038: A Big Man

October 8, 2020 - 8 minutes read - 1602 words

“Thor, uhh… are you seriously interested?” Al

It took me a few seconds to realise that Thor looked to be interested in the romance life of Eleanora.

“Oh, I’m serious” Thor

Thor stares right into my eyes, unblinkingly. Stop for a moment, you’re too close. It would be dangerous to be seen by the strange women in this position. It looks as if Thor is interested in me when he’s just using me to know more about who he is interested in…

Certainly Eleanora is beautiful. Even though she spends plenty of time outside, she doesn’t get overly tanned. Probably from her daily sword training, she has good proportions and her limbs are thin and smooth. Her chest isn’t completely smooth, but her waistline is as beautiful as the golden ratio. Her eyelashes are long, her eyes are well-shaped, and her face is well balanced and dignified. Every man will be fascinated by her long ponytail, which is made up of her brownish-red hair.

However, I can’t let Thor fall into her trap, I must find a way to let him know more of Eleanora. I’ll tell him of her hidden side so he won’t make a bad decision.

“What’s so great about her? Emma is as good looking as Eleanora, right?” Al

“How could you not be attracted to such a kind and beautiful person? Why would you put my sister Emma in the same class?” Thor

“You’re being fooled by Eleanora, what do you mean kind? Where would you get that idea? That’s just a bad joke.” Al

We settle down after a bit of grumbling.

“Thor, you seem committed to being interested in Eleanora.” Al

“And you seem interested in my sister.” Thor

The space between us has been shortened to cut out the sounds of the hustle and bustle from the harvest festival. I take a second to collect my thoughts.

“Eleanora is a rough, violent, barbaric person, but is also kind?” Al

I speak slowly to let the words sink in for Thor.

“What are you talking about, Emma is sloppy and wrathful, isn’t she?” Thor

“What are you talking about?” Eleanora

“I’m also interested in this conversation…” Emma

The voice of another interjects into our private conversation. Looking back, Emma and Eleanora are standing there. They both look very angry. Were you listening in on our conversation? If so, you’re the worst. Behind them was Silvio, who looked exhausted.

“Oh, I’ve been looking for Silvio!” Al

I should grab Silvio and leave this area. Thor’s jealous that I might get an out from this.

“Where are you going?” Eleanora

“Oof” Al

The devil’s hand has grabbed my collar. Wait! Only Nord can use this technique, are you stealing it from him?

“Hmm, that looks useful, I think I’ll use it for Thor.” Emma

“Hii!” Thor

Thor has been caught by his older sister as well. Both sisters are smiling without an inner warmth, they’re angry.

“Emma, I’ve got some business to take care of, see you later” Eleanora

“Yes, Eleanora. See you later” Emma

Eleanora takes my hand and starts walking in the other direction from Emma.

“Wow, Eleanora and Alfred are on such good terms.” Villager A

“For real, I’m so happy” Villager B

“That’s nice, I wish my son could be so well behaved. He’s always getting in fights with his sister.” Villager A

“Silvio is so cool and cute, he’s a good sibling.” Villager B

“The future of Koriat Village must be bright” Villager A

I can hear the happy conversations of the village women. Reality is not as they imagine.

What is this a method of restraint? I’m held tightly mentally so I can’t escape. I’d like to tear off my sisters soft hand, but I can’t even though it seems easy. What’s scary is she can do it without seeming like a jailer.

I was taken back to the mansion with a smile on my face.

I received some love from Eleanora when we got back. Since it’s the harvest festival, I was punished with a tickle torture from Eleanora. I think it’s strange that no one cared when my laughter echoed through the mansion. Elna just smiled when she saw us and said ‘They’re on such good terms today’. I wonder what everyone in the mansion think of me, let’s consult with Bartolo.

Since I’ve recovered from Eleanora’s consideration, I headed to the square where the evening banquet will be held.

The sky was already turning dark, and the village was surrounded by blue darkness. You can spot a fire here and there.

“I wonder if Thor is coming? Did he survive his punishment?” Al

I thought it would be good to hurry to the square. When I got there, I found many people gathered around the fair. The stalls that were previously here were either moved or folded up to accommadate as many people in the square. The bonfire has been lit in the center to illuminate the area. Food is being served around the area and plenty of villagers are enjoying various drinks. I can see some places where someone is dancing or clapping along with the music, since some of the musically inclined villagers are playing a melody.

“Oh, it’s started” Al

“You’re late” Thor

I was distracted by the feast when someone called out to me.

“Thor! You survived!” Al

“Oh, somehow.” Thor

Thor is rubbing his nose, but he seems to be waiting for something or someone.

“Where’s Eleanora?” Thor

“What about Emma?” Al

It seems we have the same thought process.

“Emma said she would look to join up with Sheila.” Thor

“Eleanora may be doing the same, she left before I did.” Al

“I see, then let’s talk with each other then.” Thor

Thor puts his hand on my shoulder in a friendly manner.

“Well, even if Emma was around, Eleanora would likely be too. Women like to socialize with other women.” Al

Besides, most of the people I’m friends with are adults. Adults will want to drink with their friends or family.

“Yeah, let’s chat and enjoy tonight! I’ll drink to that friend!” Thor

“No, we’re still minors. And are we already friends?” Al

“Oh! We became friends when we confessed our first loves.” Thor

So that’s his reasoning, not entirely nonsensical. Thor’s suggestion works for me, since I’m lacking friends of a similar age.

“No, in my case it’s less love and more appreciation. So, what’s your real goal?” Al

“Ehehe, I want to know more about Eleanora’s preferences.” Thor

Thor wears a sloppy smile while we head to the center of the square.

Looks like I’ve made an interesting friend.

“So does Eleanora have a fiancé?” Thor

Thor and I are sitting on a log near the bonfire.

“Oh yeah, you were asking about that.” Al

“Hey! Well, tell me already.” Thor

“Nobody at the moment…” Al

“Oh!” Thor

Thor looks to be overjoyed at this and pumps his fist. He was a bit loud, but it’s the middle of a party so nobody cares.

“There have been talks about that in past.” Al

“What!? What happened?” Thor

“Hey, I can’t talk if you grab me like that” Al

“Oh, my bad” Thor

“Hmm, probably about two years ago now? Seems there was a boy who fell in love with her when he saw her at an aristocratic party.” Al

“And… what happened?” Thor

Thor wants to hear the rest of the story quickly, I wasn’t on the trip to see what occurred, so I got the story secondhand.

“It seems she didn’t like the way he was talking, so she drew a sword on him and scared him out of it. She’s not been back to a party and talk around marriage hasn’t come up since.” Al

“That’s brief” Thor

“Well, I wasn’t told all of the details, but I can totally see her saying she wouldn’t marry anyone weaker than her.” Al

“Ah, she wants someone to balance against herself.” Thor

I wonder if she can find someone like that?

“Oh Roland is taking off his shirt again!” Villager A

“Oh yeah! Dance, dance” Villager B

“Hahah! What’s that dance” Villager C

“Wester is going for the same move!” Villager B

“Is Wester even dancing?” Villager A

“They’re so popular at this time of year.” Villager B

“I’ll take off my pants too!” Roland

“Roland! Stop!” Villager A

“Why are you getting in my way!” Roland

Some of the adults are getting noisy. Don’t drink too much.

“Well, isn’t it like usual?” Al

“That’s right…” Thor

We don’t care. Adults can live in their adult world.

“Ah, I need to do my best too” Thor

Thor looks to the sky and mutters. There’s many shining stars above. The light of the bonfire outlines Thor’s profile.

“To match Eleanora?” Al

“That’s right. I might never match her with a sword, but I’m not going to give up. I’ll find another way to be a strong man.” Thor

Thor’s determined profile seems to belong to someone older than eight. I wonder if he’s found his big goal by meeting Eleanora? Will he grow up more now?

“A strong man, so you want to be an adventurer?” Al

That’s what came to mind from his declaration. Probably the exact opposite of what I want to do. I’d like to visit many places, but I don’t want to get into fights with monsters. Really the sightseeing is a way to make anchors for Transfer Magic and obtaining various food ingredients.

“Adventurer…” Thor

As Thor muttered that, the sparks surged from the bonfire.