Chapter 22: A Day in Shou’s Life

The hunting expedition in Nordam, which had seemed so uncertain on the first day, turned out to be surprisingly smooth.

This was largely thanks to the Northern Town’s participation. The 200 hunters who had previously been scattered and disorganized were now following the lead of twenty well-trained hunters. Of course, Gaius, Falco, and the others had joined the hunt every year, making a noticeable impact. But this year, the three heroes were at full strength.

The Northern Town’s squad fought in a tight, disciplined formation, and the rest of the hunters naturally began to shape their movements around them. Soon, an efficient hunting formation had solidified, and they were steadily taking down the Black Rock Lizards.

Monsters didn’t move at night. When dusk fell and the hunt ended, the hunters visited the church for healing before dinner. With better organization, injuries had decreased significantly, but the routine check-ups from healers were a new and welcome habit. Many hunters found themselves feeling better the next day, and some even noticed old wounds improving.

The church was lively. Amidst the busyness, the healers from the Northern Town had been unknowingly healing old injuries as well.

Shou, meanwhile, was not watching the hunt like Falco had hoped.

At 11 years old, she was still too young to be taken to the hunting grounds. The Star Welcoming Night had marked her birthday, so she had quietly turned 11. Alfie, now 15, had graduated from the youth group and was officially an apprentice healer, treating hunters directly in the field.

Even without joining the hunt, Shou was busy—leading a group of Nordam’s children to gather medicinal herbs.

Every year, 200 hunters flooded into Nordam, a border town with relatively abundant resources. However, the local youth group didn’t seem particularly motivated to work. When the Master Healer ordered them to gather herbs, they showed no enthusiasm. Worse, they were terrified of slimes and Black Rock Lizards, making them practically useless.

Shou had originally planned to join Nordam’s youth group and gather herbs with them, so she was caught off guard by their lack of experience. Left with no choice, she asked the child next to her.

"Where do the medicinal herbs grow?"

"I don’t know. I’ve never gathered them. Somewhere around here, right? Ah—ew, there’s a slime!"

Slimes? Sure, there were some around.

Shou poked the slime with a stick and quickly defeated it. When she crouched down to retrieve its magic stone, she noticed—the ground was covered in medicinal herbs.

Beneath the tall summer grass, a dense patch of short-stemmed herbs spread out in all directions.

"I’ll take care of the slimes. So, come on, let’s pick the herbs here."

"You’ll really protect us?"

"Yeah."

And so, Shou became the protector of the children, while also leading them in herb gathering. Over time, she taught the boys how to hunt slimes, making the days busy and productive.

After delivering the herbs, she sold the magic stones and finished dinner before the hunters returned.

Before the hunters arrived at the church, Shou and Alfie checked them first. This became their regular role.

Since most hunters had met the two children, they secretly grew fond of them.

During treatment, holding hands with the young healers felt comforting.

However, no one dared to act inappropriately—not with Falco or Leon always watching from behind.

After such a long day, Shou was always exhausted.

At first, she walked home holding Falco’s hand, but after nearly falling asleep mid-step, she had started letting him carry her instead.

Tonight, Leon was also with them, along with Alfie. The four of them walked back leisurely—until:

"Leon."

A figure was waiting for him.

"Bianca… What is it? Everyone’s here too."

Bianca stood with two men and another woman.

"Leon, I’ll head back first." Falco said.

"Yeah."

"Wait. Falco, you too."

The second woman called out to Falco.

An acquaintance? Shou wondered sleepily.

"…Uh, Flore."

"Do you barely remember your girlfriend’s name from last year?"

"No, I’m sorry."

Falco looked awkward.

Girlfriend? From last year?

Shou’s gossip-loving curiosity stirred… but her exhaustion was stronger.

She was losing the battle against sleep.

"The hunt is almost over. We need to talk about our future."

"Falco, too. You said we’d meet again this year."

Ah. Promises were important.

That was Shou’s last thought as her eyelids drooped. She clutched Falco’s shirt tightly, mumbling,

"Tell me how it goes… later…"

And then, she fell asleep, resting her head on his shoulder.

Both Falco and Leon watched over the sleeping Shou with gentle eyes.

Falco adjusted his hold on her, cradling her securely.

Seeing this, Bianca and Flore bit their lips in frustration.

"Ugh. There’s no way to win against a child’s cuteness."

"But we’re adults. This isn’t over yet."

"Leon."

"Falco."

Falco didn’t even look at Flore as he said,

"Sorry. Shou’s asleep. This isn’t the right time for a conversation. And honestly… Flore, I’m sorry, but I can’t do this anymore—not until she’s an adult. Look elsewhere."

Leon, at least, was more composed. Looking Bianca in the eye, he said,

"Bianca, I did care about you. But I’m not rejoining the party. I’m sorry."

"YOU’RE THE WORST!!"

Both women shouted in unison.

If they got slapped across the face, they wouldn’t even complain.

But just as Bianca and Flore stepped forward angrily,

A hand shot out between them—Alfie’s.

"If you’re going to fight, do it when we’re not around."

"We may be apprentices, but we’re healers. We won’t stand by and watch people get hurt—especially not after Shou worked herself to exhaustion for you. If you have the energy to argue, put it into hunting. And try not to get injured."

"Wha—?"

"No objections here."

The two men standing behind Bianca stepped in.

"Leon, it’s unfortunate, but—"

"Yeah. I’ll be forming a new party. You guys should do the same."

"Got it. Bianca, let’s go."

"Fine."

The four of them left.

"Alfie, that was impressive."

"Shou worked really hard. Let’s take her home."

"Yeah. Let’s go."

Well, “home” was just a shared tent at the campsite, where they slept in a pile of blankets.

But that was where he belonged.

Wherever Shou was, that was home.

Falco thought so, as he walked, carrying her small, warm body.

The hunt would soon end.

A slightly longer summer night wrapped around the four of them like a warm embrace.