I regarded the older man at the other side of the table with suspicion. What was this guy scheming this ti? Had he really not been involved in the situation, or was he looking for a convenient scapegoat?
For so reason, though, adventuring with Eri didnt sound so bad. I still vividly rembered her spearmanship, which had lit a competitive fla in my chest at the ti. I had a vague feeling that I could relight that fla if I spent more ti with her.
If the cardinal noticed my suspicion, he didnt show it, because his smile never faltered for a second. Eri, anwhile, was still waiting for my response.
All right. I wont say no to so adventuring, it sounds fun. However, I expect the church to clean up whoever was responsible for this rogue quest.
The cardinals eyes narrowed slightly, his countenance becoming slightly more threatening.
Dont you worry about that, young man. Dont worry even a bit
A few hours later, I had settled the rest of my business in Reito. Eri had accompanied as I walked around the trade district, though she hadnt said much. Her silence had nonetheless allowed to get through my preparations for the coming journey in no ti. Id also delivered my tier 2 armor back to its original creator. The set had beco so banged up and sheared that it didnt even resemble armor anymore, but it still held sentintal value. In hopes of preserving it, Id asked the young blacksmith to repair as best he could, so that I could show it off on an armor stand in the future.
Without the chunky, difficult-to-move-in armor, I felt light and free. At the mont, I only wore so leather equipnt, and hid underneath a brand-new black cloak that ca with a hood and everything. It didnt provide any protection, as such but it suited its intended purpose.
With our preparations done, I intended to visit my parents before setting off to explore any new countries, so I told Eri as much. Shed simply nodded, before walking off in the other direction. Maybe she still held a grudge over how I had riled her up in the finals?
As I made my way to Reitos gates, I wondered how I could improve her attitude. Maybe an apology or a gift? This required so more thought.
Lost in those very thoughts, I only noticed I had left the city a few minutes later. Strangely, I had this odd feeling that I was being watched. Was my mysterious enemy already on the move? My weak mana sense hadnt picked up on anything, which ant that, at most, this skulking presence was at tier 4. I could handle a tier 4 if necessary, let alone escape one.
As I headed further and further away from civilization, the feeling persisted. I kept my guard up and my hand on my sword hilt while scouring the treeline. Strangely, whoever was following hadnt made a move yet, for no discernible reason. We were perfectly isolated, with no sign of anyone else nearby.
Yet, nothing happened.
Night fell, and I made a small camp in a clearing, just like I always did. As the fire simred, I sat in the lotus position and closed my eyes, as if I was ditating. I hoped that the presence would attempt to take advantage of this opportunity. Still, nothing happened. Still, I was certain soone was watching . Eventually, I had had enough.
Dont you think now would be a good ti to co out? I know youre there. I called out into the shadows of the trees, which were illuminated by my campfire.
A rustle from within the dancing shadows. Then another suddenly, a familiar figure appeared.
Eri? Is that you?
hi she said quietly.
I regarded her for a mont, shocked. She had been the one to follow the entire ti?
Why were you following ? What were you planning? I growled lowly.
Nothing! she hurriedly responded. I just just
Just, what? I enunciated.
I dont know where to sleep in the city. She replied very quietly and very quickly.
I squinted.
What?
Ever heard of an inn? Or how about a church? I asked, still incredulous at the excuse she was attempting to use. Did she really think I would believe sothing like this?
I was supposed to follow you I couldnt return to the church and I dont know what an inn looks like, or how to use one
I facepald. This girl wasnt just sheltered, she didnt have even an inkling of how the world worked! Cerion had been bad enough at first, but this was sothing else Why did everyone keep their kids inside so much? Did the high tiers only let their kid train and nothing else?
I sighed.
All right, lets say this ridiculous excuse of yours is the truth. Why did you think following from a distance was the right move?
I didnt think youd notice, and I was embarrassed. She said, more bashfully this ti.
Right I said with a half-smile unimpressed, before inviting her to join by the fire. I had packed enough for a long journey, so it stood to reason that I had enough spare gear to give her a tent and a sleeping bag. Ten minutes later, after shed eaten her fill of board at, from a wild one that I had caught during the day, she started to open up a lot more. Having regained so of her confidence, she beca much easier to talk to, though she still seed a little apprehensive sotis. Maybe that apology and that present were still on the table
The next few days passed fairly monotonously. We were traveling on foot to avoid any undue attention, which ant that we were taking quite a while just to get to Rolla. Eventually, though, my hotown hooved into view. From the top of the hill, the view that t us was that of a quaint little town nestled into a green valley.
The tranquillity of the sight put a smile on my face, but Eri had a very different reaction.
That has to be the smallest town Ive ever seen! she said in wonder.
I groaned. Thats not usually said as a complint, Eri.
Really? Why? Is it bad that its small? she asked as she turned to , curious, before she caught on to what I ant. Oh sorry. She said in a small voice.
Think nothing of it. I called out behind , as Id already started to descend toward the town.
Ten minutes and a few muffled greetings from the townsfolk later, I found myself in front of quite a busy bakery. An unfamiliar lady was tending to so custors as I walked inside, causing one of my brows to rise in confusion. Eri was instead drawn to the various pastries on display, her face nearly touching the brand-new glass pane that hung above them.
Can I have this? she suddenly asked, far louder than I had yet heard her talk. She was pointing at a steaming apple cake. An entire apple cake.
You can pay for it. I replied with a grin. Suddenly, a middle-aged lady that I instantly recognised as mom appeared from the back of the bakery, carrying a tray of fresh buns. Apparently, she had heard our little exchange, because the mont she set the tray down, she took the cake out of the display and handed the entire tray to Eri. Without even greeting , she instead welcod my companion.
Of course you can have it, sweet girl. Anybody with a good eye for pastry is in my good books. Mom said happily. Eri received the tray with both hands, before awkwardly trying to look for a place to eat. Before I could even get a word in, mom had already dragged Eri along with her cake, to the back of the bakery.
Astounded by mom ignoring in favour of coddling Eri, I followed them in a huff. Since when did she not even recognise her own son anymore?!
As I got to the back, I found Eri making faces as she nearly squealed at the taste of moms apple cake recipe. Mom, anwhile, was asking her various questions, to which Eri would nod or shake her head in reply, too busy devouring what little was left of one of my favorite cakes. I hadnt even gotten a piece
As I entered, mom finally acknowledged .
Oh, hi Arthur. She said, before resuming her questions. Sighing, I just left them to it and headed to the living room. Eri would eventually realise that she had made a deal with the devil Why did mom take to her so well, though? Whatever.
As I entered the living space, I found dad sitting and the floor playing with little amber, who was laying on a fluffy-looking carpet while holding so small wooden toys. Dad had his back turned to , so I called out.
Hi, dad. Im back from my latest mission. I said suddenly.
He jumped in shock, before turning around. Arthur! Youre back! Before I knew it, my old man had wrapped up in a hug, while Amber continued to play. Well, she was just shaking her toys, but I guess that counts as playing.
and dad caught up for a little while, while Amber continuously distracted us with her being you know, a baby. Apparently, mom and dad had hired a couple of people to run the bakery, though they still did all the actual baking. They took turns watching Amber while the other worked for the day, which had been a way for them to take breaks, I guess. Amber still took a lot of ti and energy to look after, but Id been no different as a kid. Thankfully, no other problems had arisen while I had been gone, though dad didnt seem to like the stories I told of the between lands. I guess Marie reminded him of Amber too.
About two hours in, mom and Eri joined us. Mom was in front, practically dragging my traveling companion along behind her and shoving her onto one of the chairs at the dining table. Eri looked frazzled. The cake had long since been finished, so shed been left to moms tender rcies for the past several hours. Who knew how many strange questions she had been asked by the she-devil known as mother. Before she could run away, though, mom made an announcent.
Eri will be sleeping in the guest room for the next few days, before you two set off Helios knows where. Both your father and I would like to get to know her better in the anti. Isnt that right, dear? mom explained authoritatively. Sotis, no, all the ti, mom could be like a whirlwind.
Uh what is this about, dear? dad asked. Noticing moms glare, however, he changed tunes. Oh, right! Um, of course. Why dont I go clean your room right now, miss Eri? Its not much, but it should be warm and dry, at least. He said, before scampering out of the living room.
Eri looked at pleadingly, her eyes glistening with tears like a doe about to be slaughtered. No doubt, an inn was starting to sound pretty good right about now
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