I feel as if I already heard this conversation before.
''That was pretty terrible.''
Feeling my legs going numb after I was finally released from Kamaisi
and Karen's scolding session, I complained with a tired face.
I never kneeled down for that long in my life.
''It's your fault, Yato-kun.''
''Yeah, you reap what you sow.''
Still mad, the both of them threw those words at me with a
displeased expression.
Well, they're actually right, after all.
It's my fault for getting entranced by that magnificent scenery.
Next time I need to be careful.
As I was reflecting on what I did, Rouga, with a concerned
expression, rushed over me.
''Chief, are you okay~ ?''
''Yeah, I'm fine. You did well earlier by defeating that octopus.
Good job.''
I answered her with a smile as I patted her head. She's the hero
who saved them this time and a hero deserves to be praised.
After spending a while patting Rouga, I went to ask the girls
about the voice I heard before the attack.
''Hey, didn't you hear a strange voice before that octopus
appeared?''
''Voice? Ah, yes I did hear it!''
''It was the voice of a little girl, right?''
''Yes, it was a little girl.''
Apparently, the three of them heard the same voice.
So it wasn't just my imagination.
Confirming that I wasn't the only one who heard it, I recalled the
phrase of the voice.
''Eliminating all intruders.''
I'm pretty sure that was something of that annoying kid's
creation.
''So does that mean that the voice was responsible for the
assault?''
Lina ended up with the same conclusion as mine.
''Probably.''
''But why an Octopus?''
Confused by our conversation, Kamaisi asked while inclining her
head.
Lina replied to her question.
''This island was remodeled just for fun by Metron-sama. He
probably installed many other antics just because he thought it would be fun to
do so.''
He hide a giant octopus just because he thought it would be fun.
I kinda agree with that decision of his, but that was not the
problem.
''Lina, don't you know anything else about this island? Like some
sort of defense mechanism or whatso?''
In order to confirm my theory, I asked Lina who then made a face
that seemed in deep thought for awhile as she was leaning her head.
''All I know is that the island is full of things Metron-sama made
for his merriment, so nothing in particular.''
She then shook her head, implying that nothing came to her mind.
So we're left with no hints.
The only thing I know is the fact that the little girl's voice has
something to do with him.
That octopus didn't seem to be an earth creature.
Yeah, it's definitely related to that kid as well.
''What are we going to do then? We can't resume playing around
here at this rate. All that's left is —''
''The only option is to look for the origins of the voice.''
Lina continued my words before I was able to finish them first.
That was the only possible choice anyway.
I turned to look at the dense forest behind us.
We need to look for it in this huge forest…
It won't be a problem if it was only me and Lina, but we shouldn't
drag Kamaisi and Karen in this.
When I took a glance at the both of them, they guessed my current
thought and made a suggestion.
''We want to go as well.''
''Yeah, we need to punish the little girl who's responsible for
that octopus.''
Kamaisi was willing to go with us out of pure curiosity while
Karen's will had a connotation of revenge for what happened to her earlier.
But even when they insisted, I couldn't immediately allow them,
out of concern.
When I remained quiet for a few moments, Lina answered in their
favor instead of me.
''Why not? If it's me and you, we can readily protect them. Even
if something was to occur, we can just have you teleporting them to a safe
place.''
Persuaded by her suggestion, I decided to follow her words after
pondering them for a few more moments.
''Well, guess that's fine too…''
She was right. The both of us can easily protect Kamaisi and Karen
and even if something was to happen, I can just teleport them somewhere.
It's decided then, we will go together.
''I will do my best~''
Rouga who probably heard our conversation, enthusiastically
shouted.
I was intending to teleport her back home, but It should be fine
to let her go too.
She could serve as a good bodyguard for Kamaisi and Karen.
''Do your best to protect Kamaisi and Karen, Rouga.''
''Yes!!''
Rouga replied with an eager telepathic voice. I think I can safely
rely on her at this rate.
''I'm leaving it to you.''
''Understood!''
When I indicated my expectations to her, she gave a firm reply.
Lina and the girls who saw our conversation had a perplexed
expression on their faces.
''I understand that you guys are having a conversation, but it
only looks like you're talking to a silent wolf.''
''It's weird.''
They looked at me with an appalled expression.
I feel that I already heard this conversation before.
It can't be helped. Although I was seriously talking with Rouga,
everyone sees it as if I'm talking with a normal wolf, but that's the only way
for us to interact with each other.
I can use telepathy as well, but I find it better to use my mouth
instead.
I'd like them to stop looking at me that way, Honestly.
''B-But there are some strange people who talk with their beloved
pets! I don't think it's that weird.''
Surprisingly enough, Kamaisi desperately tried to cover me up with
an argument.
She's my only ally in this place.
Although what she said didn't help in backing me up.
I mean, she admitted that everyone who talks to their pets is
strange.
''Well, whatever, let's move now.''
With that, all of us headed toward the dense forest of the island
and submerged inside its many trees.
—————————————————————————————–
Bonus
Conversation
''Do you always need to speak with your mouth when talking to
Rouga-chan?''
''No, I can use telepathy too, but I find it easier to talk
normally.''
''Then how about you try using telepathy to for once? That way, people
wouldn't find it weird.''
''Yeah, give it a try!''
''… well, alright.''
''………'' ← telepathy
''………'' ← telepathy
''This too, kinda gives off weird vibes.''
''They're just staring at each other.''
''How surreal.''
