72 Fort Erobern, Part X

Steven: "Right, I actually found something and thought you might like it."

I had the pistol bouncing around in my pocket and since the timing isn't going to get better, I may as well hand it to Madelyn now.

Madelyn: "Oh, a musket pistol?"

If Madelyn is such a gamer, she might like the musket pistol I lifted off Mayer. It's not exactly the best gift in terms of origin, but it's perfect if I try to think like her. It's historical value and the themes of medieval fantasy magic mean the musket is perfect for a rogue like her.

Madelyn: "Ooh~ it's a flintlock."

Steven: "You know about guns? You can have it if you'd like it."

Madelyn: "I just happen to play video games. Where did you get it?"

Steven: "Looted it from the fort."

Madelyn: "Is there like... replication magic so it has infinite ammo?"

Woah, she's already trying to customize it?

Steven: "I... well, don't know. It's possible the mages at Twilight might know how to do it."

Madelyn: "We should name it... uhh~ let me—oh! It'll be called the "1776 Flintlock Scavenger variant."

Steven: "Can you even remember a name like that? What does scavenger even have to do with it?"

Madelyn: "Yeah, you looted it like a scavenger looking for gold. You know, let me keep a theme here. I'll start wearing a bandana once it's enchanted with replication magic."

I may have to stop her...

She showed restraint and handed it back. Does she not want it?

Madelyn: "Here, you can have it back."

Steven: "You don't want it?"

Madelyn: "Not right now… I don't have a holster so please don't let me lose it."

She couldn't avert her gaze. It drew her in but resisted its call. I eventually put it away in my bag for safekeeping.

Steven: "Did you find anything out about Joan?"

I sat next to her and faced away from Joan as she was with Lilith.

Madelyn: "Joan… why are you being secretive and whispering?"

Steven: "You're the closest I'll get to a psychologist right now and I don't want to ask her. It might make her sad."

Madelyn: "Selective mutism or Aphasia."

She crosses her legs and clasps her hands.

Madelyn: "I thought it was passive-aggressiveness but Lilith found out she was 9. I'm sure it's one of the 2."

She sighs and looks back at Joan.

Madelyn: "Don't take it as fact, it's just my observation."

Steven: "If it's mutism, you think she'll be able to talk one day?"

Madelyn: "I honestly don't... know... huh..."

Joan gets away from Lilith and crawls towards us. She leaned against my back, catching me completely off guard. It scared me a little and I put my arms out as a barrier to keep her from falling.

Steven: "Easy, I don't want you to fall off the bed."

Lilith: "Joan says she's tired."

Steven: "She said that?"

Steven: "Well, alright then. It's an hour early from the usual time but we can all get ready for bed."

Madelyn: "Is she getting a bed to herself or sharing?"

Lilith: "She wants to share with... Rayna and Steven."

With Rayna...

Great, I have to walk again...

If it's the last time for the rest of the day then I'll live with it. The dorm isn't that far to begin with.

Madelyn: "She wants to sleep with the heroes of today."

Steven: "I don't want to leave you 2 alone."

Lilith: "We'll be fine."

Madelyn: "Yeah… I don't have to hear you snoring."

Steven: "I don't snore..."

Lilith: "You do... it's just not as disruptive as she's making it out to be."

Madelyn: "Don't kill it, Lilith!"

I grabbed my bag of clothes and took everything I'd need; mostly clothes. As I prepared my bag, Madelyn was tossing around ideas in her head.

Madelyn: "You think we can sell our technology and be rich?"

Steven: "Don't… I love this world the way it is."

Madelyn: "How's that?"

Steven: "Simple… it's simply beautiful. Adventuring with everyone these past few months taught me multiple lifetimes and I wouldn't mind if this trend kept going for a little longer."

The room fell quiet.

I couldn't possibly have made it awkward!

When I turned to see what was going on, Madelyn and Lilith were sitting close together on the bed staring me down.

Madelyn: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Lilith?"

Lilith: "Wights are calm but get sentimental easily?"

Madelyn: "Scary~ can't imagine dying and waking up with the mindset of a reminiscent monk."

Steven: "Hey!"

These girls!

I'll get them good one day.

I throw my bag over my back and grab Joan by the hand. I was ready to head over to Rayna's dorm for the night and said my goodbyes.

Steven: "You ready, Joan? We're going to Rayna's dorm... see you all tomorrow. Goodnight."

Lilith: "Goodnight—"

Madelyn: "Goodnight—"