The lodging that Zich was residing in was for travelers. Since the village was not large, there was only one shabby lodging for travelers. Overall, it was a mediocre place to stay.

A boy was staring intently at their lodging. He looked to be around ten years old. His clothes were oversized and shabby and his face was dirty. Judging by his appearance, it didn’t seem as if he was living a comfortable life. The boy squirmed around as if he was trying to make a decision, but Zich suddenly appeared behind him. Like a cat catching his prey, Zich hid his presence and moved towards him. The boy did not notice Zich at all, and the corners of Zich’s mouth moved up.

“Hey!”

“!!!”

Zich tapped the boy’s shoulders. The boy was so surprised, he jumped up in the same place. He couldn’t even scream and turned his head back while choking. There was even a tear on his pale-stricken face. It was an understatement to say that the boy was overcome with shock.

“What are you secretly looking at?”

“Mister, y-you surprised me!” The boy cried out to Zich; he tried to make his voice tough, but his small, shivering frame betrayed him. 

Zich messed up the boy’s hair and put one hand forward. “Here.”

There...