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Beast Tamer Who Got Kicked Out From the Hero’s Party Chapter 24

CHAPTER 24: TANYA’S THOUGHTS

After completing the request……

We returned to the city and reported a job well done to the Guild.

After that, we had dinner at the inn and went back to our room.

As it happens, we are all sharing the same room, and we go to sleep and wake up in it together.

Rain told me that there were no other rooms available, and that’s how this situation came to be.

At first, I thought it would be pretty embarrassing to be sleeping in the same room as Rein, let alone Kanade.

But now I’m not so sure anymore.

It’s partly because I’ve gotten used to Rein through spending time with him.

Not only that, I also came to believe in him and trust in him a whole lot.

「……………」

I rolled over in my sleep.

Rein was asleep on the floor right next to us.

I’m not sure what to make of it.

Originally, this room was supposed to be the one with double beds.

But ever since I joined their group, there were no longer enough beds for everyone in here.

Because of that, Rein gave up his bed to me and slept on the floor by himself.

It was as if I had kicked him out of something that was his to begin with.

And yet, Rein didn’t seem to mind at all.

When it comes to me, he might as well complain more about things……

「…… I swear, he’s such a softie that I can’t believe it.」

I thought back to the events that transpired during the day.

My painful mistake.

A mistake made by me being careless.

It was because of this that Rein was injured.

I am a member of the Ultimate Species.

It is said that the Dragon Tribe is the most powerful of them all.

Tanya the Red Dragon.

That’s me.

I am much stronger, much smarter, and much more powerful than humans are.

That’s why I have a lot of pride in my name.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I look down on others, but there is no doubt in my mind that I am the strongest that there is.

I, too, had never doubted that the Dragon Tribe was the strongest in the world until now.

I also thought that humans, although powerful to some extent, were no match for us, no matter how hard they may try.

But it was then that one such creature, one measly human……

I was protected by Rein.

To be completely honest, it was really frustrating.

I was not sure what to do.

I thought that I would be able to protect him with my power, but not the other way around.

But in fact, it was Rein who protected me
.
The situation was completely reversed.

My opinion as the strongest member of the Ultimate Species was completely ruined in a single moment.

But……

I was not sure what to make of it, but I was sure it was something good.

I don’t care about the pride of the Dragon Tribe……

I was utterly terrified when I saw Rein bleeding.

It’s all my fault.

It’s all my fault.

It’s all my fault.

What if Rein dies because of this……?

When I thought about that, a chill that I’ve never felt before hit my whole body.

This was not the time to be thinking about regrets.

Fortunately, Rein’s injuries were healed by magic in an instant.

And it seemed that there were no lingering aftereffects of his injury.

But …… the fact that I made a mistake would not disappear.

Because of me, Rein got hurt.

Because of my petty pride as a Red Dragon, Rein got hurt.

Those thoughts would become a wedge that would bite into my heart.

The one who managed to break that wedge that was like a curse…… was none other than Rein.

It’s not that I blame myself for making a mistake…….

But when I was worried about hurting him, he was the one who thanked me, instead……

He said that he was glad that I was safe and smiled at me with kindness.

It was a very warm smile.

When I saw Rain’s smile, all my worries, fears, anxiety, and all other dark emotions disappeared without a trace.

My heart was filled with peace.

「…… Really now, what a strange person you are.」

At first, I was only curious about the strange man who was working with the Cat Spirit Tribe in tow.

The reason why I decided to go with Rein was because it seemed like the most interesting thing to do at the moment.

As I went along with them, I became attracted to Rein’s personality.

I began to feel at ease with Rein’s constant kindness.

We have only known each other for a short while now……

But even so, I liked Rein enough to be willing to put my trust in him.

And then there was the incident during the day that pushed it all over the edge.

But you were there for me.

But you were worried about me.

But you gave me a warm smile.

It may seem insignificant to other people, but to me, it was nothing more but a precious and priceless thing.

To me, it was a shocking experience that turned my whole world upside down.

The idea of a mere mortal rescuing me……

And him willing to sacrifice himself to protect me……

All at once, my previous values have been shattered and my view of people has changed.

…… No, that’s not it.

To be more precise, my opinion of “Rein” has changed. Not people in general, but one person in particular.

At first, he was just someone I have found to be pretty interesting and mysterious.

But along the way, he rose to the rank of a person that I could truly care for.

And now……

You saved me, and that’s why you are so precious to me.

「…… Rain……」

I say my Master’s name softly.

My heart skipped a beat at the mere mention of it.

I don’t know why…….

It’s a strange feeling.

It’s a strange feeling, like my heart is fizzing.

「I’ve never felt anything like this before, but……」

It was a feeling that I cannot yet put into words.

It has grown inside of me.

I was growing up, little by little until just now.

「Wait…… What am I even thinking here? A-At this rate…… it feels like I’m the one who’s…… with Rein……」

I can’t get Rain’s smile out of my mind.

I can’t forget it.

It’s burned deep in my mind.

My cheeks naturally turn red just from imagining it.

「N-No! No, no! It’s impossible!」

I shake my head in a frenzy.

Rain is a good person.

I like his character very much.

I’ve come to trust him as my Master and as an ‘important person’, but that’s all.

But that’s it.

At least, it was supposed to be it. But then, why is there……

「Y-Yes, it’s nothing…… Nothing at all. It’s best not to think about it too much. Anything more than this and it will not be good for me……」.

Even as I said those things, I tried to imagine what it would be like.

「……………」

My face turned even redder.

「N-No, this cannot be…… For someone like me, to fall this easy…… No! I’m not! I’m not that easy! I am not! That’s not it! It’s just…… Yes, that’s right! Curiosity! Just a slight curiosity, nothing more! But that’s it! Anything else is simply impossible!」

The more I was trying to deny myself in this way, the more I would fret over it.

My mind is in turmoil.

I feel restless.

My body feels hot.

My heart feels hot.

「Ahh…… Geez!」

I covered the top of my head with the blanket.

It is at times like this that going to sleep is the best possible solution!

It would certainly drive all those thoughts out of my head.

When I had emptied my head just like that, I closed my eyes tightly and easily.

But……

I mumbled softly, thinking this was as good of a moment to say it as any else.

「…… Goodnight, Rein.」