89 3.1 Back home - Part 1

Summer was about to end, and the fall was almost upon us. Even though the sun was only about to set, the cold wind blowing in the plains was giving me chills. By the time the city came on sight, most of the houses had already lit their magic lights.

No matter how many times I look at this city by far, it never ceases to amaze me. In this world where people rarely travel because of the fear of monsters, peaceful places with large human settlements exist. And unlike villages which lived in constant fear, this city stands tall, ready to defend against any attacks if one ever happens.

When we reached near the city, Flare came down and sat on my shoulders. Due to the recent events, I have been closer to Flare than ever. If she wasn't there, we may not have made it through.

Despite the pressure to rest from the girls, I insisted on driving the carriage. Unlike how I was a few months ago, at this point, sitting around doing nothing felt weird. Maybe it would take some time for me to change back to my lazy self.

The entrance wasn't crowded, probably because the harvesting season was yet to come. There were few merchant carts in front of us. The guards were checking them strictly but took only around ten minutes before our turn came.

Normally, during the harvesting seasons when many villages brought their crops to sell, the checks were less strict. But during this time of the year when comparatively fewer people used to visit the city, the checks were done strictly.

The toll that we needed to pay before entering the city was one copper coin. Usually one would need to show their identification, but the carriage we were in had the duke's symbol in it, so we were granted entrance without that.

Even though we needed no identification, Drake and Billy, who were in their horses behind us, needed to show them. And because of that, we waited for a while at the entrance after which we entered the city.

We were taking our carriage directly to the dormitory from where the duke's men would take it to the castle's stables. But unlike us, Drake and Billy needed to leave their horses at the nearby carriage parking area. It also had stables for travelers who travel on horses.

The cost was a bit expensive though. It would cost 2 copper coins per horse, while in comparison, parking the whole carriage would cost only around 4 copper coins.

"Nara, I guess this is where our journey ends," Billy said while getting off his horse.

Following Billy, Drake also got off his horse. We were in the parking area, which was a lot less crowded compared to usual. This allowed us to say our goodbyes properly.

I, including everyone inside, got off the carriage. As a dude, and as the one who had been closer to them than anyone else in the group, I stepped forward for the goodbyes.

"Yeah, what are you guys going to do from now on?" I asked since I was curious as to why they decided to come here instead of going back to the village.

"Well, for now, we are planning to learn how the trading works here. Not many people dare to transport goods and letters around these parts. So, I was hoping that we would be able to give those services... as a small business."

"And what about your girlfriend? She is still waiting for you, right?"

"You have a girlfriend?!" Princess Anna asked in surprise, but she wasn't the only one surprised. Almost everyone in our group had the same reaction.

'Did you really think they were just some wild men living in the forest?' was what I wanted to ask based on their reaction. But I was afraid I may hear some yeses, so I didn't go that route.

"Yes, I think I will go to her in a few days, and ask her to come and live with me here. She waited for me for all these years, I think she deserves a normal life. It may be hard at the start, but I am hoping we will have a stable life once we are settled."

Girls looked excited to hear more about this, and I guess it's normal since they could never get enough of a good real-life romance story. But the time wasn't exactly suitable for all that so before anyone could say anything and dig deeper into the conversation, I moved the conversation towards Drake.

"And what about you drake?"

"I guess I will stick around for a while."

Despite the awkward tone, I never expected to hear those words from Drake. But I guess he too has changed a little bit after the journey as we all did.

"That's nice. Well, I guess all I can say is good luck to the two of you" I replied. If they were going to live here in the city, we could meet them once in a while whenever we venture out.

"Thanks. I am guessing you guys will be staying in the Academy's dormitory at the Knight's district."

"Yeah… That reminds me, where are you guys planning to stay here?"

"I am not sure yet. But since it's not the harvesting season, finding one should be easy," Billy replied.

This made me wonder how everyone back at the Amigo inn was doing. Hopefully, Dale found a new job by now to support Emma and Elly well.

'It would be a good idea to give them a visit after our lives become a little more stable here.'

"If you haven't decided yet, I recommend going to the Amigo inn. It's close to the trading district and the people there offer good service. It's just on the left after you walk into the main street of the residential district. You will easily notice the board with the cat sign on it."

"Okay, we will try finding it. If it is closer to the trading district, that would make things easier."

It was getting dark with every passing moment, so it was time for us to say our byes and depart. I was getting impatient to meet Sistina, Nina, and Miss Lilith and get Ronald back to his feet.

"I think we will take our leave now. See you guys around," I said getting back on the driver's seat.

"Bye-bye. Hopefully, we will be able to meet with your girlfriend soon," Princess Anna said.

"Yeah, tell us when you bring her here."

"G-good luck!"

After everyone finished saying their byes in their own ways, they climbed back into the carriage. I then waved my hand and drove the carriage back into the main street and towards the dormitory.

It was completely dark by the time we reached the dormitory. But in the dim light that was coming from inside, I could see the small flower garden in front of the dormitory. The flowers looked different from last time. Sam probably changed them to suit the season.

I got off the carriage and following me everyone else got down. All of us then walked to the door but before I could knock, Sistina opened the door. And right when I was about to say, "we're back", I felt a tight hug.

: Back home - Part 2