第２８５堀：どこかで見たことがある日常 (Part4)
"The other Holy Sword Users were radiating open hostility, and since I didn't know what they might do, I've got them cooling their heads in solitary confinement," I said.
In that sense, it was only natural to be cautious about building a rapport with Alfin, who seemed like the best starting point for diplomacy.
"Big Sister Alfin is playing with everyone right now," Princess Aslin said, pointing in a certain direction as I pondered these things.
There, I saw Alfin-san playing with the young orphans who lived in the school dormitory.
"She looks like she's having fun," I remarked.
"Ever since yesterday, Big Sister Alfin has been so popular!"
"Yes, she was beaming when they told her that her skin was white and beautiful," added another.
"I heard it from Yuki-san, but apparently, it's not a curse, but a condition called albinism. Even I had such thoughts cross my mind... Alfin-san must have had a very difficult life."
"But everyone here doesn't bully her just because she's white!"
"That's right. We're all friends!"
"The choice to bring her here might have been a stroke of genius in a way. It’s a gathering of children who are no different from how Alfin was when she was small."
"Indeed. Let us cooperate to ensure she can live in peace from here on out. Of course, Steve, you are the key."
"Me?"
"That's right. The one she was closest to was a goblin who spoke just like you. That’s why she trusts you, Steve the Goblin, more than anyone else. I’m not saying you have to be like Yuki, but show some backbone, man."
*Hey, don't compare me to the Boss,* I thought.
"Oh, and if you try to take advantage of that to have your way with her, I'll snip it off, okay?"
"We'll snip it off!"
"No forcing yourself on her, alright?"
"Castration would be unavoidable, I suppose."
"I'm not gonna do that!!"
As we were having this conversation, Alfin-san seemed to notice us. She exchanged farewells and promises to meet again with the children before running over.
"I'm sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"
"It's fine. Did you have fun, Grad?"
"Yeah. I made a lot of friends."
"That's wonderful."
It was fine that Grad had learned how to shrink himself from Kuro-chan and the others, now running alongside us at about a meter tall. To anyone looking, he just appeared to be a large lizard.
However, while Alfin-san and Princess Aslin were talking harmoniously, I remained silent, staring intently at one spot: Alfin-san's chest.
I wasn't looking at her well-shaped, ample bosom. I was looking at a familiar, translucent creature nestled between her arm and her chest.
"What are you doing?" I asked the creature.
"...I don't know. I was picked up while playing with the children."
*Sigh.* Well, whatever. It seems like the damage will be spread out this way.
"Oh, Mr. Goblin... I mean, Steve. Look at this. Apparently, it's a monster called a slime! I hadn't seen one much before, but they even help with babysitting here in Weed. It's amazing! Plus, it's squishy and feels so good."
"Is that so? That's good to hear. The slime seems happy too, so let's take it along for the tour of Weed."
"Really!?"
"Yes. It's no problem at all."
*Heh heh, Surakichi-san. Why don't you suffer along with me? You promised you'd help me, right?*
"Wait, you—!?"
Now then, where should I show her around Weed first?
***
So, that was Steve's chapter. I think everyone can relate to the routine, right? Waking up tired in the morning, buying food on the way to work, trying out a weird drink, or taking care of someone you know. These are all common things.
And finally, we head to Cleena's country. Will the discussions end without any problems!?
Also, as a side story, I posted "We Do As We Please," and I've started writing it as a standalone project with that as the prologue. I'm currently writing a story about those four running wild. Don't get your hopes up about when it'll be finished!
See you next time.