Our journey was proceeding smoothly, and we were just about to reach the lake.
Suddenly, I sensed something.
It wasn't a hostile intent, but I had the distinct sensation that someone was watching us. They didn't seem to be deliberately hiding their presence, and yet no one else appeared to have noticed.
"Sylpha, do you feel anything?"
"...? Whatever do you mean, Master Lloyd?"
Sylpha tilted her head in confusion. So even Sylpha didn't notice? That was strange. Someone was definitely there. Fine, I'd just have to force them out.
I targeted the presence and cast the Wind System Magic spell, Wind Cutter, at its weakest possible output. The tiny blade of wind released from my fingertip vanished into the brush without anyone else noticing.
"Gyaaaah!"
A shriek that could be mistaken for a strange bird's cry echoed through the area. The Royal Guard immediately readied their weapons.
So there really was someone there... but wait, I recognized that scream.
"Who goes there! Show yourself!"
As Albert called out, the source of the scream slowly emerged from the bushes.
"Ow, ow, ow... I was suddenly bitten by some kind of bug, yes-aru."
Rubbing her slightly swollen hand, a martial artist girl stepped into the open—it was Tao, whom I had met before.
"Ta—"
I caught myself just as the name was about to leave my lips. Close call. I almost shouted it out. I have to play dumb.
"Master Lloyd, is that little lady an acquaintance of yours?"
"D-d-don't be ridiculous. How could I possibly know her?"
Grimo's sudden jab made my voice waver with surprise.
"Heh... Could it be you met her during one of your little secret outings-ssu?"
"H-how did you know...?"
"I've realized lately that you're a terrible liar, Master Lloyd-ssu..."
I felt as if he were giving me a lukewarm, knowing stare. Talk about being bitten by your own familiar.
"I'm an adventurer named Tao, see. I'm not a suspicious person, no."
While we were having our exchange, Tao had addressed Albert.
"I see. I am Albert di Saloom, the Second Prince of this kingdom."
"A-A prince!? ...Please forgive my terrible rudeness...! I beg your pardon, yes-aru."
"It's quite alright. You didn't know, did you? I don't mind."
"Thank you very much, ne."
Tao bowed her head, speaking in her halting, clumsy manner. In other countries, it might be different, but in the relatively peaceful Saloom, speaking a bit rudely to royalty didn't result in immediate punishment. In fact, our national policy was for the royal family and nobility not to behave too arrogantly.
Because of that, the royals were quite friendly—or rather, beloved by the people. It wasn't even rare for us to be served meals in commoners' homes when we went out for things like a Magical Beast Hunt.
"More importantly, what is an adventurer doing in a place like this?"
"I was hired to repair a shrine at the lake up ahead, and I'm on my way there. Along the path, I caught a glimpse of your face, and you looked a bit like someone I know. I ended up following you by mistake, see."
Tao gave a quick bow. However, the way she peeked up at Albert seemed somewhat wicked. Suspicious. Sylpha dismounted with an expressionless face and blocked Tao's path.
"...You are suspicious, woman. If you were curious, you should have called out openly. Why did you approach while hiding your presence? To begin with, your manner of speech is highly suspect."
"What!? T-this accent is just a dialect, yes-aru! And I wasn't trying to hide my presence; this kind of breathing is just a habit of mine!"
Ah, I see. The reason everyone failed to notice Tao was because of her Ki breathing. I was likely the only one who could sense her because I could use Ki as well. Now that she was closer, it was obvious. Because Tao used Ki breathing to circulate the energy within her body without letting it scatter, very little of it leaked out.
"Hoh. Then what about the wicked gaze you have been directing at Master Albert?"
"I-I just thought he was a handsome guy! A wicked gaze is out of the question, yes-aru!"
As Tao became visibly flustered, Sylpha stepped even closer.
"Make up your mind—is it 'not' or 'is'?"
"—Sylpha, that's enough. Er, Tao? You should make yourself comfortable as well."
When Albert spoke up, Sylpha glared at Tao for a moment before immediately stepping back. Even so, her hand remained on her hilt, ready to move at any second. Tao let out a long breath and sat on the ground, the tension finally breaking.
"Phew. Thank you, Master Albert. You saved me. That woman is beautiful, but she's terrifying, ne..."
"By the way, Tao. You said I look like someone you know, but I have no memory of meeting you. Are you sure it isn't a case of mistaken identity?"
"...Hmm, it's true that the person I'm looking for is Roberto. The name is different. Besides, his atmosphere is a bit different from yours, Master Albert."
Gah, so Tao was looking for me? Well, I did fly away and disappear quite suddenly. I suppose it wasn't surprising. Still, I had changed my appearance, so there was no way she'd realize it was me.
As I stole a glance at her, I realized Tao was staring intently in my direction.
"Mmm-mmm... that boy's Ki feels a bit like Roberto's... But his appearance is clearly different. Am I just imagining things...? No, but..."
Tao groaned and pondered while looking at me. There was no way she could actually tell, but... this was bad for my heart.