Ch. 2: Rough Affection
As thanks for waking him, Leeya said he would host me in his territory. I followed after him as we walked.
As soon as we'd left the tranquil countryside behind, we entered into a bustling town with a steam engine running through it.
Wow…it all changed in an instant to something so modern.
As soon as we'd set foot in the town…-.
Villager 1: "Lord Leeya!"
Villager 2: "Lord Leeya has returned!"
In an instant, the two of us were surrounded by the townspeople.
Leeya: "Whoa, what the hell!?"
Villager 3: "Lord Leeya, it's terrible! During your absence, the crows took to the fields…"
Villager 3: "Lord Leeya, the fields and the crows…"
Leeya: "Huh? Geez, you got the scarecrow's right? Make it so it swings its head every 5 seconds. Those things'll figure it's got no brains if it doesn't move at all."
Villager 5: "Yes…brilliant. It's genius!"
Villager 6: "You're a genius!"
Villager 7: "Lord Leeya, by the way, how should we make the scarecrow's head shake?"
Leeya: "Lemme think…"
For a while, Leeya was hit with the townspeople's barrage of questions, and he answered them with a tired look on his face.
Villager 7: "Oh, that's magnificent!"
Villager 8: "Genius!! Wow!"
While being mobbed by the villagers, Leeya looked troubled and pulled his hat lower over his eyes.
Leeya: "…damn, think of these things for yourselves."
It's amazing that they all rely on him for his genius…but it must be hard for Leeya.
As Leeya let out a heavy sigh, I…
[CHOICE]
-
That's amazing (SUN)
-
Are you alright? (MOON)
I wonder…if there's something going on?
Though I was still curious, I felt like I shouldn't ask anymore and didn't respond.
Leeya: "Argh, alright, everyone go, move it! I'm headed back to the castle for now, but if you can't figure it out with the scarecrow, then come see me."
Villager: "Ah, Lord Leeya…!"
Leeya: "Got it? ONLY if you can't get the scarecrow to turn its head every 5 seconds! Only then!"
Leeya spoke definitively, emphasizing his words, then suddenly grabbed my hand.
Eh…?
Leeya: "Everyone's gathered here, so we're makin' a break for it!"
OO: "R-right…"
Leeya…
His words were rough, but I could feel a warmth in his hand…
As we slipped between the noisy townspeople, I became curious about Leeya's true nature.
OO: "Leeya, are you alright?"
I began speaking to him, concerned by his darkened expression.
Then without hesitation, Leeya roughly adjusted his hat and his expression turned stern.
Leeya: "…it's nothin' for you to worry about."
His response was curt, but his expression made it seem like he was lonely.
OO: "That's amazing Leeya. Everyone in the town relies on you like that."
I spoke cheerfully, hoping to lift Leeya's spirits though he seemed to disagree with what I said.
Leeya: "…they rely on me too much. They gotta think for themselves."
His words were rough like usual, but this time I heard sadness in his voice.