Kavi shot a look at Mayor Ster, silently signaling him to get to the point. But the old man conveniently turned his gaze toward the window, pretending not to notice.
Little Rosa tilted her head, puzzled by the silence. The room grew quiet—awkwardly so.
Kavi leaned closer to the mayor and whispered, "Come on, old man, you promised."
Ster scratched his head in embarrassment. How was I supposed to say it? 'Hey Rosa, take us to the cursed sword. This guy says he's too strong to be affected.' What a joke. That'd be like lying to a child's face—and Ster was an honest man, thank you very much.
"Ahem. Rosa, Uncle Kavi wants to ask you something. You two chat—I have to get back. Still got housework waiting."
With that, Ster bolted upright and moved with the speed of a man possessed.
"H-Hey—!" Kavi tried to stop him, but before he could react, the mayor had already reached the door.
"Open. Step out. Shut!" The exit maneuver was swift, clean, and complete.
"…What the hell?" Kavi stared at the empty doorway in disbelief. "This old guy… wasn't he complaining about back pain?"
"Um, Uncle Kavi?" Rosa's soft voice interrupted his thoughts. "What do you want to ask me?"
Kavi turned to face her, forcing a calm smile.
"Oh, nothing too serious. I just heard that you're the shrine maiden guarding the sealed holy sword. Is that true?"
Rosa nodded. "Yes. My job is to watch over the sword and make sure it doesn't hurt anyone again."
"Well then, what if I told you I have a permanent solution? I can help you put an end to this burden."
Her eyes widened. "Really? What kind of solution?"
"I'll use my strength to subdue the sword… and make it obey me!"
"Pffft."
"…What's that face for?"
Rosa covered her mouth with both hands, struggling to contain her laughter.
"If you want to laugh, just laugh," Kavi sighed.
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA!" Rosa exploded, collapsing onto the floor and pounding the wooden planks with her fists. "Oh no… my stomach—ha! I can't breathe!"
Kavi folded his arms, watching her with an unimpressed look. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, kid. Let's see your face when I actually tame the thing."
After a long moment, Rosa managed to calm down with a gulp of water. Her face grew serious.
"Uncle Kavi… it's not that I don't believe you. But that sword is terrifying. So many people died because of it. I… I don't want anyone else to get hurt."
Seeing the genuine concern in her eyes, Kavi didn't push. There was no need to rush things. He'd build a relationship, prove his strength subtly, and earn her trust. Then, when she inevitably checked on the seal, he'd follow. Easy plan.
"Alright, then. Can I stay here for a while? In exchange, I'll cook. Free of charge."
Rosa's eyes lit up. "Really? But… can you cook?"
She tried her best, but even she knew her food was a crime against humanity. If Kavi's food was edible, he'd already won.
"Heh. Instead of bragging, how about I just show you?"
With a smirk, Kavi began pulling ingredients from his system storage like a magician unveiling a trick.
Rosa's jaw dropped. She circled him, trying to see where he was hiding all the food.
She wanted to ask—but after mocking him earlier, her pride wouldn't let her. 'Hmph. I won't give him the satisfaction.'
Soon, the cabin was filled with mouthwatering smells. Kavi laid out a feast that could make a marine admiral cry.
"Whoa! This all looks amazing!"
Rosa's stomach growled.
"Can I eat now?"
"Go ahead. Taste the power of my cooking."
Clasping her hands together, Rosa declared, "I'm starting!" and dove in like a starved beast.
"Mmm! So good!"
"Slow down, no one's gonna take it from you." Kavi chuckled, handing her a glass of water.
"Thanks!"
As Rosa devoured the meal, Kavi watched in silence. This little girl—isolated, burdened by a heavy duty, and alone in the hills—deserved better.
From that day on, the holy sword became her second priority. The first? Kavi's cooking.
One Month Later
"Kavi! Kavi! Wake up! I'm hungry!"
Rosa charged into his room like a cannonball, yelling right into his ears.
For a whole month, Kavi had been her personal chef. His plan to follow her to the holy sword? A complete failure.
Every day, she slept in, ate, then demanded stories about the sea like some spoiled noble. The polite, reserved little girl from the first day? Gone.
"Go away. I'm sleeping all day today," Kavi groaned, rolling over and pulling the covers tighter.
Unfazed, Rosa tried to yank him out of bed. No luck—he didn't budge.
"Grrr…"
Pouting, she climbed onto the bed, stood up, and leapt—!
"OW! You little brat! You trying to crush me to death?!"
Kavi jolted upright and scrambled out of bed, glaring at her in disbelief.
'No more! I'm getting that sword today and leaving!'
Grumbling, he went to prepare breakfast. Rosa skipped happily behind.
They sat down to eat, Rosa already inhaling food without the usual "I'm starting" prayer.
"Hey… don't you ever check the seal on the sword?"
"Huh?" Rosa blinked. "Why? I can sense it from here. It's stable. No point going all the way out there."
"…What?"
Kavi froze, spoon halfway to his mouth.
'What the hell?! I've wasted a month on this mooching little witch!?'
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