Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 164

164. A Dark Mountain Path

I woke up, my body being gently rocked. I almost mumbled, “Five more minutes,” but then I bolted up. That’s right, we’re starting our journey.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Fuah~, I shlept well.”

Forgive my drowsy response. Everyone chuckled at me!

I rubbed my sleepy eyes and got up. Then stretched. Alright, I’m awake! I stood up, folded up the sleeping bag and stored it. Licht and Ronny’s sleeping bags were already folded, so I must have been the last one up.

“Meg, you’re still small. So, I wanted to let you sleep until the last minute.”

When I apologized for being late, Ronny said that. Aw, how kind!

“You’re too considerate for being so small! That’s why you should rely on us more!”

Following those words, Licht said that with a laugh. I felt a sense of déjà vu. …Ah, that’s right.

Yesterday, before the teleportation, the future I saw in the mirror was this. So that boy was Licht. So that future was showing this new encounter. Realizing that calmed me down a bit. It wasn’t a vision of a dangerous future, so it should be okay. Because most times when I’m in danger, I can see it beforehand.

From now on, if I see such a future, I need to remember it carefully. I clenched my fist, making a resolution in my heart!

“Well, are you ready? Though we don’t really have much to carry.”

Ravi-san’s expression was half exasperated as she smiled wryly. That’s because I’m carrying more than half of the luggage. When I told them about my storage bracelet and offered to carry everything, their jaws dropped in surprise…

I could have carried everything, but they decided we should each carry the bare minimum, in case we get separated. Being prepared is important!

“No, it’s really helpful. With less luggage and being this light, we might be able to move faster than planned.”

I couldn’t help but smile back at Ravi-san’s smile. It’s good to be useful, even if I’m just carrying luggage! I’m already a bit of a burden myself. …Saying that made me feel sad. Let’s stop with the self-deprecation…

“Now, let’s go. Time to say goodbye to this cabin.”

“…Now that you mention it, even this cramped cabin feels a bit sad to leave.”

Ravi-san and Licht took one last look at the cabin, their eyes narrowed, and then quickly faced forward. They both seemed to have no regrets. They’re so good at switching gears, it’s amazing. I need to get fired up too!

With Ravi-san in the lead, me and Ronny next, and Licht bringing up the rear, we started walking down the dark mountain path.

“Hyaaah~!”

So, how many times have I let out a small scream now? I’m trying to keep my voice down, but I can’t help it. Why? Because I keep getting startled by the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the sounds of nocturnal animals moving around!

“…Pfft.”

“Aww, I’m sorry…”

Ronny, who was holding my hand, finally let out a chuckle. I’m so embarrassed!

“This is a pretty relaxed escape. Fufu, but that’s just right.”

“No, Meg’s been terrified the whole time… The only ones enjoying this are us.”

Ravi-san laughed softly, and Licht added from behind. No, that’s not helping at all, you know? That means you’re enjoying this too, Licht!?

“But, I’ve never walked in the dark before… Hyoehh~!”

Even while I was protesting in a slightly tearful voice, I flinched at the sound of a bird taking flight. This isn’t just because I’m a little girl! Do you know how dark this forest is at night? It’s so dark you can’t see anything! We’re keeping the light to a minimum since we’re on the run. I wonder how everyone can walk without getting lost. Me? If Ronny wasn’t leading me by the hand, I’d be sitting down right now!

“Well, that makes sense. We’re used to walking in the forest at night. There’s some prey you can only hunt at night.”

“I’m used to the dark because I originally lived in the mines. Dwarves have good night vision.”

What the heck, so I’m the only one who can’t see anything! Ugh, I keep stumbling and slowing everyone down.

“…Meg, get on my back. At this rate, you’re going to get hurt.”

“Eh, but…”

And finally, Ronny stopped, turned his back to me, and crouched down. There’s no way I can ask him to do that! Even if I’m light as a child, carrying someone on your back while walking on a mountain path has to be tough!

But as I hesitated, Ronny’s reassuring words came back.

“Dwarves always carry a lot of ore. I’m used to carrying heavy loads and walking all day. Meg, you’re definitely much lighter than ore, even without comparing.”

So don’t worry, Ronny said. But even if he’s a Dwarf, Ronny’s still not an adult and his body hasn’t fully grown. Being small is a racial trait, and he’s not built like Carter-san, so I can’t help but worry.

“Just let him help, Meg. He’s offering, as a man. Don’t make him lose face!”

Licht lifted me up from behind and placed me on Ronny’s back, as I was still hesitating. Hey!?

“Aha, I never thought I’d see the day Licht would talk about being a man.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!? You got a problem!?”

“Nooo? I was just thinking you’ve grown up.”

After confirming that I was on his back, Ronny stood up easily. And he started walking without any difficulty. W-Wow, he really seems okay. You can’t judge a book by its cover. I really shouldn’t have refused and hurt his pride as a man. Onee-san is sorry!

“Thanks, Ronny. You’re really strong.”

“This is nothing. Meg, you should gain more weight.”

I thought I should thank him properly rather than apologize, and Ronny said that, looking a bit embarrassed.

I remember everyone at Ortus telling me that people are happy when I rely on them. Even though I thought I understood, my Japanese instincts made me hesitate. But I realized I need to remember that being too reserved can be rude.

Japanese… I glanced back at Licht, who was walking behind us. With his soy sauce face, Licht really looks Japanese. I wonder where he’s from, I thought, as I was rocked on Ronny’s back.

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