Chapter 4: The Members of the Sheep's House Compete in Acting Skills!
"Okay!" Linlin happily grabbed the backpack straps and nodded. Then she lowered her head and looked at Roy. "Let's go~!"
With that, she reached out to hold his hand.
Roy looked up at the giant-like girl. She looked cute on the surface, but to him, those fat little hands stretched out like the claws of a devil…
Would she crush his bones by accident?
Of course!
Just imagining Linlin's uncontrollable strength sent a chill down his spine.
"Linlin, let's go!" Roy suddenly bolted forward, cleverly dodging her outstretched hand.
It's not that I dislike her because of what she'll become in the future, he thought.
Turning back, he smiled. "Let's see who gets there first!"
With that, Roy had avoided her grasp without hurting her pride. Intimacy was built on affection, after all—and his future gains depended on it.
And this first pot of gold… was no small prize.
"Ahaha! Let's see who wins!" Linlin shouted, clutching the straps of her backpack as she dashed forward.
Though she was only five years old, her body was already the size of a giant child. Each step shook the ground, her short legs carrying her with terrifying force. In no time at all, she left Roy behind, a trail of dust rising in her wake.
"…Kids these days have too much energy." Redding, the giant swordsman, strapped his enormous blade to his waist and sighed, watching Linlin run past. He took another swig of wine before turning his eyes to the human boy trailing behind.
Roy slowed to a walk.
The giant raised a brow. "Not running?"
"Do you think I can outrun her?" Roy asked, pointing at the dust cloud ahead. He fanned himself with his hand, panting exaggeratedly.
Linlin's one step was equal to dozens of his own. Running beside her felt suicidal—like a tiny cart trying to overtake a massive warship on the open sea, always under its shadow.
"Hahaha!" Redding let out a booming laugh. "True enough. That little one is nothing like you humans. You can't compare at all."
Other little girls ran with a "da-da-da," but Linlin's thunderous "dong-dong-dong" echoed like a marching army.
She sprinted ahead, leaving the others behind.
"Huff… huff… I'm exhausted," Roy called after her. "Linlin! If you win, I'll make you some snacks!"
"Really!?" Linlin turned, eyes sparkling.
"Really!" Roy shouted back.
"Okay! Watch me!" she squealed, tongue sticking out as she kicked into a sprint. Her massive body charged through the forest like a rampaging beast, scattering flocks of birds into the sky.
"Owooo~!"
A pack of wild wolves caught in her path tucked their tails between their legs and fled in terror.
Linlin didn't slow down. For the promise of snacks, she ran with unbridled joy, forgetting all else.
Roy jogged a little for appearance's sake, then casually slowed again, hands slipping into his pockets.
"Sly boy," Redding chuckled, nearly choking on his wine as he tried to stifle his laughter.
Roy glanced up at the giant swordsman towering more than ten meters tall. His gaze shifted to the massive weapon at the giant's waist.
"Kid, don't stare too long. You couldn't even lift a giant's blade," Redding said proudly, patting the hilt. "This is a giant soldier's weapon."
Roy's eyes gleamed. "Tell me… is it true giants have a move that can dominate the battlefield?"
Redding grinned. He knew what the boy was referring to.
Hakoku.
The legendary spear technique of Elbaf's warriors, said to embody the strongest strike of the giants. A move so powerful it shook the world.
Many years later, when Big Mom unleashed her own Hakuko, it was said to be a technique derived from this very power—an imitation of the giants' fearsome Hakuko.
"Uncle must be very powerful!" Roy followed alongside and flattered him with a grin.
It was a shame, though—his system was strategy-based. He could only view the ability cards of girls. When it came to men? Nothing.
He felt both angry and helpless. When would a man like him finally get to stand tall?
Ahem.
"Of course I am," Redding declared proudly. "I'm one of the greatest swordsmen of Elbaf! One day, I'll even train a warrior who will become the strongest swordsman among the giants!"
He clenched his fists with enthusiasm before catching himself, smiling wryly. Why was he saying this to a child? Shaking his head, he tipped back his jug and drank deeply.
Roy, outwardly wearing an admiring expression, was already thinking ahead. If he could copy Linlin's terrifying steel-like defense, and then her monstrous strength… maybe even add the swordsmanship of giants on top of that…
Wouldn't he become unstoppable?
…
Not far away stood the Sheep's House.
Mother Carmel—the nun who seemed so kind—was the one in charge. In the story of the future, she was the bearer of the Soul-Soul Fruit, long before Linlin herself. Years ago, she appeared during a naval execution of captured giants, saving them and earning Elbaf's trust.
On the surface, she was a gentle saint. She established the Sheep's House near Elbaf to take in orphans of all races.
But in truth? A trafficker. She sold children to the World Government, smiling sweetly as she handed them away in secret. A hypocrite through and through.
For Roy, though, it wasn't an immediate problem. He was only five intimacy points away from unlocking Linlin's talent card. With that, he too would become a little monster.
He wasn't worried about Carmel trying to sell him off early. After all, the greater the talent, the higher the price. Linlin herself had been kept until tragedy struck, when Carmel met her end at Linlin's hands. Roy was certain he had time. Until then, he'd eat well at the Sheep's House, grow closer to Linlin, and copy her talents.
…
A group of children ran out from the forest clearing, hurrying to the door of the Sheep's House. Each clutched the hand of the smiling nun.
She wore a dark blue habit, her square face lined with wrinkles, white curls swaying gently in the breeze. A cigarette dangled from her painted lips, wisps of smoke curling upward.
Her eyes brightened at the sight of Linlin bounding toward her.
"This… this girl is terrifying!" whispered a boy with pockmarked skin. He wore a red crown and a black cloak, clutching tightly to Carmel's robes as he stared at Linlin with fear.
"She scared away a whole pack of wolves!" the boy muttered.
Carmel stroked his head gently, her smile kind and soft. "It's all right now"
Just then, a massive figure stepped out from the forest—Redding, towering above the trees. Behind him came Roy, hurrying along.
Along the way, Roy had managed to charm the giant into letting him ride on his shoulder. But when the Sheep's House came into view, he slipped down and pretended to have run the rest of the way.
"You and your friend are welcome here," Carmel said sweetly. "Live together in peace with everyone~"
If Roy hadn't already known the truth from the story, he might have believed the sincerity in her eyes, the warmth of her smile.
"Thank you, Sister!" Roy replied, running up beside Linlin. His face lit with an innocent smile, pure and unassuming. His acting was good—very good.
Carmel reached down, patting the children's heads one by one. To her, they were adorable, sensible, and lovely.
And most of all… valuable.