Chapter 78: Old Friend (4)

Chapter 78: Old Friend (4)

...Where is She*?

...

Having locked eyes with Berg, Arwin couldnt pretend not to have noticed.

Initially, she didnt even want to feign ignorance.

There was something odd nagging at her heart that wouldnt let the moment pass naturally.

It was a heavy atmosphere.

Berg tried to silence Flint upon her own arrival.

A topic that was brought up only after the two of them were left alone.

An entity that could be recognizable even without naming.

Whoever it was, it was probably someone who had been by Bergs side for a significant period.

......Who is that?

Arwin inquired, approaching Flint.

Startled, Flint swiftly turned to look behind him.

Berg momentarily avoided her gaze with a firm expression.

Ah, Lady Arwin. Did you leave something behind...?

...I came back because I have a question for Berg.

Berg responded to the query, What is it?

...

Arwin momentarily suppressed her curiosity and posed her question to Berg.

...I was wondering where your friend might be resting. I heard the inn was fully booked.

Flint waved his hand at that question, Ah, no need to worry about me. Ive already arranged to stay at an acquaintances house.

...

Arwin nodded in acknowledgment.

It seemed tonight, shed be sleeping with Berg.

Yet, even having achieved her purpose for coming here, Arwin couldnt bring herself to leave.

It could be described as intuition.

Something felt amiss.

...

Suddenly, she wondered why she was dwelling on this.

There was no need to pour so much attention into Berg.

Rather than indulging in such vexing thoughts, the right choice would have been to head back and rest.

However, she felt the sensation of the ring fitted on her pinky.

-Thud.

The next moment, Arwin was already sitting next to Berg again.

Who were you talking about?

She then inquired with a casual expression.

Only then did Berg open his mouth.

Besides Flint, I have another friend.

Flint chimed in upon hearing this.

His names Max. I was wondering if Berg knows about Maxs whereabouts.

...

Arwin looked at Flint, delivering those words.

It seemed that Flint was lying.

Subsequently, Arwins gaze shifted to Berg.

...She wanted to believe Berg.

...

So, she decided to move on from the unclear topic.

Instead, she settled in her seat, deciding to partake in the conversation.

I was thinking of staying a bit longer. Im curious about Berg-

-Tap.

But Bergs hand touched her back first.

Arwin.

...

...Go rest.

...

His words, in a way, felt somewhat coercive.

Unintentionally, Arwin felt a pang of disappointment at them.

Feeling such emotions was as bewildering as it was humiliating.

Why did those words telling her to go rest stir such emotions?

...

Without refuting, Arwin stood up from her seat.

Then, with a troubled heart, she began her walk back to her lodging.

****

...Seems like shes a bit upset and pissed off.

Once Arwin had left, Flint muttered.

I chuckled at his words.

Pissed off and upset, huh.

It had been a while since I had seen that.

Im sorry, Berg. Its probably because of what I said...

I shook my head.

...Theres nothing to be sorry about.

Even if Arwin did feel upset, it was something that could be smoothed over.

I wasnt exactly sure which part upset her.

The part where I hid Sien?

Or the part where I urged her to rest?

Maybe she didnt like receiving commands from a commoner.

But then again, she was the one who said shed rest first.

...Well, the reason could be figured out later.

At that, Flint let out a sigh.

He nodded and clinked his glass with mine.

Then, turning his head and glancing around, he asked once more.

...So what happened to her?

...

You couldnt live without each other...why did you both separate? And why are you a mercenary now?

It was a question I wouldnt have answered if asked by others.

However, Flint had observed the relationship between Sien and me for several years.

I could understand his curiosity.

Perhaps there were things I ought to answer.

...

Yet, when I tried to speak, the words eluded me.

Bringing back memories I had buried deep wasnt easy.

So instead of answering, I simply took another drink.

...Did she pass away?

Flint asked with concern.

At that, I shook my head.

No.

That was absolutely not the case.

Where have you hidden her? Living a double life, perhaps...

Would I do that?

I told you Id teach you things that could help you even after Im gone.

...

It seemed Arwin didnt recall, so I reminded her.

It was after that nightmare you had.

She had woken up terrified from a nightmare two days ago.

No matter how much I tried to comfort her, she resisted, fearing she might revert to her past if I disappeared.

To give her courage, I had promised to teach her some skills.

...I remember.

But contrary to what I believed, that she might have forgotten, Arwin quietly affirmed she remembered.

Encouraged by her positive response, I continued.

Ive heard that elves have a talent for archery. Oh, have you learned archery before?

Arwin shook her head.

...Ive never learned.

Upon her reply, I smiled.

Thats great. Then Ill teach you. Well make sure you can defend yourself.

I lightly plucked the bowstring.

The decent vibration let me know instantly it was a good bow.

It seemed Flint had gifted quite a decent bow, perhaps out of guilt.

Arwins tense expression gradually softened.

...Did you prepare this for me?

Yes.

...

She paused for a moment, then with a remorseful expression, she offered an apology.

...Im sorry.

For what?

...For getting upset and angry so suddenly. Even I think it was over something trivial.

I chuckled.

See? You were upset. If I hadnt brought the bow, Id have been in big trouble.

At that, Arwin gave a light smile.

Seeing her like that, I sincerely said,

...I was joking. You dont have to apologize for something so small.

...

Arwin nodded in agreement.

The atmosphere between us grew noticeably warmer.

I set the bow down and began to remove my outerwear.

I prepared to have a good nights sleep.

Simultaneously, my eyes landed on the World Tree leaf pendant that hung around my neck.

...Ah.

Perhaps feeling embarrassed about her earlier mood, Arwin sighed at my gesture.

Thats unfair...!

She softly exclaimed. But contrary to her ticking tone, the World Tree leaf seemed more vibrant than before.

You can do it too.

I smiled as I spoke.

Arwin blinked in response to my comment.

Following that, I lay down on the bed.

Whew.

I exhaled deeply in relaxation.

Arwin, who had been beside me, followed suit and lay down next to me.

Unlike when I first entered the room and had her back to me, now she lay looking at me.

Arwin.

As she gazed at me, I called her name.

Yes?

Theres something I didnt get to hear because Ner was injured.

I then recalled our recent wedding ceremony.

...What is it?

Arwin asked with curiosity.

...I made a vow, but you havent made any promises to me yet.

...Oh.

It was a half-joking remark.

I was teasing Arwin, knowing she might not yet love me.

Seeing her flustered expression was quite entertaining.

Maybe it was the effect of the alcohol.

Come on, make a promise to me too.

...Didnt I say I cant love a short-lived species?

Matching my playful tone, she retorted with a hint of a smile.

Then even a promise that lasts for 60 years is fine.

........

What started as a joke took a more serious turn as I made that request. Arwins expression became increasingly somber.

It was hard to decipher what was on her mind.

Our eyes met for an extended period.

Lying in the same room, on the same bed, and gazing into each others eyes created an unusual atmosphere.

Even without affection... it felt like something could blossom.

It seemed Arwin felt the same, for she averted her gaze.

Then, she spoke.

...From now on...

She opened her mouth but hesitated, closing her eyes and choosing her words carefully.

...Starting now...

She opened her mouth again, then hesitated once more.

After much contemplation, she finally spoke.

...Berg.

Hmm?

Can you give me some time?

Time?

It might be a slim chance... but if I ever develop any feelings for you.

...

...Then Ill tell you. If I make any promises now... it would feel like empty words.

I was taken aback by her response.

Contrary to my expectation that she would give a casual answer and move on, she had given a rather earnest reply.

At the same time, I could sense the seriousness with which she regarded our relationship.

To be honest, I couldnt have hoped for a better response than this.

Alright.

So, with a smile, I replied.

After all, I had promised to wait until she grew fond of me.

Ill wait then.

Arwin held her reddening ears with her hands and nodded.

The End of The Chapter

[TL: She: Here, is a gender-neutral term, and is used to refer to someone both the speaker and listener already know.

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