Running Boy - Running Girl (JP: 走る少年少女)
After Hestia Familia won the war game, the city was bustling with activity day after day.
The adventurer Bell Cranel was constantly praised. He was the key figure in the victory and decided the battle in a one-on-one fight with the enemy’s general. The praise was so ubiquitous that if you walked down the street, you could always hear it somewhere.
“Bell Crannel is soo cool! Even though he seems so weak!” “Little Rookie is amazing! Even though he looks like a rabbit!" “His nickname Record Holder wasn't a fluke after all! Even though his body seems a bit frail!" - and so on ad nauseam.
Humans and demi-humans of all ages and genders had smiles on their faces as they discussed the city’s hottest topic.
“Gunununu…!”
Hearing those voices on the streets, Lefiya's admiration for the boy became more than a little complicated.
She didn’t know if she should be jealous, annoyed, panicking or everything at the same time. But when she saw that heroic figure in that one-on-one-fight she felt a warm feeling in her chest… she didn’t understand it herself.
Well, one thing was certain: Lefiya couldn’t help but be aware of Bell now.
(Sure, it was amazing but… it was amazing but…! It was a little bit cool, but…! But he takes advantage of Ais-san every single time! Ais-san of all people - someone from another familia! He’s so shameless and rude! And it looks like he's flirtatious with each and every woman! And then—err, let me see…!)
As if she was trying to negate every little praise she heard on the streets she listed the boy’s shortcomings and weaknesses.
Lefiya walked through the city, she was pouting and her heart was burning with nothing but rivalry - and then she heard a voice calling the boy's name.
“Oi, Little Rookie! Where are you going?”
“!”
She turned in the voice’s direction and saw a white-haired boy running down the street.
“Come with us to the dungeon!” “Hey, hang in there! Here, take this!”
“Thank you!”
While running towards the huge tower that stood out against the azure sky, he received an apple from the owner of a fruit shop in passing. He seemed embarrassed and ashamed at the cheering voices around him.
The boy was always like this. He must’ve been running all the time.
He was always aiming for the dungeon. With his goal in mind. He always looked forward. He was honest and dedicated.
“... me too!”
Seeing the scene that played out right before her eyes, Lefiya started to run, too.
The mist in her heart and the fruitless search for the boy’s mistakes in her mind had disappeared completely. Instead, a strong will lit up.
She will not lose. With renewed determination, the girl, too, headed for the dungeon. Running.