Chapter 3: Leaving My Hometown

Adults escort the children who leave for the city at the age of twelve.

This year, there were eight of us.

For children traveling on foot, the journey takes three nights and four days.

That’s when I realized the other kids were completely unprepared.

Their backpack straps snapped from carrying oversized luggage, and their shoulders got rubbed raw until they bled.

Some got blisters from wearing new shoes.

Others drank all their water without considering where the next well or river would be—

Are they really going to be okay living in the city away from their parents from now on?

The adult leading us around—the village chief’s son—was constantly running around taking care of everyone.

He carried several extra canteens and handed them out after warning, “Be more careful from now on, alright?”

He was probably letting them experience failure so they’d learn the importance of preparing beforehand.

…Man, this looks exhausting.

I reluctantly helped treat someone’s blisters, and they thanked me profusely.

“Thomas-kun, you’re really dependable. You’ll probably get used to city life quickly and become independent in no time.”

That was supposed to be praise, probably?

It felt so obvious to me that my smile in response might have looked stiff.

Because even when you prepare properly, unexpected things still happen.

Isn’t it terrifying to act without being prepared?

At the time, I had completely forgotten that I was benefiting from the skill called “Preparation.”

Looking back on it later, I feel embarrassed realizing I was arrogant too.

One girl had prepared almost nothing and kept glancing my way, but I ignored her.

Even I had only brought the bare minimum needed to reach the city.

If you act nice to people who expect others to “somehow take care of things” for them, they’ll lean on you endlessly.

Besides, there are adults here this time, so go ask them.

…This is probably why I’m not some kind of hero.

Dashing in to offer a helping hand just isn’t my style.

“That’s why nobody likes you.”

I heard her mutter that under her breath.

Hah?

Don’t you realize you’re about to go to the city, work, and support yourself?

I’m glad I didn’t help you.

If someone like you doesn’t like me, that’s perfectly fine.

What an idiot.

She was probably spoiled by being called the cutest girl in the village, while a bunch of lovestruck guys happily took care of everything for her.

But I have no intention of joining those idiots.