The military tent I borrowed from Reina is big enough to fit everyone even if we all sleep in it.
Still, I felt awkward sleeping in the tent with girls, so I’m keeping watch outside.
And Seti also left, probably thinking the same thing, and he’s currently sleeping in a sleeping bag.
He’s a seasoned warrior, but he’s been under some of the heaviest pressure for a week straight. I’m sure he’s exhausted.
“I’m just glad no one died.”
According to Reina and Xellos, not everyone who was on their boats made it to the island. They were probably repelled by the barrier and left at sea.
But this time, since these people got on the boat without anyone else, everyone was safely rescued.
“Now we just need to get home.”
And take it easy there.
Then I feel someone exiting the tent, and turn to find Arc with a confused expression.
“Ah, you’re awake.”
“You’re… Mister Arata?”
“Stop with the mister… Just speak normally.”
He just woke up, and doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on.
Ceres was sleeping near him, and I guess he at least understands he was saved.
“Are you coming over here?”
“Yes. Honestly… I don’t know what…”
That makes sense. He was unconscious when we saved him, and he woke up in a tent with his friend Ceres, Edinburgh, and a child he doesn’t know.
How could he understand what happened?
Arc sits in front of me, and bows right away.
“Thank you very much for saving me.”
“Yes. It was almost too late, but I’m glad you’re okay.”
I say, and his face turns a little pale, as he remembers the frog.
It wouldn’t be strange for him to be traumatized.
I’ve met him once before, but this is pretty much our first time meeting.
“So where do I begin…”
I look up at the starry sky while the fire crackles.
There’s plenty of time until the sun comes up.
I’ll just do the same thing as always and tell him about the island, me, and what happened after I found Ceres.
◇ ◇ ◇
“Good morning!”
Morning comes, and Snow jumps out of the tent and onto my back.
She’s been getting pretty strong lately, so I’ve told her not to do full power tackles to anyone other than me.
“Good morning Snow. Up early as always, uh?”
“Yes! Snow didn’t sleep next to daddy yesterday, so let’s play lots today!”
“I see.”
That’s kid logic for you, it makes no sense.
But since the others are still in there, I guess I can play with her for a bit.
Also, I’m guessing Seti confused Snow’s voice for an attack, because he’s up and ready to fight.
“How about you wash your face?”
“…I will do that.”
I bring out water, and he does that a little away from us.
He could go to the river, but going that far might lead to him getting attacked by monsters.
“Daddy! Daddy! What are we gonna play!?”
Looks like that’s set in stone in her mind.
But I still need to clean out the fire, along with a few other things before we leave…
“I’ll take care of this.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sure. You saved me and brought me here. It’s the least I can do.”
I’m sorry to have him do it right after he regained consciousness, but it’s best to share the work.
“Thanks Arc.”
Last night, much like with Ceres, we agreed to speak casually to each other.
“Let’s go…”
I carry Snow on my back and get up while she taps my head. And then I run around in an area where I can still see the tent.
“Hahahahahahahaha!”
“Whoa.”
Then I jump straight up, but misjudge my strength and go higher than I expected.
“…!?”
There’s a bird with its kids in front of me, that look surprised to see me.
“Ooh…”
Snow tries to reach towards the bird that’s frozen with surprise, but I grab her small arm.
“No.”
“Eh? Why?”
“Because it’s dangerous. Whoa…”
I use floating magic to soften the impact and land slowly, where Seti is looking up with a surprised expression.
“Daddy, again!”
“Yes yes.”
She liked that jump, and wants to go again and again.
Why do kids never get tired of doing the same thing? It’s an eternal mystery.
I play with Snow for a while, until the others come out of the tent.
“That’s it then.”
“Eeeeeh!”
“Until we get home…”
It looks like seeing Arc conscious is moving Ceres to tears, and she runs to hug him.
I don’t know if they’re friends or lovers, but I think I should give them a moment.
“Let’s go for a third round, Snow.”
“Yaaaaay!”
She’s so excited.
I feel like lately she’s been showing her emotions a lot more.
This might be tough for Reina. I need to do my best to help her.
And as I think that, I extend Snow’s playtime.
By the way, Edinburgh went back to the tent, and I can see Seti hesitating to approach the others too.
Everyone can read the room.
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