“Somehow… I feel completely drained.”
After leaving the Guild Federation branch, Almoa’s steps were heavy. It seemed like she could barely walk without clinging to me, while her contracted spirit was lazily sleeping against her chest.
Well… it’s no surprise.
She had spent the entire journey to Wigarlus training with Fiole, with no time to recover from her fatigue before being made to meet with an incredibly ‘intense’ individual. Both physically and mentally, it’s no wonder she’s exhausted.
I placed my hand gently on her shoulder to support her, helping her stay steady.
As I acted as her walking cane, I recalled our meeting with the branch chief.
Sigurd, the branch chief, had told us three things:
The details of our next assignment, the registration of Elpida Orphanage as an adventurer’s guild, and about the adventurer tags for myself, Fiole, and Almoa.
…It was an overwhelmingly tense and confusing experience in so many ways. I could use some time to clear my head.
“Hey, Almoa. How about we take a stroll around town?”
“What?!”
“It’ll help us unwind. A lot happened just now. And I’ve been making you push yourself a lot, so think of it as my apology and appreciation. What do you say?”
“…Is that okay?”
“Of course. I’ll take you anywhere you like. I’ve lived in Wigarlus for a long time, so I know the town pretty well. Where would you like to go?”
“Just the two of us?”
I answered, “Of course.”
“Then… there’s a place I’d like to visit.”
Almoa spoke while looking away from me, for some reason.
“Barba, where Isto used to work.”
“…Barba?”
“Is that… not okay?”
The silver-haired girl glanced back at me.
Her request made me stiffen a little.
I haven’t completely forgotten the memory of my expulsion. Seeing the old Barba building would probably make my face tense up. I hadn’t wanted Almoa to see me like that, so I planned to go there alone once everything else was settled.
But—
“I want to know more about you, Isto.”
Now that Almoa had said that, I couldn’t exactly suggest “somewhere else.”
Oh well… it should be fine. Even if I show a less-than-perfect side… we’re family.
“All right. Let’s go together.”
“Mm. Thank you.”
Almoa finally smiled, her softest smile of the day.
We headed from the Guild Federation branch to the main street, strolling leisurely along the well-maintained cobblestone road. Free from the branch chief’s intimidating presence, Almoa was finally able to look up and appreciate the town of Wigarlus. She was almost skipping as she took in the surroundings, with Avril perched on her head, looking absolutely adorable.
Not that she wouldn’t get mad if I told her that.
Seeing her now, she’s so much softer than when we first met. It’s a good change. If I was even a little help in that, I’m glad.
As we walked down the main street toward Old Barba, I noticed a rather unusual ‘cat.’
It was huddled at the entrance to an alleyway, faintly glowing. Many people passed by, but not a single person seemed to notice it.
“Almoa. That cat.”
“Yes. It’s a spirit. Amazing that there are even spirits in the middle of the town.”
We carefully approached the spirit cat through the crowd.
It had pure white, fluffy fur, and a particularly full, plush tail that looked like it would be wonderful to touch. Its eyes shimmered with a rainbow hue, highlighting its mystical appearance.
Up close, the spirit was trembling. It seemed pretty weak.
The spirit cat looked up at us in wonder.
“Can… you both see me?”
Its voice echoed directly in my head, thanks to my Gifted Skill, Heart of Life. I nodded to the spirit cat.
“Yes, we can hear you just fine. The girl beside me can as well. You seem to be a spirit, but… are you all right?”
“Might be… a bit rough,” it said, lowering its chin to the ground.
It really did look in bad shape.
“Isto, pick it up. It stands out here with so many people around. Let’s go somewhere a bit more secluded.”
“You have an idea, Almoa?”
“Yeah. Just hurry.”
Following her instructions, I lifted the spirit cat.
“Whoa…!”
This…! What an incredible sensation…!
There was almost no weight to it, yet I could feel the softness. It felt like I could just sink into it if I put my face against it…
“Isto.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“…I want a turn later, too.”
She gave me a slightly envious look.
After finding a quiet place in the alley, I checked around to ensure we were alone. In my arms, the spirit cat looked limp.
“Hang in there a bit longer.”
Almoa extended her hand toward the spirit cat. Tiny particles of light fell from her slender fingers—spirit magic.
“…Gathered Healing Light, Riathona.”
Each shining particle was absorbed by the spirit cat.
“Ahhh… that’s good stuff!”
The spirit’s childlike voice had an oddly aged tone to it.
It was visibly working; I could tell by how much fluffier it felt. Almoa wiped her forehead.
“Phew. That’s it. How do you feel now?”
“I’m good as new! Thanks a lot; you saved me!”
“That’s great,” Almoa said, a gentle smile softening her expression as she petted the spirit’s head.
“Wow. So fluffy. Hey, do you mind if I pet you a little longer?”
“Well, if it’s for my savior, I guess I can make an exception.”
“Oh, pretty cheeky, aren’t you?”
She replied with a playful retort to the spirit’s lighthearted banter.
Huh.
So, Almoa can be this way too. Even if she’s a bit awkward with people, she’s so much more open with spirits.
I learned yet another good side of her.
Oh.
Above her, Avril looked disgruntled. Then, she buried her face in her feathers and curled up.
A little fluffball. Guess she’s competing for attention. Just adorable.
“Alrighty!”
The cat spirit hops down from my arms, its fluffy tail standing upright—clearly in a good mood.
“Kind humans, if you’d like, I’ll introduce you to my friends. My name is Houma. There’s something I’d really like to discuss with you.”
Almoa and I exchange glances.
