“Well, this is it. We’ve already reached the base of the mountain. We will be staying around here until winter subsides.” Salis said as she turns around to Reysha and Amadeo with a smile.

“Un…visiting again sometimes.” Ury followed with a small nod.

Reysha looks around the vicinity.

She saw no whatsoever that resembles a house or even a cave where they possibly live. Indeed, it seems to be the base of the mountain as the trail of flat land ended there and the earth began to elevate. Trees and plants which can still barely survive the harsh coldness is a little lush and flourishing as they go along the way upward.

However, she still looks around and found no signs of visible shelter for the three girls. Of course, even in the brief moment of their time, Reysha became worried for their well-being even though they are the same color as Falikh.

“You won’t find our cave in plain daylight now, right? As bandits, we hide our base really well.” Lisb said with gentle smug to Reysha who kept looking around.

“I see. Then, we will go back now. Until next time you three.” Reysha briefly said as she turns around together with Amadeo.

With a wave, the trio turns around too as they proceed to go back to their lair.

With that, the mountain bandits return uneventful like what Reysha hoped for. She walks together with Amadeo in the cold of the forest that filled with silence.

After a while of tranquil silence, Reysha was the first one to break it.

“Do you know where they live and how it looks like?” Reysha asked Amadeo without turning her head to him.

“Oh? Are you worried about them? That’s so sweet of Miss Reyhsa!” Amadeo cheerfully said as he skips behind Reysha with jolliness lingering in him.

“Hmph, it is better than being even worried about you guys. And even if they are oni, you should consider that they are also girls. I can’t help not to think if they live in a decent place.” Reysha scoffs Amadeo’s assumption and asks what in her mind.

“They do live in one you know. They built a house inside a cave after all. It’s warm and spacious under the mountain and they have abundant of water that they scoop up from their well. At least, it was a lot better than our shack back then.” Amadeo supplemented Reysha’s inquiry which in her surprise, was answered ideally.

“They could use some decent clothing. It’s a shame that they chose to be bandits. Their overall appearances are cut above the rest and they could be famous for that.” Reysha honestly gave her opinion about them. “However, from their stories, they seem like more of a bandit than you lot.” She added with a mocking tone.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Well, I can’t refute that kind of argument about them being more of a bandit than us. You are right. They are cut above the rest when it comes to looks. However, I think you are quite cute yourself Miss Reyhsa.” Amadeo sincerely conveyed with a little redness dyeing his face.

“With me, flattery won’t get you anywhere. If you are hitting on me, chances that I will sway is nigh zero, however, I appreciate the compliment.” She just flatly said with a never changing tone.

“Ahahaha…same as always, huh? I guess Miss Reysha is far more level headed than most average girls.” Amadeo said as he scratches the back of his head. “However, I think that Miss Reysha is really cute. I want to see you smile for once.” He followed.

“Have I never smiled before? I am not some stiff doll that does not have an emotion of happiness.” She asked with widened eyes.

“No, I am pretty sure Miss Reysha always frowns and have the face of disgust, especially towards the leader. It really doesn’t ruin your face, in fact, it has a certain charm to it. However, a smile would surely be at a different level.” Amadeo frankly said to Reysha as they kept walking.

“Amadeo, I’ll be frank with you.” Reysha’s tone becomes flat with no indication of coldness or warmness to it. In fact, it gave Amadeo more chills because of her sudden drop in tone.

“W-What is it?” Amadeo meekly asked.

“Do you like me?” Without any second thought, Reysha dropped a bomb that made Amadeo turn beet red.

“Wha--?! That is…?! I…Um…!” Amadeo tried to talk but his words stutter. What he can only say is incomplete words from being flushed.

“Was that too much of a question? Don’t take me for someone dense and stupid not to notice. You should also know by now that I am merciless when it comes to this kind of confrontation.” Reysha explained herself. She shows no visible discomfort or disgust, it was just her normal and neutral expression and reaction due to her logical mind set.

“Ahahaha…this really puts me off. Honestly, I like Miss Reysha, however, it is not…like how I see normal girls…” He said while scratching the back of his head again.

“Okay…what do you mean by that?” Reysha’s interest got piqued as something feels off from Amadeo’s words.

“You see, Miss Reysha, I could not see anything from you but perfection and one of the wisest people I know. I am sorry but…I can’t help not to see you as akin…to a goddess…” Amadeo said as he stops walking.

Reysha also stops in her track and turn around to Amadeo. She heard right and she knows what she heard, however, she does not know how to react.

The falling snow started to become visible in the background and two people stand in the snowy forest with cold breath coming out from them as they exhale.

“Weird…I know. I know that I like you…but I don’t even know if you are someone who will look at someone like me. You are like a goddess sent to this world. Because you are one, you cannot look at us mortal in equal footing. I like you…but you are too much for me to reach…even Falikh is the same.” Amadeo’s true feeling was conveyed.

It was not just a mere infatuation, however, it was not also much of a romantic feeling. It was just an admiration that compared her to a goddess. It was no joke but it is not something she can get serious about.

“I see. I will try to not to be much of a goddess for you then. When that time comes, I will reject you properly.” Reysha flatly said again as she turns around and resumes her walk.

“Ah…that was really cold of you, like the winter that covered this whole forest. At least, you are you, Miss Reysha.” Amadeo jokingly said as he followed behind again with a satisfied smile.