By the wheat field fence, Afni gazed from afar at the gondola connected to the steel airship and the figure standing beside it. An involuntary, gentle smile appeared on her face.
Legend had it that in the distant River Valley Province, there was a great hero who led a group of survivors as brave as himself and defeated jackal-beasts several times their number.
To be honest, the real him was not as tall and mighty as he looked in the paintings, nor did he have such a thick beard. Yet he felt far more dependable than the gorilla in those pictures. In particular, the warm smile often lingering on his handsome, resolute face made people feel as if they were bathed in spring sunlight, even in the early winter of November.
Like right now...
At first, she had not understood what kind of feeling it was. Only at this moment did she suddenly realize a little of it—
What she yearned for was neither his bravery nor the wisdom she admired, and it had nothing to do with the kingdom he had saved... It was simply that smile that could not help but warm her heart.
Even amid the devastated, ruined wasteland, she could still see flourishing prosperity reflected in those dark eyes.
Though it sounded strange, she suddenly envied the doll sitting on his shoulder... It could see scenery she could not.
It must be beautiful up there...
Thinking that, Afni, who had only intended to take a distant look, unconsciously walked toward him. She stopped not far from his side and gave a slight bow.
"Honored... Mr. Administrator, congratulations on your triumphant return from the front lines. During my time in Dawn City, I have heard people praise you and speak of their hopes for you every day."