novelzi Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Gil-san’s Unexpected Form
Leaving the room, Gil-san headed straight for the town. He said in a low voice, “Bear with me for a little longer,” so I nodded in agreement.
Gil-san walked briskly, his long legs eating up the ground. The people we passed would glance at him and make dubious faces. Well... his face was practically invisible, and he was dressed in all black, after all.
But it seemed there were also people who knew Gil-san.
“That guy in black... from Ortus...!”
“I heard it’s rare to see him in a crowded place like this...?”
“Whoa... what a sight! I wonder why he hides his face? Is he hideous or something?”
“Hey, shut up and stop prying. ...You want to disappear?”
I thought I heard some unsettling words, but... yeah. Must have been my imagination. I didn’t hear anything.
Despite the reactions from those around us, which he couldn’t have missed, Gil-san walked through town without a care, unhesitatingly. I guess this was normal for him. I could sense his nonchalance from the way he carried himself. Imagine the rumors if he were to show his face. With Gil-san being so handsome, women, especially, wouldn’t leave him alone.
...Wait, could that be why he’s hiding his face? Gil-san must be aware of how attractive he is. I see, that’s why he hides his face. His work, involving espionage and all, wouldn’t allow him to be easily remembered, either.
Though, depending on the situation, he might use his looks to gather information. If he whispered to me from point-blank range with that face, I’d probably spill everything without a second thought... No, no, stop it, these thoughts are getting dangerous. It’s a good thing I’m concealed, or my huge grin would be on full display.
While I was off in my own little world, Gil-san stopped by a shop that appeared to be a general store and bought a large piece of cloth and a large basket. What was he planning to use them for, I wonder? ...No, I should stop prying. Those guys in town did warn me!
After his quick shopping spree, Gil-san once again walked briskly out of town without hesitation. He moved so effortlessly, as if he wasn’t even carrying me. That’s a pretty amazing skill. He’s strong!
“Alright, we should be safe here. ...You’ve been very well-behaved, Meg.”
We’d been walking for a while, away from town, and the entrance to a forest came into view. Gil-san finally spoke, stroking my head. Was he rushing because he thought I was being patient?
“...It would’ve been fine to walk a little shlower, you know? You’ll get tiwed, Gil-shaan...”
As soon as I said that, Gil-san gave me the softest smile yet. Handsome men and their unfair advantages. It was a treat, I must say.
Race? As in, not human...? ...Well, this was an isekai. I needed to throw out my common sense, or my jaw would be permanently attached to the floor. I gave a small nod, prompting him to continue.
“I’m a Shadow Eagle demi-human. Shadow Eagle, ever heard of it?”
I shook my head. Not only did “Shadow Eagle” need explaining, but so did “demi-human.” It did have ‘eagle’ in the name, so was it a bird then...? And normal humans couldn’t see it?
“Shadow Eagles are large, black eagles, about three times my current height. As their name suggests, they excel at magic that utilizes shadows. They can traverse subspace through shadows. There are many ways to use it, but simply put, they can store luggage in shadows, making it easy to carry around.”
Whoa, peak isekai right here! Magic was so profound and mysterious, I was certain I’d never fully grasp it! For now, I’d just accept that it allowed you to do amazing and incredibly convenient things? ...Are you okay, me?
“So, as I was saying, we’re at our strongest when using shadows, but not right now. While I’m currently in human form, I’m going to assume my Shadow Eagle form now. We’re going to fly back to the guild.”
He can fly? ...Well, yeah, it made sense. An eagle, flying. ...So Shadow Eagles were magical, large, black eagles that could assume human form. I wouldn’t be surprised anymore!
But wait, what about me? I can’t fly... As soon as this thought crossed my mind, my eyes fell on the basket and cloth. ...Don’t tell me...
“Meg, get in the basket. I’ll wrap it with this cloth and carry you while I fly.”
As I thought! Eek, flying!? In a basket, wrapped in cloth, how quaint, like a stork!? This is scary! Terrifying!!
“...Everyone who’s never flown before reacts the same way.”
Seeing my fear, Gil-san gave a wry smile. If you know, then do something about it... I glared at him pleadingly, but...
“Of course, the alternative is carrying you on my back... but do you think your grip and leg muscles will hold out until we reach the guild?”
“They won’t!!!!”
I imagined it, and my muscles were already cramping! As I cried out, Gil-san chuckled. Now’s not the time to be laughing!
In the end, I reluctantly agreed. He said if we didn’t fly, it would take us half a month to reach the guild with me in tow and that he’d cast a spell to ensure I wouldn’t fall out and the wind wouldn’t affect me.
And so, with a heavy heart, I climbed aboard... the basket!