"*Sigh* We have a crucial decision to make."

This is how Gran starts the meeting.

This one includes everyone.

You'd expect them all to be extremely worried.

It has been weeks since our passage was first blocked.

Then it became more and more frequent.

By now we have few alternatives possible.

Most of them are related to us leaving this part of the continent.

The farther we go, the less they are likely to be on high alert.

After all, for these people, the rise of a necromancer is but a distant problem right now.

This is the issue making the whole situation tenser.

Otherwise, it would have probably taken a few more years.

Gran talks about the pros and cons of everything.

She is like a living encyclopedia.

I do suggest simply seeking shelter at that Sho's god place.

It's not possible.

It's at the edge of the continent.

Far away.

Part of me is questioning why the hell an actor god is away from civilization.

Then again it seems to act as an area of pilgrimage, sorta.

I do make a suggestion, however.

Wherever we go it should be someplace safe with ample food.

That is all that truly matters.

The discussion lasts a while, but then they all agree to trust Gran's judgment.

She got them through harsher situations in the past.

We all go about our businesses.

Recently I've been trying to learn how to read.

Simply because I've had nothing but times on my hands.

The kid is a great help for that.

He writes a word on the ground and I try to recognize it.

From time to time, he draws an object with its name.

Turns out he's pretty good at reproducing images.

This makes me wonder how that mad artist from Eaglevein is doing.

Also that other guy with the weird-ass unicorn painting.

Actually, I wonder how they are all doing.

Anyway, I've become pretty good at reading simple words.

There are many languages, but Common Script is mostly used.

I am now able to read a tavern's name!

I tested it when we passed in a remote village.

I derived such joy from drinking at the Drunken Rat!

It was the first tavern I managed to actually read the sign.

You never forget your first time.

Also yes, it was true to its name.

There were many rats, and they were Hella drunk.

After doing a bit of reading and a bit of image training I come back home.

By home I mean Gran's place.

She's there.

In the dark.

Crying.

She, the always reliable leader, is crying.

She, that confronts bandits alone without an issue.

She who has traveled all her life facing countless challenges.

[Hey Gran.]

"Oh, you're here!"

She turns around suddenly.

Trying to hide her current state.

[How about we talk.]

"*Sigh* I must be tired is all.

Everything will be alright after a night of sleep.

Goodnight kid."

Wolfie is giving me a look saying to do something.

[Don't worry Gran. I'm sure everything will be fine.]

"Of course."

[Tell me, what are you most worried about?]

She stays silent for a few seconds.

"Sigh*

I wonder how everyone will fare once I'll be gone.

I wonder if it will be alright.

Before, it was easy.

Figure out if our show will be a success or not the only concern.

Read people and make sure they are happy."

[You say that, but you also dealt with bandits haha.]

"Even then, that is about reading people.

That I can do.

Now, I'm dealing with a lifeless map.

No matter how much I study it, it is useless.

If I screw up, we'll be doomed.

There is so much information we are missing too."

[Honestly, I see it differently Gran.

It doesn't really matter where we go.

The worst that will happen is we will fight.

I may not be the strongest but I'm reliable.

Just take care of the other stuff haha.]

"Alright, I will hold you to your word."

[Don't worry Gran.

Sometimes things just work out.

There is this one man I know.

He taught me a lot.

Especially about baking.]

"Wait, you can cook?!"

[Why are you acting so surprised!

Anyway, he had some trouble.

Trouble he considered extremely big.

That is when he decided to end his own life.]

"Then what happened?"

[Well, I found in time.

Turns out his huge burden was something I could deal with easily.

The thing is, we all have our capabilities.

You can rely on others.

It's perfectly fine if you just stick to what you are good at.

You can read people.

You can make sure they are not trying to trick us.

You can make sure they don't want to backstab us.

How about it?

You deal with the underhanded threats.

I'll take care of the most obvious ones.

If we need to fight, I'll do it!]

If I count my illusion magic, I now have a ranged attack.

In a straightforward fight, I'm not worried.

I'm not the best at protecting people, however.

I'm just a man.

One that cannot use magic either.

I'll need to get rid of any enemy before they can even get close.

That's where Gran comes in.

Pointing these enemies to me.

Wouldn't it be nice if this was a game world?

You check the nameplate…if it's red you kill it!

Gran starts chuckling.

"Not many would be as brave as you, you know.

Declaring that you'll deal with the obvious threats, eh?

What will you do if an army crosses our path?"

[*Sigh* It's not bravery, Gran.

I'm simply harder to kill than I look.

If an army crosses our path…

They will either make a detour around us or regret it haha.]

I can see Gran has calmed down.

She lies down with a peaceful smile.

Then she starts sleeping.

I owe her at least this much.

I can't help but think about how accepting she's been.

I was on the run back then.

Actually, I still am.

At least until I can clear my name.

She could have simply tried to sell me out.

I heard there is a bounty on my head.

Enough to buy a mansion easily.

Instead, she has protected me.

They all have.

They would rather live a life of poverty than betray their own.

This is inspiring.

I start resting myself.

I'm sure tomorrow will bring its fair share of trouble.