793 Bear, listen to the story of the city - Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

The cleaning of the room ended for the day, leaving the rest for tomorrow and beyond. At the very least, we could sleep. The magic that Kagari and I used was immensely helpful. Initially, everyone was surprised to see me in a bear costume and the young-looking Kagari using magic. Normally, someone who looks as young as Kagari shouldn't be able to use magic. However, in reality, she is someone who has lived longer than anyone else. But we couldn't say that, so Kagari simply told everyone, "I am special, so don't try to imitate me." As the sun began to set, Bollard returned home. The family of Liese, including Kagari and me, gathered in the room. "So, how was the town?" "The people who were frozen are safe." "That's a relief." Hearing Bollard's words, Liese looked visibly relieved. However, he mentioned that there was some damage in the area where the ice dragon landed. Bollard also toured the town to assess the situation. Everywhere, the ice was starting to melt, and the residents were cleaning up their homes from the ice. "No one seems to realize they've been frozen for three years, huh?" "Yes, it's the same for you all. They remember the ice dragon appearing and the cold setting in, but beyond that, nothing." "It feels like it just happened yesterday for us too." "Still, it has to be explained. The fact remains that we were frozen for three years. Communication with other towns has ceased, and people will find it odd." If no ships came from other towns, people would naturally find it suspicious. We couldn't remain silent. "I met with Bende and Balan and discussed the future. We decided to gather the town's leaders for a meeting. Liese, I need you to come along as well." "Me?" "Bende and the others will be there too. But just our words might not be convincing enough. People can't quite see the difference in us from three years ago. But with Liese, it's different. She has changed over these three years." Looking at Bollard and the others, the three years that have passed don't show significant change. But for someone who knows Liese, they would see how much she's grown during that time. "I feel bad making you the center of attention like this." "No, don't worry about it. If I can help, I'll do my best." "Thank you." This was something only Liese could do. Bollard spoke about the current state of the town and future plans. They've already begun paving their own path, making us unnecessary. "Bollard, we'll be leaving by tomorrow." Upon my words, Bollard turned his attention toward Kagari and me. "We'd like for you to be involved in the ice dragon's subjugation." "I doubt anyone would believe we fought it. Besides, there's no need to announce it. We have no intention of claiming we saved the town." Who would believe a girl in a bear suit and a small child fought an ice dragon? It lacks credibility. "Exactly. Even if we were to speak together, no one would believe us. It's enough to convey that three years have passed and the ice dragon is gone." "At least, let us offer you a token of gratitude." "No need for thanks." "I don't need it either." "The town's recovery will be hard enough. Don't worry about it." I considered asking for a place to build a bear house or a small home, but instead, I planned to place a bear teleportation gate in an inconspicuous spot. "You not only fought the dragon but also granted us its horns and scales. We've done nothing in return." "Truly, we haven't been able to properly thank Yuna and Kagari. Meeting you both saved us in more ways than you know." "We didn't do it for a reward." I personally gained valuable materials from the ice dragon, so I'm satisfied. Bollard acknowledged our words with an "I understand." "But if you ever need anything in this town, do let us know." That's our compromise. "Sure, we'll ask if necessary." After everything settled, Kagari addressed Liese. "Liese." Kagari looked serious. "You will face tough times ahead. Unlike Bollard and others, you visibly changed over these three years." "..." "You might be looked at strangely by others." "..." "Some might avoid you or speak behind your back. People often shy away from what’s different." "Kagari..." Kagari was right. It's like a middle schooler suddenly becoming a high schooler. She has no peers her age now. Even if she considers someone a friend, there's no guarantee they'll treat her the same. A three-year gap during childhood is substantial. "You've experienced something no one else has these three years. It's not wasted; it will be your strength." "Yeah." "So never give up." She hasn't met with any acquaintances yet. We don't know how they might react. Kagari spoke as a possible scenario. Ideally, none of this would happen, but if a friend had grown three years overnight, it might be difficult to know how to interact with them. For me, if one day Fina were suddenly three years older, I wouldn't know if I could treat her the same. That’s something only a face-to-face meeting can answer. "Kagari, thank you for worrying. I can't say I'm perfectly okay, but I promise to move forward and not give up." "You'll be fine because I'm here. No matter what happens, I'll protect you, Liese." Lua, who had been listening, responded. "Exactly. Family should support each other. Don't forget, you're not alone. Keep that in mind." "Yes." Kagari seemed reassured by Lua and Liese's words and didn't say more. That night, Kagari and I were given a guest room to sleep in. Liese decided to sleep with her mother Lince and her sister Lua. I collapsed on the bed. After all, what was the "Bear's Guidance" pointing to? I took out the "Bear's Guidance" from my bear box. It wasn't glowing. It showed nothing. Shaking it or lightly tapping it prompted no response. "Is that the orb that was glowing toward this town?" "Yeah, I thought there must be a reason, but I still wonder what it was." In this town, the events that occurred were: 1. We met Liese and the others. 2. We encountered the ice dragon. 3. We conversed with the ice dragon. 4. We acquired materials from the ice dragon. 5. We saved the town. Could it be a magical tool pointing to where people in need are? "Oh, is that all?" "Kagari, do you know what it means?" "No, I don't know. It was probably just pointing toward this town." "Right." "Without knowing what the light was indicating, we can't find the answer. If you plan to keep it, you shouldn't be swayed by it. When it lights up again, you'll figure it out." As Kagari said, you can't decide based on just one phenomenon. If it lights up again in the future, its purpose will become clear. So for now, I put the "Bear's Guidance" back into the bear box until it shines again. It might light up, or it might not. At this point, I can't tell. The next morning, Kagari and I woke up and started preparing to leave. "Shall we head back then?" "It turned out to be quite a long outing." I had contacted Fina once, letting her know I was going out with Kagari for a bit and that she could reach me on the bear phone if needed, so I wasn't worried. Although I suggested telling Sakura about Kagari, she insisted it wasn't necessary, so I kept it to myself. "Let's hope Suzuran isn't around." Kagari's body shivered. I wonder if Suzuran is scary when upset. If she'd disappeared without notice, they might be worried. When Kagari and I arrived on the ground floor, Liese and the others were gathered there. Bollard, Balan and his wife, Bende, and the six from the mine were present. "What's going on, everyone?" "We heard you girls are leaving." "We wanted to express our gratitude one last time." "You've thanked us numerous times already." Each time we tried to leave, we received words of gratitude. "Yes, but this time you're really leaving, right?" "Yes." "At least let us see you off." "It'll be tough, but hang in there." "But compared to the three years we spent living six of us together, nothing's too hard." "Indeed. The challenges ahead will only be delightful ones." "Yes, if it's with family, it's something to be grateful for." "And, we have this to give you." Bollard handed over a card. "This is a special card issued by the lord. It will allow you free entry into the town. Show it at the gate, and you'll be connected to either me or Liese." In other words, they'd like us to visit again. I see no reason to refuse, so Kagari and I accept the card. "Yuna, Kagari, please visit again." Liese held my bear puppet and Kagari's hand tightly. "Yes, we'll come." "I'm curious about how you're doing too." "It's a promise, then." We said our goodbyes and left the mansion.