A Blessed Slumber

Aldo, do you have a moment?

Something wrong?

You see, a friend of mine lives here. I've not seen them in a long time, so I want to just check in on them. If you're okay with it, I'd like to go see them. There's something I want to ask them as well.

Of course. Does this have something to do with the thing you're looking for?

I guess... You could say that.

Alright then, maybe I'll finally find out what it is!

Hey! Long time no see. How are you doing?

W-Wait, is that...Cyuca?! Long time no see! Looks like you're doing well!

Oh, so she's a friend from your bandit days?

Yeah. But don't worry. We're not going to cause any trouble. She left the gang because she wanted to get married, if I recall. You seem to be doing well.

Yeah, thanks to you. I'm living very happily with my dear husband.

Heheheh...I still can't believe you married. I still remember you boasting that no man would ever be able to keep up with you.

Ah! Don't, you're embarrassing me! My husband still doesn't know that I used to be a bandit!

Ah, so you've not told him. I guess that makes sense. So, where is that husband of yours?

Oh, well he had an errand to run up on the Derismo Highroad.

Oh, that's a shame. I kinda wanted to meet him. It would've been interesting to know what kind of man managed to tame your wild heart.

Oh, then I'll have to introduce you to him! After all, you seem so interested! ...But! You have to keep my secret, okay? If you tell him I could never forgive you!

Don't you worry about that. After all, I'm a pro. I'm not going to get into trouble.

Oh! Darling!

Hm? Is something wrong? To come out this far... And who are these people?

This is the boss, I mean, Cyuca. She's...someone I knew a long time ago. And this is her friend, Aldo.

Hi there. Sorry for intruding.

No no, don't worry. I'm just glad I'm finally getting to meet one of my wife's old friends.

But I do wish you had waited at home. You've got to take it easy now...

Heehee, don't worry! A little exercise will be good for me!

Wait... Are you pregnant?

Oh, yeah. The due date's still a ways off though.

Still! Congratulations! I'm glad I came to see you now! Seriously, congrats to the both of you!

Thank you. I'm incredibly happy! I know it might be a bit early, but actually I'm here collecting material for the baby's bed.

Oh, yeah. I think you told me. Something about "Slumber Cotton" being good for making a baby's bedding.

But I don't know if I'll be able to do it now. Monsters have appeared near the plants I need and I can't get to them. I'm in trouble...

He seems like a nice young man, but...he's not that brave... Are you sure this is going to work out?

Actually, I like that he's not an overly manly man.

O-Oh. I guess there's someone out there for everyone, huh? Okay then. As a present to the new parents, I'll go get the cotton for the bed.

Really?! Thank you! They say the smell of that cotton makes you yawn!

Okay. Well then, you should head back to town and wait there.

They make a lovely couple, and seem so happy.

I guess so.

...... I'm a little jealous.

Hmm? Jealous?

N-Nothing! Okay, well let's get going and get this cotton!

Sleep inducing cotton... Sounds fun!

So that's what you're most excited about.

Ah! The cotton! Now let's see...

I'm not yawning. This is just normal cotton.

What about this cotton?

Nope, no good. It's just normal cotton.

There are no monsters, either. Let's go look somewhere else.

More cotton. Now let's see...

*Yaaawn*

Wow. It really made me yawn.

Really? Let me see it...

*Yaaawn*

Wow, it's true. This must be the Slumber Cotton.

So that means that around here...

Monsters!

Okay! Time to get to work.

Aldo, wait! Let's just collect the cotton and get out of here!

O-Okay!

That monster is in breeding season right now, isn't it? I'm sure it's probably just gathering material for its nest. Quick, use the Slumber Cotton.

Oh, good idea. I'm glad we didn't have to kill it. Nice thinking, Cyuca.

We're getting the cotton for a baby's bed. It wouldn't be good to spill blood. But let's leave some of the cotton here, so that monster can make its nests, too.

I guess both humans and monsters have to look after their babies.

Okay, let's bring the cotton back to Acteul.

Hey. We've got the Slumber Cotton.

Oh! You got it! Knew you could do it boss–I mean Cyuca! Thank you!

Alright, now I can make the baby's bed. You really helped me out. I need to repay you...

Heheh, don't worry about it. Just make sure the kid grows up big and strong.

Of course! Whether it's a boy or a girl, I hope they grow up just like you!

Just like...me? If it's a girl, I don't think I'd make a good role model.

Ah, I almost forgot! There was something I wanted to ask. How did you two meet?

How we met? Well it all started when I went to my wife's country for work. She saved my life. I know it's a bit embarrassing... When I saw her facing off against those monsters, it was love at first sight.

Well you see, I'd never been looked at like that before. The moment I saw him I thought, "I need to protect this man!" And after the fight, he was so kind to me! I'd never been treated that way before.

Heheh, I see. I can see now that you two are going to be together forever.

Yeah! And please, come see us again! You're always welcome here!

I will. I want to see the baby. Take care of yourself, okay?

That thing you wanted to ask... was it how they met?

Yeah.

Hmm...I don't get you. You said you were looking for something. Did your chat with them help you?

They gave me something to think about. I think I want someone I can depend on. I don't mind my friends depending on me, but still...

I guess I want to be pampered.

Pampered?!

Ah?! Just ignore me! Please just forget it! Okay, Aldo?!

Wait... The reason you quit the bandits, the thing you're looking for... Is it a husband?

......

You did say earlier that you were jealous of them.

N-No! I mean, yes... but...

Okay, you're right. My ideal man has to be stronger, older, and more dependable than me. I know that much. I guess I'm just at that age. I fear I've turned into the kind of woman who is waiting for her knight in shining armor...

But I guess everyone is looking for their dream partner.

This is too embarrassing. Please, tell no one about this.

It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm sure you'll find him. I'll help you as much as I can.

Thanks, Aldo. Okay, let's get outta here.

B-But, Sis! Why look for a marriage partner when you have me!

I'm so jealous! I'm so jealous, I can't believe it!