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TL: ALT
Chapter 15 – Met That Person Again at the Shrine
The shrines in the royal capital weren’t much different from the ones in Southern Ship Town.
In fact, they were very similar in size and atmosphere.
The gods probably didn’t consider it necessary to build something grand just because it was the royal capital.
Wataru was surprised to see someone standing at the gate.
From what he had heard, only a limited number of people could handle such things.
This meant that the chances of meeting other people were very low.
“Who is it…?”
“Master, don’t come forward. Something’s wrong. I didn’t notice them.”
“That’s right. It’s too careless to approach strangers.”
“I’m sorry.”
What made him even more wary was that Aire hadn’t noticed anything until now.
Normally, with her keen sense of smell and hearing, she would have been aware of everything in the vicinity.
Her range extends beyond her eyesight, leaving virtually no blind spots.
Cloche is as skilled as Aire and is also a beastman with an excellent sense of smell, so she is probably even better at detecting presence.
It was unusual that neither of them had noticed.
Both Aire and Cloche were clearly on guard.
The figure standing before the gate turned around upon noticing Wataru and the others.
There was something familiar about that face, and Wataru felt like he had met that person before somewhere.
“Ara, it’s been a long time. I never thought I would see you again here, Traveler-san.”
“You’re… the shopkeeper from the market stall in Baron Moye’s territory!”
“Ara, you remember me. I’m glad.”
“Of course I remember you. The way you left was quite memorable.”
She was the woman who had sold him the transformation necklace.
She had suddenly disappeared in front of him at that time, and Aire had lost her scent and presence.
Not only that, but the shop itself had vanished, too.
It was like watching a magic trick. The mysterious way she left had made a strong impression on him.
The beautiful woman was still as mysterious as ever.
She smiled sweetly, but she was impossible to read.
“Master, you can’t stand in front of me.”
“Ah…”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I won’t do anything, you know.”
“She is my bodyguard and is not watching you personally but rather doing her job. I apologize if that offends you.”
“…Well, never mind.”
When she sighs, he feels like he’s done something wrong.
In fact, he doesn’t feel any ill will toward her.
On the contrary, she has helped him in the past.
“The ‘transformation’ necklace I sold you came in handy, didn’t it?”
“Yes, thanks to you, it was very helpful. It helped me overcome a dangerous situation.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Wataru meant it.
Having more opportunities for Aire to shine was a big help, but more than anything, it was that necklace that allowed him to hide his face at the scene of the accident.
It was a meaningful remark, and it was actually very useful.
“So, what was that store in the end?”
“Nothing special. Just regular merchandise.”
“My name is Wataru.”
“You can call me Purple.”
“Is that your real name?”
“Well, what do you think? Don’t make that scary face. It’s still a secret. Once we get to know each other better, I’ll tell you.”
“…Alright. I just wanted to talk since we met here, but it doesn’t seem like the right atmosphere.”
“Yeah, I’m busy, too. Sorry about that.”
The woman spoke apologetically, but how much of it was genuine?
Who was this woman in front of him?
She didn’t seem like a mere peddler, and someone like her wouldn’t be allowed in this shrine.
She had been helpful, but he couldn’t trust her because he didn’t know who she was.
That said, he didn’t think she was a bad person, either.
If only he could get to know her a little better, he might be able to let his guard down.
“This gate is very convenient, but I recommend you don’t go north.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s a secret. You don’t have to listen to me, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
The smile beneath her robe was beautiful, yet cold.
Was it just a warning, or was she actually up to something and didn’t want to be disturbed?
“Well, see you again, Wataru. Let’s go on a date next time.”
“…I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“How nice. I’ll go ahead then.”
Purple winked and slipped through the gate, quickly disappearing from view.
Still, Aire and Cloche remained on guard for a while.
“Who was that? Do you two know anything about her? Her scent, heartbeat, or anything?”
“I have no idea. It could be the power of tools, magic, or secret techniques. I have no clue.”
“Huh… I was nervous.”
When Aire and Cloche finally relaxed, they were exhausted.
Perhaps that was because the other party was someone they couldn’t let their guard down against.
They had finally found the shrine, but the mystery only deepened.
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Foibles of the powerful, huh. A fake identity, surely.
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Thanks for the treat.
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