Chương 76: 076

Dura nodded, apparently satisfied with my easy compliance.

"You're welcome. And on that note, I'm going hunting." She hefted her axe onto her shoulder, humming more to herself than to us.

"I'll need something soft for bedding. No idea what spawns around here, though…" She paused, thinking, then shrugged.

"Eh. I'm sure I'll find something." Turning back, she jerked her chin toward Time and me.

"Any preferences for breakfast?" Time shook his head. I followed suit.

"Not really. I'll eat just about anything as long as it isn't poisonous. I haven't tasted many kinds of meat, though, so I'll trust your judgment." Slowly, one brow climbed.

"If you're curious about different flavors, why haven't you tried more?" she asked.

"Not like there's a shortage of monsters." Because I was dropped into this world recently and don't know what passes for chicken or beef here… I kept that to myself. Instead, I met her gaze and considered how much truth to offer. Something close enough to be honest, without opening doors I wasn't ready to walk through.

"I grew up in an orphanage," I said finally.

"Coin was tight. We ate what we could get, which meant there weren't many choices. I learned early not to be picky. As long as it won't make me sick, I'm happy." True—but incomplete. It also made things sound worse than they'd been. Still, better than lying. Time turned sharply, brows knitting.

"You did not explore once you struck out on your own?" I gave a vague gesture, lowering my voice.

"I was just starting to when Karma recruited me. Since then, time and resources have been…limited." Dura didn't respond right away. Her gaze lingered, heavy with something I couldn't quite place. After a long beat, she looked to Time and jerked her thumb at me.

"Am I the only one with a sudden, overwhelming urge to feed him?" To my surprise, Time shook his head, ancient eyes narrowing as he assessed me.

"He does appear rather thin." I blinked. Well. That was new. Laughing, I ignored the heat creeping up my neck and patted my stomach.

"Come on. I've had regular meals for years now. They're just not fancy. Where I'm from, people would call me overweight." Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Dura's expression darkened instantly, her frown collapsing into a stormy scowl.

"Bull. Fucking. Shit." Oh, apparently beef is a thing here. Good to know. Maybe they have angus? Or even wagyu. I'd never tried that, though I'd be happy with any steak right about now… My stomach growled traitorously at the thought. I swallowed hard as Dura began pacing in a tight circle, fury radiating off her.

"If we ever meet those idiots, I'm introducing them to my axe," she snarled.

"You're not overweight, you've got a belly. And even if you were, why's it anyone's damn business? Since when is being fat a bad thing?" Her voice climbed with each word until Henry twitched in his sleep across the clearing, muttering. Right. Probably time to de-escalate. Ignoring the strange warmth vibrating in my chest at her defense, I reached out and patted her arm.

"I don't plan on going back, so it's not an issue. And I don't see it as a bad thing. After fighting to stay fed as a kid, I'm perfectly happy having a bit of extra cushioning." I smiled faintly.

"Those people were idiots. Their opinions don't matter." Time visibly relaxed, nodding once.

"Good. Fools such as that should not be permitted even a moment of your thoughts." Dura grumbled, unconvinced.

"Still would've gone on a murder spree if any of that rot lodged itself in your head." She rolled her shoulders, working out the tension.

"Might still, honestly." Seeing the conversation sliding nowhere healthy, I redirected gently.

"Well, you were planning to hunt. Maybe limit the violence to monsters."

"Yeah, yeah," she muttered. Then, louder, "I'm making it my personal mission to bring back the tastiest things I can find. You're getting spoiled within an inch of your life." That warmth returned in a wave.

"Just remember we can only eat so much. I don't mind gaining weight, but I do need to stay fit while learning to fight." She rolled her eyes.

"You're not heavy enough to slow yourself down. Now hush and let me feed you." I raised my hands in surrender.

"I'll never turn down food."

"Good." She turned toward the trees.

"I'll find a monster with the softest pelt this side of the Spine." Before she could take off, I stepped in beside her.

"I'll go with you. In case you need healing or help carrying anything back." She shot me a look, appreciation flickering before her earlier anger melted seamlessly into something sharper. A slow grin spread across her face.

"Healing and eye candy? Don't mind if I do." Heat climbed my neck, but before I could reply, Time cleared his throat.

"You have seen for yourself that trouble seeks him out," he said to Dura.

"Be careful." I huffed, sending him a glare.

"I'm not helpless." He nodded, utterly unbothered.

"You are not. Nevertheless, I promised Karma I would ensure your well-being until such a time it is no longer necessary." His pointed look at Dura was met with a sharp nod, her expression turning deadly serious.

"He won't get a single scratch," she said.

"I'll see to that."

"Good," Time grunted. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"Now that you've given away the proverbial bride, can we go?" He waved us off with a bored flick of his wrist.

"I will attempt to locate Mana's tomes while you secure breakfast." I didn't give him time to reconsider, grabbing Dura's arm, I tugged her toward the trees.