| Author: Eltria | Original Source: Syosetu |
| Translator: Mui | English Source: Re:Library |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | |
Almoria grass was sold in a shop called “Magic Shop” in Torch Town, which dealt in materials for magic tools and alchemy. After school, I headed there with Alfe, but unfortunately, it was sold out.
“The next shipment will be in three weeks. There’s a growth area about twenty kilometers northeast of town, but finding it is tough, and the nearby ruins are rumored to be filled with unsavory characters.”
“…I understand. Thank you very much.”
The shopkeeper seemed to look at us with sympathy, probably thinking we were on a child’s errand. Nonetheless, we received useful information, so I responded politely. Even if the shipment arrived, there was no guarantee it would be enough, and time was of the essence.
“…Are you going to go?” Alfe asked, peering into my face as we left the shop.
“Yes. I want to make the suppressant for my mother as soon as possible. I’ll take Hom with me.”
To be honest, I wanted to be cautious since Hom’s physical and mental fatigue from the World of Truth was not visible. However, taking Hom along was the only way to reassure Alfe, who knew the dangers outside the wall.
“You need my Pure Eye, right? I’ll come with you!”
I was stumped; even after the incident with Auro Rabbit, she still wanted to come with me.
“Outside the wall is dangerous. That giant rabbit might—”
“No. I want to help you too, Leafa! I can’t just study at school like normal… I can’t… it’s impossible…”
The special exception from St. Salaius Middle School applied only to me. Realizing that Alfe had spent the day alone with anxiety made my heart ache.
“…I’ll be back as soon as possible. So, please, understand.”
“No. Leafa, you promised me. That we’d always be together…”
I hadn’t expected her to bring up that promise now. But it showed just how serious she was. Alfe had been thinking about what she could do for me in her own way.
“Besides, with my Pure Eye, we can find Almoria grass quickly. That way, we can leave the dangerous area sooner.”
Honestly, with Alfe’s Pure Eye, harvesting Almoria grass would be much more efficient, and spending less time outside the wall would indeed reduce the danger1.
“…Alright, Alfe. You win. You’re right, we need the power of your Pure Eye. Almoria grass blends with its surroundings, making it difficult to identify.”
“See?”
Alfe’s expression brightened a little when she realized I was allowing her to come along. It was much better when Alfe smiled like this. That smile should never be lost.
“…Listen carefully, Alfe. Promise me one thing: if danger approaches, you must run away. If something were to happen to you after my mother, I don’t think I could bear it.”
“Yes, I promise.”
Knowing Alfe, she probably intended to escape together with Hom and me. To ensure that didn’t become necessary, I would need to be more vigilant than ever in our preparations2.
