Chapter 113 - The Meaning of a Man Risking His Life
I swung my sword along the trajectory I had envisioned. Then, although there was a slight delay, the sword moved as if accurately tracing that line. Utilizing the momentum of the swing and my body weight, I connected it into the next horizontal slash, and this time, I slashed upward as if lifting from diagonally below.
It was far from a perfect image, but it was getting a little better. I could feel the sensations within me gradually sharpening.
Alright, I'll practice a little more like this... or so I thought, when I noticed Flora was in my field of vision.
I seemed to have been so focused on swinging my sword that I hadn't noticed.
After one final swing, I stopped my movements and turned toward Flora.
"Good morning, Flora."
"............"
Even though I called out a greeting, Flora remained dazed, as if she were captivated by something.
"Flora?"
"Ah, yes! Good morning, Aldo-san!"
Thinking it strange, I stepped closer and spoke to her, and Flora's shoulders trembled as if she had suddenly come to her senses.
"You were spacing out, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine! I... I just got caught up watching you swing your sword, Aldo-san. You looked so cool."
When I asked out of concern, Flora said that with a blushing face.
Surely the heat in her face wasn't because she had been moving her body like I had.
"But I'm out of practice, so it must have looked strange, right?"
"Is that so? I don't know much about swords, but I thought the way you wielded yours was very beautiful, you know?"
"I-I see. Thanks."
I thought my swordsmanship wasn't that beautiful since it was self-taught, but receiving such pure words of praise from Flora made me happy.
Still, if Flora was going to watch me anyway, it would have been better if I'd practiced a bit more first. I'll have to make sure I can swing it a bit better the next time I show her.
As I renewed my resolve, Flora looked up at me with an anxious expression.
"U-Um, the mountains deep inside... aren't they dangerous with lots of monsters?"
"That's right. It's more dangerous than the usual hunting grounds. But today is just for scouting, so we shouldn't be going in too deep. Besides, I'm a former adventurer, so it'll be fine."
When I spoke brightly to brush away her fears, Flora's expression softened slightly, perhaps remembering that I was a former A-rank adventurer.
However, the anxiety didn't seem to have completely vanished from her face.
"...Well, I know you're an amazing adventurer, Aldo-san, but I can't help but worry when you're going to a mountain with many monsters..."
Hearing Flora's thin voice, I felt happy, though it was rude of me.
"Wait, Aldo-san! Why are you smiling when we're talking about something serious!"
Before I knew it, I was smiling, and Flora was looking at me with puffed-out cheeks.
"No, sorry. I'm not making fun of you. It's just, even though you know I'm an A-rank adventurer, having someone worry about me like this is... happy, or rather, refreshing..."
How many people had truly worried about my well-being like this back when I was making a name for myself as an A-rank adventurer?
Everyone thought that because I was an A-rank adventurer—because I was absurdly strong—there was no need to worry. Everyone took it for granted that I would subjugate the monsters and return.
But that wasn't right. I had some confidence in my skills, but even so, my body and heart were human.
If I took an attack from a monster with powerful claws or fangs, I would bleed and get injured. I could get sick, and there were times when I wasn't feeling well.
Against monsters that boasted overwhelming physical abilities, there was no such thing as an absolute. However, repeated achievements made people think it was only natural, wearing down that reality.
"E-Err, no matter how much skill someone has, isn't it natural to worry about them when they're going to fight dangerous monsters?"
Despite that, whether Flora knew I was an A-rank adventurer or not, she worried about me as if it were the most natural thing in the world. It was likely because she had such a kind heart that I was drawn to her.
The woman before me seemed all the more precious, and before I knew it, I was hugging Flora.
"Fue? A-Aldo-san?"
"Thank you for worrying about me, Flora. I'm really happy."
"Y-Yes."
When I hugged her and conveyed my gratitude, Flora hugged me back, albeit hesitantly.
Flora's enveloping words and gestures made me happy, and I felt even more affection for her.
"Um, Aldo-san. I understand the role of the hunters during the Harvest Festival, but can't you just hunt in the usual forest?"
"It's not impossible. But because it's a celebratory event, everyone looks for ingredients that they rarely get to eat."
The usual forest had plenty of ingredients, but this was a joyous day that happened once a year. The expectations the villagers placed on the hunters must be quite high.
"I would be happier with you being safe than with a grand meal, Aldo-san."
Good grief, my wife is truly a devoted person to say such wonderful things.
"I came here in the spring and have been cared for and supported by many people. So, I want to repay that kindness. I want to bring back impressive ingredients so that everyone will truly acknowledge me... I have reasons like that, but maybe I just want to show you my cool side, Flora."
I want to be a husband Flora can be proud of. I want to show my cool side to the woman I love. I think that's reason enough for a man to risk his life.
"...Geez, you're unfair, Aldo-san. If you put it that way, I can't stop you anymore, can I?"
Flora buried her face in my chest while speaking in a somewhat grumpy tone.
Her expression, which I could faintly see, was red, and the corners of her mouth were relaxed.
"I'm a Dragon Slayer adventurer, you know? I won't lose to the monsters around here."
◆
After washing off a light sweat, I ate breakfast, got ready, and opened the front door.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Yes, please come back safely. Here, please eat this for lunch."
Flora, who had come out to see me off, gave me a small bundle.
The contents were hard bread that kept well, cheese, dried meat, and a few dried nuts.
When hunting, things that are easy to eat are appreciated, so this was very helpful.
"Thanks. I'll come back as early as I can."
"Yes, I'll be waiting."
I exchanged those words and was about to start running, but I noticed that Flora had eyes that looked somewhat lonely, or rather, as if she wanted something.
I didn't know if my guess was right. But I'd be happy if it was. I felt the same way just now.
After confirming that no one was around, I kissed Flora.
A soft kiss, pressing our lips together. I could feel the sensation and heat of Flora's plump, soft lips.
I felt it for about ten seconds before slowly pulling away.
Flora looked a bit reluctant to let go, but her expression immediately turned into a smile.
"Ehehe, did you realize I wanted you to kiss me?"
"I had a feeling. But I wanted to do it too."
I was happy that we felt the same way at the same time, and Flora and I laughed together, feeling somewhat bashful.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Yes!"
As I started running for real this time, Flora saw me off with a smile.
Glancing back, I saw Flora waving her hand the whole time.
I have to get some good ingredients for Flora's sake, too.
Volume 6 of the novel 'I Want to Live a Slow Life in the Countryside After Being Reincarnated' is now on sale! Please check it out if you'd like!