Allen gulped down his tea and cleared his throat.
"Well then, shall we head home?"
"Yes, let’s go." Charlotte nodded, awkwardly.
It was clear that both of them were bothered by what the street vendor had said, but neither had the courage to bring it up.
Just then, Allen hollered towards the main street.
"Hey, you guys! I will be leaving now… but the curse will be activated immediately if you try to slack off! So you better serve your community wholeheartedly!"
"Y-yes, sir!"
The group of thugs shouted in unison.
Actually, there was nothing deadly about the curse Allen had placed on them - it was just a light curse of unstoppable hiccups. However, since he did not tell them about its effect, their imaginations were left to run wild, exacerbating their fear.
So naturally after that, even if you didn’t keep an eye on them, they would be doing their best to volunteer.
"Well then, shall we make a move? When we get back, we need to prepare a room for Erika to use."
"Oh, don’t worry about that."
"What?" Allen asked, his eyes widening in surprise at her casual response.
"Aren’t you staying over with us? Have you decided to go home?"
"No, I will be staying in an inn in town. So, I won’t be heading home with you guys."
"Why?"
"Don’t you think it is too stuffy being under the same roof?"
Erika grinned and gave Allen a wink before lifting her shopping bags.
"Well, I will visit you often. When I do, make sure you treat me well!"
"... So, I guess the competition will be on hold till then?"
"No, I have lost."
"What?"
The battle without honour as to who could teach Charlotte mischief was supposed to take all day, yet it was easily won. Allen was not happy with this victory.
"That doesn’t make any sense! What’s the reason?"
"Think for yourself, that will be your homework."
Erika smiled and waved at Charlotte.
"Goodbye, Charlotte! Please take care of my brother!"
"S-sure but–"
Charlotte waved back at Erika, even though she was confused.
Erika disappeared into the crowd, leaving Allen and Charlotte behind.
Now it was just the two of them again as it was yesterday as if nothing had changed. Yet, for some reason, they were both awkwardly conscious of one another.
However, it was by no means unpleasant.
"... Shall we head home?"
"Y-yes, let’s go."
Repeating almost the same conversation as before, the pair also headed home.
After parting ways with Allen and Charlotte, Erika headed for the inn with light footsteps.
"When it comes to mischief… I can only teach her about fashion and delicious food."
Both of which were outstandingly successful lessons for Charlotte. If all went well, the victory would have been in Erika’s hands.
But… those kinds of joy paled in comparison to what Allen gave her.
Giving her a hair ornament?
Saving her from the hands of rogues?
But, those weren’t enough for Erika to concede defeat. The deciding factor, of course, was–
"Such a mischief known as ‘Love’ can only be taught by none other than my brother."
Suddenly, Erika halted her footsteps.
"Hey there, sir! Are you having any trouble with something?"
"Please let us help you! Otherwise, we might be cursed and die!"
"Huh? What is it with you people?"
The young man in a wheelchair was at a loss, surrounded by thugs.
Erika stared at them for a while. Then she shrugged her shoulders and went to help the young man.