The greenery above our heads swayed with the wind, and it was so calm that you wouldn’t think that we were in a forest that was swarming with dangerous monsters.

Although, it was the nature that was around us that was calm, and this wasn’t the case for the people.

「Kurou, you being so irritated is not helping us, so won’t you stop that.」

Unintentionally, I said this to Kurou who had been indiscriminately finding fault with everyone ever since encountering his mother.

Shoot, after being sharply glared at, I noticed my own slip of tongue.

Who was it that decided to carefully watch over him.

There was no use crying over spilt milk, and the words that were said couldn’t be taken back.

I prepared myself for the worst, and repeated those words.

The hands of three girls who were setting up camp stopped as well and were peeking at us. 

I waved my hand, letting them know that it was more or less fine, but it seemed that they were worried about the dangerous atmosphere.

「The fight just now was terrible. What the heck happened?」

It was obvious what the cause of it was, but even so, I couldn’t help but ask.

That Kurou, was attacked from behind during his fight with a monster, was helped by Amelia, and then scolded by her. 

Even when he was building a fire now, it had been a while since he started, but there were no sparks at all.

There were countless small magic stones lying around near Kurou that no longer had any magic power within them.

Even if they were monsters, it was something we obtained after consuming a life.

It was wasteful to meaninglessly use up the small magic stones.

If I were to say, the current Kurou was a waste that was only inconveniencing those around him.

It seems that the usually aloof Kurou too was, influenced by certain people and had become a waste.

How do I say this, the current situation was troublesome, but seeing the humane sides of Kurou, I was a little relieved.

The words were like pouring more oil into Kurou’s flames of anger, but perhaps it was because of the wisdom he’s gained during his long life, as he didn’t meaninglessly scream in anger.

His anger was immediately extinguished and he turned away with an awkward look on his face.

「…」

Uncomfortable, his lips twisted into a frown, which was actually quite fresh.

After meeting his mother, it was as if Kurou had turned into a grade schooler.

His tail was easier to understand than his facial expressions, as it had been slapping the ground just now and was currently hanging down just like when a dog had been yelled at.

「…that woman, didn’t ask about my younger sister at all.」

Kurou said a few words as if grumbling.

The tail that was down was wagging from side to side.

This time, he seemed to be feeling lonely.

It seems that Kurou’s characteristic poker face had been forgotten somewhere. 

「The other day was the first time I’ve seen the old lady since leaving the house with my younger sister. It’s impossible that she didn’t know about my younger sister’s death. Even so, she didn’t say a thing.」

That’s why he was irritated.

I was puzzled by the emotions that I rarely felt.

Both Kurou’s and my family were similar in that there was no father figure and we both had a younger sister, but it seems our relationships with our family were different.

「What is, Kurou expecting your mother to say? Did you want her to scold you for letting her die in front of you?」

Somehow, it felt as if he was younger than me.

At my question, Kurou reflexively shook his head.

And then, he gasped in surprise as if he realized something. 

「No, that’s wrong, I….」

After his words broke off, Kurou kept silent.

Sighing, I took out a small magic stone from my pocket.

「Maa, that’s fine too, but I’ll have you fulfill your promise.」

I threw the magic stone I took out at the pile of dry branches in front of Kurou.

And just like that, the flames ignited the branches.