“Huh?”

When I responded suspiciously, the man shrugged irritably.

Phonia, did she make it back to the inn okay? I don’t know, but isn’t she probably enjoying a good meal right about now?

‘Hey, Phonia. Where are you right now?’

Yeah, asking directly would be faster.

‘Huh? ...Big Brother? What’s wrong?’

At least I got a reply. She doesn’t sound panicked, so that’s a small relief.

‘I was just worried you might’ve gotten lost or something. Did you make it back to the inn all right?’

‘Uh... yeah.’

That answer was kind of hesitant. Could the guy in front of me be right, and she actually got kidnapped...? But still...

‘Don’t tell me you just went off with someone you don’t know because they said they’d give you food?’

‘I-It wasn’t someone I didn’t know!’

‘What?’

‘...Ah.’

Thank you for that “Ah,” which clearly only carries the meaning of “Oops.” So that’s a confirmation, huh? But who would she even know in this town...?

“Phonia didn’t make it back to the inn?”

Rio asked, worried. Looks like she’s right—Phonia probably didn’t make it back.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me. I’ve told her again and again not to follow strangers since she was little...”

So even in another world, people say the same things. I mean, I guess that makes sense. Kidnappings are probably a lot more common than back in Japan.

‘Because... the nice old man from the cave who was worried about me said if I was hungry, he’d give me some food...’

The cave... could it be that adventurer who got involved with us in the mineshaft? I didn’t get a good look at his face, but now that he’s right in front of me, I guess he might be the guy.

‘Ughhh…’

This time Rio’s exasperated mental message came through. Must’ve just talked with Phonia and found out she followed someone for food.

‘Well, at least it doesn’t sound like anything terrible’s happened... not that I think those guys could do anything to Phonia anyway.’

“Well, whether you believe me or not, it’s dangerous for a kid to be wandering around alone. I just looked out for her. Wouldn’t hurt to show a little appreciation, right?”

This is sounding more and more like a ransom demand. To keep Rio and Ivan reassured, I send them the stats of the idiot in front of us via telepathy. His HP is barely in the four digits, and with a strength and endurance of 500... even if some skill boosted those, Phonia could probably beat him with pure muscle.

He was at the site of the E-rank iron ore collection quest, so he’s probably E-rank. Even if his buddies are watching Phonia, I bet their stats are about the same.

“You’re staying at a fancy inn like that, right? Must’ve got money to spare. Consider it a little life lesson fee.”

“Haaah...”

His demands are gradually turning into desperate pleas. I’m starting to feel stupid for even engaging with him. For a second I wondered if this was just an overly twisted form of goodwill, but... nah, I’m overthinking it.

He doesn’t seem to have threatened Phonia with a weapon or anything, so maybe he’s not a total scumbag. Maybe just a sliver of conscience remains. I’ll just have Phonia come back normally.

‘Phonia. I’m not mad, so just come back to the inn, okay?’

‘...Really?’

‘Yeah, really. But… there might be a bad guy who tries to stop you from coming back to the inn.’

‘What!? But he gave me food! Is he a bad person!?’

...So in Phonia’s world, anyone who gives you food is automatically a good person, huh?

‘That’s right. He might not let you outside because it’s dangerous, or try to catch you—so you have to dodge him and get back to the inn safely.’

‘O-Okay... got it!’

‘Good, good. If you make it back safely, I’ll add three of your favorite desserts to dinner tonight.’

‘Really!?’

‘Yeah. But every time a bad person catches you, one dessert disappears, so be careful.’

‘Whaaat!? Then... then if I get caught three times...’

Her voice trembles in horror. Going without dessert is apparently a terrifying prospect.

‘Yeah. Too bad, but... if that happens, no dessert.’

As I deliver the news with a tone full of grave seriousness—

‘...!? I-I got it. I’ll do my best...!’

I could almost picture her clenching her little fists with a determined expression.

“Ahahahahaha!”

“Pffft! ...Hahaha!”

Rio and Ivan burst out laughing—they must’ve heard my exchange with Phonia.

“W-What’s so funny!?”

Well, I mean... watching you beg for money was pretty entertaining, too.

“I appreciate your concern, but Phonia’s perfectly capable of getting back on her own. So, thanks but no thanks.”

“...Haaah!? There’s no way such a little kid can handle herself alone! I mean, yeah, she had a tiny pet with her, but still...!”

‘Anyway, Nir, I’m counting on you to support Phonia.’

‘Wafuu!’

Just to be safe, I ask the tiny pet to back her up—and he responds like he’s got it totally under control.