Chapter 5 – Why Is She Staring at Me?

“Well then, I’ll be going now.”

The man offered a casual farewell and quickly disappeared somewhere.

With the deal complete, I was free to leave or do whatever I pleased.

Now, it was just me and the dark elf girl.

I wasn’t sure what to say, but for now, I thought I’d ask for her name.

“Come to think of it, I haven’t asked your name yet.”

“――It’s Ati.”

“Ati, huh? It has a cute ring to it. I think it’s a nice name.”

“Ah, thank you very much. Um, may I ask for your master’s name?”

“I’m Harold. Harold Smith.”

“Harold-sama……”

Our eyes met.

I thought to myself—her eyes were truly beautiful.

Her features were exquisitely arranged, marking her as a stunning beauty, but more than that, those jade-green eyes exuded an inexplicable charm.

There was something about them that made me feel oddly at ease.

Anyway, here I was, being stared at by a beautiful girl.

Noticing it made me suddenly feel embarrassed, so I quickly turned my head away.

“…I’m glad you seem like a kind person.”

I thought I heard Ati whisper something, but I couldn’t catch it. Instead, I took her hand and led her along. Partway through, I suddenly realized that her ears might be too noticeable, so I draped my jacket over her head.

※※※※

Once we stepped outside, I saw the other buyers too.

Everyone had finished their transactions and was now just heading home.

A towering man in armor walked past, accompanied by an elf.

This was the elf who had been auctioned off first—along with its buyer.

And as they passed by—

For some reason, the elf glared in our direction—or, more precisely, at Ati.

I wondered what that was about when I noticed Ati narrowing her eyes in return, almost as if she were glaring back.

“…What’s the matter?”

After the elf and the armored man had completely disappeared from view, I asked Ati.

There was definitely some tension in the air…

“Um, dark elves and elves don’t really get along…”

It wasn’t something personal; it was an issue between their entire races.

Was there some deep-seated historical conflict between them?

I was a bit curious.

However, from the look on her face, it seemed like a topic she didn’t want to discuss, so I didn’t press any further.

Instead, I noticed that Ati was intently studying my profile.

“…”

There it was again—that scrutinizing gaze.

It reminded me of the feeling you get when you sense an animal watching you in the forest, as if she were reading my every thought.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t stare at me so much…”

“S-Sorry…”

It seemed that Ati hadn’t even realized she was doing it. When I pointed it out, her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze.

What was that? So cute.

※※※※

I’d love to go home, but I’m completely spent, so I really can’t.
I spent my entire fortune on buying Ati, so naturally, I can’t even afford an inn.

I explained that to Ati. Then I suggested that, since there’s an unused cabin at the foot of the mountain just outside town, we could stay there for the time being.

“That’s fine with me,” Ati said.
I thought, what a good kid she is.
Well, maybe it’s just because she’s a slave and won’t oppose me.

By the way,

“…Is something the matter?”
“No, it’s just that I need to make sure I buy some proper clothes later.”

I said that while scrutinizing Ati from head to toe.
A hemp one-piece dress and wooden shoes—though her attire was similar to that of an ordinary town girl, neither item was particularly decorative or practical.

“You don’t have to go out of your way,” she remarked.
“It’s not that I’m straining myself. I might not have any money right now, but it’ll be fine. I’ll manage eventually.”

Huh? What did I just say?
Is it really okay?
“I’ll manage eventually…?”

Even though I lost my home and cried so much—and even though I’d come to care nothing for life—it feels as if I’m beginning to recover somehow.
It’s strange.
I wonder why.

“If there’s anything you need, just let me know. I might not be able to afford something overly expensive, but there may be a way to work it out.”
“…I see. Then, may I be a little selfish?”

Th-that was quite sudden.
I wonder what it is.

“I don’t need them right away, but I’d like some weapons and armor.”

“Eh? Why?”

“If you don’t have any money, then let’s enter a labyrinth. Even if we can’t delve very deep, it should at least net us some money. I’m experienced with labyrinths. Conditions vary with different locations, but there’s no way we won’t be able to earn something.”