Lets go.
After collecting the paynt for the request, we began to prepare our return to Stockpin.
Village chief Nox nodded, and Kayla waved with a bitter expression.
Take care. Thank you.
...Farewell, Berg-nim.
Soon, I turned my back to them.
They werent the only ones I had to say goodbye to.
...Flint.
Go, Berg. Well et again.
The reunion with an old friend was brief. And now it was ti for us to return to our own lives.
We shared a light embrace.
...Be careful. And do not die, Berg.
Alright.
If you hear anything about Max, let know. I told you, Im at the Humming Trading Company.
Yeah. If you need any help, contact in Stockpin.
We patted each others back.
Perhaps because we were old friends...
Parting wasnt exactly easy.
But I had experienced such farewells many tis.
It was not just one or two people I had to send off while leading the rcenary group.
So, with a bit of ti, I could shake off the farewell with Flint.
Vice-captain.
At the sa ti, Baran called out to .
While checking on the rcenaries, he looked up.
Were ready.
I nodded to him and exchanged a final glance with Flint.
Then, I mounted my horse.
As I got on, the rest of the rcenaries also mounted their horses one after the other.
...Uh... Berg?
But soone called out to .
Looking down, I saw Ner next to my horse, lifting one foot with a grimace on her face.
I looked at her left foot wrapped in a bandage and asked.
...Cant you get on?
...No.
Flint, still nearby, offered,
Let help-
-Ah, no. Im fine.
But before he could even finish, Ner signaled her refusal.
She then looked back up at .
...
Perhaps she didnt like being touched by others.
So I dismounted.
I approached Ner and lightly grabbed her waist.
A firm yet soft touch was felt.
Ner didnt resist my touch.
It might have been expected.
- Thud.
However, the mont I tried to exert force, Ner lightly grabbed my wrist.
...
...Why?
When I asked about her intention, Ner looked away and blinked.
Then, as if embarrassed, she whispered,
...It seems hard for to ride a horse today. I feel like I cant even step on the stirrup...
...
As I remained silent, she added,
Thats why... it might be hard for to ride alone.
Her words had a clear intention.
Ah, since morning, my foot hurts more... You know, the next day is usually the worst, right...?
I nodded at her words.
I whistled softly, calling my horse over.
As my horse approached, I lifted Ner onto it.
This ti, she didnt complain.
I then mounted the sa horse as Ner.
I extended both of my legs to the left side of the horse and pulled Ner deeper into my embrace.
She didnt resist or pull away like before.
Is this okay?
...
She seed about to nod but then turned her gaze to Kayla, who was behind us.
...
And then she wrapped her tail around my waist.
...Doesnt an anything?
She added a small excuse.
I shrugged and looked around.
The mbers with ready expressions, Nox and Kayla watching us with an awkward look.
Flint was wearing a bitter smile.
And Arwins lips were tightly sealed.
It didnt seem like a big issue.
Lets go.
I commanded Baran.
Baran nodded.
And then, leading the way, he started driving the horses.
****
Arwin watched Berg and Ner who were ahead.
Ner, comfortably nestled in Bergs embrace, had her tail wrapped around his waist.
Even though there was no need for her to keep up the pretense after leaving the village, she didnt let go of her tail.
Berg appeared to have no thoughts about it.
...
If Arwin rembered correctly, for werewolf touching the tail was reserved only for beloved ones.
Sure, it made sense when Ner first played that act, but why did she keep her tail wrapped even now?
Could it be natural for her to wrap her tail around soone she doesnt even like just to maintain balance?
...
Berg and Ner kept whispering and conversing at such close proximity.
It was a conversation Arwin couldnt overhear.
What could be so amusing that they never ran out of things to say?
Ner continuously giggled, looking up at Berg.
The sparkle in her eyes was directed at him.
...
It made Arwin wonder if this was truly the behavior of soone waiting for their destined partner.
And every ti she thought this, for so reason, Arwins heart sank heavily.
Perhaps it was because she felt left out.
This situation where she felt so out of place.
In the past, she might have welcod such a situation... But was it because she got closer to Berg?
It wasnt exactly pleasant.
Arwin sped up her horse a bit, approaching them.
Then, while looking at Ners smiling face, she addressed Berg,
So, arent you going to-
-What are you two chatting about so animatedly?
Berg and Ners gazes shifted to her.
...Ah.
The laughter gradually faded from Ners face.
Quickly adjusting her expression, she looked back and forth between Berg and Arwin.
All the while, Berg tried to respond to Arwins question.
Ner was-
-Wait!
But Ner quickly covered Bergs mouth.
-Tap!
...
...
Berg chuckled at her action.
Ner, who had stopped Berg from speaking, looked at Arwin and said,
...Ah, its nothing really.
...Hmm.
Arwin just looked ahead with an impassive face.
Her mood didnt seem to improve.
****
After setting up camp, I helped Ner in dismounting from the horse.
The journey had flown by as we chatted rrily.
If things continued this way, perhaps we could develop deeper feelings for each other.
That one fact gave peace of mind.
Berg. So, next-
-Berg?
As Ner was about to speak again, Arwin called out to from the side.
Id been engrossed in my conversation with Ner and had neglected Arwin. Thus, I shifted my attention to her.
Upon eting my gaze, Arwin spoke.
...The thing you promised to teach .
Yeah.
Teach now.
Arwin leaned back, feigning nonchalance but clearly eager.
A look of curiosity surfaced on Ners face.
...What did you promise to teach?
Ner asked , so I told her,
I promised to teach her how to shoot a bow.
Oh... Really?
Want to watch?
At that question, Arwin and Ners eyes t.
The two glanced at each other, gauging one anothers reactions.
Soon, Ner replied with a lowered head.
...My foot hurts, so Ill stay here and rest.
Alright?
With Ners response, Arwin urged .
Then lets go quickly, Berg. Before it gets any darker.
.
.
.
Holding the bow that Flint had gifted, I headed towards an open plain.
I lightly plucked Arwins bowstring and drew it back.
The tension felt right, and it seed suitable for Arwin too.
Its a good bow, I remarked.
She looked at the bow and said, ...Its the second gift.
She muttered.
First, a ring, and now a bow.
Indeed, as she said, it was the second gift.
Im not sure if youll like it. Try using it today and see what you think.
I then handed the bow to Arwin.
Arwins soft hands took hold of it, feeling its texture.
I laid down the arrows I had brought and began looking for a suitable target.
In the anti, Arwin inquired, ...Berg, what were you and Ner talking about so intently?
It was a casual question.
I answered her just as lightly.
She asked to share so fun stories from my days as a rcenary. Thats what I was telling her.
...I see. But earlier, why did she cover your mouth?
Ah. That... Ner shared a secret with . I couldnt reveal it without her permission.
...A secret.
Ner had told about a ti in her childhood when shed put a fly into Gidons mouth while he was asleep.
It didnt seem like a story worth hiding, but I couldnt reveal a story that Ner wanted to keep secret from Arwin either.
It wasnt much.
So, I gave Arwin a vague response.
Soon, I spotted a tree at a fair distance.
Arwin, see that tree?
Yes.
Lets use that as our target.
...Isnt that too far?
Arrows fly farther than you think. That distance is manageable.
I stood behind Arwin.
Now, just get into a stance that feels comfortable.
At that, Arwin briefly looked up at , then awkwardly raised her bow.
She extended her left hand to lift the bow shaft.
With her right, she grasped and drew the string.
Simultaneously, I began adjusting her stance.
Move your right foot back. Good. Raise your left arm more. Line it up with your shoulder.
Its... heavy?
Youre not used to it, so it feels awkward. Its not that heavy. Now, pull the string.
Like... this?
Struggling, Arwin drew the string.
The bowstring was pulled back not even halfway.
Youre off target. If you pull it like that, itll be tough. Try drawing the string with the thought of touching it to your cheek.
Ugh...
Arwin struggled to catch on.
Her left hand trembled, causing the bow to shake.
Her right hand, drawing the bowstring, also moved erratically.
In the end, I held her left wrist steady from behind and overlaid my hand on hers, drawing the bowstring together.
The position made it seem as if I was embracing her.
My body naturally made contact with her back.
-Twang!
But at the sa ti, Arwin released the bowstring.
Arwin stood still, frozen in place.
I said to her, ...What will we do if you release it like this? I was just about to help.
...
She didnt respond.
Instead, she cautiously relaxed her throat.
After a brief mont of contemplation, I asked, ...Do you think you cant do it? Theres no need to force yourself if its not for you.
...
Is it because our bodies touched?
No, its not that. Its just...
...?
Its not that... If you help again... I think I might be able to...
Arwin mumbled, swallowing her words mid-sentence.
I smiled and told her, Then, try holding the bow again.
I held her wrist once more.
.
.
.
.
After what felt like an eternity, an arrow cleaved through the air.
-Thud!
The arrow that soared high struck deeply into the intended target.
Ah!
Arwin let out a short gasp.
Then, she heaved a long sigh.
Though she seed to try and maintain her composure, her ears flickered up and down.
She looked elated.
...I, I hit it, Berg.
She turned to as she spoke.
It was as if she was seeking praise.
You did well.
I said with a smile.
Arwin, who had been briefly looking up at , avoided my gaze with a smile.
It had been a while since I last assisted her.
With her posture stabilized, she managed to draw the bowstring better.
It seed she was gradually getting the hang of it.
Shall we wrap up for today? I suggested.
Upon hearing that, her mood noticeably dipped.
...Ah...
Disappointed?
...
Today isnt the only opportunity.
So, youll teach again?
I think you just need to practice on your own from now on.
...But I still dont really know the posture, you know?
...
After a monts thought, I responded, ...Alright, Ill look over it again next ti. Its no big deal.
Only after hearing that did Arwin nod.
She then followed alongside .
I took Arwins bow and slung it over my shoulder, heading towards the target to retrieve the arrows.
It was more fun than I expected, Arwin shared her thoughts during the walk.
I was relieved to hear she enjoyed it.
In truth, archery wasnt the only thing I could teach her.
She had ntioned wanting to travel the world after my death.
Perhaps it might be beneficial to teach her a few other skills as well.
I said, Im glad to hear that. If you want, I can also teach you how to use a sword for self-defense.
She teased with a playful grin, Didnt you promise to protect ?
As long as Im alive.
......................Ah.
At my reply, Arwins expression montarily stiffened, as if recalling a fact she had montarily forgotten.
I felt terribly awkward.
...
Instead of responding, I just scratched my arm.
I shouldnt have said that.
But the future wasnt sothing I could change, so I decided not to make excuses.
Arwin quickly hid her agitation.
Soon, we arrived at the tree where we had shot arrows.
Looking at the arrows scattered nearby, I comnted, You hit quite well.
Only one arrow had hit the tree directly, but the rest were close.
Blushing slightly, Arwin replied, Thats because you taught well.
...Thanks for saying that.
I began to pick up the arrows one by one.
Arwin did the sa, helping .
Ah, Berg?
Arwin called out to again.
Hmm?
I feel bad being the only one receiving help... If theres anything I can assist you with, please let know.
Assist with?
I might be able to teach you sothing too, you know?
I pondered for a mont before replying, No, theres not really...
Then, a thought flashed across my mind.
...Berg?
Arwin called my na when I suddenly froze.
Finishing my thought, I asked, ...Can you teach how to read and write?
The End of The Chapter
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