Chapter 441 An Important Gift

-----

"Whenever I see you, whenever you act, and whenever you talk… You always seem to be in high alert, even with your own friends. Despite having grown used to you, it always felt to me that you were… afraid of letting people know how you truly are, your emotions, and no matter how much I tried to soften you up, you always seemed unmovable, like a mountain. Although such assets make for a formidable person, it doesn't fit right to me that you're neglecting your own emotions and your own happiness in exchange for fearing to show who you truly are to others. Blake, at least to your beloved ones, and to your friends, be more open. Learn to trust people, an learn to… have hope. I am entrusting you my dear Elizabeth, I know that she likes you a lot, I hope you can take good care of her. I am trusting you, so please, trust others as well."

Seth finished talking, as I found myself being surrounded by everybody's else stares.

I suppose… he was right in this flaw I have.

But in the perspective, such a flaw can also be a boon.

Though, I can't believe it took me Ellergest to tell me for me to notice that I was indeed being too… secretive.

I was protecting my own heart too much.

And I've been holding my emotions too much as well.

I am blaming it to my human body all the time, but I guess I do have emotions, and I guess I do have… things I think but I never say to anybody.

I always try to convince myself that I am doing acts of kindness for my own gain, but at the end of the day, my drive is always… to help others out of kindness.

But this kindness… I've always felt like it was not necessary, so I try to convince myself I do it for a good reason that'll only benefit me more than the one I help.

"Maybe he was right…" I sighed. "I'll think about what he said."

I really couldn't say anything else. I was on my own with my own mind, I ended distancing myself from others once more because I am afraid of making bonds, of trusting others and then being betrayed.

It is hard… but I believe I am slowly getting better.

I just need more time, and to live more experiences.

"It's fine, Blake, don't force yourself." Seth said.

"You're good as you are buddy." Chris said, patting my shoulder.

"We know how you are." Eric said. "But I am glad you're as you are, Blake! I always feel related talking with you about stuff everybody else finds boring because I know you'll be interested."

"I think Ellergest said a few things right but there's no way Blake is all of that!" Erika said angrily, hugging me from behind. "Blake is someone very nice, always there to help others, he's just a bit shy about it, that's all~!"

I see, so that's how they see me.

I guess… I am slightly happy to have them with me.

Not just because of their utility and practicality as fighters.

But… just because I have their company.

As friends.

"I haven't known him for too long but yeah, Blake can be stiff and rough sometimes, but every time he does something, there's a meaning behind, and it is always something good." Erdrich added.

"Papa was a bit harsh there…" Elizabeth said. "And he said something very embarrassing!"

At the end the mood was lightened a lot due to that last paragraph. Everyone ended chuckling a bit at what Ellergest said about me, although I ended taking it overly seriously… I suppose I should take it easy and be more lax about these types of things.

I tried to smile, and a smile appeared. It wasn't a smile against a thrilling challenge, or a fight to the death, nor a smile over trampling over my foes, but it was a smile… of simple and mere happiness over their laughter.

"Hahaha, I guess you're right, I am a bit stiff."

"Eh?"

"Huh?!"

"B-Blake… he laughed."

Eric, Chris, and Erika looked at me in shock.

"Sigh… I knew I shouldn't had done it." I sighed.

"Wait no! It was nice!"

"Yeah, this is the first time I see you laugh."

"I never thought your laughter would be so goofy."

"Uggh… Anyways! Let's just go look for that jewel." I said, quickly walking to Ellergest room without even knowing which one was.

…

At the end, we found his room and then Seth took out a small box with a green jewel inside. It seemed to hold no power whatsoever, but a quick inspection using my Grimoire said otherwise, and as I inspected it, I realized it held some sort of special, magical, and spiritual aura within.

-----

[Broken Dryad's Spirit Orb (Mythic Grade)]

Dryads are Spirits of the Forest, special entities that inhabit large forests, protecting nature with their magic and power. They are said to be trees themselves, who take upon Spirit Form when they grow old enough to develop a Spirit Orb. Once they fall in love with someone, they are able to forbid their Spirit Orbs to the one they love, to accompany them anywhere they go.

This Spirit Orb, however, is broken, losing its Spiritual Soul in the process. However, it still holds a remnant within, which might be used for high level alchemy, if the right materials are used, incredible things could happen.

-----

"This is the green jewel?" Wondered Erika.

"I don't really get what it is…" Said Chris.

"Me neither." Seth said. "It looks, slightly valuable."

"Yeah… I feel like it is something important." Said Jack.

"I have an Appraisal Skill." I said. "And that's a Dryad Spirit Orb, a broken one though."

"Dryad?!"

Everyone reacted in surprise.

"Did Lord Ellergest… had some sort of relationship with a Dryad in the past?" Wondered Erdrich.

"I don't really know but this is Erika's gift, so she should keep it." Said Seth, giving the box to Erika.

-----