I looked around, as if I was in a festival. On one side, a person dressed as a clown juggled and attracted the childrenâs attention. People selling goods on stalls, people holding betting games with prizes, and so on. It felt like I was really in the middle of a festival.
Suddenly, someone tapped me on the back. It wasnât because there were a lot of people bumping into me by mistake, but it was two taps that clearly meant to call me. I looked back and was surprised. A tall man stood close by.
âAre you alone? What about your parents?â
The voice coming from above me sounds young, but what is this kidnapper-like statement? I lifted my head to check the other personâs face and almost stared at it. It was because the other person was younger than a thought, and heâs fine, no, heâs pretty handsome.
Brilliant blonde hair that was as good as Kirâs, dark blue eyes that go well with his light skin, red lips slightly raised, and the corners of his eyes were slightly drooping to give a gentle impression.
Maybe heâs just around twenty? The man doesnât feel like a big name, but he looks noble. So maybe thatâs why? I was more suspicious of him despite his favorable impression of being a good person.
A young man with a friendly smile asking the whereabouts of the parents to a child he has never seen before. I know because Iâve lived as a child, but it was a tough world to live in as a child here. I took a step back and was wary.
âWhat are you doing?â
The man looked puzzled, perhaps noticing that I would scream out loud if he did something strange.
âIâm asking because you seem lost. Have you lost your parents? Iâm worried about a little girl walking around alone.â
Despite the friendly explanation, I was overcome with anger. The man regarded me as a lost child. How old does he think I am to say such a thing! Even though I was not a full-fledged adult, I was not to be treated like a child!
I know that people donât see me as my age because of my small stature. At worst, I used to get treated as a 10-year-old or younger. Knowing that, my anger flared up like adding fuel to a fire.
âI am not that young. Iâm not even lost. You donât have to worry about it.â
Still, I couldnât just scold him blindly in anger, so I refused as much as I could. Of course, my emotions were put into it, and my voice was firm and cold. The man smiled even more awkwardly at my sharpness. And he answered in a tone as if he was trying to soothe a childâs tantrum.
âHey, donât get me wrong, Iâm here to helpâ¦â
How old do you think I am? I put my hand on my waist.
âHow can I believe that you are not a kidnapper?â
âWhat? How do I look like a kidnapper?â
The man got startled and retorted. It was like he had never been treated like one before. The words that sound like theyâre being said sincerely sounded irritating. I guessed he had made a living with that face. This person himself knows that he had privilege from his good physical appearance which had given a favorable impression to others.
âPeople who show unusual kindness are most suspicious. How does a kidnapper go around with the word kidnapper written on his face? Strangers who show excessive kindness are less trustworthy. Iâll take care of myself, so go on your way.â
Even though I didnât say it that bitterly, the man had a blank face. Seeing that his reaction was as if he had not expected to hear such words, I made a hng noise and turned around.
Then I noticed that a man selling wood carvings on one side was watching us. When our eyes met, the uncle raised his right thumb. I almost burst out laughing. Even in his eyes, the man must have looked suspicious.
See, talking to a child with such a shiny face in such a chaotic situation was more suspicious. He might be trying to be kind, but if I were a real child, I would have to be careful and cautious.
Would a kidnapper write âkidnapperâ on his face and go around kidnapping? Rather, the more likeable the person, the more suspicious and careful I had to be. I left the man behind and tried to walk again when I heard a cry.
âThe Taylon delegation is coming!â