Chapter 3: Found Someone to Take Care of Me

In truth, before Shouko had woken up, the man had already spoken with Leon.

"Yo, Falco. Here’s this week’s food supply."

"Yeah, here’s this week’s share of game."

"Much appreciated. I’ll drop it off at the guild."

"By the way, take a look at this."

Falco gestured for Leon to come closer.

Leon found this unusual—Falco wasn’t the type to waste words. But curiosity got the better of him.

"The hell is this?"

"Picked her up yesterday."

"Picked up? In the forest?"

"I checked this morning. There was fresh snow, right? Out of nowhere, a single set of small footprints appeared in the forest, leading straight here, where she collapsed."

"Teleportation magic? That’s rarely used. Something connected to the lakes?"

"Look at her hair."

"Black, huh? Just like yours. So, she’s from the plains?"

"Not sure. But look—those clothes are too obviously 'villager-like.' Her hands and feet are spotless. Her hair is well-maintained."

"Yeah, it's ridiculously fluffy."

"Don’t touch it."

"What’s your problem? Anyway, if someone wanted her dead, they would’ve just killed her."

"Exactly."

"A noble succession dispute, maybe? Kidnapped and 'missing' on paper?"

"So, you think the same?"

"Then, it’s best not to make a fuss."

"Yeah, that’s what I think."

The two of them looked down at Shouko, sleeping peacefully.

"I can’t understand people who don’t take care of their kids. Should we take her to the church? Or find a guardian? Either way, she’d be welcomed."

Falco remained silent.

On this continent, people lived long lives and were generally sturdy. Monsters roamed in abundance, making life far more dangerous than in Shouko’s previous world. Yet, injuries could usually be healed with potions. Those with healing magic were rare but did exist.

People experienced countless meetings and partings across a lifespan nearing 200 years. Some married, while others lived alone. Children left home at 20 and spent the long years of adulthood independently. Though injuries were treatable, accidents still happened.

Because of this, children were cherished until adulthood. Even those without their own children often sought to raise others—not by spoiling them, but by ensuring they became self-sufficient by 20.

This country, known as Deep Forest, was the roughest and most hunting-focused of the four continental regions.

• The south was plains, focused on agriculture.
• The east had lakes and wetlands, specializing in farming, academics, and magic.
• The west was a land of caves and mountains, thriving on mining.

Each region had its own ruling lords and coexisted in a system of mutual support.

While there was no open conflict between nations, rumors persisted of internal power struggles in the generally peaceful Plains and Lake regions.

Rather than send her back into that chaos, wouldn't it be better to raise her here?

Falco thought so.

And maybe—just maybe—it could be him. Even at 50, he could take her in.

"Wait, wait, you? The womanizing bachelor? Raising a kid? No way."

"She’s about ten, right? Ten years, that’s all. If I teach her swordsmanship, she’ll be able to stand on her own."

"You? Ten years without women? Ha! And look at her hands—soft as a noble’s. She’s never held a sword."

"If she’s going to live in Deep Forest, she’ll need to know how to use one."

"What about meals? Clothes?"

"I’ll rely on others."

"You say that so casually..."

"I’m raising her."

"Falco, why?"

"I picked her up. That makes her mine."

Was it the warmth of sleeping beside her? The way she was light enough to carry in one hand?

He wanted to keep her close.

After thirty years of adulthood, wasn’t it time he did something selfish?

Later, when Shouko heard this, she suspected it was goddess interference. But she never said so aloud.

"No, no, you’ve always lived selfishly..." Leon groaned, clutching his head.

Falco was one of the top hunters in Deep Forest. He wasn’t reckless, but he had never settled down. He simply kept hunting, growing stronger. A fine example of a hunter, yet not exactly a role model. As a fellow bachelor, he was easy to get along with—but still.

"In any case, we’ll respect her decision, right?"

"I know."

And so, Shouko finally woke up.

Even after being laughed at, she had finished her meal.

"Alright, introductions. I’m Falco, a hunter."

"I’m Leon. I transport goods for the guild."

"Goh… ah, I’m Shou—cough—Shouko."

Even after eating, her throat was still rough.

"Shou, huh."

"No, cough, it’s Shouko."

"Alright, Shou."

Falco absentmindedly dismissed her correction.

Listen when people talk! Shouko mentally retorted.

Whatever. Shou was fine.

"You’ve got your circumstances. No need to explain."

Huh? No, this is the part where you ask! Though… I wouldn’t know what to say.

"You have three options."

Three. Shouko’s irritation flared at the memory of the goddess.

"One: Go to the church."

An orphanage-like place, probably.

"Two: Get a guardian."

So, there were kind people around.

"Three: Stay with me."

…Wait. This guy was her designated caretaker? The one from her third wish?

She studied Falco.

Messy black hair. Bright brown eyes. A rugged but handsome face. He didn’t exactly scream "healing."

"By the way, if you stay with me, you’ll get strong with a sword."

"Ah, no thanks."

The moment she refused, Falco’s eyes widened in shock.

Leon, meanwhile, collapsed into laughter and got kicked under the table for it.

"Then, Shou—how do you plan to become independent?"

"I want to study healing."

"Healing… You have an affinity for it?"

"What’s an affinity?"

"You haven’t taken the Trial of Aptitude?"

Trial of Aptitude? Shouko tilted her head.

Falco exchanged glances with Leon before explaining.

"As you know, everyone has some degree of magic. But strong magic users are rare, and healing affinities are even rarer. That’s why we test kids early and guide them to the right path. Normally, this happens at age seven."

So that’s how it worked. But—

"Wait, everyone can use magic?"

"Wait… You can’t use magic?"

"I’ve never tried."

"Then, how do you use baths and toilets? Wait, do you even know how to use the toilet?"

She shook her head.

She was immediately dragged off.

"This button here—just channel magic."

Magic? She didn’t get it, but when she touched it, it worked.

"You’re way too noble-like!" someone muttered.

But Shouko was too fascinated by the plumbing to care.

At least it wasn’t an outhouse.

Back to the conversation.

"So, at least we know you can use magic."

"Yes."

"But you haven’t taken the Trial of Aptitude."

"Right."

"That’s step one, then."

Shouko nodded seriously.

Her independence depended on this.

"If you have healing talent—"

Falco cleared his throat.

"You’ll study at the church."

"Can I commute?"

"Commute?"

"From Falco’s place."

If he was her designated guardian, she wasn’t leaving. No swords, but she wasn’t going anywhere.

Falco turned away, covering his face with one hand.

Would he refuse?

"I-I don’t mind, whatever."

"Really?"

Shouko beamed in relief.

Leon, pointing at Falco, erupted into laughter again.

And got kicked again.

Shouko thought they were funny people.

She didn’t notice that Falco, too, had exhaled in quiet relief.