As I turned towards the source of the voice, my eyes caught the appearance of a familiar person. A figure of a man waving from across the river next to the fence that bordered the big bridge. He immediately ran over the stone bridge.
I recognized him when the distance between us shortened. The man ran past several merchants with their cargoes who were probably about to sell merchandise to Elvian territory. For a moment, the man seemed to have grazed a cargo. Of course the owner was angry, the man immediately apologized.
What an impatient man! Running haphazardly like a child, even though he could do it more carefully. That's how Dimas, my only best friend.
Seeing him heading here with a happy face made me couldn't help to run towards him. Dimas immediately hugged me tightly. The anxiety and worry he felt rushed through his arms. As if he didn't want me out of his eyes again. After all that had happened, I clearly understood his feelings. Me, too. So happy to see him again after a while.
I also returned the hug.
"How do you know I return today?" I asked curiously.
"Since that day, I've always been waiting for you here. Hope you'll come back someday." The man's voice sounded heavy in my ears. His breath tickled the exposed nape of mine. "I didn't expect this day to come."
I slowly freed myself from his embrace.
"What happened to you after that? Did something bad happen to you? Why do you take so long to come back? You're all right, aren't you?" Dimas looked worried and gave me a chain of questions.
"It's a long story. I'll tell you when we get back to base," I replied casually. Trying to calm my overly anxious friend. "And for my state, you can see it with your own eyes! I'm fine."
"I see… good! The important thing is that you're safe and sound now." After that, Dimas glanced behind me, where Prince Keylan and several cavalries were located. "Then… who are these people? Does this Elvian have anything to do with you?"
"They are the people who helped me in Elvian city. The man whose hair was in a ponytail was The Third Prince of the West Elvian Kingdom, Keylan. While the woman over there is Airi, Prince Keylan's personal servant," I said while introducing the two people who had helped me.
Dimas looked dazed and could not say anything. His eyes looked at the two people and me alternately.
Seeing his face like that made me unable to tease him a little. "I know you won't believe me who has been to Elvian city. But it's up to you to believe it or not, which—"
"I was more surprised by Prince Elvian being here than that."
"You are Dimas, aren't you?" asked Prince Keylan. "Anggi ever told me about you. It seems that you being her best friend is the truth."
Dimas only replied with a small nod. He still stared in disbelief at Elvian, who was in front of him. Meanwhile, Prince Keylan looked at Dimas from head to toe carefully. My friend's shabby clothes and his worn sword did not escape the third prince's inspection.
Seeing it made me cringe. Because the gaze he made right now was so sharp and scary. Full of deep enmity. Different from the warm gaze and smile he always gave me.
"T-Then … it's the time for our farewell. Thank you for the kindness you have given me over the past two weeks, Prince Keylan!" I said, feeling a little awkward with this situation. I did not forget to bow my body in honor of him.
There was the sound of shoes stomping on the ground, making a clear sound amidst the sounds of insects in the bushes. I raised my head as the sound of his footsteps approached.
"No need to thank me. I only give what I should give to people in need." Prince Keylan patted my shoulder. "From now on, be careful in every action you make. Moreover, you will be going on your own adventure. Don't get into trouble that you should be able to avoid."
"Alright."
"And… I also want to give you something."
Prince Keylan reached into something from under his robes. The object he took was a black box that was about 30 centimeters long. The surface of the box was as shiny as if it were made of marble. The gold carvings give the impression of elegance and luxury. I didn't know what was in it, maybe something more amazing than the box, which made me stunned.
My guess was right! When the man's hand opened the box. My eyes were made to sparkle with the thing that was there. It was a fairly thick black viglet with ivory color ornament. I didn't know what this thing was made of, but it seemed like a pretty rare item. Because the texture looked smooth, not rough like regular viglet.
"Wait! Isn't it—" Airi stuttered. Her face was astonished, as were the Elvian cavalrymen.
"This is my strongest viglet. If you want to face big adventures, you also need great equipment."
"Are you sure, Prince!?"
"Of course," replied Prince Keylan gently to Airi. Then turned to me. "Take this!"
"It's valuable, right? Is it okay for me to accept such an amazing item?" I replied carefully.
"Yes, very valuable. That's why I wanted to give this thing to you. Think of it as a small parting gift from me."
At first, I hesitated. My mind seemed to have two thoughts, between rejecting it or taking it. Apart from the shelter and food provided the last few days, I felt bad for receiving any other kindness from him. At the same time, I also wanted a new viglet after the previous one was broken. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want a strong-looking viglet like this.
My eyes looked at the gold engraved black box and the Prince's face in turn. He only gave me a warm smile. Indeed, I still couldn't believe he would give such a precious thing. Worried that something might happen in the future.
But he was a good person. During the two weeks in Elvian region, he always showed me his kindness and sincerity.
That's why I took this black box even though there were still doubts left.
"Thank you very much!" Once again, I bowed deeply as a sign of respect and gratitude.
"I told you there's no need to be so formal that you need to lower your head."
Our eyes met each other. Staring deeply before the man finally smiled.
"Finally, we part here. Hopefully, you can find what you're looking for."
Prince Keylan waved his hand, turned around, and intended to return to his comrades. But I stopped him by holding his arm. The Elvian man looked slightly surprised to see me.
"Thank you for everything, Prince! I will never forget all this kindness," I said enthusiastically. "Also, I wish we could meet again someday."
I gave a faint smile. Those words were true. I want to see him again to repay all his kindness.
Prince Keylan didn't say anything else after that and immediately turned around. I watched his back slowly move away from me. After he and his cavalry returned to the forest, Dimas and I walked into the city.
"Seriously, how did you get acquainted with an Elvian prince?" asked Dimas as we crossed the bridge.
"Just wanna know or really really curious?" I teased with a playful smile.
"Hey… tell me quick!"
"Don't wanna!"
I laughed and ran away from him. Entering the city of Glafelden where I could regain my old life. The morning sun shone on the city and the people in it. Refreshing my mind that missed with this city atmosphere.
I figured I could live quietly for a while and postpone the search for Spirit Crystals until I was at least strong enough. However, I didn't know if my big adventure would have to start in the next few hours.