Mari was fidgeting with the worn silver and copper coins she had received from the receptionist, smiling as she did so. It had only been a few weeks since she became an adventurer, but having already proven her skill with the bow, she had quickly advanced to a respectable Bronze Rank. Today, she found herself happily pondering what to eat.
Perhaps something other than the strange stew served on the first floor of the inn—a normal piece of meat, maybe? Or should she go to the restaurant her guildmate had invited her to?
After being rescued by kind people, she had no idea what to do next. As she wandered aimlessly, the receptionist suggested she might consider becoming an adventurer if she lacked better options. It felt like that happened just yesterday.
Though modest, there was a sense of pride in seeing herself as someone who could now confidently call herself an adventurer. Even without a place to return to, there were still many places to explore. Though she had lost something precious, she had also gained new treasures.
Most importantly, she had learned what had become of those she sought to avenge, and thus decided not to cling too tightly to her past. Her father had always said that even those who leave don’t wish for others to hold onto them forever.
When her guildmate called out to her mid-thought, she replied that she had been reminiscing about the past for a moment. Then, upon spotting something—or rather, someone—she told him to wait there briefly before rushing off.
“Hello! Mr. Myungho! And… Miss Alterra. I didn’t think you’d come back!”
The woman who had saved her—kind yet somewhat intimidating—and the noble Hero who accompanied her. Likely, the rest of their group as well.
There were so many things she wanted to say but hadn’t been able to until now. Determined to express her gratitude this time, she ran toward them. Alterra immediately recognized her and greeted her back, albeit awkwardly. However, Myungho took a little longer to recognize her.
“Uh… Who are you again… Oh. Could it be Mari? No, wait, you’re not her. You’ve become an adventurer! No, I mean… Ugh, anyway, good news!”
Why was this girl responding when he called out to someone else? Was her name also Mari? Though it seemed less like a response and more like singing.
Putting aside minor questions, she voiced the words she had kept inside.
“I… never got to properly thank you. Not only did you rescue me, but you also provided meals and even avenged my enemies for me. Instead of gratitude, all I did was doubt… So, thank you. This is something I’ve always wanted to say. Thanks to you, I’ve found the strength to keep living.”
“…I did it because I could.”
“Alertra says she acted simply because she could. Still, she’s not entirely honest. To be honest, I was worried, but seeing how well Mari is doing puts my mind at ease. Right, I mean—not you.”
“Um… Is this a good time to ask… But is that person’s name also Mari?”
“Technically, ‘that thing’ would be more accurate… Yes. Her name is also Mari. She’s… a doll. Yes. Even I find it hard to believe.”
No matter how hard she stared, she couldn’t see how that figure could possibly be a doll, but if high-ranking adventurers can visit interdimensional seas…
For someone of her lowly Bronze Rank, limited to fields and hills, it sounded like a dream far beyond her reach. So, she chose to believe.
Having expressed her thanks in a way Alterra could understand, Mari soon returned to where her guildmate was waiting.
When he asked where she had gone, she explained that she had been thanking her benefactors and decided to visit the restaurant recommended by that special person for lunch today.
—
“…You seem to be doing well. Despite everything you’ve been through, you’re still smiling happily.”
Some have parents whose enemies they must face. Honestly, she envied Mari. How wonderful it would be if she could let go so easily and live happily.
Eating delicious food, enjoying beautiful scenery, meeting joyful people—it might be possible. But deep down, the stone lodged in her heart wouldn’t budge.
That kid, knowing the enemy still lives, couldn’t possibly live peacefully.
“…Are you thinking about Mari?”
“Something like that. It’s impressive how she managed to move on despite everything.”
Sure, he avenged her enemies, which made it easier for her to live comfortably. If not for that… Well, she’d probably still be doing fine.
She wondered if she was perhaps too fixated on revenge. But then she dismissed the thought. How could anyone just overlook such trauma after witnessing it?
My entire world shattered in an instant.
“Whatever. How can you shake off your past while I’m still hung up on mine? Maybe women’s hearts are as turbulent and complex as magical rapids. Best to leave her alone.”
Akashi was saying something to Myungho. In response, Myungho hesitated to speak, eventually choosing silence instead.
Even as they unpacked their bags back at the Adventurers’ Guild, the question lingered: What if Mari were her? Or if she were in Mari’s situation? No matter how much she pondered, no answer came.
If she were as weak as Mari, could she even entertain thoughts of fighting?
She didn’t know. The complexity was giving her a headache. While she was confident handling numbers and formulas, these intricate human problems were beyond her.
Language was tolerable enough, but this was different. Seizing the opportunity, she asked Myungho:
“…Myungho, if you write with your brush to make someone happy, will they truly become happy?”
“Hmm…? Oh, sure. But… is that real happiness? Relying on someone else’s abilities or drugs… What value does such happiness hold? I don’t really know.”
It was foolish of her to momentarily hope he could erase everything and make her forget. Yes, Myungho was right. Such happiness wouldn’t be genuine.
“That’s true… I feel a bit relieved. As long as my enemy remains, fleeing in such a manner would indeed be cowardly. Thank you for answering.”
“Hmm… Glad it helped. Were you thinking about this all day?”
“Yeah. Seeing Mari made me wonder if I’m too focused on revenge. Maybe it’s right… but I need to see that guy dead.”
“Doesn’t seem like the kind of problem that can be resolved through dialogue. I’ll pray for your success.”
“So… Let’s go shopping for clothes.”
“…Alterra. That sounds touching, but why the sudden change of topic?”
Yes, it might seem random, but there was a reason.
“We’re going to start hunting for that guy soon, right? Mother is probably watching over us. She wouldn’t want her child wandering around looking ragged. Plus, I don’t want to appear weak in front of him.”
Absolutely not because she cared about others’ opinions, and definitely not to impress Myungho. It was merely a symbolic gesture of renewal and resolve.
Honestly, wearing clothes wouldn’t significantly reduce her detection capabilities. All she needed was some snug, short clothing to avoid sticking out.
Annoying stares… weren’t entirely unpleasant, but she wasn’t about to show her body to such unworthy eyes. Besides, she wasn’t living in the wild anymore, so dressing appropriately was necessary.
Yeah… Something like that.
“That… makes sense. Uh, good. Wearing clothes is nice. I won’t ask the reasons. Where should we go? A clothing store? Or perhaps a blacksmith or equipment shop?”
“No. Instead, I know a skilled person here.”
“…You’re not seriously thinking of going back to that brat Akashi, are you? Didn’t we forgive him…?”
“Not forgiveness. Just letting go of vengeance.”
“I see… Alright, I’ll come along. I don’t know where it is, so we might wander a bit… But if you’re buying clothes, I should at least accompany you.”
Despite the complicated expression on his face, Myungho readily agreed to follow. Suddenly, Akashi burst into the room.
“Then count me in! What a golden opportunity to torment that rude brat!”
“…Fine. You can come too, and help that little Akashi.”
Not that she wanted him tagging along.
—
Regardless of the reasons, she had finally decided to buy clothes, and he couldn’t resist following. He was curious to see how she would look dressed up.
Given her personality, she probably wouldn’t wear anything flowy or dress-like. Still, any proper clothing would be significant.
It was embarrassing to watch her nearly undressed before; now that she planned to cover up, he was grateful. It seemed like she was trying to adapt to society, which was commendable.
…Though he doubted she realized it, that’s how it felt to him.
“…Akashi. Do we really need to go to such lengths? This feels like lying.”
“Tsk, lying? Hardly. We’re just omitting the truth. Besides, the brat never asked who we were coming with, so technically, there’s no issue with us joining.”
Akashi continued spouting plausible nonsense as he confidently led them through the alleyways. When questioned how he knew the route this time when he didn’t last time, he claimed it was through some shared consciousness network among Akashis.
Not exactly a network…
“Hey. Worm. Put on your cloak. This should suffice, right? If you don’t understand, explain it to him. Hide yourself using stealth. I’d love to see the brat jump in surprise.”
How could Akashis treat themselves so harshly? Alterra glared at him and refused.
“…Sorry, Akashi. I dislike that suggestion. It’s completely meaningless.”
“Hmph, humorless bunch. Fine, let’s just go. Here, right? Yep.”
Akashi clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction and efficiently guided them onward. Soon, they arrived at her workshop.
“…Liar. What am I supposed to… Wait, just a second!”
And the small Akashi, likely sent to greet them, trembled in shock upon seeing Alterra, almost fainting.
