Fuka Shinonome.
An explorer belonging to "Copper Twilight"—an S-rank party clan—known as the "Sword Princess."
Though positioned as a defender, she also serves as the party's ace—an unusual case.
She possesses the outrageous ability [Future Sight], and it's said no one—human or beast—has ever touched her in combat.
Indeed, her ability stands out even among others.
But I believe her strength doesn't rely on it.
The core is her near-masterful swordsmanship and exceptional physical abilities.
No matter how far ahead she sees—if her body or mind can't keep up—[Future Sight] becomes wasted potential.
Seeing her fight up close during the joint subjugation, her refined, waste-free movements convinced me: she's the completed form of the evasion type Carol aims for.
And she's from Kyokutou—an island nation far east.
Her clothing is traditional Kyokutou style—called "kimono."
It suits her perfectly—elegant and fitting.
◆
Fuka and I moved to a less crowded spot to eat our skewers together.
"Good?"
Fuka nodded vigorously at my question.
Her expression barely changed—but radiated pure bliss.
If she had a tail, it'd be wagging furiously.
"Thanks for the treat, Orun."
In moments, her skewer was gone. She thanked me.
"No problem. But why no money?"
"Was walking with Kati—got confiscated. Then she wandered off."
So many things to retort...
Kati is Katina Oldham—same clan as Fuka.
Seemed pretty level-headed.
Who really wandered off...?
"Why confiscate...?"
Slipped out—the biggest retort.
"Dunno. Just buying what I wanted."
Fuka slumped again—sorrowful aura.
Expressionless yet so expressive...
"Yeah... Anyway—glad you're satisfied. Don't trouble stall owners next time. Cash only's standard."
"Okay. This time asked first—noticed Kati gone after. Won't do it again. Want to repay—anything? Can't hold back in tournament—Hart said no. So besides that."
She's entering too.
No holding back.
I've got countermeasures—but whether they'll work depends on facing her. Tough.
"Hmm... nothing really. —Hm? What's up?"
When I said nothing needed, Fuka looked toward the crowd.
"Pickpocketing... happening."
Asked what—she answered.
(Happening... not happened...)
Glancing where she looked—saw a shifty-eyed man.
He snatched a woman's bag ahead—shoving through crowd to flee.
Victim screamed "Kyaa! Thief!"
Crowd focused on her.
Bold crime...
If not for Fuka—I'd have missed it.
In a way—makes sense...?
No—crime's irrational anyway.
"Orun—catch him?"
Fuka asked.
"Yeah. Can't ignore crime right in front."
Already far—but [Marking] active—track within kilometers. Leisurely thinking—
Fuka vanished beside me.
Weaving crowd at high speed—distance halved already.
(No mana flow from magic. Buff-less physical ability that high...)
Tongue-tied again at her movement and physical prowess.
In moments—Fuka blocked thief's path.
Thief swung small blade at her.
Crowd scattered—clearing space. Easier for Fuka.
Amateur swings obviously missed—Fuka grabbed his arm, back-threw him to ground.
◇
Reaching Fuka—thief groaned "Shit! Caught... Hurry—turn me in to guards!"
Clean attitude for a thief. Now what...
"Fuka!? What're you doing to a civilian!?"
Not victim—another woman shouted.
Turning—woman in her twenties, chestnut natural waves.
"Not. Just caught pickpocket."
She was Katina Oldham.
Same clan as Fuka.
"Long time no see, Katina-san."
"Orun Dula...? Why with Fuka?"
Katina looked puzzled at me.
"Ran into her earlier—chatted. Pickpocketing happened—caught him. That's it."
"I see. Fuka didn't cause trouble?"
Asked protectively.
She really wandered off—Fuka did?
"Rude, Kati. No trouble for Orun. Just got skewer."
"Hah!? Skewer!? Told you no more eating—got confiscated!"
Why so honest...
Even I—with little interaction—knew she'd react this way.
Confiscated for overeating...
Respected Fuka as warrior—cool image—but crumbling fast...
"Money management—then she wanders, starts begging... Embarrassing..."
Katina head-in-hands grumbling.
Begging's harsh—but understandable.
"I gave skewer."
"...But Fuka gave off that vibe, right? Cute—easy to pity."
"I'm a victim too..." Katina muttered last.
Quite the struggle.
"Feels mocked."
Fuka grumbled at Katina's words.
"Think so—get your act together. —So Orun—how much skewer?"
"Three large coppers, five small."
Katina paid exact amount.
"Here. Exact. Sorry Fuka troubled you. —Now—this pickpocket Fuka caught?"
"Yeah."
"Then we'll take to guards. Victim—"
"Um... me..."
Actually there since Katina arrived—but timing missed amid grumbling.
"Right. This bag? Be careful—no more thefts."
"Y-Yes. Thank you."
"Ah—sorry. One question?"
Woman tried leaving—I stopped her.
"W-What...?"
Avoiding eye contact—uncomfortable—but listened.
"Not big—but—are you from another country? No need for name—just yes/no fine."
"Um... yes, from elsewhere. Is that all?"
"Thanks. Last—know 'Flockheart Trading Company'?"
Woman's shoulders twitched slightly—caught it.
Sigh... not imagination...
"Yes... no. Famous company?"
"Yeah. One I'm close with—expanding abroad. Wondered if foreigners knew. Sorry for weird question."
"N-No... Excuse me. Thank you again."
Woman hurried off.
"Katina-san—sorry. Got business—can you take this thief to guards?"
"Got it. Leave him to us."
Request accepted—I moved. —Toward Flockheart Trading Company, [Marking] on kidnapper...