n

n

nThat basically sums up everything up till this moment.

nAfter killing off the monsters and introducing myself, the Adventurer Nathan suddenly bursted into tears.

n

"T-Thank you! Oh, thank you!

" He cried.

nIt's understandable that he reacts this way, after all he almost died. But that doesn't make it any less uncomfortable.

n

"You shouldn't push yourself too much. You're severely injured. You and that lady both!

" I quickly said in a concerned manner.

nI brought out two health recovery potions from my pockets, items that I prepared beforehand by summoning them from ROOT.

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"Here, have this. It'll make you feel better

" I told him, handing over the small glass vial, containing red liquid which glinted as sunlight reflected on it.

nI turned and walked over to Marie, kneeling by her side to administer the second potion to her since she was stil unconscious. Slowly and steadily, I fed the liquid to her until I emptied the glass bottle.

n

"T-This is...

" Nathan said after drinking the potion.

nHe noticed his body, which glowed a bit thanks to the effects of the potion. His wounds closed and his internal injury also healed.

nHe looked at Marie too, and similar effects took place on her body too.

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"S-Sir Rio! To use this on strangers like us... Thank you so much sir. I'm so grateful. Oh, thank you so much!

" He said, as be bowed his head energetically.

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"It's fine. Don't push yourself too much. I only healed your injuries, but your stamina will take some time to recover. It's just a relief you're not dead. If only I had come sooner... Perhaps your comrades wouldn't have died

" I said to him in a somewhat sad tone.

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"It's not your fault Sir Rio... It's mine. I led my party into this disaster!

" He cried.

nHe looked at me with such awe and sadness. Then he looked away, facing the ground. His expression was filled with guilt.

nIt looks like he's buying into my nice guy act.

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"No, don't say that. We are only human, we do not know what the future may bring. I'm sure your friends felt no resentment for you when they died... So do not burden yourself with guilt. You only have to move forward, move on with the one who survived.

" I said, glancing over at Marie, his lover's body.

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"Y-You're right! Thank you so much sir Rio. If only there was something I could do to express my gratitude to you

" He said, looking more encouraged as he forced a smile.

nWhat can someone like this man offer me? Everything he possesses will most likely end up as trash in Root anyway. Well, that doesn't mean he's entirely useless. I did save his life for a reason.

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"No, it's alright. I was just out for a walk when I saw what was happening. My friends and I are actually on our way to Lamar, we made camp somewhere nearby when I suddenly felt uneasy and decided to walk

" I told him.

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"You mean... From the road pathway, you walked all the way here?

" Nathan asked with surprise.

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"I go wherever my heart takes me. That's just the kind of man I am

" I smiled at him.

nOkay, that was a bit too much. It's enough to make me cringe. Just what kind of effect will it have on this young man?

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"Oh?! That's amazing sir!!!

" He said, beaming with respect and awe.

nI figured, he ate it up. What do I expect from such a pathetic creature. But I suppose this just makes my plan easier.

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"I'm actually an Adventurer in Lamar, my friends also. Our Party was given a quest to stop some monsters here, but the rank of the quest, as well as the details didn't include the appearance of an adult Minataur.

" Nathan explained.

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"Oh? I see. Perhaps they didn't know...?

" I said.

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"Bull**! That error cost the lives of 3 of my friends. If they had been a bit more specific, then this would have been avoided.

" He banged his fist on the ground as he said with a pained expression.

nLooks like he's going to have quite the grudge against the issuer of the quest. By the way, isn't this man just giving excuses?

nHe must have known that the monsters here would be very strong since it's the Forest of Monsters. Besides, he basically just said it's his fault, and that he left his party here knowing the dangers. But now he's blaming another person. He sure doesn't know how to take responsibility.

nSuch a man is going to get married to that Marie girl? Sigh, youths these days. I'm certain their marriage won't last as longer than the time I'll be spending in the Adventurers City

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"I see. In that case, you should be on your way to the city. My friends should be ready to travel now. If you want, I can take you to them.

" I offered with a smile.

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"Oh... N-No. I couldn't impose...

" He said nervously.

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"Oh no, I insist. Consider your companion here as well. It wouldn't do well to leave you two alone in such a dangerous place. We can travel together to the city

" I told him.

nHe ruminated on my words as he looked over to Marie. After thinking deeply for a moment, he decided.

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"T-Then I'll be in your care. Thank you very much sir Rio. I really appreciate this!

" He said with a bowed face.

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"It's alright... Mr...?

" I asked him.

nEven though I already know their names, It'll be considered strange not to ask of the identity of someone I'll be traveling with.

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"O-Oh. I'm Nathan, and my unconscious partner here is Marie... We are...

" He stopped midway and blushed a little.

nWhat a child.

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"Okay Nathan. If it's alright with you, let us start moving. My comrades might be worried about me

" I said to him.

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"O-Of course. Right away sir. But... My comrades...

" Nathan said, looking at the dead body of his friends.

nOh, that's true. He most likely wants to bury them and pay his last respects to them. Well, humans are sentimental creatures. Oh well, I'll allow him to have his...

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"... Their Relics and tools can be sold for quite a decent price. It'll be a waste to leave them this way. It'll only take a moment, but let me quickly recover them.

" He said to me with a gleam in his eyes.

n

"What?

" I asked myself.

nThis guy.... Is truly a jerk, isn't he?

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