-san seemed to agree with each other.

Aoba-san walks gently, waving her hand to the inhabitants behind the alley.

It means that we will not give more than necessary.

「Well, according to the information purchased in advance, it is around here …」(Felnote)

「…You are too careless!」(A certain tsundere girl)

「…!?」(Aoba)

It was only for a moment that I listened to strange words with my ears.

In less than a blink, it came.

There are no footsteps, no sign, but the shadow, that suddenly appears, has already put her hand on Aoba-san’s neck from behind,

「If you sniff this out this much, you should be a little more careful」(A certain tsundere girl)

「Tch… Aoba!?」(Felnote)

「Oo~tto (not so fast), don’t you dare move.

I can take this woman’s neck faster than you pull your sword, no, faster than your fingertips move.」(A certain tsundere girl)

Felnote-san followed the girl’s demand and let go of her sword.

The girl saw that situation laughed *Ninmari* (proudly laugh satisfactory)

「…Yes, I caught you again」(Arge)

「Wha!?」(A certain tsundere girl)

In an instant, I moved.

Grasping the girl’s hands and pull her off Aoba-san.

When it comes to speed, I won’t lose to anybody.

The reason resides in this body “extreme swiftness” skill.

In addition, as a vampire, I won’t miss the smell of blood drifting behind the alley.

The smell of stained blood has become so old that it can no longer be removed.

It was such a strong presence that I could detect without sound.

And above all, I still don’t forget the smell of this girl.

「…It’s been a long time, Chrome-chan」(Arge)

「Ha… Vam… Vampyr」(Chrome)

Yes, the girl I once met in the forest

Chrome-chan was looking at me with startling eyes.