Chapter 14 : Leisure time during the mission!

“Hm, Xingyao?”

Feeling the tickle on her back, Qianyu stopped and turned to the fidgeting girl.

She slightly opened the palm pressed to her chest, facing outward.

Having grown used to this way of talking,

Qianyu quickly understood she had something to say.

“Is she… needing the bathroom?”

Del, noticing the interaction and curious, leaned in.

“No, bathroom would be more subtle. Del, come closer.”

—

Help carry, Master.

The words appeared on the palm their eyes fixed on.

“Hm, knows gratitude. Let her carry then, Qianyu.”

“No way, her body hasn’t recovered.”

Shriveled muscles, stick-thin limbs,

no fat, bones faintly visible beneath skin,

and the icy, bloodless touch from last night’s accidental contact.

“If other needs, ask then.”

Comforting, Qianyu took the small hands, gently lowering them.

These “other needs” meant magic matters.

Especially after seeing Xingyao’s talent yesterday.

Qianyu grew convinced she could help with one long-troubling issue.

“Ah… only noticing now. Poor thing, must’ve suffered much.”

Del stepped up,

pinched her arm, then sighed with complex emotion.

Hard to spot from afar,

Xingyao seemed to hide wounds and malnutrition, intentionally or not.

(No one wants others seeing their ugly side.)

Maybe even used related magic.

But it fooled no one always near like Qianyu.

“Speaking of, has Xingyao told you?”

“Like?”

“Where she’s from, what she’s been through. You know almost nothing.”

“That.”

Qianyu shook head carelessly.

“When she wants to say, then.”

After a morning of pure load-bearing walking, Del used magic to leap them several times en route.

“Only two portions luggage—much lighter.”

Likely from long-term luggage carrying building stamina.

No fatigue, Qianyu stretched,

eyes lifting to the stunning view ahead:

A canyon split as if by divine axe.

Towering rock cliffs, moss-like green vines wrapping them.

Steady stream flowing between,

forming a crystal-clear mountain brook over time.

Birds soared freely under gray clouds,

against a sky blending with horizon.

Thick water vapor in air,

afternoon sun thinly sprinkling the yellowish canyon, water and sky one color.

“Q-Quick, look, Del.”

“Mm—finally here.”

In a way, walking alone had worn Del mentally and physically.

Seeing destination lit her eyes like hope. Steps turned lively.

“Rest a bit? Slacking in battle later troublesome.”

Qianyu and Xingyao hardly fighters. At most assist.

Sole combat force,

subduing rumored rampaging beast naturally fell to Del.

“No issue. No more walking with you later… nothing.”

“If you say. Alright.”

Following the outflowing stream,

they soon reached canyon center.

Open flat ground, clear view. Water split shores.

Berry-laden bushes, rocks piled from upstream erosion.

Many small animals in groups, drinking nature’s life source.

“Rabbits, crabs, cats, field mice, flower deer—no sign of the mad beast from commission.”

“If like intel,

needing tons of fresh water and food daily, it’ll come.”

“…Right, everything it needs here. We wait.”

Seeing it firsthand, combining known intel,

Qianyu now clearly saw why Del chose here.

“Mm, but no telling when. Prepare mentally.”

She stopped at a concealed spot.

Light wave of hand.

Weedy ground rapidly grew matching bushes.

“Harder to spot. Camp here.”

“As expected of Del, thought of that.”

“Flattery gains nothing. Camping mine, drop luggage.”

“Here— I’ll sort three portions food.”

“Wait, aren’t you bathing Xingyao?”

“N-Now? Too early.”

“Later maybe no chance. And.”

“Rain coming.”

“Right, go go.”

Del pushed hands impatiently, urging Qianyu.

Though mouth always clashed with teammates including herself,

unwilling to show much emotion or words.

Heart actually gentle, caring, valued companions.

In short time together, Qianyu gradually saw—accepted the kindness.

“Mm, mm, let’s go, Xingyao.”

“Wash longer, might lure target—two birds one stone.”

“That was my plan—”

“Yes, repeat trick. Might work.”

“Guh, won’t use her as bait!”

Eager to finish quick, Qianyu dug old clothes from luggage.

Gentle, caring Del.

…Probably?

Qianyu picked a slower-flow, clear, not-too-far-from-camp spot.

“I’ll test first.”

Removed coat, rolled pants to knees.

Stepped carefully on floating stones down.

No white splashes. No animals disturbing.

Scooped clean, clear—mountain spring, say.

Splashed face, refreshed wash.

“Woo, icy cool. Need adjust to temp.”

Wet heavy black bangs stuck forehead, fair flushed cheeks with water drops.

Whole person energized, recovered from travel weariness.

—

You bathing, Master.

Still on shore, Xingyao leaned out, cautious watching Qianyu in water.

“Me? No no, washing you.”

Hearing, she froze. Then updated words on hand:

—

This… bit inconvenient.

Rare hesitation, emotion in words, face still blank.

“True, helping bath too… sorry, can you wash self?”

Good intent, but must consider feelings.

Even girls, no intimate contact desired.

“Come down, I’ll hold you.”

Qianyu added apologetically, reached out.

But the slightly regretful gesture denied next second.

Small head shake.

—

No, if Master you… then okay.

Unexpectedly, accepted the offer.