2. Riwal Upstream (2)
As the journey continued, Pisel and I became close.
It seemed that Peesl liked the fact that I cooked delicious food for her, or maybe it was the power of time, but she gradually treated me without reservation.
When I first met Peesl, it felt like she was hitting a wall.
Her haughty tone and pretentious posture were surely a solid shell she had created to hide something. I didn’t have any desire to look inside that shell.
I just didn’t like that Peesl kept her distance. So, I purposely teased her to bring out her girlish side and used her favorite food to disarm her.
Perhaps because of that, Peesl never got angry or threw a fit when I played pranks on her. It had become a routine for our group for Peesl to scream in frustration when she was teased.
As Peesl gradually closed the distance between us, she began to break down the walls of her heart decisively, the day before we arrived in Liwal.
It was around the time when we passed through the “Stone Gate” after leaving the “Down Winery,” and were crossing the “Mangseo Inn” and the “Barley Plain.”
The “Barley Plain” was a vast open field, as the name suggests, but surprisingly, it had a lot of cover.
That was because it used to be an ancient ruin. The scattered ruins here and there indicated that this place was once a civilization, but now it had turned into a hiding place for monsters and treasure hunters.
Still, since it was a place where treasure hunters had settled, there weren’t many monsters. But unfortunately, we had the misfortune of encountering a group of Chuchu tribes hiding in the ruins.
That was when the battle broke out. Oz supported Peesl with lightning magic, and as usual, Peesl took aim and shot arrows. Until then, there were no problems.
But the problem was that while she was aiming, Peesl got hit in the leg by a blind arrow shot by a Chuchu archer.
“……Ouch!”
Nevertheless, Peesl, who had quite a bit of adventuring experience, bit her lip and shot an arrow despite the unexpected injury. One of the Chuchu archers fell to the ground, but unfortunately, Peesl, who had been injured in the leg, lost her balance and collapsed.
At that moment, another Chuchu tribe member took the opportunity to rush towards Peesl from the side, and I became anxious.
“Peesl!”
“Miss!”
Mine and Oz’s voices overlapped in the air. Glancing over, I saw Oz restraining the remaining Chuchu tribe members.
In my desperate state, I pulled out any one-handed sword that came to mind from my backpack and gripped it in my hand. It was quite hefty. Ruminé had been handled like a twig in my hands and feet, but as someone who had no training at all, it felt quite heavy to me.
Still, it was better than a greatsword. Based on that judgment, I pulled out a one-handed sword and rushed towards the Chuchu tribe member who was about to attack Peesl.
And with a high grip on the single-handed sword, I stabbed the shoulder of the Chuchu tribe warrior who had his eyes wide open, intending to defeat Pisl, who made many comrades into lonely souls.
Thud, and blood spurted out. Along with the sticky sensation, a pungent smell of blood stained my face.
The Chuchu tribe warrior screamed and thrashed around, but because I aimed for the shoulder that held the club, I ended up dropping the club on the ground.
In that state, even though I didn’t know how to fight, there was no problem in subduing the Chuchu tribe warrior. After the struggle, I swung down with the tip of my sword at the trembling heart area of the Chuchu tribe warrior, who was lying on the ground, bleeding and twitching.
Splurt, and blood spurted out once more, but the strength was weak due to the amount of blood already shed. Only then did the trembling of the Chuchu tribe warrior subside.
Damn, it feels really disgusting.
Still, it’s fortunate that I was able to slaughter a few times even in a state of emptying my brain using the game’s functions. Otherwise, it would have been even more dreadful.
The feeling of stabbing flesh with a sharp blade, blood splattering, and the sensation of a life extinguishing.
It was the worst. Well, it’s not as bad as Pisl getting seriously injured.
I took a deep breath, and then threw the single-handed sword I was holding onto the ground.
Since blood was already stained, there was a need to wash it even if I put it in my backpack. What was more important now was Pisl.
Pisl seemed to be surprised by the sudden situation, and with her eyes shining emerald, she just sat there.
I immediately rushed over and grabbed Pisl’s shoulder.
“Pisl! Are you okay?”
“Ugh, yeah. I-I’m fine.”
Pisl seemed flustered and even forgot to put on airs as she answered. But still, my heart didn’t feel at ease at all.
Fine my ass, I looked at the Chuchu tribe arrow that pierced her flesh.
The Chuchu tribe, whose level of civilization was not very high, was naturally crude. The problem was that there was no way the Chuchu tribe would have properly maintained the arrowhead.
The Chuchu tribe’s tools, whether made of wood or metal, were all covered in mold or rusted. Even the arrow that hit Pisl was made of metal. It might not be inflammation, but it could be a problem of tetanus. There would be no tetanus prevention injections here.
Fortunately, because it was not properly maintained, the tip of the arrowhead had also dulled. It didn’t penetrate properly, only going about 2/3 of the way in.
If it’s this, I could pull it out right away. I was grateful that I had brought emergency medicine in my backpack just in case. In Tibet, there were herbs with antimicrobial effects, crushed to create a kind of disinfectant.
“Peasle, endure it a bit even if it hurts.”
“I-I’m fine… Ah, it hurts!”
While Peasle was momentarily distracted, I swiftly pulled out the arrow lodged in her leg. Due to Peasle’s stocking, there was a slight resistance, but fortunately, it came out in one go.
I removed the blood-soaked stocking, washed the wound with saline solution, applied the powder acting as a disinfectant, and tightly wrapped the bandage I had brought.
Peasle, despite the pain, let out a slight moan, but still, with the experience of an adventurer, she endured.
After administering first aid, I let out a deep sigh. Oz, who had taken care of the remaining Chuchu tribe members, spoke as he flew over. His voice, watching my actions with anxious eyes, was genuinely concerned.
“Miss, are you alright?”
“Emergency treatment is done, for now. It wasn’t a big wound to begin with. After a meal, you’ll probably feel better. My cooking has a special power, so… The concern is infection, so we’ll have to hope the herbs with antimicrobial effects do their job.”
Saying that, I turned my gaze back to Peasle. She was still keeping her mouth shut as if dead, bowing her head.
I sighed deeply and scolded her.
“Peasle, maintain your form, but be cautious about time and place. What if you get hurt again?”
Honestly, I had thought of saying more severe words, but I didn’t say them. I didn’t want to hurt Peasle’s already dead heart even more.
Just concluding the conversation with a sigh-mixed remark.
“…Since there’s a lot of cover, let’s camp near these ruins for tonight.”
Peasle still didn’t say anything.
And time passed; at night, inside the old ruins, a campfire crackled.
It had been several hours already. Peasle sat on a pile of rocks, burying her face in her knees, saying nothing.
Dinner was quiet. She gained strength, the disinfectant was applied, so the risk of infection was low.
Oz seemed to be relieved only now, expressing gratitude to me before flying into the sky. Oz had to patrol every night, which was the reason.
So, this time by the campfire was a time only for me and Pisel. Today, neither I nor Pisel said a word.
After a while, my sigh broke the silence that had lasted for a long time.
Today, it was a sigh that I let out countless times, I lost track.
“…Pisel, are you okay?”
Because I’m an adult, I should comfort Pisel.
With that thought, I opened my mouth, but Pisel remained silent. I didn’t give up and continued speaking.
“I’m sorry for upsetting you today. But you should differentiate between when you need to be in form and when you don’t. If you let your guard down in battle…”
“…Anyway.”
What interrupted my words was a faint voice that seeped through Pisel’s knees.
I closed my mouth and looked at Pisel. She was still motionless.
“Anyway, you trust Oz more than the princess you’ve seen, right?”
“Pisel.”
I called Pisel’s name softly, but she only buried her face deeper in her knees.
“They all did. They praised and searched for the princess, but what they wanted was Oz. They need Oz, not me.”
In her trembling voice, I felt the deep loneliness settle. It must have been a very old loneliness.
Indeed, Oz’s abilities were remarkable. Oz could scout from the sky. He could anticipate dangers in advance, and he had countless ways to utilize them.
Perhaps the reason why Pisel could quickly rise to become a senior adventurer was because of Oz’s merit.
In fact, I had also seen a lot of Oz’s merits. It was because of him that I was able to minimize the risks while traveling with a small group like this.
Was Pisel worried about such a thing? About the part of herself that was overshadowed by Oz.
“…So, the princess should always be cool and strong, no matter what.”
So that it’s okay to be alone.
I somehow felt the illusion that such words were heard. Perhaps what I’m saying now is Pisel’s true feelings.
Pisel was lonely. However, this kind and innocent girl couldn’t attribute the cause of her loneliness to external factors. Blaming and tearing someone apart was something she couldn’t do from the beginning.
So she immersed herself in the world of books. It didn’t matter if it was a fake world. Inside it, she found the “setting” and adorned herself as a strong and cool figure.
But still, there was no one who paid attention to her. Those who approached her, offering kindness, were only looking at ‘Oz,’ the family she handled.
So she adorned herself even more strongly and splendidly. Always maintaining a good posture, being confident and haughty.
Even during battles.
It wasn’t a significant dilemma. It was just the very ordinary concern of a very ordinary girl who wished someone would notice her. It’s just that due to her tough exterior, no one had peered inside.
Why did she show me the hidden sincerity that Pisel hadn’t shown to anyone else?
Maybe she was surprised by getting hurt today, or maybe it was because I took care of her. Otherwise, it could be that she felt relieved and opened up her heart in a dangerous situation.
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And the guilt of making a mistake, the inferiority of not being able to help again.
It didn’t matter. Whether intentional or not, Pisel showed her sincerity, and I had to respond accordingly.
“Pisel.”
Calling her once again, Pisel remained silent. Thinking that she was ready to listen, I continued quietly.
“You are not just a tool.”
Still silent, Pisel, but since it was my turn, I decided to pour out my feelings.
At least to me, you are. You are a senior adventurer of the Mond Adventure Guild and someone who handles Oz, but at the same time, you are just ‘Pisel.’
At my words, Pisel’s head turned slightly. Our gazes met at a slant. Her emerald eyes were slightly moist.
Was she crying? I carefully chose my words at that point.
“The little one who says no while liking toast, eat it happily when given the chance. Pretend to be arrogant, act haughty. The cheeky kid who even disrespects adults.”
“…Oof!”
Perhaps my words had hit Peesl hard, as I could see the tension in her eyes. I couldn’t help but smirk at her reaction. Nevertheless, she still seemed upset.
“But strangely, I don’t find you annoying.”
That’s right. This was exactly what I wanted to say, my true feelings. Since Peesl had shown her sincerity, I felt the need to express mine as well.
For a moment, Peesl’s eyes seemed to glaze over, as if surprised. I continued speaking without paying much attention.
“It’s quite adorable how your eyes sparkle when you eat something delicious. And when you smile, you show a youthful face. You’re diligent in everything you do, and you don’t know how to hate others even when teased. It’s cute how you get all excited when you achieve something, and it makes me want to pat your head. And also…”
“…S-Stop!”
My words, which had been going on like that, were cut off by Peesl’s plea. I shifted my gaze to her.
Peesl’s face had turned bright red in an instant. She seemed so embarrassed that her eyes were shaking uncontrollably. It was quite adorable, so I burst into laughter once again.
“Peesl.”
Thinking it was enough, I called her name again.
“You’re not just a tool. You’re ‘Peesl’. You’re my employee, but also my companion and friend whom I’ve traveled with for days.”
Perhaps she still couldn’t calm down her embarrassment, Peesl couldn’t meet my gaze properly and slightly averted her eyes.
“So, you don’t always have to force yourself to appear strong. I’m actually more upset when you get hurt. Understand?”
As I finished speaking, Peesl fell silent for a moment. It seemed like she was trying to cool down her flushed face.
But even so, an uncertain voice flowed out of her.
“…I don’t need to be strong?”
Hmm, I let out a sigh. Did I really have to say this?
In the end, it’s something she’ll realize as she lives, and it’s a matter of personal belief, so I have no right to say anything.
Still, it seemed like Peesl was expecting an answer, so I spoke up again.
“Sure, well… Have I ever told you the story of a god named Loki? Compared to other gods, he was weak and relied on tricks and schemes to solve situations every day. That’s what it’s like, in a way. Humans just need to be strong enough to fight back. Weakness has its own way for the weak.”
Was Loki really weak? Honestly, I don’t remember well, so I just assumed it.
Anyway, I’m the only one who knows about the Norse mythology in the Tibetan continent, so if I say so, it becomes true.
After hearing my words, Fisal fell into deep thought and remained silent for a while. With eyes deeply sunk, he just stared at the ground as if contemplating something.
That silence was broken when the bonfire, deprived of firewood, began to flicker.
“…Hmph, how uncool.”
Wait, this guy? I asked him to answer and he finally did, but…
Even though those words struck a chord, I could only hang my head and give up.
It was because in Fisal’s eyes, looking at me while saying that, that arrogant look returned.
Just like usual Fisal, I chuckled helplessly as if there was nothing I could do.
“By the way, did you dare to refer to the princess’s friend just now? Hmph, unfortunately, as weak as you are, it’s still too early for an insignificant human like you to call yourself the princess’s friend.”
As always, it was a pompous remark. Energized, Fisal pointed at me with his snow-white index finger.
“But…”
The bonfire was flickering. The shadow of the flames trembled, and even the stars seemed to hold their breath in the night. Fisal’s face, illuminated by the bonfire’s light, was slightly pensive. Perhaps it was because of crying.
Slightly dampened eyes, emerald-colored irises, and gentle golden hair bathed in the firelight. When I met Fisal’s gaze, for some reason, I couldn’t help but wait quietly for her words.
“…If it’s just being a servant, I don’t mind.”
For a moment, I lost my train of thought and looked at Fisal’s face as she spoke.
Because of her strange tone, I didn’t realize it for a while, but indeed, Fisal was also a beautiful girl who could captivate the attention of the saints at first sight.
Truly pretty and adorable.
Having been momentarily captivated, I quickly regained my composure.
No, no. That kid was Pisel. Just Pisel because she was Pisel. Well, yeah. Logically flawless.
Once I came to my senses, it was irritating enough to bother me a bit. The kid pretending to be a woman somewhere. Of course, Pisel’s body was maturing gradually, but if the mind was that of a kid, then she was a kid.
Then I burst into laughter and said, “Hey. What’s this ‘jongbok’ you keep talking about? It’s not much different from calling someone a ‘servant’.”
“……I-It’s different!”
Blocking my ears from Pisel’s whining voice, I thought.
Yeah, this is the usual Pisel.
The night of the last day heading to Liyue was falling like that.
**
Liyue was a country of gastronomy and the foremost trading port on the Teyvat continent. Motivated by China, Liyue, from the residents’ attire to their appearance, exuded the scent of the Orient, presenting a different landscape from Mondstadt, where the scent of the Occident prevailed.
Liyue people were particularly known for valuing contracts. Therefore, commerce and finance had developed significantly, and this inclination of the people of Liyue was closely related to their faith. The god they worshiped was also the god of contracts.
Morax, also known as the “Geo Archon.” According to the people of Liyue, he was the “Yanwang Dijun (岩王帝君).”
He was also the god who created the currency widely used on the Teyvat continent, called “Mora.” So, it could be said that it was inevitable for Liyue to become the largest trading port on the continent.
Indeed, as the largest trading port on the continent, Liyue’s streets were bustling with people of various races.
It was a different story from Mondstadt, where the flow of foreigners was interrupted by the Anemo Archon. Since I had never been to any other country except Mondstadt, this sight of a variety of races mingling together was my first since arriving in Teyvat.
Yeah, this is Liyue.
Magnificent halls, soldiers in Chinese-style attire patrolling, and diverse shops overflowing on the streets.
As I was lost in observing the scenery of Liyue, a haughty voice reached my ears. Obviously, it was Pisel.
“My jongbok, have you come to sell the spring water of the Fool that intoxicates humans? But this is the first time your fate has reached this place, so how do you plan to sell those?”
Since the incident last night, Pisel had started calling me ‘jongbok’ and strangely narrowing the distance between us.
What can I say, it wasn’t particularly noticeable, but somehow there was no distance.
Even now, isn’t she right next to me, sticking close? The mesh wrapped around her smooth arms brushed against my collar with each step.
Well, from Pisel’s perspective, excluding Oz, she was probably the first true ‘friend’ to emerge.
I chose to understand it that way and, with a slight smile, said, “Pisel, I’ll tell you one thing.”
Pisel looked at me with a full question in her eyes at my words. Her head tilted slightly.
It seemed Oz had the same question internally; he was also quietly waiting for my words.
“When selling goods, going to find someone is beneath you. If you’re a skilled merchant, customers should come to you on their own.”
Despite my response, the young skepticism in the eyes of Pisel and Oz didn’t seem to fade.
Pisel, with a thoughtful expression for a moment, tilted her head with a sly smile and asked again.
“Well, that’s true, but… how?”
I didn’t bother to answer that question. Instead, I said to Oz, “Oz, sorry, but could you check out Liyue Harbor from the sky?”
“That’s fine… What should I look for?”
“A restaurant.”
As I said that, I smirked. My eyes were directed towards the crowd filling the streets of Liyue.
“Find a good restaurant with enough upfront for a week’s rent.”
Even if only ten percent of them drank Mondstadt wine, rumors would spread throughout Liyue in an instant. And among them, there might be some giants.
It was the opening of Xiu Restaurant’s Liyue branch.