“Aaah!” Just before the final ball left my hand, I channeled most of my mana into Negative Energy, turning it to dust. “*Oh, you absolutely ridiculous, resolved, little one.*” Dashing forward I cast , breaking Tagalong Girl’s fall before catching her myself.

“*Oi, you. So inconsiderate, I’ve no healing spells to work with.*” Blabbing on to myself, I gently set her down, before tightening the encirclement of grave shadows. Activating my optional senses, as expected it was nothing so drastic as to register in , however I noticed her mana field looked ever so slightly more sluggish than usual. Other than that, her magical signs were normal. At the same time, I had one hand feeling her pulse, and put my ear near her mouth to listen to her breathing.

Of course her heartbeat and breathing was incredibly rapid, I don’t know what else I would have expected; but although heavy, thankfully her breaths were regular along with her pulse. Passing out was extreme, however it didn’t seem to be anything too serious.

Relaxing a moment too soon, the hand resting in the crook of her elbow felt a slight tremor.

“*Cripes, I’m going to start hyperventilating.*” Carefully glancing her over, from my limited medical expertise, it appeared to muscles contracting from overexertion. The shivers happened all over, infrequently enough that after many tense moments I could feel relieved again.

Still, I direly wished some Callus ointment remained in Inventory. Unfortunately, its humble nature encouraged me to use it frequently, and I’d yet to whip up another batch. Other than home remedies of dubious effect, I’d little idea how to help.

Putting my haramaki on her, I hoped the warmth would help relax her muscles, or something to that effect. Due to our difference in size, it made a fine sleeping bag for her. Scooping her up, I headed back while reflecting.

Tagalong Girl possessed an unusually tenacious personality, that much had been clear from the beginning. Her training perfectly matched her growing skills as well. I planned for the incredible amount of exertion someone overly devoted to a cause, but her collapse was too sudden for my liking. I worked with weak vessels in the past, and physical fatigue should reflect on the mind before such a shutdown. That went extra for a prolonged regimen.

My plan wasn’t wrong per se, but confounded confounding hidden variables caused some harm to her. Tagalong Girl had been progressing excellently in any case, there’d been none of the typical warning signs.

Despite my early panic and unease, while this wasn’t as big a deal as I thought, it implied something more ominous. That even though I’d spent weeks in this new world, I remained unaware of the basic physiology of those around me. Sure there may be many similarities, but that only made the discrepancies all the more glaring.

What could even be done in response to this? Stopping her training? Considering part of the cause came from Tagalong Girl pushing herself, that may be even more troublesome. Not to mention, I couldn’t accept something like that either. Nothing happened without risk of it going awry, what defeatist would give up after such an occurrence?

Yet I again returned to my desire to keep her from harm. Alternatives returned to my mind even after making a decision. Even if it meant going against her wishes for the moment, wouldn’t protecting her be the more Heroic decision? Of course not, it breached her freedom too greatly, that was why I chose otherwise. But I couldn’t help thinking otherwise every few moments.

How would things have changed if I chose the path of guardianship instead of helping her surpass her limits?

Only when she stirred did I manage to stop thinking in circles. Slowing my pace even further, cradling her in one arm with the support of , my free arm smoothly cut away any plant matter in our way. The blade was quickly trashed, but with the force I could spare was still more than enough.

Hacking down the last of the reedy grasses that stood between the camp and myself, I spotted Leitha with her bow at the ready, pointing in my direction. She didn't appear surprised, lowering the bow without unnocking the arrow.

If you’re going to pretend to be friendly, at least wipe the malice from your eyes.

Well, I didn't exactly care how poorly she masked her intentions, I didn't feel like playing a game with her at the moment.

“What happened out there?”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Honestly, some people put absolutely no pride into their work when they clearly have plenty to spare.

“She’s just gone and overexerted herself, that’s all. Admirably committed to bettering herself, she really should tell me if it’s too much. *You’re more than capable, so don't act like you need to push yourself like this*. Ahem.” Maybe I should give an encouraging speech like that when she was conscious. Usually an eccentric mentor would show their care through insane training, but it wouldn't be that strange to let her take a break every once in a while.

“Leitha! Kazuma, what happened?” Corsair ran over, looking at Leitha with alarm. What was it that girl sensed around me? It didn’t seem as though the others were thoroughly convinced, as certain as she was. I didn’t have any of my spells up at the moment either…

Oh, there was . But if that innocent spell caused her unease, I would go crazy. Crazier than usual that is.

Other than that, Corsair’s reticence implied that at least I wasn’t emitting an unexpected aura of necromancy. Division between the two also suggested he didn’t have full faith in her, which I found surprising; especially considering how taken he was.

“Nothing to worry about, Lucy’s just overexerted herself. I appreciate her enthusiasm, but she can be a bit stubborn. And it seems I just slightly surprised Leitha here while returning from the brush.”

At first he narrowed his eyes at Leitha, before tensing up even further and looking off into space. Ooh, navigating this situation only got more complicated. Corsair knew of her hostile intent, but also recognized that I knew it as well, yet brushed it off. Not feeling threatened was a strong way of warning people; thankfully Leitha seemed wary enough that she wouldn’t think of it as a mere bluff.

These sorts of interactions are meant for conflicting parties though! Why can’t we run into a group and have some jolly cooperation? It’s not even been a day and our fellowship is on the ropes.

“If that’s all...no…” Corsair started to dismiss the matter before stopping himself. “I shouldn’t be letting this slide. Out of consideration for Ritz and his thoughts on the matter I let you train Lucy. It’s clear though that you are unfit to look after her.”

So as not to be derisive, I didn't openly laugh at the ‘letting me’ train Lucy part.

“There is no one ‘fit’ to look after another. I imagine that’s something Ritz has mentioned more than a few times to you over the past few years? Well perhaps you're like me and are a little too invested for the words of the Patriarch. I’ll say this—while it is important for her to learn from others, that doesn't supercede teaching her how to stand alone.”

The two of them were struck silent, my implication had been close enough. Leitha looked human, but even when thinned point-eared arrogance remained strong. Since direct passages didn't say much on the matter of elves, Ritz could accept her, but Corsair’s attitude of blindly caring caused some strain.

I was only speaking my hypothesis for a little shock value. Tearing them apart with doubts was unnecessary, besides we weren't going to stick with them that long anyhow. It was also just the product of a single day of talking, their hearts hadn't quite been laid bare before me.

So I can't say I felt too surprised that while Corsair remained stunned, Leitha lifted her bow again.

Taking notice of the arrow, it piqued my interest, decorated, but with no fletching. More like a sharpened dowel rod; despite pointing it at me, I doubted she was stupid enough to try and threaten with something ineffectual. Since we were already at this point, I activated all my optional senses.

A good thing I did too, whatever enchantment the arrow had was positively radiating power; though not to downplay it, I admittedly hadn't seen much. Furthermore I could clearly see the outline of the arrow using when even spells couldn't be seen. In fact, even her bow possessed some kind of soul-like presence.

Being one of the few things that actually registered as magic, I almost wanted to bring in one of my grave shadows to see if they could be affected.

Ah, but with Tagalong Girl in my arms, I had better not. Instead simply summoning a behind Leitha’s elbow in case she tried to fully draw.

“Leitha…” Corsair warned, but she wasn't having it.

“Listen to him, he’s been threatening us this whole time. Besides, doesn't this lead to taking care of the girl like you want?”

“The two of you aren't even in agreement over taking custody of Lucy? Show teamwork in front of outsiders at the very least. Well…hmm.” My scathing evaluation of their teamwork ceased. It just came naturally against those treating me like a traitor. “Ritz! Could you perhaps come speak with your friends?”

Woman, are you never satisfied?

Despite this blatant motion for peace, calling out to one of her own allies, in an exceptionally non-accusatory manner, Leitha kept her bow trained on me. She was making it exceptionally difficult to try and maintain a neutral relationship. Of course between her and Corsair I’d no doubt our status as companions would be soon dissolved. It was getting out of hand, and the moderate members of their party wouldn't be turning things around.

After all, we only ended up traveling in this situation because I thought having a few tutors for Tagalong Girl would be fun, as well as sources for information. We weren't offering much in return either.

As Ritz made his way over, Leitha at least had the presence of mind to stay her hand. Watching with , Lukas seemed interested in what was happening as well, following shortly behind.

Corsair and Leitha barely got a glance from their leader before Ritz started reprimanding them.

“May the Patriarch protect you, you say he’s a danger to be around and your first thought is to point your weapon at him? And Corsair— is she alright?” Looking from Corsair to myself, his presence became more alert. His words were altruistic, and I’ve no doubt they were in part, but he quickly became wary and understanding of Corsair’s intent.

“Yes, no need to worry, she’s just tired herself from training too hard. Nothing serious, like say an arrow to the knee.”

“Would you put the bow down Leitha?” It sounded as though Ritz was having an exceptionally long day. “I don't care what the spirits say, he’s not done anything malicious…”

“Spirits?” Ooh, that was something I should have put more consideration towards. I hadn't expected enough interaction between shamanistic spirits and a necromancer’s soul manipulation. In retrospect the target of both powers were similar, disembodied portions of willpower. Either {Soul Field} or {Soul Control} affected the spirits in a way that made me appear suspicious. “Ah, well that would probably be my fault. Take no heed of it, just an effect of my dabbling in magic.”

A crisp slapping sound echoed through the surroundings, then an arrow’s whistle.

How did I fail so badly trying to play things off? Tagalong Girl was clearly wearing my haramaki, Leitha shouldn't be surprised by my wizardry.

I didn't have enough information, so I gambled on a guess. Haaa~, what a mess.