How did this happen?
I instinctively hold my head as I see Tora naked.
I didn’t expect alcohol to lead to this sort of mistake. It never happened in my previous life either.
I can’t get drunk, but as I think back to yesterday, it was all going fine until the goblin hunt.
◇ ◇ ◇
“The boys looked happy. I guess that settles yesterday’s problem.”
“Kuhahaha! I caused you some trouble, Kyle! Let me buy you dinner tonight!”
Tora lets out a hearty Kuhahaha.
That low voice and that body carry a lot of impact.
I just got done reporting to Tora’s victim. He was really happy when I delivered the fishing rod too.
Tora came along, and after an apology, promised not to do that again.
This took some time, but the problem is solved. I hope it really doesn’t happen again.
“I don’t like to meddle in personal affairs, but considering how many times it happened, I have to ask. Why do you try to do improper things with boys?”
“At first I wanted someone stronger than me, but there’s no one! And then my preferences gradually gravitated to those who are weaker.”
“So why boys?”
“Hm, he waved his left hand at me, so I thought to respond to that affection by bringing him home! He was just my type too!”
I don’t know what to say.
I don’t care about Tora’s sexual preferences. That’s all up to the individual. The problem is that there might be a difference in values going on here between races.
Humans, elves, dwarves, beast people, everyone has their own culture. It goes without saying that values differ too.
That’s probably why Tora tried to take the boy home.
Among beast people, waving with your right hand is something you do to people who are close to you. And the left hand?
For someone like me, it’s the same, but Durandal told me that beast people see waving with the left hand as a sign of affection or love.
That’s why I need to make sure I don’t wave to Tora with my left hand.
Of course, the boy had no way of knowing any of this. And that disaster happened just because he happened to wave with his left hand.
I feel like we should learn a little more about each other’s cultures.
“I understand that you didn’t have bad intentions, but let’s be more considerate about each other’s cultures.”
“I’ll do my best!”
Kuhahaha! Laughs Tora.
I don’t think I should expect much, and I sigh.
This is probably going to happen again. Just thinking that makes my legs feel heavy.
“Let’s have a drink. I don’t get drunk, but I can taste the feeling.”
“I’m buying, so drink up!”
“I will. And don’t touch my ass.”
“It’s always so nice! Kuhahaha.”
I’m about to ask why Tora’s always trying to grab a guy’s ass, but stop.
Personal preferences. Don’t go too deep into it.
We head to the inn to drink and eat, and I run every time Tora tries to touch my ass.
◇ ◇ ◇
“What kind of girls do you like, Kyle?”
“I don’t really have a type. If I had to say, I guess I’m more about personality?”
I like a girl that’s easy on my stomach, but I don’t say it.
Tora nods and drinks, drinking like a hearty man.
I think it’s been an hour. Tora can’t compare to a monster like Sasha, but that’s still impressive.
“What about me?”
“You might not be bad if you were a girl.”
Tora looks confused. I didn’t mean for my response to be weird…
“If I was a girl, uh?”
“Yes. I know what your character’s like, so it might be easy to go out with you.”
“I see!”
Tora nods, looking a little happy.
If Tora was a woman, of course. Tora is like an older brother that’s usually reliable, but causes problems sometimes.
We’re buddies, so it’s not bad. But I do need to emphasize that I’m not interested in men.
We drink for about an hour more in this strangely nice atmosphere, and call it a night.
That said, we’re going back to the same place. We both have rooms on the second floor, so we talk on the way there.
“So it’d be okay if I was a woman, uh?”
Says Tora in front of my room, red-faced from the alcohol.
And just as I wonder why Tora keeps saying that…
“If you were a woman…”
Tora picks me up and carries me to my room.
That’s when I find what Tora’s a woman, and it just keeps going from there.
◇ ◇ ◇
So I did it to myself.
Thinking back to our conversation in the tavern, I really did keep inciting it.
In my defense, I thought Tora was a man. I would’ve dealt with it differently had I known the truth.
But regret gets me nothing. What’s done is done. Is it time to take responsibility?
I sigh.
“Hnn…”
Tora starts fidgeting, probably reacting to my sigh. I look over at her face, and our eyes meet. Looks like she’s awake.
“Good morning.”
“Yes, morning.”
Tora seems the same as usual.
I feel a little relieved, but come to think of it, she’s naked.
There’s the fact that we did it too, but I don’t know where to look, so I hand her a sheet.
Tora goes Kuhahaha, and covers herself.
“Tora… Hum… Hum…”
I really have trouble saying it.
It would be pretty insulting if I said I thought she was a man. And she might slap me, which coming from Tora might send my head flying like that goblin.
No, I can’t just not say it because I’m scared.
“Sorry, I thought you were a man.”
After saying that, I clench my teeth and hope I survive, but nothing happens.
Tora laughs as I brace myself.
“You thought I was gonna hit you? I’m not sensitive enough to get mad at that. Or narrow-minded.”
I don’t know what to say, I feel really guilty.
“So that whole thing in the tavern was because you thought I was a guy. And I misunderstood it and jumped the gun! Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, it’s my fault.”
“Really? Okay. Tell me one thing Kyle, do you have feelings for me?”
Tora looks serious. I can’t evade the question.
No, I never had any intention of lying to begin with. I’ll be honest.
“I like you as a friend. But as a woman, I don’t really know. There’s also the fact that a lot of stuff is swirling around in my head right now.”
I say how I feel. I do see Tora as a friend, but I don’t know what to say if it’s about more than that. I thought she was a guy until very recently. I’m a little confused.
Tora doesn’t look mad, and instead laughs.
“I see. Then let’s not treat what happened last night that seriously. You can forget about it.”
“No, I don’t think I can.”
“Instead! I’ll keep telling you how much I like you! I will give you and only you whispers of love! If you feel like responding to those feelings, tell me and we’ll get married.”
“Ah, yes. I will.”
She’s strong. She’s a woman, but really manly.
This is why I can always rely on her. I doubt I’d mind if I did end up feeling that way about her.
Tora laughs, and I laugh too.
This hearty Tora is cool.
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