"May I ask your basis for believing that person would know about it?"
"There was once a person known as the 'Forbidden Witch.' Have you heard the name?"
"No."
A witch, huh.
"I've heard that she was feared for possessing vast knowledge of the world's taboos, and was driven from the land where she lived."
So that's why she was called "forbidden."
From the way she speaks, it seems like hearsay.
Not confirmed information.
Even so, it's a valuable lead.
"If I were to go meet her, where should I head?"
"Are you familiar with the Great Ruin Belt?"
"First time hearing it."
"It's said she might be somewhere within that Great Ruin Belt."
"Not confirmed?"
"Yes, it remains in the realm of rumor."
"Is it far from here?"
"If you head north, you should reach it. However—"
The woman hesitates for a moment.
What I sense from her:
Low feasibility.
"Reaching the witch is likely to be difficult."
"Why?"
"The Great Ruin Belt is also known by another name: the 'Golden Nest Monster Zone.'"
Unfamiliar terms keep coming one after another.
Of course.
My knowledge of this world is practically zero.
So everything is a fresh new term to me.
In that sense, it can't be helped—
But there are just too many new words to remember.
They come flooding into my brain like a muddy torrent.
I'll have to sort them out one by one later when I have time.
"From the name, I'm guessing it's a vast habitat zone for monsters."
"Yes. It's a danger zone located in the center of this continent."
"I see."
So the witch has hidden herself there.
A designated danger zone.
From the way she speaks, it seems to be common knowledge across the continent.
Conversely, it's the perfect place to hide from the eyes of the world.
"Got it. Thanks for the valuable info."
I glance at the gauge.
Just a few more minutes until [Paralyze] wears off.
This woman seems trustworthy.
But there's still a non-zero chance she'll attack the moment the effect ends.
That shitty goddess put on an act of overflowing benevolence at first too.
"..."
This seems like the right time to wrap up.
"Is there anything else?"
"That's plenty. You've helped a lot."
The woman gives a wry smile.
"With this, we're even… though I suppose that's not really possible, is it? Considering you saved my life, it feels far too insufficient as repayment—"
"No."
"Eh?"
"What you've given me is more than enough. For me right now, this information is more than sufficient."
Getting this much intel before even reaching civilization is a stroke of luck.
"From here, we part ways. Is that okay with you?"
"Y-yes. If that's what you wish."
She seems quite dutiful.
Whether good or bad, she gives the impression of being excessively straightforward.
She must find life difficult—I end up worrying needlessly.
She reminds me of someone.
...
Ah, right.
My aunt.
So good-natured that it makes others worry.
There's a slight resemblance.
My aunt's existence is what guarantees to me that good people really do exist.
"See you."
"Um, about this movement-restricting spell—"
"The 'spell' keeping your body from moving will automatically wear off in a few more minutes. I can't guarantee your safety until then, though."
Earlier I said "skill."
But she seems to recognize it as a spell.
"Understood. So it will release soon."
She doesn't seem doubtful…
It's almost certain she has some means of judging truth.
"You're quick to understand—makes things easier."
"You seemed to be in a hurry."
She must have noticed me watching the gauge.
"You adjusted to my pace, huh. Considerate."
"Because you're my benefactor."
"I don't dislike people like you. Well, I guess I don't have much right to say that after ambushing you… but for what it's worth, I'll wish you safe travels."
I turn to leave.
After walking a short distance, Pigi-maru emerges from inside my robe.
"Pi."
"Hm?"
"Pyuu?"
"You're asking if I'm really letting that woman go?"
"Pi."
It turns green.
"I didn't sense any malice toward me… and she answered my questions accurately. If there's no killing intent or hostility, there's no reason to hurt her. I'm not into pointless slaughter. I only kill according to my own rules."
"Pi-mu pi-mu…"
Pigi-maru's protrusion bobs up and down.
It feels like it's nodding, "I see, I see."
"Still, I can't completely rule out the possibility that she'll come after me once she can move again. Keep watching our back… I'm counting on you, partner."
Shuba.
Pigi-maru forms a salute-like angle and turns green.
"Pi!"
Well, I can't deny there's a bit of softness mixed in.
Can't be helped.
Unless they resembled my real parents.
When someone reminds me of my aunt and uncle, I have to give some consideration to how I treat them.
That's one of my rules too.
Of course, there are exceptions to the rules.
▽
Partway through, I find a small water source.
A spring, perhaps?
"…Might as well wash up lightly here."
I ask Pigi-maru to keep watch and approach the water.
Clear water.
My face reflects on the surface.
My features look worse than before…
My real father's words flash back.
"Those creepy eyes of yours, brat."
No—it's just returned to how it was.
Or maybe it was always like this.
I scoop water with my hand.
Raw water.
Probably shouldn't drink it.
Still, I want to secure water.
It might come in handy.
I fill an empty plastic bottle.
Then I take off my clothes, fold them, and place them by the water's edge.
I hold the cloth scrap I made from torn uniform fabric and step in.
Fortunately, the temperature isn't chilly.
Judging from the sunlight filtering through the trees, it's not yet evening.
If I'm going to expose my skin to water, now's the time.
I feel my tense nerves gradually loosening.
Rustle.
The sound of leaves.
My slackening nerves snap taut in an instant.
I thrust my arm toward the presence.
"Ah—"
"…It's you."
It's the blonde woman from earlier.
She's frozen in the posture of stepping out from the grass.
But—the armor and gear from before are gone.
She's carrying a burlap sack over her shoulder.
I don't recall it being that size…
But she wouldn't have discarded it either.
We stare at each other for a moment.
The woman averts her gaze with a slippery motion.
"…Excuse me."
She bows her head.
"Were you planning to use this water too? I'll leave as soon as I dry off—"
"No, it's fine. Please don't mind me."
The woman turns on her heel and disappears back into the woods.
I return to the water's edge and quickly wipe myself with the cloth.
I feel considerably refreshed.
"Pi… piiii…"
A flattened Pigi-maru emerges from the grass.
It slowly approaches.
"Hm? What's wrong?"
"Pyuuu〜…"
Is it depressed?
It also seems somehow apologetic.
I realize the reason.
"Could it be… you feel responsible for not noticing that woman approaching?"
"Piiii…"
It slowly turns green.
I crouch down and reach out to Pigi-maru.
"Pi…!"
It reacts as if expecting to be scolded.
Ready to accept whatever comes.
Funifuni.
I gently stroke the quivering surface.
"Pi?"
"Don't worry about it. You weren't slacking off, right?"
"Pi! Pi!"
Yet Pigi-maru failed to notice.
I look toward where the woman disappeared.
Even though I was somewhat relaxed, I didn't notice her at all either.
Above all, Pigi-maru is far more sensitive to surrounding movements and sounds than I am.
For Pigi-maru not to notice despite being on guard…
That woman has "something."
"She must have some way of erasing sound or presence… It's not your fault you didn't notice."
Hm.
Come to think of it, those four were still able to track her.
They probably possessed exceptional abilities.
"Pi, pi, piiii."
Pigi-maru seems desperately apologetic.
I can't help but give a wry smile.
"I told you not to feel so responsible. Relax—I'm not gonna dissolve our partnership over something like this."
Pigi-maru turns pink and rubs against my leg.
"Piiii〜♪ Kyuiii〜...♪"
For now, it seems to have cheered up.