Friends

The Grizia house was interested in Rugel's agricultural power and wanted to work together with the farmers. Helen's job, as a merchant, was connecting her networks for Hett with other farmers and setting up a deal that could benefit both parties. 

Their discussion and plans were already set and all that was left was to get moving. After we came back, Helen had informed the farmers and left with Hett, entrusting me to take care of Esca while they were away.

"Esca, do you want to play?"

I know for a fact that children are mischievous and playful. No matter where you are, they are full of energy, fun-seeking, lively creatures.

"No. Boys stink. Go away."

I spoke too soon…

"I'm not. See, I just took a long bath this morning. Do you want to play?"

"No. You'll rub off your stinkiness."

Compared to her earlier responses, she seemed to be more curt and unreasonable. Her pout never left her face the moment we stepped inside the house. It was clear that she was upset.

"How about we practice magic like what uncle Hett taught? We can use my new staff."

"I said no, didn't I?!"

Hearing her shout suddenly, I was taken aback.

"What's the use of you practicing? It's not like you'll improve!"

"Huh? Well… I only learned it recently with uncle Hett," I said with an awkward laugh. "I have to learn every day to become better."

"That's what everyone says at the beginning. You'll give up soon afterward when you find out that you're wasting your time."

As she said that, her face became red and tears started to fill her eyes.

"...Esca?"

"Leave me alone!"

She turned around, eyes watering to the brim. Soon, a single tear fell and was followed by a stream of tears.

"Hic... you're laughing now at me aren't you? You're just like everyone who laughs and bullies me after knowing that I can't use magic at all."

As if she had shouted with all of her heart, she kneeled and started weeping. Her cries were muffled by her small palms that covered her entire face.

"Hic... hic... hic..."

"Are you okay now?"

"H-huh?"

Even though she told me to leave her alone, I waited until her crying became softer.

"Isn't this your first time in Rugel, Esca? Why don't I show you around?"

Looking at the bright sky and clear clouds, it was an ideal day for a walk.

"I don't like getting all dirty and sweaty."

"Don't worry. We'll walk slowly. I promise that it will be fun."

"Mmh..." 

"It will be really fun. Come on!"

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"This is delicious!"

Holding food in her right hand and a cold drink in her left hand, her hands were moving fast without stopping. It seemed that she already forgot her image earlier.

It's good that she's having fun though.

Through the hustle and bustle of the market, we had a few snacks to eat together. What was common for me to eat growing up, all were unknown to her. But compared to her, I couldn't eat too sweet or rich foods, so I stopped a long time ago and offered to hold her parasol in her stead, which she accepted without second thoughts.

I do hope that she will stop soon… my allowance for this month is getting shorter and shorter by each minute passing.

"What are these called?"

"That's a mung bean pancake and the one you're drinking is soy milk."

"What kind of an animal is a soy?"

"Soy is from a plant."

"Plant milk? I didn't know plants have milk."

It was probably because she grew up in the higher end of society. Compared to regular cow's milk, soy milk is much cheaper.

Some ingredients and foods were similar to the ones on earth. Beans, grains, and vegetables were the food categories that had the most in common. The difference was that meat and some dairy products were somehow more expensive here. It was most likely because this world lacked breeding techs and knowledge.

However, there were several unknown types of meat that were sold in the market. In this vast world existed beings called "monsters". Usually, creatures that were not domesticated and unorthodox-looking were classified as monsters. Many kinds and sorts roamed all across the place. Sometimes, people would slay them and collect their meat, selling them at a high price.

As if she was in an eating contest, Esca quickly inhaled both food and drink.

"What's our next stop?"

Feeling content with both of her hands empty, Esca smiled brightly. There were visible crumbs and droplets scattered over her lips and chin.

"Do you want to go to Rugel Tower? You can see the overview of Rugel. It's one of my favorite places."

"Lead the way."

Shifting the parasol to my left hand, I offered my right hand and she stared at me in confusion.

"What?"

"We're going to run our way there. Let's hold hands."

The wave of crowds became busier since it was already past midday and the warm sunlight became noticeably hotter now. More than viewing the cityscape, it was best to find shade from all this heat.

"I only hold hands with my mom and dad. They say to not hold hands with strangers."

"We're friends!" I said with a smile. "I also don't want you to get lost."

Probably because of the heat, Esca's face started to redden. Hesitantly, she took my hands before she grasped it lightly. She looked too cute.

"Here we go!"

After running through the crowds nonstop, we entered the tower's gate and climbed the stairs. There were enough stairs to see the view of Rugel in entirety. After stepping on the first stair, we painstakingly climbed without stopping.

"Huff… huff… a-are we there yet?"

"Just a little bit more," I squeezed out between gasps. "There it is!"

Meeting with a flat surface, a bright light greeted us, revealing a beautiful landscape. Tall canopies of old trees looked harmonious alongside the village's civilization.

Beyond the village, there was an endless stretch of greens, facing the vast and bright blue sky. The scenery was very colorful and pure, giving the impression of a painting.

"Uwah! It's so pretty!"

"Isn't it?" I said proudly. "Sometimes, my mom brings me here and it always makes me feel better. Alone, the sky looks serene, the forest is wondrous and the sun makes you feel warm. Together, they're a perfect combination!"

"I get what you mean..."

Looking at her dazed look, I gave a soft smile. Instinctively, I reached out to her head and ruffled her hair.

"Are you feeling better now?"

"...huh?"

"You look cuter with a smile."

"W-wha?!"

Before I realized it, her hair was already a mess. Surprisingly, she didn't fight back and instead faced down, accepting the head pats and ruffles.

To note, it's amazing how her cheeks can easily become red. Somehow, she looks just like a cat.

"Almond."

"Hmm?"

"Are you a grandpa?"

"Ehh..."

After a brief conversation, we both looked at the same scenery and became stunned. After a long time, we both safely went back home with a smile.