Chapter 112
Excuse , Yenika.
No matter how unexpected the situation, never panic. Stay calm, assess the situation, and find the most appropriate response. Whether youre living in the wild, engaging in combat, or dealing with the various events in a scenario, these were principles that must not be forgotten. After more than a year of such a lifestyle, I thought I had beco adept at reacting skillfully to anything without panic but then
.
Yenikas blunt remark montarily made my brain feel like it had switched off and then back on again. Firstly, I needed to find a pretext to buy so ti to gather my thoughts. Fortunately, I found an easy excuse: drops of blood were falling from my thumb.
After tending to the knife, I wrapped a leftover piece of cloth around my thumb as a makeshift bandage, which gave
enough ti to co up with a brief reply. While I was performing this first aid, Yenika remained motionless as if she was about to exhale smoke from her face buried in her knees. Judging by her reaction, she seed well aware of the implications of her own words. There was no mistake or misunderstanding on my part.
The ergency treatnt for my finger was complete, and it was ti to face the issue again.
Firstly you are probably anticipating what I am about to discuss. Nonetheless, we need to go over this.
After casually tossing the remaining cloth pieces into the campfire to burn them, I dabbed the bloodied knife with a handkerchief while speaking. Despite her deep reflections before speaking, I had to respond naturally without showing any surprise or incredulity. That was a matter of courtesy.
It may seem unnecessary to say this out loud, but I do like you quite a bit. Not just , most likely others think the sa; you are indeed kind, diligent, and a fine person.
My words, though rely a prelude to the main topic, made Yenika bury her head even deeper into her knees and tremble. I inadvertently took a false breath upon seeing her heave for air.
Peeling the remaining skin off my apple, I bit into it. I had cut away the part stained with blood and didnt feel right offering it to Yenika.
After allowing Yenika to regroup for a mont, I approached her again.
However, we cant overlook the fact that I am also a man.
Especially in situations like this, one must remain calm, realistic, and objective.
Listen, Yenika. Im not sure how you see yourself, but you are exceedingly beautiful. A true beauty. Anyone ordinary would find soone like you
St, stop
Her unexpected call to stop halted
mid-sentence.
All my efforts to maintain a neutral expression and a calm tone felt futile. Was it all aningless?
Yenika, her head against her knees, was already blushing like a beetroot. It was as if she had been subjected to so cruel prank, her face wet with tears as she implored.
Im s-sorry I cant b-breathe
.
No I just cant breathe May I take a mont to breathe deeply?
Shes still speaking formally How stubborn can she be?
Yes.
Am I really going to indulge her in this?
And so, we spent a good while longer simply listening to the sounds of the campfire. Wed make progress, take a break, then collect ourselves before attempting to speak again it felt like we were diffusing a bomb.
I filled two wooden mugs with cold water, handed one to Yenika, and took a few sips from the other. Yenika took the mug in her tiny hands and drank the water in one go, letting out a sigh that seed to clear the atmosphere.
Feeling more settled now, I broached the subject again.
So, about living together
Just ntioning it seed to make the tension skyrocket once more. Yenika buried her head, her face flushing anew.
It seed she was rethinking her words. This back-and-forth was getting nowhere.
I had to plow through, bring the conversation to a conclusion quickly. Otherwise, wed be here all night without resolving anything. Yenika had a curfew back at Dex Hall, after all.
Luckily, I managed to keep my composure despite Yenikas bombshell. While montarily thrown off balance, this was still sothing I could manage rationally
after all, I had learned to keep a cool head in any situation over the past year.
And Yenika despite her unexpected outburst that had caused tension, was still a reasonable person. For her, I needed to respond with level-headedness.
Living under the sa roof might lead to unpredictable outcos, and nobody can foresee the consequences. I wish to always be considerate and respect you, but, to be frank, n are all similar in so respects. I appreciate your trust, and its a good thing. But dont ever forget that the only person who can truly protect you is yourself, Yenika.
Instead of dwelling on it, I brought the discussion to a swift conclusion.
Yenika, hugging her knees, seed to have listened to my words.
I silently applauded myself for maintaining my rational mind up to this point.
Now that itd co this far, Yenika wouldnt likely drop any further bombshells.
Yet, as proof of my complacency, she locked eyes with
and began to speak
It would be different with you, Ed.
Her words choked off my own voice again.
Ah.
She, too, took a while to process her own reflexive statent, visibly shivering as the color rushed back into her previously calm cheeks.
The literal expression lost for words fittingly described the mont.
I hesitated, unsure what to say, and managed only a stuttered attempt.
Ed-isdifferent
Whether she bit her tongue trying to say Ed is different or sothing else, Yenika inhaled sharply and covered her mouth with both hands, watching my reaction. Already troubled by the escalating mood, her fumble seed to embarrass her. As for , I rubbed my chin to keep my composure in check.
It was a combination of unfortunate events.
I could normally handle any situation smoothly, but ironically, all sorts of circumstantial layers converged to push my rational mind to its limits.
Imagine having just gone through an exhausting student council election campaign, and upon returning to camp, feeling a sense of relief and liberation thats the backdrop to this situation.
The end seed in sight after enduring extre situations, with the sheer effort to survive day by day lessening as basic infrastructure was established, leading to a lighter load and easier tis.
Then there was exchanging formalities with Yenika, making for a novelty tinged with a peculiar closeness, as if tiptoeing along a fine line between familiarity and strangeness.
The bright moonlit night, the gentle glow of the campfire, the soothing sounds of insects humming in the grass
all add to the sentintality of the atmosphere.
And then there was the girl, blushing without restraint at her outburst, as if challenging the world to push her further into an emotional corner. I finally closed my eyes, surrendering.
It felt almost calming to have reached this point.
Yenika.
Just whispering her na was enough to make her quiver It wasnt easy for
either.
Yet, there was a critical detail we couldnt simply gloss over.
Every man could beco a fawning yes-man in such a scenario that threatened to overpower ones rational mind, but there was one crucial aspect that must not be overlooked.
It was the circumstances that led Yenika to make such a statent.
Though I was initially flustered by the unexpected and explosive nature of her statent, I couldnt afford to miss the essence of the matter because of being swayed by the situation.
So I asked her directly, Are you having a tough ti?
Her face paled as if doused with cold water. I could sense her deflating in an instant.
Even if the Dex Hall was considered basic accommodation, it was hardly as harsh as living in the wild. By all accounts, it seed quite habitable.
But her sudden wish to live in the camp made the reason painfully clear. Yenika must have found herself under considerable stress.
After nearly a year of living in close quarters with her peers, the strains of expectation, goodwill, and admiration beca apparent. While these could drive so to surpass themselves, the sa could act as poison for others.
.
The silence returned with a subtly different texture.
Yenika hugged her knees, staring blankly at the campfire before letting out a bitter laugh.
Ed, you seem to know everything.
Her haha softened the mood. It was the sa cheerful smile she gave when greeting friends around the academy.
Despite its genuine nature, few could grasp the subtle weight that lurked within that deep psychology.
In essence, perhaps Yenika
Wanted to escape. She missed the days of living alone in a private room in Ophelius Hall. Sounds foolish, doesnt it?
Rather than respond emphatically, I simply shook my head sideways. After all, who would dare criticize soone for feeling that way?
To , this camp has been like a refuge. Thats why I wanted to flee here. Of course, it might have been an undue burden for you.
.
For you, this camp represents a years worth of hard work, right? Evidence of your fierce struggle to survive in the wild. And now, for
to impose on that its absurd
But that was sothing Yenika knew well.
The suffocating heat that could bring soone to their knees, the bone-chilling cold of winter.
All the various survival challenges interwoven with the developnt of this camp made it incredibly special to .
Now Yenika touched on that very idea, knowing firsthand
Its just that I wanted to escape, probably because of a longing for the solitude of my Ophelius days. Sounds really stupid, huh?
Instead of engaging in a conversation, I just shook my head. Theres no one in the world who would think of her foolish for that feeling.
This camp to
is like. a refuge, you know. So, I guess I wanted to escape here, if possible. Though, I know thats probably been a lot of pressure on you, Ed.
.
For you, this camp is like the fruit of a years struggle, isnt it? A testant to your gritty survival. So, its idiotic for
to suddenly step in
On the contrary, perhaps Yenika was entirely aware.
Of the scorching sumrs that could incapacitate with heatstroke or the bitter winters that made one shiver uncontrollably.
And of the camp that had been built through all manner of life-threatening challenges, representing sothing much personal to .
Even so, just as Yenika recognized that
I wanted to run away. I miss the tis I lived alone in my private room at Ophelius Hall. Feels pretty foolish, huh?
Instead of an assertive reply, I simply shook my head. Why would anyone be ridiculed for such sentint?
To , this camp was kind of a haven. I guess I wanted to flee here. Of course, it wouldve been quite burdenso for you, Ed.
.
You know, this camp is like the result of your hard work over the past year, right? Its a testant to the harsh life youve lived in the wild. Now, for
to just barge in its nonsensical
The girl understands better than anyone the nature of this placea realm of loss. She considers it shaless to infringe upon such a space with her own emotional issues Moreover, because of her steadfast character, theres a misunderstanding regarding the issue at hand. Specifically, her perception of the act of running away itself.
Running away wont solve anything. Instead of fleeing from problems, you need to face them and fight back. Right. Even I had my monts of weakness.
Yenika spoke, nodding to herself. Still, her deanor remained tentative.
Even so I wanted to ask Ed at least once. I knew it would be burdenso, but I dont understand why I did it.
Having said that, she sniffled and fell silent.
For a while, we simply shared ti, looking at the campfire.
With my elbows on my knees, I looked up at the starry sky.
The constellations shone brilliantly, but beneath them, darkness reigned on the ground I couldnt even clearly see what lay beyond the thicket. Life is often like this, and Yenika was no exception.
I tossed the remains of an apple into the campfire.
Its definitely burdenso, I murmured, speaking the truth plainly. I couldnt treat Yenika with deceit since she was so earnest.
Yenika, completely deflated by my words, propped her head on her knees and let out a wry laugh.
Overall, youre right Yenika, I said. Even hearing soone suddenly declare theyll live at camp leaves one dumbfounded, not knowing how to react.
Hehe, I guess so.
Her voice was soaked at the end, touching my heart, so I decided not to drag the conversation any further.
I dusted off my clothes, stood up, and sat down next to Yenika. Sitting side by side, I was struck by the girls petite fra.
Now youre not using formal speech.
Ah!
Surprised, Yenika hiccupped and promptly swallowed her breath. Perhaps finally breaking her obstinate resolve which I could not fathom the aning of.
It seems now I understand. The reason she insisted on keeping her distance with formalities was due to realizing the reality of the situation.
Whether it was hope or respect, as the burden on Yenika grew Given her sincere and solid nature, she likely felt compelled to confront issues head-on.
If that were the case, whether it was making the camp a place of refuge or my presence You cant help thinking its best to create so distance. She was enamored with the compulsion that running away isnt the answer.
She may still be too young and inexperienced to fully understand.
Reality is strangely different from a fairy-tale world, where more often than not, running away may be the right answer when faced with trials.
Ive seen far more people beco happy by seeking different paths in life rather than insisting on facing hardships and accumulating emotional scars.
But for Yenika, who has lived a life always receiving sincere respect and goodwill, running away and turning her back on that goodwill probably wasnt even an option. And thats problematic.
But heres the thing, Yenika. Strictly speaking, isnt my feeling of burden an entirely separate matter?
Huh?
Lets not be so arrogant. Its normal in life to impose burdens on others and to deal with what others impose on us. Who can live without ever relying on soone? We just live by leaning on each other.
And just to point out, I owe you a lot.
Whether it was help with spirit magic lessons or maintaining a recluses life, I have a great debt to Yenika. Thats why Ive set my next magical training goals on the staff
I had nothing else to offer as recompense.
It might seem normal, but for this girl, even that expected recompense is a debt on her conscience.
Being born with a kind heart and charm is a delightful thing, but sotis, it can beco a burden.
Im prepared to take on the burden since I owe you, even if its a bit heavy. Well, if it feels like the books arent balancing, next ti Ill just ask for sothing burdenso in return. Were not going to see each other for just a day or two, are we? Like ebb and flow, we just need to give and take. Were going to know each other for a long ti.
Then
Even so, living under one roof could be burdenso. Maybe we should build another cabin?
Yenikas pupils seed to dilate slightly at that.
Using formal speech and reestablishing our relationships, reverting to an awkward relationship to objectively view one another, all had their significance.
Experiencing a fresh and awkward relationship had its rits as well.
Yenika, too, no matter how stingy the relationship, would not hesitate to lend a hand if soone needed help.
If she saw soone lying on the road in pain, whether they were a beggar or a thief, shed help first before making distinctions. Its difficult to ask directly, especially if its unfamiliar, but shed muster the courage to offer assistance. Excuse . Do you need help?
However, life isnt always fair. Not every act of kindness is rewarded.
Even if one lives a life of generosity when youre in pain, theres no guarantee soone will be at your side.
How sad it must be to sit crying on the curb with no one to say a caring Excuse
and offer a word.
Eventually, soone who cant resist will reach out to that shoulder. Thats the difference between soone who lives giving and soone who doesnt.
After finishing speaking, I felt sowhat awkward and simply gazed up at the sky.
I expected Yenikas character to be bouncing with joy but her reaction was surprisingly calm.
With Yenikas arms around my shoulders, she hugged
earnestly, and soon, with a half-soaked voice, she spoke.
Thank you
Holding Yenika close, I stroked her hair gently with one hand and I gazed quietly at the sky.
The night sky of Achen Island was high and bright.
* * *
[Good morning, Master Ed! Im not sure if this has been sudden, but I, Mug, will explain slowly!]
The next morning, after sending Yenika back to Decks Hall and catching so sleep myself, the sight that greeted
was one of a camp full of spirits. At the center of them was the high-level fire spirit Takan, almost invisible to the average level of perception.
[Oh, youre up. Ed Lost Tailor.]
The mighty spirit, swaying its tail back and forth, commanding an army of spirits, was the very definition of a legion commander.
[Just in ti, I needed your opinion. I have no experience in building cabins. Id like to replicate the feel of your cabin, and while the spirits nifty hands can handle cutting and preparing the logs, construction itself seems to be a delicate task.]
Could you start by slowly explaining whats going on here?
[Look around, were building a hut.]
Following last night, Yenika clung to
for a while with her face flushed like a tomato before returning to the dormitory.
We planned to slowly discuss details such as her transfer to the camp, handing in her notice, and cabin construction over the next few days.
[Well discuss the specifics later. To be honest, Im quite tired. Theres been a party in the spirit world overnight Well, no need to get into details. Anyway, were celebrating and weve got work to do.]
Without any clearer explanation given
[Initial clearing of the ground has been done, but building it directly opposite the fire feels aesthetically better, the romantic feeling of stepping out in the morning and facing each other. Yet, side by side might not be bad either Close, but with just enough privacy to Hmm Or perhaps as close as possible]
Are you telling
this has all happened overnight?
[Sorry, Im dead without initiative.]
Was Takan holding a grudge because I had beheaded it in act one?
The sight of Takan chuckling made shivers run down my spine.
[The overall plan is set for about ten days, Lord Takan. As a site foreman Mug, I will establish the most efficient work plan!]
[Ten days?]
[Yes! Considering the spirits shift rotation and rest plan, thats the tifra. Reducing the work period will depend on the schedules progress.]
[Rest? Why rest?]
Takan frowned at the thought, lowering his voice as he spoke.
[I dont understand Why take a break?]
[Um?]
[Back in my day, you could carry a shaman around for three days straight, cross snow-capped mountains for almost a week, and still be fit for battle the next day. These days with more shamans and easier contracts, lower-tier spirits have lost their discipline. Theyre all about eating their fill and resting, barely thinking of work. How can they hope to transform, rise to mid-tier, let alone et a worthy higher shaman to contract with?]
Mug, evidently adept at reading the room, could not resist nodding despite the chill Takans words gave him.
[So, if I try to pull forward the schedule could we manage in a week?]
[What if we proceed without shift rotations Can we cut the schedule even further?]
[Um?]
[Do you realize how hard Yenika is trying to hang on every day? And with the transfer decided, she must be going to bed with a racing heart full of anticipation. Cant you imagine that feeling?]
As Mugs face blanched, Takan fluidly continued.
[Wrap it up in five days. For construction advice, this Ed Lost Tailor here is enough to ask.]
[Yes! Understood!]
And with that, the spirit with its enormous tail waltzed off.
[This this brutal schedule How do we manage this]
Looking over the camp, various spirits were sweating profusely, moving lumber around.
[If it cos to it Ill just have to do it Mug I will I must!!]
After all, I was at the root of all this.
Mug, slumped in defeat on a log stump after Takans departure, elicited a silent tribute from .
Really sorry about this Mug!!!
It wasnt intentional Really!!
Reviews
All reviews (0)