Bear-san, On the Road
“The Queen was quite regal, right?” (Yuna)
“Yes. She is dignified yet approachable. On the outside, she looks like an uptight person bound to etiquette and protocols, but she was definitely worried about Primme-san and showed concern for her sister as well.” (Noa)
Typically, the fairy forest was an area which forbade human entry. There were exceptions, where some humans who had been permitted to enter, though it was restricted to only one person at a time. This time, though, there was an extraordinary exception to that exception, allowing two people in.
“Perhaps she came to check up on us, the people Primme brought with her, to see if we were the right people to be allowed to go with Primme.” (Yuna)
“Then does that mean we’re approved?” (Noa)
“I doubt that’s the case.” (Primme)
The Queen did mention that she could read emotions. And I could only assume that the reason she met up with us was to use that ability, which would be able to assess the true nature of anyone Primme brought inside the forest.
“I’m sorry. She’s probably more concerned about me because of the disappearance of my sister, which was likely caused by humans.” (Primme)
“Don’t apologize. Anyone would worry if their people suddenly disappeared.” (Yuna)
“Yes. That’s right. I will worry the same way if someone else I am acquainted with suddenly disappears.” (Noa)
“Thank you, Yuna and Noa.” (Primme)
Primme smiled.
“What’s most amazing is that she didn’t seem bothered by my outfit.” (Yuna)
Seeing my bear outfit didn’t elicit a reaction from the Queen at all, nor was it pointed out during our conversation. She was speaking to me casually as if it were normal.
“Yes, that’s right.” (Noa)
“Yuna’s outfit? Is there something wrong with it?” (Primme)
Primme, on my shoulder, jumped in front of me and looked at my outfit.
“My outfit is a bear, right? People often look at me strangely when they see me for the first time.” (Yuna)
“Really?” (Primme)
Primme didn’t seem to understand and tilted her head.
“I don’t think Yuna’s outfit is weird. You look good in that outfit.” (Noa)
I think the fact that wearing the bear suit would have annoyed me if someone told me that I didn’t look good in it, but being told that I looked good in it also left me with conflicted feelings.
Come to think of it, Primme also didn’t have a big reaction when she saw my outfit.
Maybe fairies have different sensibilities than humans do.
“I also think it looks good on you.” (Noa)
“Thank you. So, just to confirm, do you know which country we are in?” (Yuna)
First, I needed to confirm the location. It could be near Crimonia, or it could be near the royal capital.
“There is no way for me to know the names of human countries, like how Yuna also didn’t know about the fairy forest where we live.” (Primme)
“…True, I didn’t have any idea that it even existed.” (Yuna)
“Does the fairy forest have a name?” (Noa)
“The fairy forest is called Leticia.” (Primme)
“It’s a beautiful name.” (Yuna)
“Fufu, yes, it is indeed.” (Primme)
Primme looked smug because of our compliment.
“Well, maybe it’s because fairies aren’t very well known, right?” (Yuna)
“Possibly so, but I am not familiar with any humans either, so I guess it’s the same on our side.” (Primme)
I could understand Primme’s point. 𝙡𝓲𝙗𝒓𝙚𝓪𝙙.𝒄𝒐𝙢
If I was asked if I knew the names of all the places on earth, I would say no. I didn’t even know many of the names of the prefectures in Japan.
I would have known if I had a friend or acquaintance who lived there, but alas, such a person did not exist for me.
“So, you said you’ve been to a nearby village. Is it close?” (Yuna)
“I did say it was the closest village outside the fairy forest, but I don’t really know how close it is.” (Primme)
“You don’t know, even though you’ve been there before?” (Yuna)
“Humans are so focused on such things. If you ask a bird flying the same distance at great speed and an ant on the ground the same question, do you think you will get the same answer?” (Primme)
I understood what Primme was trying to say, but that was a weird depiction.
Differences in size and speed could create different perspectives of distance.
When I was riding on Swaying Bear and Hugging Bear, it would feel like I would reach the destinations faster. However, on the other hand, while walking, it would feel as if the location were so far away.
Flying would create an even bigger difference in perception in the distance of location.
“But why are you asking me that?” (Primme)
“I just thought it would be better to gather information in the village first.” (Yuna)