CH 21

“Good morning. It’s almost time to go, but is everything ready?”

“Good morning. Unlike you Sora, we have plenty of experience doing this, so we won’t be caught unprepared.”

“But Rurika, you were up late last night checking everything again and…”

“He doesn’t need to know that.”

Both laugh, but it feels a bit forced.

We eat breakfast like usual, and go back to our rooms. They gather their things and talk to the innkeeper, thanking him for everything and stuff like that.

I leave with them, and head to where they’re supposed to meet with the others.

We walk silently. No one opens their mouth, and the atmosphere is kind of heavy. Even Rurika, who is usually very talkative, doesn’t say anything.

We see some people when we get there. One of the C ranked parties that did the escorting quest with us is here too. One person notices us, raises his hand, and we do the same.

“Rurika and Chris. This is kind of embarrassing, but thank you for everything. I feel like if I was alone, I’d still be doing delivery quests in the capital. I came this far, saw all sorts of things, and experienced all this thanks to the two of you.”

“W-what’s that all of a sudden? We managed to go back to when we were just beginners and remember all sorts of things we had forgotten, so it was a win-win.”

“Yes, it was fun. Perhaps inappropriate, but fun.”

I think the inappropriate part comes from the fact that they feel like teaching me things was a detour that took time away from seriously looking for Sera and Eris, which is what they should be doing.

They’d probably disagree even if I said that’s not true.

“This isn’t really a thank you, but I’d be happy if you accepted it.”

I take out a bracelet and a pendant, and give the bracelet to Rurika, and the pendant to Chris.

“They don’t have the effect of the spirit amulet, but I’d still like you to keep them. You don’t have to equip them if they’re a bother.”

Now that I think about it, this is my first time giving a present to a girl. I guess I do have some ulterior motives, and in a way, it’s all shiny metal. Ah, are they going to say no because they’re too heavy?

“T-thank you.”

Chris goes against my concerns, and bashfully accepts it. She puts it on right away.

“But why? Are these magic stones? Aren’t they expensive?”

Rurika on the other hand is worried about the cost.

“Don’t worry about it. I made some money picking medicinal herbs. I hope you take good care of it.”

I’m speaking very quickly, and my heart is pounding fast. My hands are sweaty too. Am I more nervous than I think? I think this contradicts what I said in the beginning, but I’m really not calm.

“Yes, thank you. But are you sure you want to give one to me too? You could’ve scored some points if you gave only Chris a present.”

Says Rurika, seemingly to hide her embarrassment, but without breaking her teasing attitude.

I say ‘it’s all right’ again.

“Are you going to stay in this country for the time being, Sora?”

“There are still many towns I haven’t visited. For now, I’m planning on going back to the capital, maybe through a different route because that tigerwolf was scary. If that’s the case, I might as well stop by another town.”

“I get it I get it. Just don’t over-do it.”

“Yes.”

“We will do our best to be able to introduce you to our friends next time we meet.”

“Yes, I’ll look forward to that. And I’m going to continue working as an adventurer, safely and comfortably.”

“Yes yes. Don’t over-do it. And don’t work too hard, and don’t forget to rest.”

It feels like we could talk forever. We never run out of things to say.

But eventually, the time comes to say goodbye. People board horsebuses one after the other, and when I look around, I see others saying goodbye, and some people getting a pep talk.

“Well then, I hope to see you soon.”

“Yes, me too.”

Both board their horsebus, turn around, and wave.

I wave back.

It silently starts moving. They told me they’d reach the Beast Kingdom of Lath in twenty days.

When will we meet again? I need to take care of all sorts of things, to make sure it’s as soon as possible.

I watch the caravan until it’s out of my sight, and walk back to the guild.