Volume 4 Chapter 70-2 The Enemy Is A Pirate？
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The tense look on his face slowly softened. He hugged Korukona’s small body tightly and called her name again and again, like he needed to make sure she was really there.
Seeing this, the villagers who had been watching let out sighs of relief.
One by one, more people came to gather.
The cautious looks toward our ship changed to friendly ones.
Finally, we landed and were warmly welcomed by the villagers.
The village head and others were amazed after hearing Korukona’s story.
They were surprised by how we defeated the pirates, captured their ship, and by our strength.
They also praised Sailor Brownie’s efforts.
About half of the villagers had cat ears.
This village had many cat-eared people—young and old, men and women.
But no one had ears cuter than Korukona’s.
”Thank you…! For saving my granddaughter… Thank you so much!”
The village head said with deep gratitude.
They gave us seafood gifts and gave a simple but heartfelt welcome.
Then, the village head made a suggestion.
”If you don’t mind, why not sail under our village’s flag?”
He said it would be hard if people misunderstood us, even though we helped by driving away pirates.
If others knew we were connected to this village, we might avoid unnecessary hostility.
This was their way of showing kindness.
But it also meant we would act under the village’s name.
If trouble came, the village might suffer.
We could also get dragged into the village’s problems.
It was a tricky offer, but it was pure goodwill.
We decided to wait and think about it.
During our talks, the village head told us more.
He had long felt worried about pirates in nearby seas.
Village ships were attacked, and some people had died.
He often asked the military for help to kill pirates and increase patrols.
But the military’s answer was cold: “We don’t have resources to protect such a small village.”
They gave excuses like not enough people and no budget.
The village was left alone.
This time, he had worked hard to meet with the navy branch in town.
When he returned, his granddaughter was kidnapped.
How much stress he must have felt!
The village head took the few who could fight and went out.
Only a few could fight, and Korukona was not yet a leader.
Did the pirates know this and come to press them?
Lifia and Rozmiaque watched the villagers for suspicious people.
But they saw none.
So, the villagers are clear.
Is there an informant in the navy helping the pirates?
There were many strange things, but even if we stayed, we could not see the whole truth.
We decided to leave the village.
Our next destination was probably the pirate hideout.
The villagers told us, “Take your time.”
They even prepared fish and vegetables to show their sincerity.
Though the pirates were defeated, some might remain.
Since we can’t trust the navy, new pirates might appear anytime.
Maybe they are hoping we will help.
Maybe that is part of why they offered the village’s flag earlier.
But I don’t want to take it that far.
Helping Korukona was because I saw she was in danger.
Defeating pirates was part of that.
We can’t protect the village forever.
We have no duty to do so.
I clearly said I would leave.
I told them I wouldn’t stay in the village.
The village head and people looked disappointed and lowered their heads.
I don’t want the village’s peace badly.
But that is not our job.
That duty belongs to the country or military.
If the military can’t be trusted, the villagers must stand up themselves.
As I walked to the ship on the pier,
Korukona called to me from behind.
”Taro.”
”What is it?”
”I want to get on this ship.”
A sudden offer. What does she mean?
”Taro, you are adventurers, right? I want to become stronger too. To protect the village… so I want to stay with you.”
I understood her plan.
”I know this sea. I know the routes, the tides, and dangerous shallows. That might help.”
It could be useful.
Sailors Brownie and others are good, but they don’t know this sea well.
Local knowledge is valuable.
”I’ll do anything! Clean the ship, cook food, just tell me… please!”
I looked at Korukona bowing her head.
Her physical ability was amazing.
I remembered how she jumped from the ship to the pier.
Maybe she could even swim here from far away.
If trained, she might be useful for dungeon exploration too.
Kéa is close-range, but Korukona could shine in another way.
Could she help as a party member?
”And, uh…”
”Hmm?”
Did my silence feel like a no? Korukona kept talking.
Her face turned bright red. She fidgeted as she spoke.
”It’s okay to do… even naughty stuff.”
She squirmed and said it boldly.
She looked behind me toward Lifia and others, but kept talking.
”I’m not as pretty as those girls… But I’ll try my best!”
I looked at her.
Not prettier than Lifia and others?
That’s not true. She has a different kind of beauty. Korukona is very pretty.
Her young face and sharp eyes shined.
Short black hair moved smoothly.
Her tan skin gleamed in the sun.
Her slim waist and small hips looked strong and healthy.
Though small, her breasts were full.
From her outfit’s gaps came a wild, tempting aura.
Her ears stood up like a cat’s.
A long, soft tail moved gently, maybe from nervousness.
Her words and body were very attractive.
Thinking I could have this brown-haired cat-eared beauty for myself…
I felt no need to worry about problems.
I looked into her amber eyes and asked:
”We have many secrets. If they leak, it could be deadly.
Can you swear not to tell? To the villagers too.”
”Yeah, of course!”
Korukona nodded fast.
No hesitation in her face.
”I will never tell anyone. Not the villagers or friends. I swear on my ears, my tail, and the sea!”
The girl puffed her chest and swore proudly.
Then, I thought it was okay to accept her.
Her physical ability and local knowledge are useful for fighting.
If trained well, she might have a role in dungeon exploring too.
She also seems like she will add a new color to my journey.
…And above all, those ears and tail.
To touch those cat ears and tail freely, boldly, without holding back—
that is a very tempting offer.
Maybe my heart was decided from the start.
Fairy A: “What about the pirates?”
Fairy B: “I told her.”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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