kscans

Chapter 446 - Feet on the Ground, Fly High

"—Man, I only got a glimpse, but you've gotten even better, haven't you? As expected of Nia-chan, I can't afford to be slacking off either!"

"What are you talking about? You're always going full throttle, the exact opposite of 'slacking off'…"

"And his outfit is your work too, right? As always, it's amazing how you're good with both male and female designs. I'm so jealous."

"That's just the specialized type's 'grass is always greener' syndrome. A true top-tier artisan doesn't envy a jack-of-all-trades."

"…I don't really get it, but aren't you also in a position where you shouldn't be calling yourself a jack-of-all-trades? Countless crafters and tailors would probably quit their jobs."

"Yes, exactly! Her boyfriend is so right!!"

It had been a while since we had joined up with the unexpected celebrities, a pair of artisans including Nia's friend.

Whether we had hunted all the monkeys in the area, or they had started avoiding the 'monster' out of caution, we were now walking through the forest, enjoying the returned peace and deepening our bonds in a lively manner.

Well, mainly one person was at the 'lively' level, though.

"For the record, I'm not her boyfriend."

I hesitated, wondering if I should be vague for Nia's sake… but I decided it was best to be clear here. When I denied it, I was met with a sly grin.

"Oh really? And that's why?"

"She's talking about you, Nia-chan. Let go already."

"No way! Besides, it's because you keep trying to get close whenever there's a chance!"

As she said that, the indigo-haired girl hanging off my left arm started to get worked up and joined the lively group. She bared her teeth and hissed at her friend in warning.

Are you a cat?

"I'm not trying to get close…"

"Well, I am trying to get close, though."

"So you are."

And this Nonomi-san. I can't quite get a grasp on her character. She seems friendly and a master of sociability on the outside, but there's a unique sense of distance, a subtle 'line' I can feel.

This is probably the type of girl (?) that would instantly kill any guy who misjudges the distance. I have no way of knowing if it's an act or her true self, but I should be careful not to let my guard down just because she's a friend of a friend—well, it's just my personal opinion, so it might be baseless.

"Of course I'll try to get close! From your dramatic, explosive debut in the Four Pillar War to the recently released 'White Throne' subjugation, you're a star who's the talk of the town. It can't hurt to get to know you, right?"

"I feel like you're currently incurring the 'loss' of being warned by your friend, though."

"I got to see my cute friend's cute jealous face, so it's a slight net positive! Thank you for the meal!!"

"She's so energetic…"

Well, anyway… judging by the fact that Nia, while hissing, doesn't seem genuinely angry, their relationship must be one where this is allowed.

In that sense, maybe I don't need to be so on guard.

"—Nonomi, that's enough. You shouldn't tease her just for fun."

And the fact that her partner is consistently playing the role of a stopper with a calm tone is another source of reassurance.

It's not like she's obediently listening to him, but rather, it feels like she's hitting the accelerator with the expectation that he'll stop her.

"I know, I know. Sorry, Nia-chan—Alright, alright, then, shall we get serious and discuss our future plans?"

After a cheerful apology to her pouting friend, Nonomi-san's switch flipped, and she showed a serious face.

Her expression, if I may say so, was so similar to Nia's that I almost laughed.

"We know there are other pairs within merging distance. If we're looking for stability, we should try to expand this circle."

"Or we could join a large group that might have already formed. In any case, I don't think we can get started until we get out of this forest."

"…Actually, why don't we just clear a path and make a base? This forest has a lot of different materials. And we have someone who can do that."

Starting with Ittetsu-san, then Nonomi-chan-san, and finally Nia, they offered their opinions. The last suggestion naturally drew the gazes of all three to me.

Well, if you tell me to do it, clearing some trees is a piece of cake, but—

"Assuming I'm allowed to go all out, I can provide a much simpler basis for our future plans. What do you want to do?"

I've already single-handedly scattered the approaching threat, so it might be too late to be considerate. However, if we're treating this situation as an event where we all think and have fun together… I think it would be more 'beneficial' for me to enjoy it with my feet on the ground.

Therefore, I'll refrain from doing whatever I want. If necessary, I have no objection to acting as a convenient tool—in fact, I'd be happy to. So, I'll leave the decision to my companions.

"Hmm… by the way, what are you planning to do?"

Whether she read my intentions from my words or not, Nonomi-chan-san tilted her head in thought and asked.

In response to her question, I simply pointed upwards with my index finger, as if it were the most natural thing in the world—

"I'll check out the whole forest from the sky."

"""Ah…"""

And when I told them the obvious and easy method… the three of them, who, regardless of their fame, were probably ordinary people in terms of stats, all looked impressed, as if to say, 'Of course, there's that.'

This must be the kind of difference in thinking that arises between combatants and non-combatants.

—And so.

"…Well then."

"Sorry to trouble you!"

"Go for it!"

"Alright, leave it to me—whoa!"

The sky's the goal, time for a quick run.