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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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Since I’d shifted from specializing in subjugations to accepting less popular requests, one thing had changed: no more long journeys.
Subjugation specialists often traveled far and wide.
Tillasden, a major city at Kalak’s heart, was relatively safe from monsters.
The occasional goblin or knoll was swiftly dealt with.
Thus, subjugation work meant long-distance travel, escorting caravans to and from Tillasden.
My straw-weaving hobby was born out of boredom.
Days spent in a carriage demanded something to occupy the time.
Unpopular requests were usually local, rarely requiring travel beyond the neighboring town.
So, leaving Tillasden for a change of scenery was exciting.
“A little outing is nice once in a while”
I mused.
The carriage’s gentle rocking and the cool breeze on my face were soothing.
The sprawling grasslands, the distant forested mountains, even the foxtails swaying along the roadside… it was idyllic.
I leaned out, my hand brushing against the foxtails as we passed.
One snapped, caught in my fingers.
“Gotcha.”
I sat back, the foxtail in my hand.
I placed it between my lips, leaned back, and gazed at the clear blue sky.
Blue sky.
Cool breeze.
Beautiful scenery.
“This is paradise”
I sighed contentedly.
“……”
Guinness’s stare was palpable.
Seated opposite me, she watched with an unreadable expression.
“Enjoying yourself?”
She asked.
“Of course. A journey on a day like this? What’s not to enjoy?”
It was technically a favor for Mr. Wolf, but I preferred to see the positive side.
A good deed rewarded with good weather.
“What about you, Guinness?”
“……Not bad.”
She turned her head slightly, a subtle blush on her cheeks.
She was so straightforward, almost childlike.
Initially, her intensity had been intimidating, but now, her every gesture seemed endearing.
Come to think of it, without Guinness, this journey would have been lonely.
Her presence was a welcome change.
“I’m glad you’re here, Guinness”
I said.
“Don’t be ridiculous…”
She covered her face with a hand, grinding her teeth.
Why was she so flustered?
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“……”
Guinness glanced at the young man across from her.
The blind adventurer hummed a cheerful tune, his fingers deftly weaving a piece of straw.
Despite the black cloth covering his eyes, his movements were practiced and fluid.
‘……Damn it.’
She gritted her teeth.
She was a bundle of nerves, while he was completely at ease.
Her usual impulse to punch something was suppressed, her fists trembling slightly in her lap.
“……!”
The carriage lurched as a wheel hit a rock.
The sudden jolt brought their legs together.
The brief contact sent a shiver down her spine.
She pulled her legs close, her face burning.
She cautiously looked at Iyer.
“Hmm hmm. Hmm.”
“……”
He was oblivious.
Utterly and completely oblivious.
His head tilted back, his humming undisturbed, his fingers still weaving.
Jerk…
Frustration welled up inside her.
She glared at him, but kept her voice low, afraid he might hear.
She remembered her conversation with the Wolf Who Chases the Wind before their departure.
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The day after witnessing Iyer and Rigati’s friendly exchange at the guild, Wolf had summoned Guinness.
“I’ve arranged a ten-day trip for you and Iyerpol”
He said, a sly grin spreading across his face.
“……What?”
“Trying to create a romantic atmosphere in this bustling city is beyond your capabilities.”
“…….”
“Don’t give me that look. It’s an objective assessment.”
She bristled, but Wolf’s challenging stare silenced her.
“But what if you were alone together for ten days?”
“…….”
“I’ll hire a carriage and a driver.”
“Why…?”
“From the moment I hire them, they’re no longer ordinary. The driver will be an elderly merchant, returning home after a business trip to Tillasden.”
He smiled, clearly enjoying himself.
“This merchant asks the wolf beastman for a favor, but the wolf beastman… that’s me… already has a prior commitment. So, I’m forced to find someone else.”
“……You’re a sly one.”
“Thank you.”
He chuckled.
“Two people step forward to help this merchant… and you can guess who they are, right?”
“…….”
She knew.
Iyerpol and herself.
Wolf had concocted this elaborate scheme to send them on a journey together.
A leisurely trip through a scenic route.
“Ten days. Ten days”
He’d emphasized.
“…….”
“I’ll instruct the driver to give you privacy. During that time, decide.”
“……Decide what?”
“How you feel about him.”
Guinness’s feelings for Iyer were still a tangled mess.
She hadn’t rejected them, but she hadn’t accepted them either.
Wolf wanted her to use this time to confront those feelings.
“And once you’ve made your decision… act on it.”
“Act…?”
“You have ten days. Do something. A kiss, whatever it takes to move things forward.”
“Wh-what?!”
Her face burned.
She grabbed his fur, momentarily forgetting his size.
“You crazy, horny dog…!”
“……Lizard girl, are you under some delusion?”
“What are you talking about?!”
“You don’t think things will magically progress with Iyerpol just because you acknowledge your feelings, do you?”
His words struck a chord.
She hadn’t considered that.
She stepped back, flustered.
Wolf’s gaze softened, tinged with pity.
“Tell me, are you aware of your reputation?”
“Th-that…”
“The one where you punch first, ask questions later? Where you brawl with guards? Do you think that makes you appealing?”
“Ugh…”
She couldn’t argue.
She knew how people perceived her.
She just hadn’t cared until now.
“You’re feared, lizard girl. Civilians, adventurers… they all avoid you. Do you honestly think you’re relationship material?”
“Stop it…”
“Iyerpol tolerates you. But does he see you as a potential partner?”
“Stop it…”
Her voice cracked.
Normally, she would have lashed out, but his words hit too close to home.
Tears pricked her eyes.
Seeing her deflated, Wolf’s voice boomed.
“Then seduce him with your body, you fool! How long will you just stare at his retreating back?!”
“B-but…”
“You think I’m sending you on a ten-day trip for nothing?! That’s what it’s for!”
He jabbed a finger at her, his eyes blazing.
She recoiled.
“How… how am I supposed to do that…?”
“How would I know? I won’t be there. Seduce him in his sleep, whatever. Your choice.”
“Tell me how!”
“That’s your job. I’ve set the stage. If you can’t capitalize on this, you’re hopeless.”
He sighed, exasperated.
“So, acknowledging your feelings isn’t the only problem. You have zero experience. Unbelievable.”
“…….”
“Listen. Your first task is to decide what to do with your feelings. Reject them if you want! Just come back unscathed. But if you accept them…”
Then you have to act.
His eyes glinted.
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‘Decide… how am I supposed to decide?’
She glanced at Iyer.
He sensed her gaze and smiled.
“What is it?” he asked.
“……Nothing.”
She lowered her head, burying her face in her hands.
What am I supposed to do?
She screamed internally.
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[Damnnnnn wolf is actually the best wingman ever and not just an asshole]
Wolf is going above and beyond for Guinness.