Kikori no Isekai Tan - Chapter 15

While waiting outside, Kikori pondered, “What did she mean by that?”

Surely, she wasn’t offering him a place to stay.

He had no memory of having that kind of relationship, nor did he think something like that would happen.

If not, then…

“Is she going to saddle me with debt and force me into slave labor…”

“What a terrible thing to say.”

Kikori spun around reflexively as he was hit on the head.

There stood the staff member, now dressed like a full-fledged adventurer.

She wore armor and a helmet that were clearly custom-made, holding a double-edged battle axe in her hand, and—surprisingly—the same round shield that Kikori had.

“Alright, shall we go?”

“Eh? Go where?”

“Where? You have to earn your lodging fee. Isn’t that right?”

Bewildered, Kikori hurried after the staff member, who had already started walking briskly.

“Eh, um… Is this really okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“Isn’t it a bad idea for you to be supporting a specific adventurer?”

“Hmm.”

The staff member stopped abruptly and stared intently at Kikori.

“I thought the same thing when I saw you yesterday but… You don’t seem like a child.”

“Eh?”

“For someone who isn’t very knowledgeable, you have a surprisingly discerning eye when choosing products. You didn’t just go for something flashy out of admiration—you’re unusually mature.”

“That was… well, I have to survive on my own, after all.”

“The same is true just now. Saying things like ‘supporting a specific adventurer’, sounds like something a central government official would say.”

He had done it again. Kikori felt himself sweating.

Even though he should have known that the concept of fairness itself wasn’t very common, he had said something unnecessary again.

What should he do now? He tried to think, but no words came out.

“Eh, um…”

“Well, if you’re asking whether it’s good or bad, it’s good. It’s part of my job to support someone who shows potential.”

“Is that so?”

“That’s right. Everyone has their own way of doing it—like recommending profitable jobs.”

“Then why did you decide to support me?”

“I’m Aria.”

“Eh?”

“I’m Aria. Nice to meet you.”

“Eh, ah, yes, nice to meet you.”

“I already introduced myself earlier, though.”

“S-sorry!”

“No, no, I don’t mind.”

Aria laughed at Kikori’s response, then started walking again briskly.

“Come on, let’s go Kikori. I’m going to teach you how to hunt.”

“Yes! But I still haven’t heard why…”

Aria turned around and smiled as Kikori chased after her.

“Well, I kind of like you, so I thought I’d stake my claim.”

“Eehh!?”

“I’m kidding. Now, let’s go!”