The Guy Who Doesn't Want to Be Found vs. The Girls Who Want to Know Who He Is - Chapter 49: Quest with Three People

Chapter 49: Quest with Three People

We arrived at our destination. 

The journey was fairly long, but our chit-chat made it feel shorter.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.”

“Yeah, let’s do our best.”

Liz agreed in a laid-back tone.

“Okay, let’s split up and search.”

“Got it.”

“Understood!”

And so, we divided the task of searching for water plants.

>>>>>>>>

“Phew, I’ve gathered quite a bit. This should be enough.”

I had filled about half the bag with water plants and thought it was time to wrap up. These plants could be sold for one silver coin each, so this amount should be worth around ten silver coins.

“Alright, let’s go see how the girls are doing.”

I started looking for Liz and Lucina. Then,

“Hmm? What’s going on?”

I found them. But Liz and Lucina were talking to two men. I walked slowly toward them, and I could hear their conversation.

“We’re also on a collection quest here. Would you like to join us?”

“…No.”

“I haven’t seen her before. Is she a friend of yours, Miss Liz?”

“…Yes, she is.”

Two brown-haired men were talking to Liz and Lucina. Unlike when she talked to me, Liz wasn’t hiding her dislike. Lucina also looked annoyed.

“It’s an honor to meet you here! Can we talk for a bit?”

“I said no.”

“Your friend is cute too!”

“Ugh, thanks.”

Liz was clearly not interested in engaging with them. Lucina, who disliked frivolous and flashy guys, showed her dislike plainly on her face.

“Do I really have to go over there?”

I really didn’t want to. But, I couldn’t just ignore the situation.

“…No choice. Here goes.”

I braced myself and walked over to them. Liz noticed me.

“Glenn, over here.”

“Oh, okay.”

I walked over to Liz and the others as she called me.

Lucina’s expression brightened as if her earlier annoyance had been a lie.

“Big brother!”

“Yep, it’s me, your big brother.”

I waved my hand casually. 

When I glanced sideways, I saw the flashy guys looking obviously annoyed.

“Who are you? We were talking to them.”

“If you’ve got something to say, do it later.”

“I already told you, I’m her brother.”

I looked at the two of them, half exasperated. I wanted to get the girls back to town quickly to avoid more trouble.

“Oh, is that so? Anyway, how about it, ladies? Want to join us on the quest?” 

The brown-haired guy ignored me and continued to hit on them. It took real nerve to flirt with someone’s sister right in front of their brother.

“I’ve told you multiple times, we absolutely don’t want to join you.”

“I also don’t want to go on a quest with someone who disrespects my brother.”

Lucina and Liz firmly rejected the guys’ advances. These men were probably new adventurers; otherwise, they wouldn’t think of hitting on a man-hating person like Liz.

Wait, then what am I?

“You’d have more fun with us than that loser! We’ll have a great time!”

Then one of them insulted me. At that moment, the magical energy from the two girls spiked.

“Hiii!”

The guy who insulted me and his friend squealed and collapsed in fear. Lucina and Liz had raised their hands, ready to cast spells.

“Okay, that’s enough, you two.”

I stopped Liz and Lucina, who were ready to attack. Then I turned to the terrified men.

“You guys better think twice about who you hit on next time. I won’t help you again.”

I warned them with a sigh. The men, realizing how scary Lucina and Liz could be, nodded vigorously.

“Let’s go, Glenn.”

“Big brother, let’s go.”

They turned away, seemingly calm now, not wanting to take things any further. I followed them.

“Those guys really made me mad! Insulting my brother like that is unbelievable!”

Lucina was fuming. If I had been slower to intervene, she would have definitely used her magic. While I appreciated her love, it seemed a bit too intense.

“Well, it’s over now. Anyway, did you manage to gather some water plants?”

“Fufun, look! I got this much.”

Lucina proudly showed the bag filled with water plants.

“Wow, that’s impressive. As expected of my sister.”

I ruffled Lucina’s hair. She really is an amazing sister.

“Hehe! I love it when you do that, Big brother.”

Lucina beamed with happiness. She’s always loved having her head patted, both in the past and now.

“…I wish I could get that too.”

“Hm? Is something wrong?”

While I was patting Lucina’s head, Liz, who was standing beside us, looked enviously at us.

“Glenn, can you do that to me too?”

“Uh, you mean pat your head?”

“Yes.”

“Well, um…”

I hesitated a bit. It’s fine with my sister, but doing it to another girl, especially a beautiful one from a high-ranking party, made me a bit uneasy.

“…Is that a no?”

“Alright, alright. Don’t look at me like that.”

I gave in to Liz’s sad expression and decided to pat her head. But then, Lucina stepped in between us.

“In that case, I’ll do it! Big brother, you shouldn’t touch a girl’s hair so casually!”

“…Sorry.”

She’s right. Even though we’re friends, she’s still a woman. It’s something I need to be more mindful of. I’ll make sure to be more careful from now on.

“Alright, Lucina. Please.”

Saying this, Liz leaned her head towards Lucina.

“Eh? O-Okay.”

Lucina looked surprised for a moment but then started patting Liz’s head.

“…This does feel nice.”

Liz seemed satisfied, but Lucina looked a bit conflicted. 

I wondered why there was such a difference in their expressions. I tilted my head in confusion.

“Thank you. I’m okay now.”

“O-Okay. I’m glad you liked it.”

Liz’s patting session ended. Lucina seemed a bit tired. Well, patting someone’s head for thirty minutes would tire anyone out.

“Let’s head back. Lucina, you must be tired from your first quest. Come.”

I turned my back to Lucina and crouched down, offering her a piggyback ride since she looked exhausted.

“!! Thank you!”

Lucina eagerly jumped onto my back. I stood up and started walking with her on my back.

“You must be tired today. If you feel sleepy, go ahead and take a nap.”

“No, I’m okay.”

“Alright, but sleep if you feel like it.”

“Okay! Hehe, it feels so good here.”

Lucina rested her head on my shoulder, clinging closely to me. It felt a bit too close, but it was a sign of how much she trusted me, so I didn’t mind.

“Alright, let’s head back.”

With Lucina on my back, I started walking towards the town. Liz followed a little behind.

“What’s up? Let’s go.”

“…Ah.”

Liz’s response lacked energy. She was probably still upset about those guys bothering her. We should get back quickly so she can rest.

“??…Why do I feel a bit strange in my chest?”

Liz placed her hand on her chest, looking puzzled. But when she saw Glenn walking ahead, she hurried to catch up. In the end, she couldn’t figure out what was bothering her.