Ch. 2: The Approaching Curse
The next day…-
I went on a trip to the castle town with Vairy.
Vairy: "They're all beastmen, but they aren't that different from regular people."
The people of the village had things like ears and tails, but as Vairy said, they seemed more like regular people than beasts.
Matching my pace, Vairy showed me around the town.
I know he said I needed to leave right away tomorrow but…
Vairy: "…what's wrong? You're makin' a weird face."
OO: "Ah, nothing…"
Vairy: "… I'll show you around, but as soon as we're done, you'll leave."
…like I thought.
The way he said it so decisively made my chest ache a little.
Looking at me as I hung my head, Vairy let out a sigh.
Vairy: "It's not like I hate you …"
??: "Oh, if it isn't Lord Vairy!"
At that time, I heard a man's voice call out.
Vairy: "Hey man! Busy as ever huh?"
The person Vairy called out to was carrying a lot of large bags affixed with price tags.
I wonder…if he's a merchant.
Village Man: "Lord Vairy, you're in for it now, taking a cutie like this out."
Vairy: "…! No! She's not…"
Vairy panicked, and as I stood next to him, I felt my cheeks warm.
Village Man: "Don't be shy! You've always been pretty upfront about stuff! Hahaha…"
Vairy: "Geez…don't you have work to do?"
Village Man: "Oh, you're right! I'm trying to stock up on weapons after hearing those nasty rumors. It's been keeping me quite busy."
The instant those words were spoken, Vairy's expression changed completely.
Village Man: "Didn't you hear? They're saying it's the curse of the werebeast."
Werebeast…?
Looking at Vairy, I saw he looked incredibly sorrowful.
Vairy…?
Village Man: "You be careful too Lord Vairy. …Oh, young lady, let me give you this as a symbol of us getting to know each other!"
The man said as much, then handed me a large bag.
Wha…! It's heavy…
OO: "U-um…?"
Village Man: "It's a few different fruits that grow on the trees around here! You can eat them with Lord Vairy."
Then the man left in a hurry.
Vairy: "…geez, that guy. Here, hand it over."
Vairy snatched up the bag from my arms.
[CHOICE]
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Thank you (SUN)
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I can carry it (MOON)
Vairy: "…the sun's goin' down. Let's head back to the castle."
OO: "Um…what was that rumor…?
Vairy: "It's got nothin' to do with you."
I had asked carefully, but been met with a cold brush off.
…first he's cold, then he's kind. And that expression on his face when the curse came up…Who is the real Vairy…?
I looked at Vairy's profile in the light of the setting sun, and for some reason my chest began to ache.
OO: "Uh…um, it's alright. I can carry it myself."
Vairy: "The fact that it's heavy is written all over your face."
…he noticed.
OO: "Thank you."
Vairy: "You don't need to thank me."
Vairy quickly averted his gaze.