Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Excuse me, 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 become adept at reacting skillfully to anything without panic but then

.

Yenikas blunt remark momentarily made my brain feel like it had switched off and then back on again. Firstly, I needed to find a pretext to buy some time 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 me enough time to come 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 seemed well aware of the implications of her own words. There was no mistake or misunderstanding on my part.

The emergency treatment for my finger was complete, and it was time 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 me, most likely others think the same; you are indeed kind, diligent, and a fine person.

My words, though merely 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 moment, 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 someone like you

St, stop

Her unexpected call to stop halted me mid-sentence.

All my efforts to maintain a neutral expression and a calm tone felt futile. Was it all meaningless?

Yenika, her head against her knees, was already blushing like a beetroot. It was as if she had been subjected to some 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 moment 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 seemed to clear the atmosphere.

Feeling more settled now, I broached the subject again.

So, about living together

Just mentioning it seemed to make the tension skyrocket once more. Yenika buried her head, her face flushing anew.

It seemed 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 momentarily thrown off balance, this was still something 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 same roof might lead to unpredictable outcomes, and nobody can foresee the consequences. I wish to always be considerate and respect you, but, to be frank, men are all similar in some 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, seemed to have listened to my words.

I silently applauded myself for maintaining my rational mind up to this point.

Now that itd come this far, Yenika wouldnt likely drop any further bombshells.

Yet, as proof of my complacency, she locked eyes with me 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 statement, visibly shivering as the color rushed back into her previously calm cheeks.

The literal expression lost for words fittingly described the moment.

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 something else, Yenika inhaled sharply and covered her mouth with both hands, watching my reaction. Already troubled by the escalating mood, her fumble seemed to embarrass her. As for me, 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 seemed in sight after enduring extreme situations, with the sheer effort to survive day by day lessening as basic infrastructure was established, leading to a lighter load and easier times.

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 sentimentality 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 name was enough to make her quiver It wasnt easy for me either.

Yet, there was a critical detail we couldnt simply gloss over.

Every man could become 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 statement.

Though I was initially flustered by the unexpected and explosive nature of her statement, 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 time?

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 sometimes, it can become 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 time Ill just ask for something burdensome 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 time.

Then

Even so, living under one roof could be burdensome. Maybe we should build another cabin?

Yenikas pupils seemed 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 merits as well.

Yenika, too, no matter how stingy the relationship, would not hesitate to lend a hand if someone needed help.

If she saw someone 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 me. 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 someone will be at your side.

How sad it must be to sit crying on the curb with no one to say a caring Excuse me and offer a word.

Eventually, someone who cant resist will reach out to that shoulder. Thats the difference between someone who lives giving and someone who doesnt.

After finishing speaking, I felt somewhat 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 me 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 some sleep myself, the sight that greeted me 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 time, 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 me 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 me 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 timeframe. 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 meet 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 comes 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 me.

Really sorry about this Mug!!!

It wasnt intentional Really!!