Chapter 17 | The Rip |
Adams POV:
My entire village was sent into a panic. Nobody knew what to do in this kind of situation, not even my parents. Everyone in the village was rushing to the hall, leaving the outside of the hall extremely packed. They were bashing on the door, demanding to know what was going on and what would happen from here on out.
"CALMMMM DOWWNNN EVERYBODY!!!"
The doors burst open, forcing numerous people backwards and out of the way of the doorstep. Everyone unconsciously took a step back, seeing who had come through the door. I couldn't really tell who it was because everybody was blocking me and I was still way too small to see over the people, but I caught a glimpse of him by making my way around to the side of the hall. It was the chief's son. From what I've heard from Papa, who used to be an adventurer himself, his guild rank should be around VI, which is supposed to be really powerful.
"I-It's the chief's son, Ezikiel!"
"Everyone listen!"
And with that, no more noise was made. Complete silence gripped the villagers, but with this silence came a powerful tension. The people were feeling really anxious since the chief hadn't said anything to anyone yet. I noticed that Ezikiel had turned around and could just make out that he nodded to someone in the dark hall. He opened his mouth again, probably to give a speech or rundown on what was going on, but I saw something else.
I don't think anybody else noticed, but someone wearing a brown cloak had just swung open the back door and taken off towards the horses' stables. They were clutching a satchel in their hands and were probably using a speed enhancement magic to go faster. I tried tailing them, but to no avail. I managed to reach the horses stables, but only after they had already ridden off into the distance. Yet, there's this weird feeling in the back of my head; they took off, down the path the merchants take to go to and from the capital - so they couldn't possibly be going to the capital now... could they?
"Hey, Adam! Your Mama wants to speak to you! I think you're getting grounded again, ha ha!"
My friend Jeremiah was flailing his arms around with a stupid grin on his face, shouting at me from the top of the hill.
"Arghh!! Wat have I done now?!".
"I don't know, but she sounded angry. Better get going!
I took in a deep breath and let out a heavy sigh, and reluctantly began my walk of shame back home.
Tomoe's POV:
Time-skip - 6 years later:
"Stay on your toes! Don't stop moving! Don't just fire spells randomly! Look at your opponent's body and watch out for weak points you can take advantage of! And if you'd have sized them up during the match you should know what their weaknesses are!"
Training with Papa is always a lot of fun. I've learnt so much over the past 6 years: spear arts and knife arts, and how to handle heavy weaponry and siege equipment. I've also even had the chance to learn really advanced magic and how to create magic runes and circles, but the best skill of all, I've managed to pick up from Mama and the maids. Yes, I learned how to cook. Well, I already did know, I just thought it'd be cool being able to cook in this world as well, so I learnt completely new cooking methods and recipes.
"Master, Lady Tomoe, lunch is ready. Lady Satsuki would like you to come join her for the meal."
Jessica had matured more over these past couple of years and had grown even more beautiful. She even sparred with me a couple of times and is surprisingly strong.
"We'll be right ther- Eep!"
"Never let your guard down in a battle, Papa... Hehe!"
Because Papa had decided to loosen his attention on the battle and turn his attention to Jess, I got the chance to sneak the tip of my spear right up to Papa's neck, basically ensuring me a kill on him in a real battle.
"Why you... get back here!"
Heh, better get dried up quickly before Mama starts eating, otherwise I'm gonna miss out on a damn good meal. I hope it's dragon steak and gravy with potatoes covered in cheese and cream...
"Your towel, Lady Tomoe."
"Thanks Jess."
"For the last time, Lady Tomoe. Please just call me Jessica."
"He he, no can do Jess. See ya later."
Skipping through the hallway felt a bit different today, maybe it was because I'd found out I'm going to be getting a younger sibling?
Yeah, you heard that right. I'm getting a younger sibling and this time I will be sure to protect them at all costs, even if it does cost me my life again. Or maybe it's the fact that I'll soon be able to travel outside with Jessica and Carol.
Yep, that's also right. I've gained permission from Mama and Papa to be able to go out with Jessica and Carol into the outside world, as long as I behaved myself well, of course.
"Hello Tomoe."
"Hi Mama, what's for lunch?"
"Dragon steak with gravy, and potatoes covered in cheese and cream."
"You've read my mind again, haven't you, Mama?"
I smiled and went to join Mama at the table and as usual, Mama was waiting there with a gentle smile on her face, her ears pointing up and her tails resting on the ground. Mama always kept her tails well-groomed, they never got that dirty and always tend to be ready to rest on when called for. They're like a portable blanket and pillow all in one.
As for my tail... it's just bushy and soft. I don't even have nine of them like Mama, so she must have been disappointed. But it surprised me even more that I even had a tail, I mean, I even have fox ears for God's sake, although that's a given considering my heritage, so I guess I should have expected it.
"How was your training with Papa?" Mama asked.
"It was fine, it went as smooth as it usually does. Us doing stretches and drills and then sparring, with me ultimately being the winner."
"Ah ha, soon enough you'll surpass me in magic as well my dear." Mama said, with a look of hope.
"Phew, I guess that means my job is done if Tomoe can beat me in all forms of combat."
"Oh, dear. Shall we eat now then? Carol, could you please bring the food in?"
Mama gestured to Carol who was standing near the entrance to the kitchen.
"Yes Ma'am."
All the food brought out on silver platters made my mouth water, the dragon's steak perfectly medium rare, exactly the way I like it. The gravy was mixed in with the juices of the dragons steak and smelt exquisite, and last but not least the potatoes. The cheese had perfectly melted and crisped a the top and was a nice golden colour. I could already tell that it would be delicious.
"""Let's eat!!"""
All of us dug into our food. Even the maids got to eat some. It was a happy moment that we could all share together, possibly one of the last in our lives. None of us knew that what was going to come next would almost tear us apart