We are outside the inn. After looking around, I see that we’re in a village deep into the forest. I can’t picture how big this place is just by looking around. The trees and plants block my sight. But the people look happy with their lives, so I guess it must be a comfortable place with everything you need.

Crest takes me to the backside of the inn, and after passing a few trees, we’re in an open space. If I’m right, this is a place they’re preparing to cultivate food.

He keeps staring at me, which makes me more nervous. I close my eyes and breathe a few times before taking my saber out and making a few warm-up moves.

“Is that it?”

“I’m warming up. Just wait.”

Though I don’t know why he wants to see me using my saber, this could be my luckiest day if he likes it and the security force decides to add the art of the saber into their training. That way, my adoptive father will be proud of me.

I spread my legs, then I raise the saber above my head towards my back. I prepare myself mentally while feeling bothered by the lack of practice. I place my other hand in my back.

Okay, here I go.

I slash downwards, followed by an upward cut; I twist my wrist to do another downwards cut and keep at it with a horizontal slash. Then I take a step back and block with the sword to continue stepping back. After that, I push again with three cuts. This time, I aim the last attack to the lower part.

When I look at Crest, he seems bored by it.

“I can continue.”

He nods. It pisses me off. I feel like I’m embarrassing myself and my master. But this time I’ll give it my all.

This time I do a training routine with faints, thrust, and I aim for different parts of the body, all in a fluid motion without a moment’s rest.

After sweating a bit, I feel better. It’s like all my worries are gone, and I kind of enjoyed it; it felt like dancing.

“You’re a monster.”

“How rude. No matter how bad I am, don’t say that!”

“Pardon me, but that wasn’t my intention. You’re too good. You could be among the top fighters in the security force; even in the army, you would be an outstanding soldier. What adventurer rank are you?”

“I’m no good at all.”

“Yes, you are. Your footwork is amazing. Your surprise attacks and faints are fast enough to compete with the best.”

“I’m not! I’m not a good fighter and never will I!!! Stop it!”

“…Let’s go back.”

When we return, Crest disarms me and submits me with a fighting key. Two other men I didn’t notice come with a rope and tie me.

“What are you doing?!”

They don’t answer.

“Why are you doing this?”

“You’re an unstable and dangerous person with real fighting potential. You may hate fighting, but I can assure you that if you were serious, I’d be no match for you.”

“I’ll never fight you. I prefer to die than to fight.”

“Yes, I saw it. And that’s worrisome for many reasons, but I’m bothered by the possibility of you becoming a monster once you die.”

“What nonsense are you saying?”

“It must have been hard for you. Though you don’t remember what I’m talking about. My job will end once I hand you over, so I hope the best for you. Good luck, and you have no idea how much I hope that you’re just a crazy human.”

“I don’t get it at all! What’s going on?”

“It doesn’t matter if we tell you, you’ll collapse and forget everything.”

“…”

I stay still for most of the day, wondering what will happen to me. I honestly don’t know what to do. Why do they treat me like a criminal? They feed me and give me water, so I’m glad. But they stare at me with fear and pity.

It’s a new experience to be feared, and I don’t like it. I’m used to it being the other way around. Though this makes me think about my life so far. I’m always living in fear.

We continue traveling until reaching some city’s outskirts. There, one of the men goes towards the city while we wait in the carriage.

I’ve been avoiding Crest, but this time I can tell this is the goodbye.

“What will happen to me? Will I see you again?”

Crest raises an eyebrow before showing me a bright smile.

“If you’re a human, we’ll help you undo anything the monsters did so you can live a normal life. In that case, you can look for me. No, please come look for me.”

“Why?”

The other man laughs while Crest’s eyes lose their light. I tilt my head, wondering what’s so funny.

“Well, you don’t hate me, right?”

“I don’t.”

“Then we can spend some time together. If you have nowhere to go, I’d like for us to live together.”

Eh?

“Crest, do you like me?”

“Buahahaha.”

The other man, I always forget his name, laughs at us. He stops when Crest places his hand on his shoulder and whispers something at him.

Crest is handsome enough, and I like his voice. He has a stable job and cares about me; he has been gentle and never did a cowardly move. Marrying him and having kids with him is a good choice, but… I’m traumatized. The things he told me about me becoming a monster…

“I don’t think I can. It’s too much for me. But I’m thankful for everything you did for me and for being gentle.”

“Well, as long as you can have a good life, that’s fine with me.”

Things got awkward between us. Though I really am thankful to him.

When we hear people approaching, Crest hugs me and gives me a goodbye kiss.