Chapter 12: A Warm Day in the Northern Town

As Shou turned back, the children followed her gaze toward Falco.

"Just because they’re adults now, they’re getting all full of themselves."

A voice muttered from the group.

"I’m Aura. You really put that bully Cain in his place. It felt great to watch!"

"I’m Shou."

"Nice to meet you!"

A slightly older girl approached her, which made Shou a little happy.

"Falco is nice to the girls he dates, and he’s pretty generous, so he’s really popular with women."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, but those women? The second they became adults, they started acting like we’re just kids, like we don’t matter. They’re loud and annoying—I can’t stand them."

Well.

She’s certainly direct.

Shou didn’t dislike that, though.

Now, what should she do?

Falco had been taking care of her for months. He was probably exhausted. This was his first time back in town after so long—maybe she should just be a good kid and head back on her own.

Yeah, Gina was there.

That was probably the best choice.

Just as she reached that conclusion—

"Sorry, but I’ve got to take care of my ward. Maybe next time."

Falco moved to leave.

…Oh?

Was he choosing to go home?

"Hey, Falco, she’s already ten, right? She’ll be fine on her own."

"Yeah, exactly. I mean, we just saw her running around with a stick, chasing people. I don’t think she needs you hovering around her. If anything, you’re just getting in the way."

Now, that was different.

She didn’t mind choosing to be considerate.

But if the person she was being considerate toward wasn’t even worth the consideration—

That was another story.

Shou felt a flicker of irritation.

And in that brief moment, Falco was swarmed again.

"Hey, you lot."

Falco’s voice was exasperated, but the women weren’t listening.

That’s it.

Shou turned to leave.

Then—

Falco looked at her.

Like he was pleading.

He should know how to handle women by now.

So why did his eyes still waver with uncertainty?

Shou hated that look.

What are you afraid of?

If he didn’t want to go, he could just refuse.

If he did want to go, he could go.

So why was he just standing there, waiting for something?

Shou let out a small sigh.

Honestly.

If you’re a guardian, you don’t hesitate.

You just go home for the sake of the child in your care.

And yet, here he was, still hesitating, unsure whether to reach out.

Fine.

Shou spread her arms wide and called him over.

"Falco."

"Shou!"

In an instant, he broke free of the women and scooped her up.

She was ten, for crying out loud.

He wasn’t supposed to carry her anymore.

But… whatever.

"Falco, let me whisper something."

"Hm? What is it?"

He leaned in.

Shou murmured softly into his ear.

"I’d be lonely on my own. Let’s go home together?"

Falco melted.

His smile softened, and he hugged her even tighter.

This man—who didn’t know how to ask for affection—could only express love by holding someone close.

So she would let him.

She would let him hold her.

So he wouldn’t have to worry.

So his eyes wouldn’t flicker with uncertainty.

And in that moment, as time seemed to pause—

"Shou, here."

A stick was suddenly thrust between them.

Her slime stick.

"Cain, thanks."

Shou took it with one hand and gave him a bright smile.

Falco…

Looked slightly sulky.

"O-oh. See you tomorrow, then!"

"Yeah, see you tomorrow."

She waved to Aura and the other kids.

"Let’s walk home."

"Nah, it’s close enough—I’ll just carry you."

"Oh. Alright then."

As Falco carried her home, looking content, the children watched them go.

What an interesting kid.

And…

I wish I had that.

"Sage, can you carry me too?"

"Me too!"

"Oh my, I suppose I could."

"I’m going home. My mom can carry me!"

"Yeah… maybe I’ll go home too."

"Yeah, suddenly remembered I had something to do."

The younger women huffed and stormed off.

But that day, the Northern Town felt a little warmer than usual.