[Another Viewpoint] Arte’s Thoughts

 

The moment we entered the adventurer’s town ahead of Seat Village, I felt my shoulders relax.

 

I guess I felt relieved. I was so selfless that I did not realize it, but I had always been nervous. The moment my shoulders relaxed, a sense of exhaustion instantly overtook my entire body.

 

I was sure I was having an easier time than the adventurers who had scouted for us because I was riding in a horse and carriage. And yet, I felt as if I was about to collapse.

 

“I’m almost there. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to sleep comfortably in a bed.”

 

Pluriel, who was riding in the same carriage, gently encouraged me.

 

She may be an adventurer, but she was an adult woman with more experience than me. She was relaxed and presentable.

 

“…I’m not good enough, am I?”

 

I made the comparison and subconsciously said self-deprecating words. At that moment, Pluriel’s gaze turned toward me. Unable to look at her face, I turn my head down.

 

Ah, I was really pathetic. I have no knowledge, and I could not do anything without relying on someone else. Above all, I was sad that I was unable to have confidence in myself, and I hated myself for that.

 

I wondered what Pluriel would think of me. Would she laugh at me as a pathetic person? I was so embarrassed that I was unable to look up at her. Seeing me like that, Pluriel asked.

 

“Why do do you say, “I’m not good enough”?”

 

I was asked back in a slightly stern voice. A shiver runs down my spine. My body tensed reflexively at the thought that someone might be angry with me. I tried to cover up my fear by clenching my fists around my trembling fingertips as I answered.

 

“…Well, I can’t give directions to everyone with confidence like Van-sama, and I can’t decide what to do without hearing someone’s opinion.”

 

As I revealed my feelings, Pluriel cowered his shoulders and let out a sigh. Then she answered.

 

“I’m prepared to be punished, but let me tell you something.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Will she be punished? My body stiffened at the thought. I unconsciously looked up, and my eyes met Pluriel’s. But Pluriel was looking at me with a smile on her face.

 

“I, frankly, think Arte-sama is admirable enough. In fact, I don’t even know why you are so unsure. Because when I was Arte-sama’s age, I was not so adamant.”

 

“…That’s not possible…”

 

Even though she gave me an affirmation, I couldn’t help but say no. She may have been consoling me, but why did I deny it? As I fell into that thought, Pluriel shook her head from side to side.

 

“Look around you. Like Ortho and Xsara, for example, they’re over thirty years old. They act like kids, don’t they?”

 

“That’s right…ah.”

 

Pluriel laughed, and I couldn’t help but agree with her. When I came to, I saw Pluriel smiling.

 

“Probably, Arte-sama was only surrounded by adults. But even those people didn’t start out with the ability to do everything. I think they all experienced a lot of hard work and setbacks.”

 

“Is that right, but Van-sama…?”

 

I asked back, and Pluriel waved one hand from side to side in front of her face.

 

“Let’s leave Van-sama out of this. You see, remember Dee-sama and Espada-sama. Like their age, they’ve probably been through quite a few battlefields, and like Panamera-sama, I’m sure they’ve been through some pretty tough situations.”

 

“…I agree. Everyone is always so confident and calm. I wonder if I can be like that, too.”

 

I asked again, and Pluriel nodded emphatically.

 

“Of course.”

 

I felt my heart lighten up when she said that. Someday, I might even grow up and help Van-sama. That might be an exaggeration, but I might be able to be of some help.

 

Thinking this, I looked up when I heard a voice from outside.

 

“Arte-sama! Van-sama is here to pick you up!”

 

The moment I heard Van-sama’s name, I was aware of my heart beating strongly. And it moved as if it weren’t my body. I opened the carriage door and looked out to see a tall figure at the far end of town. The thin figure was Espada and the broad figure was Dee.

 

And in the middle of them was Van-sama, his eyes darting around. After blinking his eyes two or three times, Van-sama looked at me and smiled gently.

 

Shortly after, I jumped out of the carriage and ran toward Van-sama.

 

I did not remember much, but later I heard that I cried aloud while still clinging to Van-sama.

 

After all, becoming an adult woman like Pluriel might be a distant goal.