Although I really wanted to sigh and say that I never expected those guys to actually raise such young kids into pawns, I thought about it again. I've only been here for a few days, and I've not only seen churches that are only outwardly respectable but secretly want to use people as human sacrifices, wild mages who arbitrarily imprison people and like to act all high and mighty, and elves who have been bullied to the point of mental breakdown, but I've even reached a temporary peace agreement with Stanley and his group because of the current situation. I'm starting to feel a bit weary.
At most, one can only sigh and say that life is really tough for the people here.
However, even though the little guy just explained his reasons, there are still some things I don't understand.
I looked around at the surroundings. Most of the houses were simple, crude wooden structures, and some had even collapsed slightly due to the tremors from the previous battle. Many people were climbing ladders and busily using materials they had prepared in advance to repair the eaves and beams.
I feel a little apologetic, but it's not about feeling sorry for myself now. I'm going to step forward and expose ourselves to the public, especially after that high priest's performance.
I naturally believe that not everyone is so foolish as to readily believe such superficial and exaggerated performances. They too harbor doubts and confusion, but their long-standing rule and limited knowledge make it extremely difficult for them to understand where the problem lies. They can only follow the massive mainstream voice and quietly blend into the crowd.
If we are to do something in this city in the future, it is not only the big shots living in the inner city who need to be won over, but also the people living in the outer city who are an important cornerstone. The only problem is that now is not the time.
Fortunately, during our previous escape by detour, we were able to confirm that few of those who were crushed by the collapsed buildings suffered serious injuries or death. Most only suffered minor bruises, and those who were unable to climb out were rescued from the rubble with our help. It is estimated that they will recover their health in no time.
We randomly chose a small restaurant that was fairly well-maintained and sat down. The owner, who was busy cleaning, gestured for us to find any seats we wanted. He then handed us a handwritten menu and a note before resuming his cleaning duties.
This greatly facilitated our conversation.
Instead of awkwardly choosing a corner that might have sound leakage and safety issues, we found a spot inside that was close to the window and the second floor, laid out the menu, and pretended to examine it.
Of course, this is under the condition of setting up a soundproof barrier.
The little guy who had been following us looked up thoughtfully at the sky, then turned his gaze back to me without saying anything.
That's quite a keen sense; no wonder he's capable of handling his current job.
No, I should say, for a child his age, he's already done quite well, hasn't he? What was I doing when I was his age? Uh, ah, probably in general education with people… never mind, it wasn't anything fun, I don't want to think about it.
Without much small talk, I tapped the table and immediately got to the point: "Tell me your reasons for coming to us."
The little guy tilted his head and hesitated, "Uh...like I said before, in order to...help you?"
"That's not a reason."
I tapped the table again, and seeing the other person tremble like a startled animal with each sound, I felt apologetic as well.
However, in order to ensure that he would actually be of help to our future plans, and also to protect him, I had to take advantage of his limited social contact as a springboard to find out as much information as possible about what he had.
After thinking for two seconds, I stared at the increasingly uneasy young face in the silence and organized my words: "You could have stayed hidden in the shadows and led us to the direction you wanted by leaving clues behind. Why did you suddenly show yourself now? Judging from the techniques you've mastered, a direct confrontation must be very disadvantageous for you, right?"
Putting everything else aside, even right now, even if the little guy were sitting peacefully not far in front of me, I still have a considerable obstacle in sensing him.
The little guy's presence was extremely faint. If I hadn't been constantly focused on locking onto him, and if he hadn't moved too quickly and used his excellent concealment skills, I probably wouldn't have been able to clearly confirm whether he was still in the same place.
If my abilities were less than average, but I happened to have sufficient perception, I might even be constantly filled with anxiety after realizing that there was such a person operating in the shadows, fearing that he might suddenly put a dagger to my neck from behind.
However, this feeling is now as commonplace as eating a meal for me.
Not counting the shadowy figure who's been dozing off in my shadow, the Shadow Butterfly, who's been silently following the team in another world all this time, is far more powerful than the little guy in front of me. Even though I've been observing it with my senses, it can create [butterfly clones] that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing and still have real offensive capabilities.
The only saving grace is that, up to now, aside from the previous incident where the two of them suddenly abandoned me and recklessly went with the young boy to investigate the enemy's lair, I have had Miyuki or Alice by my side most of the time, so my safety is at least somewhat guaranteed.
Even during our conversation, Miyuki, who deliberately untied her weapon and leaned against the table, closing her eyes and crossing her arms for a nap, was keeping a close eye on the little guy's every move. If he genuinely thought he had an opportunity and attempted to target me, a mage who usually doesn't have much close-combat ability, and suddenly launched an attack, I have no doubt that Miyuki would coldly and decisively cut him in two.
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