Chapter 162 - War (6)

While Edward was playing dumb, he should have had an idea about why Billy was thinking along those lines. For the good or the worse, Kate has good eyes when it comes to people, so she should have realized by now that he was helping Alexander with Lily in that regard. Billy thought that girls would like to meddle in that kind of stuff. Still, while Lily was oblivious about it, she would notice if her friends began to act suspiciously.

"Putting that aside, I also heard about Alexander. While your actions in the dungeon town should have been enough, someone of you choosing to accept Jean's offer was probably for the best," Edward said.

"Alexander had his own goals in mind when he accepted that," Billy said.

"I see… Regardless, what are you going to do until your party is back?" Edward asked.

"I wouldn't assume that would happen… life is a box full of surprises," Billy said. "Anyway, I am going to just do this and that. Nothing too drastic. So, you don't have to worry about it, Kate won't be put in danger for quite a while. Enjoy your time together."

Edward nodded. In the end, Billy valued his freedom to say any more than that. That was what he was thinking, at least. As for Billy, he only knew that he wanted to keep training and try to learn some blacksmithing and alchemy. They would need that kind of skills if they try to attempt to clear other dungeons. Even if their party is disbanded, Billy still uses those skills. Besides, his power alongside blacksmithing and alchemy was bound to produce some results.

"Did you already send the claws to John?" Billy asked.

"Yes… I fail to imagine a beast that fights with six of those," Edward frowned after replying. "I feel my heart beating faster at the thought that my daughter got so close to such a beast."

"Not so close, only fifty meters," Billy said. "Anyway, I am going to pay a visit to John once I talk with everyone about what they want."

While that would take some time, Billy had some free time in his hands. He already did his morning training, after all. Taking it easy for a week wouldn't make him weak. In any case, the claws were good, but they weren't that much better than the black steel they already have. Besides, they couldn't forge anything decent without some gems of the beetles' dungeon. Billy wondered if he should go shopping for those, he could always extract the gems from items.

After that, Billy talked with Kate, who was slacking off because the only thing that she disliked about adventuring was the fact that they had to wake up early. As for what she wanted, she said that she wanted some boots that were easy to move and that could increase her speed. It seemed like a waste to turn those fine weapons into defensive gear, but at least they would grant quite the defensive power.

Natalie wanted some gloves. Lily also wanted boots… it was weird seeing them suddenly requesting for that. The most troublesome one to make an item for would be Sarah. The enemies rarely got close to her, after all.

"Come to think of it… she just joined us, and now we are taking a break," Billy thought. "I wonder if she misunderstood this."

"No, I am fine," Sarah said after Billy found her and mentioned the issue. "That was pretty intense and took us quite a while away from home. I want to pass down the things that I learned to the others of my tribe and show them how much they can improve if they put their minds into it. Of course, I will keep silent about Fierce Aura."

"That is probably for the best," Billy nodded.

While Billy already passed that knowledge to his family, it was his skill, so he could do that much. Besides, he trusted them. Regardless, after seeing the danger of a dungeon, Sarah asked for a shield. There wasn't much point in having one and having low physical strength, but apparently, she had been training with Kate. So, he was getting stronger as well.

"I suppose I will add some defensive magic properties to her shield… it is unlikely that she will get hit by physical attacks considering her offensive abilities," Billy thought.

After that, Billy went to talk with Alexander, and then he found him in the plaza in their district. She looked as pale as a ghost, and he had bags under his eyes. Billy quickly understood the situation.

"Having second thoughts?" Billy asked.

"You are really smart, Billy… I wonder if I would feel less scared now if I were a bit more like you."

"Nah, I am average. You guys are just too simple," Billy said.

"In the last few days, I was thinking… what if Lily finds someone else while I am away?" Alexander asked.

"Well, the possibility is quite low… she isn't exactly man hunting right now," Billy said. "If you ask me, putting you guys away for a while might be beneficial to you. She might end up missing you, and things will be easier next. Still, even if that fails, life goes on. She was just the first."

"Well, yeah, but… I never thought of marrying anyone else," Alexander said.

"It would be weird if you had thought of marrying many people," Billy said. "I will help you a little bit. While you are away, I will sell your good points and tell Lily that after me, you are probably the second-best guy around."

"You could at least say that I am the best…" Alexander frowned.

"Are you telling me to lie to a friend? How dare you…" Billy furrowed his eyebrows.

"How can you joke when I am like this…" Alexander said and then sighed.

"You are so pathetic… I will help you overcome that and tell you how you can make Lily fall for you.