Chapter 8

I'm ranked 3rd in the daily rankings! Thank you.

After that, I was tied up by Kanji the horse and Charama. Specifically, I was sitting on the fluffy grass, and Kanji and the others were lying down next to me. It was a bit scary, as it felt like they could kick me at any moment.

"Ah, this place is so relaxing."

"Really, really!"

"Is this your favorite spot?"

When I voiced my question, Kanji pointed at the ground with his hoof.

"Look, this fluffy grass. The quality here is better than the grass in other areas, you know?"

"Yeah, there are other places with such spaces, but this one is the best."

"Wow, really?"

"Here, we can lie down and feel safe."

Kanji closed his round eyes, looking very content.

"Ah, I remember that horses can sleep standing up, but if it's a safe and comfortable place, they lie down, right?"

"Yeah, you know that, huh? Of course, we can't lie down if it's not a place where we feel safe!"

"Well, humans can sleep sitting down too, but lying down in bed is better, right?"

"Yeah, definitely better in bed."

Now, as I'm talking to the horses, I wonder if from the outside, I look like a weird kid talking to horses.

By now, I no longer doubt that I can converse with them.

All the voices I've heard so far must have been from animals. The voices from the ceiling of the mansion were probably from mice or something.

I haven't had conversations with other animals, and I've only been listening, so I'm not entirely sure, but I can definitely talk to animals.

There's only one reason I can think of for this.

The ability to 'Understand All Languages' that I received from the goddess Meriana.

This must be it. If animal languages are included in this ability, and from the current situation, they must be.

I was given this ability so that I wouldn't struggle in any place or world and to avoid making the same mistakes as in my previous life, but I didn't expect it to lead to this.

"Hey, are you listening, Jedd?"

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking."

"What were you thinking about?"

Kanji skillfully raised his eyebrow. It's a small movement, but it's very human-like.

"I was thinking that I can really talk to animals."

It seems I can talk to animals. I realized this today. However, even though I understand this, I can't shake off my unease.

Kanji looked into my eyes. His clear brown and black eyes seemed to see through my anxiety.

After a long look, Kanji took a deep breath and spoke in a calm voice.

"Yeah, that's right. We never even imagined that there could be a human who could understand our language."

"Really, really! I never imagined humans could talk either!"

"Do you think I'm weird, Kanji?"

" Weird? Why would you think that?"

"Yeah! Being friends with a human is awesome! It feels like you're cool or something?"

Charama said brightly, but Kanji frowned slightly and gave him a disapproving look.

"Hey, Carp. Don't say things like that."

"Huh? Did I say something wrong?"

Carp, looking puzzled. His name is Carp, huh.

"I don't like it when you talk about Jedd as if he's not a person."

"Maybe. Sorry, Jedd."

Carp lowered his long neck in apology. His round eyes made it clear how dejected he felt.

"No, it's okay. I know you were trying to cheer me up."

This reminds me of how Japanese people might feel when they want a foreign friend.

Indeed, if someone says, "Let's be friends because you're a foreigner!" or "It's cool to have a foreigner as a friend!" a foreigner might feel like anyone will do, and that they're not being seen as an individual.

I've heard this from foreign friends.

Every time they go out, they get pointed at and whispered about, which makes them feel excluded.

In this world, I might be whispered about by the animals in the same way.

"Jedd, you're a really good guy."

...Carp is a bit too light-hearted, isn't he?

"Well, at least we don't think you're weird. We're surprised that Jedd talks to us. Jedd accepted us, and we accept Jedd."

"...Kanji."

I felt tears welling up. To have someone care this much... Kanji's heart is so broad. It must be as vast as this plain. He's a stallion that's too good to be just a horse. Really.

I managed to smile, trying not to let the tears fall from my slightly moist eyes.

"Kanji, Carp... thank you."

"Sure thing. If you need anything, just let us know!"

"Right! You're always welcome!"

That day, I gained two best friends.

× × ×

"Hey, that guy can understand our language, apparently."

"Really? Who told you that?"

"Huh? I think Carp said that."

"Carp? Is that a rumor?"

While I was talking with Kanji and the others, Julia's business was finished, and we were on our way back.

The sunset illuminated the trees and the earth, turning them a soft crimson.

From the trees lining the path, multiple voices could be heard.

Looking up, I saw two blue birds perched on a branch.

It felt like I was being watched constantly, as if I were some rare creature. The gazes were unreserved, pricking at my skin, whether they were friendly or not.

Is this how foreigners feel in Japan? It seems like they wouldn't be able to feel at ease anywhere.

Well, I guess I'll get used to it as I spend more time around Asma Village.

Still, Carp. You spread the word pretty quickly, didn't you? You ruined the moment. I want my emotional high back.

"Hey, why don't you try talking to him?"

"Eh? That's embarrassing. What if he thinks we're weird birds?"

"You're a girl!"

"Wh-What!?"

"Jedd, what's wrong? Why did you suddenly shout?"

Oops! I couldn't help but interject at the ridiculous bird conversation.

From Julia's perspective, it must look like I suddenly shouted into the forest. This is bad. She might think I'm dangerous.

Looking up, I saw Julia looking at me with a puzzled expression.

"...Did that human just interject in our conversation?"

"Maybe it's just your imagination?"

"What should we do? Should we try talking to him?"

"Eh? I don't know..."

Even as the atmosphere around us became a bit strange, the birds continued to chatter like high school girls.

"Nothing, nothing. Hehe..."

I forced a smile and replied to Julia with a dry voice.

Can I somehow get away with this?

"If something's wrong, you can talk to me, okay?"

D-Damn. She's really worried about me.