Kopii was already about to head towards the Tower of Babel when he noticed Miach, who, having woken up, was also hurrying somewhere, clearly full of energy and readiness for a new day.
— Good morning, Miach-sama.
— Morning, Kopii. Heading to the Tower of Babel?
— Yes. — Kopii confirmed, seeing how Miach's eyes lit up after his words.
— Then we're on the same path, Kopii, — he said with joy.
As they walked through the bustling streets of Orario, among the multitude of people, bustle and sounds, Miach unexpectedly asked, breaking the flow of their conversation:
— Kopii, how did your herb gathering go?
– Well, to be honest.
– Out with it, Kopii. – He looked at him with a smile.
– It was very bad; I slept on cold ground at best; one of the nights goblins attacked me, and after that I couldn't fall asleep. And on the way back, a heavy rain started.
– ...
Miach could not find what to answer him.
Kopii continued.
– I also had nightmares, because of which I was afraid to move more than a meter away from the campfire at night. – Having looked at Miach's pensive face, he continued. – In my opinion, it was a very bad experience.
– What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. – Patting him on the back, he said cheerfully.
– Yes, perhaps... And where are you heading, Miach-sama? – He decided to change the subject of the conversation so that it wouldn't become even more awkward for him. He almost never opened up to anyone or complained. Except to the nanny, and now also to Miach.
– Oh, I just wanted to meet up with old friends.
– Ah, I see...
– I heard that you're looking for a party? How is it going?
— Well, you could say that, but it's rather difficult.
— Well, and how is the progress? – He asked again, casting a fleeting glance at Kopii.
— No one wants to take me. I don't understand why they're so arrogant. But partly, I understand them.
— Don't worry, Kopii, to each their own time, just don't give up and that's all.
– I'll try, Miach-sama.
– There's no need to rush anywhere. Well then, Kopii, good luck to you in the dungeon... And it seems you're a deceiver; how can such a handsome boy not be taken into a party? – He said, dissolving into the crowd.
– I don't use my appearance to achieve anything. – He whispered, his face red. Fully understanding that Miach was right.
After the Dungeon, Kopii headed straight to the guild to exchange his finds and try his luck with joining a party yet again, but he would not approach girls anymore. He quickly exchanged magic stones for valis, and then, wasting no time on looking around, began searching for a suitable group full of adventurers.
He approached various parties several times, but was either ignored or refused, citing that they already had too many people or a mismatch in level. Disappointment crept up, but Kopii tried not to lose hope, remembering Miach's words.
«Handsome boy.»
He recalled Miach's last words, and little by little he began to wonder if maybe he really should use his beauty.
Black hair, tall stature, black eyes, athletic body, and a very attractive face. However inexperienced he might be in such matters, he had never had a shortage of attention from the opposite sex.
Taking a deep breath, he swept his gaze across the guild hall again, ready for new attempts, when suddenly someone called out to him.
— Hey, kid! I heard you're looking for a party? Let's talk about it.
Kopii turned around. A short, slightly plump middle-aged man approached him, with reddish-chestnut hair, yellow eyes, and most likely a lizard shimmering on his back. He wore a light blue shirt, a light brown sleeveless vest, a dark purple cloth on his neck covering half of his right shoulder, a silver plate on his left, blue cargo trousers with a brown belt, and brown boots.
«Who is this?»
He was seeing him for the first time in his life. Even when he had observed others, he had never seen such a pig. But even so, a smile appeared on his lips.
— Well, let's talk. My name is Kopii.
«At last, luck is on my side.»
— Canoe. Canoe Belway is my name. — He introduced himself, nodding softly.
— Nice to meet you, Canoe.
— Nice to meet you too. Let's find a more secluded place where no one will bother us, — Canoe suggested, with a slight gleam in his eyes.
Kopii, not knowing what to expect, agreed. They left the guild and entered the first tavern they came across. Kopii did not trust Canoe's appearance; it was somehow too repulsive, but he tried to ignore this fact and not show it on his face.
— And which familia are you from?
— Why such a rush? Let's relax, have a drink, — Canoe dodged the direct answer.
— I don't drink. So which familia are you from? — Kopii noticed a fleeting irritation on Canoe's face, but it was immediately replaced by a smile, which put him on guard.
— I'm from the Soma Familia. And you, kid, which one are you from? — Canoe continued, clearly unwilling to drop the subject.
The Soma Familia… Kopii grew wary, knowing that their familia specialized in selling addictive alcohol and various substances. Having thought it over, he answered, trying to remain calm. In short, he had heard that the familia had a rather bad reputation. He had even considered joining it once, if, of course, he had no other choice.
– And which one are you from? – He repeated his question with irritation in his voice due to Kopii's silence.
– I'm from the Miach Familia.
— Oh, the Miach Familia, I know of it. — Canoe drank the ordered ale and continued. — I've always respected it. How Miach took on the debt for his familia, and they abandoned him. Don't you find that unjust? – Taking another sip, and before Kopii could even open his mouth, he preempted him. – In a difficult moment, they left Miach-sama. The one who gave them strength and a cozy hearth.
– That was their choice, and I don't judge them for such a choice. Let's talk about the party instead.
— Alright, but don't rush. Let's get to know each other better. For example, what weapon do you use? — Canoe suggested with interest.
Kopii considered the question stupid, for it was obvious that he was an archer. But he decided that Canoe was simply clarifying.
— I use a bow. — Kopii kept silent about the sword; he did not trust Canoe and decided to keep his true abilities a secret.
– Why do you need that mask?
«Mask?»
He had simply bought it for fun while walking to the guild. And had hoped to seem more mysterious and cool to others, but it hadn't worked out.
Kopii touched the mask with his fingers; his smile only widened as a perfect plan came to him.
— My face is covered with scars; I hide them under the mask. These scars were left by my mother because I look too much like my father. — He said, trembling slightly as if from memories. Smiling from ear to ear, but behind the mask it was not visible.
— Oh, sorry, didn't mean to touch a nerve, — Canoe said, his voice becoming softer.
— It's nothing terrible. I came to terms with it long ago... Well, alright, let's talk about the party: how many of you are there and what are your levels? I'm level one.
— There are two of us, you'll be the third. — Canoe noted, continuing his tale. — And we are both level one, just like you.
— I see. And how do we split the reward? — Kopii continued his pressure, trying to find out more.
— That depends on the catch… Alright, it's already late, let's meet tomorrow by the Tower of Babel, alright, Kopii? — Canoe suggested, clearly changing the subject hastily.
— Alright, — Kopii agreed, noticing how Canoe had quickly changed the subject when money was mentioned. That left a deep impression on him. Having said goodbye, Kopii headed back home, reflecting on how this interaction might become key to his further growth.
He did not trust Canoe; the man simply did not inspire trust, and it was definitely not because of his appearance. But Kopii did not care: if something went wrong, he could always run away. And there was no one in the party above level one, so he was confident in his abilities.