The giant boy's clothes looked ancient. They seemed straight out of three centuries ago, maybe even older.
Still, given how remote and hidden Sun Village is, with almost no outside contact and the difficulty of tailoring for their huge frames, it made sense their outfits were crude and old-fashioned.
His mouth gaped wide, a giant snot-bubble dangling from his nose, bigger than Weston and Mavis put together.
His belly rose and fell like a giant, springy drum. From above it looked like the perfect trampoline.
"Why is a Giant Clan kid here?"
"Could Sun Village be nearby?"
Mavis glanced curiously at Weston.
Weston scratched his head awkwardly. "No idea. If you're curious, let's wait here. When he wakes up, you can ask him."
"Eh?? Really?"
"Of course! We've got plenty of time."
"Yay!! Weston, you're the best!!"
Overjoyed, Mavis leapt up and flung her arms around his neck.
Weston caught the girl's soft body and spun her in a circle.
Amid their laughter the world seemed to tint pink, rainbow bubbles drifting through the air.
After a while they stopped spinning and sat on the lush grass, shoulder to shoulder, eyes locked, noses touching.
Breathing in each other's familiar scent, a wordless intimacy spread between them.
The girl's lovely face made Weston's throat bob.
Now was the moment!
"Mavis—"
Hrrrr—!!!
A thunderous snore cut through the night.
Like a muscle-bound brawler delivering a haymaker, it shattered the rosy atmosphere into dust.
It also choked off the words Weston had been about to say.
Weston: "..."
Damn Giant brat!
Snoring right now, he just had to ruin it!
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
The mood was gone; anything said now would fall flat.
Weston shelved the chance for another time.
Fireflies flickered across the night meadow like tiny lantern-carrying spirits, turning the hush into a dreamscape.
Mavis's gaze was drawn to the romantic sight. She smiled softly, eyes sparkling like the fireflies.
She stepped barefoot onto the grass, skin against earth and blades, becoming one with nature.
With arms out she played with the lights, looking exactly like the fairies in her storybooks.
Weston sat nearby, admiring the scene.
Sudden movement beside him.
The giant boy was finally awake.
He pushed upright, rubbed sleepy eyes, and sat dazed.
A few seconds later he jolted as if doused in cold water.
Others were here!
Moonlit grass now held a fire's glow and a wisp of fragrance.
So warm!
Not as warm as the Eternal Flame back home, but still… warm!
Something smells good!
Even better than the uncles' cooking!
Where were the light and smell coming from?
He scanned the clearing and spotted two tiny figures, two tiny faces he'd never seen.
Humans!
The kind the elders spoke of, living beyond the mountains.
So small!
But their smiles blazed like the campfire, warm as any villager's.
Wait.
The man's grin felt different, dangerous even.
Had he done something wrong?
"You're finally awake?"
"Who… are… you?"
Grrr—
His stomach answered louder than any snore all afternoon.
The giant child's cheeks flushed red.
"Hungry? Come eat!"
Weston gestured to the wild-boar roast on the spit.
That smile looked dangerous!
The boy hesitated.
But hunger won. He half-crawled to the meat, hand hovering, glancing at Weston again.
"I… can really eat this?"
It's not poisoned, right?
"Of course you can!"
"Figured a giant would need a big portion. We already ate, go ahead and dig in."
He inspected the pig relaxed.
"Then, here goes!"
One bite and the crackling skin, juicy meat, and rich fat exploded across his tongue.
His eyes shot open; caution vanished.
"Mmm, so good!!"
He clutched the roast in both hands, tore off a greasy trotter, and chomped away.
Between bites came happy muffled groans.
"Thank you!"
You're such great people!!
Beep!
Good-Person Card acquired!
Watching him devour the food, Mavis asked, "Have you been hungry long?"
Mouth full, the boy mumbled, "Yeah. Two days without a meal."
Two days?!
Giants sure are tough.
Any human child would be flat on the ground after that.
"You're huge, why not grab a beast and roast it? How'd you starve?"
Mavis studied him curiously.
Even a giant kid had size and strength. A casual swipe hit like a hammer.
An ordinary boar shouldn't stand a chance.
"Well—"
"They're too quick. I never had proper training, so I can't catch them."
Unlike civilized folk, mountain beasts live by the law of the jungle, honing themselves every day.
Without training, it's tough.