Chapter 75 - A Strong Gaze
Since Flora's aptitude for mana was discovered, we checked with a crystal that could determine attributes and found that Flora's attribute was wind.
I wondered what kind of reaction Flora would have to that, but her reaction was perfectly peaceful: "With this, the laundry and my hair will dry faster!"
From the perspective of us adventurers or ordinary mages, one would think of defeating monsters with blades of wind, creating tornadoes, or blowing away opponents, but for Flora, who prioritized daily life, such things didn't even come to mind.
Even if Flora eventually becomes able to use magic, with her kind heart, she would surely never use it in the wrong way.
Once the topic regarding magic ended, what Kurune requested was the story of how Aldo and Flora met.
Naturally, Kurune and Aisha looked like they were fully intent on teasing me, so I used the excuse of processing the venison I had brought back to leave the living room.
Apologizing with a glance to Flora, who looked somewhat resentful, I headed to the shed where the deer was kept.
Listening to the noisy voices coming from inside the house, I carved the venison and wrapped it in leaves.
Occasionally, I heard words like 'coward,' 'pure-hearted,' or 'it's possible since it's the late-bloomer Aldo,' but I pretended not to hear any of it. I devoted myself single-mindedly to processing the venison.
Even after I finished processing the venison, voices could still be heard from inside the house, so I decided not to return inside and instead devoted myself to farm work.
I had cut the farm work short because Aisha and Kurune came. I have to do the farm work properly.
It's definitely not that I ran away because I didn't want to be teased by Kurune and Aisha.
While pulling weeds, exterminating bugs, and checking the growth of the crops one by one, I noticed the sun had begun to tilt before I knew it.
In less than an hour, the sky would be dyed madder red and night would fall.
It was almost time to prepare dinner.
Thinking I should finally head back inside, I stood up, and Kurune and the others came out of the house.
Flora, walking from the entrance, looked a bit tired.
She must have been bombarded with questions incessantly.
When Kurune noticed me in the field, she came over with an incredibly smirking expression.
"I've heard the story."
"...So what?"
"Nyufufu, you're both so pure-hearted."
When I replied with a blunt attitude, Kurune said that with a smirking face.
Her face, which seemed to say she knew everything, was irritating. What's with the 'nyufufu'?
Having already learned that staying on the defensive would lead to endless teasing, I decided to counterattack.
"What about you, Kurune? Don't you have a boyfriend or a lover?"
"............Ahaha."
I thought Kurune would be flustered or frustrated, but she only gave an ambiguous smile.
I felt suspicious at her expression, which was unlike the usually energetic Kurune.
"To think I'd be told that by Aldo—"
Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, Kurune murmured as she stretched her arms upward.
Well, given my past attitude, it was understandable for Kurune to say that. In the past, I hadn't thought about marriage at all.
"You never know what will happen in life, do you?"
Kurune let out a sigh of relief after a big stretch. The blowing wind made Kurune's brown ponytail flutter.
"...Well, I guess so. But I don't think my current life is bad. Rather, I think now is the best."
"...Aldo, you really have changed. Until a little while ago, you were more taciturn and like a sharp sword."
"Ahaha, I'm aware of that myself, so it's embarrassing when you say it."
Comparing my past self with my current self is embarrassing. From the perspective of someone who knew the old me, they would probably have that kind of impression.
"But the current Aldo isn't bad either. You're easier to talk to than before, and it's easier to understand what you want to convey. And above all, you look happy."
"...I see."
I became embarrassed by Kurune's words and averted my gaze toward Flora.
The reason I changed was likely thanks to interacting with the people living in this village.
The scenery of this beautiful village and the kindness of the people nurtured my heart. My values changed through my involvement with everyone in the village, and I became able to look at places I hadn't been conscious of before.
Among them, the one who changed me the most was Flora.
Since meeting her, I've found enjoyment in every part of daily life. Waking up in the morning and eating breakfast, cleaning, and working were all fun.
Since we started living together, those things became many times more enjoyable, and she gave color to a world that had been blackened.
The fact that I can think I'm happy now is thanks to Flora being by my side.
"What are you staring at Flora-san for? Are you trying to say that the reason you're happy now is because she's here?"
While I was staring at Flora, Kurune spoke in a teasing voice and poked my cheek.
"Be quiet, don't poke me."
"Ahaha, I hit the mark! You're blushing and embarrassed! Flora-san! Aldo says the reason he's happy now is because Flora-san is here—!"
"Wait, you idiot! It's true, but stop it! It's embarrassing! The neighbors will hear you!"
I hurriedly covered Kurune's mouth as she suddenly started shouting in a loud voice.
Looking around in a panic, I saw the villagers walking by, watching us with eyes that seemed to be looking at something heartwarming, perhaps having heard Kurune's voice.
Flora, who was at the center of those gazes, had a face that couldn't possibly get any redder.
"...Geez, Kurune-san. ...How embarrassing."
"But you're happy, right?"
"T-That's true, but please don't say it! It makes it even more embarrassing!"
Ah, I'll be teased again starting tomorrow. However, even that was part of a pleasant scene spreading out here that I could accept.
I thought so while watching Flora and Aisha frolicking.
"Mmm!? Mmfu! I-I can't breathe!"
While I was watching Flora and Aisha warmly, Kurune suddenly started groaning.
It seemed she couldn't breathe well because I was covering her nose and mouth with my hand.
I thought about staying like this for a while longer as punishment for teasing me and Flora, but since she looked more distressed than expected, I released her.
"Puha! Hey, don't cover my nose and mouth too! I can't breathe!"
"It's revenge for teasing me."
Watching Kurune catch her breath, I smiled with satisfaction.
The sun gradually tilted, and dusk fell.
"By the way, Kurune, did you go to greet Elgis-san, the Village Chief?"
She seemed to have come here first, led by Aisha, but wouldn't it be bad if she didn't greet the Village Chief, Elgis-san?
"Now that you mention it, she hasn't yet. Besides, I hadn't heard specifically what she's going to do here."
Perhaps having heard my question, Aisha came over here accompanied by Flora.
Flora's face was still red, perhaps because the previous words were still affecting her.
I also found it hard to look directly at Flora's face because Kurune had exposed my feelings.
"What do you plan to do from now on, Kurune?"
"For now, I'm thinking of living here for a while. Then, if I can get permission from the Village Chief, I'm hoping to teach magic, mainly to the children who have mana. Of course, I'll teach other children their studies too."
Kurune, having caught her breath, spoke of her future plans.
Oh, so she hadn't given up on teaching magic after all.
She used to teach magic often to children she met during quests.
I think teaching magic and studies to ordinary children suits Kurune better than teaching at an academy attended by high-ranking nobles.
Kurune probably realized that herself, which is why she came here. I have that feeling.
"Is it like the schools in the city?"
"It's not such a grand thing, but well, it's roughly like that."
"It's very wonderful that someone of Kurune-san's caliber would teach magic and studies. It will broaden the lives of the villagers, and I think it's a good thing!"
"Thank you. I'm happy to hear that from Flora-san, the Village Chief's daughter."
Watching Flora clap her hands in joy, Kurune said bashfully.
In a small rural village like this, there's usually no chance to learn studies, let alone magic.
I think the villagers will be happy too.
"Well then, let's go to the Village Chief's place. If we don't hurry, it'll get dark."
"Right, let's go."
"Ah, then shall I go too?"
Kurune came to visit me. If so, wouldn't it be better if I, her companion, introduced her?
"...No, that's already understood, so there's no problem just saying it. More importantly, Aldo, you prepare dinner with Flora."
Hmm? I thought the words naturally mixed in at the end were strange.
"Since there's fresh venison, of course we're going to eat Flora's home cooking, right?"
When I looked puzzled, Aisha said that with an expression as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I gave a wry smile at that, and Flora giggled, perhaps having expected it.
"Well then, we will be preparing dinner."
"Ah, I'm starting to get hungry."
"Then let's go quickly and come back."
Hearing Flora's words, the two started walking toward Elgis-san's house.
The two walked away, raising cheerful voices.
"Fufu, Kurune-san is an interesting person, isn't she?"
"She is."
Kurune was always a bright and interesting person. She often argued or fought with Keel, who was the life of the party.
As I watched the backs of the two as if reminiscing, I suddenly felt a soft sensation on my right arm.
When I turned my gaze, Flora was hugging my arm.
Flora looked up at me with a dissatisfied face.
"But I got jealous because Aldo-san and Kurune-san seemed to be getting along so well."
"Ah, sorry."
Even if she was an old companion, Flora and I are a married couple now. Flora wouldn't find it pleasant to see me frolicking with another woman in front of her.
However, I was a little happy that Flora was jealous over me.
After that, Flora continued to hug me tightly for a while, and I stroked her head with my left hand as if to soothe her. Then Flora let out a soft smile and pulled away.
"Since I've been sufficiently spoiled by Aldo-san, shall we prepare dinner? The two hungry people will be coming back soon."
"Yeah, I understand."
It was a bit regrettable, but since we had to prepare dinner, that was it for now.
Flora and I headed toward the house, though we seemed a bit reluctant to part.
"—!?"
At that moment, I felt a strong gaze from behind.
A sensation that crawled up my spine. I turned around, following my instincts until now.
However, only the usual scenery spread out there, and no one was there.
There wasn't even the presence of a villager in the vicinity.
...Was it my imagination? I felt like I was being watched... or rather, like bloodlust was directed at me.
"...What's wrong? Aldo-san?"
"No, it's nothing. Let's go back to the house."
There shouldn't be anyone in this village who would send out such a dangerous aura. It was certain that there were no people in my perception either.
Thinking so, I returned to the house and set about preparing dinner.