The sound of birds chirping indicates a new day has arrived.
Iris wakes up while rubbing her eyes. Last night she was finally able to sleep too even though it's late. Joshua seems to have woken up earlier. Iris walked out of the room and didn't see Joshua anywhere.
"Joshua…?"
Iris walked to the kitchen to get some water. When she stretched her body, Iris accidentally saw Joshua in the lake through the window.
It looked like he was taking a bath. This time Iris could clearly see Seraphine Aile on Joshua's back. In addition, a large scar.
When Joshua turned around to get out of the lake, Iris hurriedly busied herself.
Not long after Joshua came in carrying a few pieces of fresh meat.
"Oh…. you're awake. I thought you were still sleeping."
Iris shook her head slowly.
"You will cook that?"
"Oh this? Yes. This morning I hunted wild boar to eat. I skinned it straight away and after that I took a bath because my body stinks."
"Is it delicious?", Iris looked doubtful.
Joshua smiled at Iris.
"You will know after I finish cooking it."
Then Joshua was soon busy in the kitchen. Iris decided to continue reading the book at the dining table while waiting for Joshua to finish cooking.
I have been in my laboratory for a week. Without anyone knowing. When my wife died, I secretly kept her body. And preserve in tubes. With magic I tried to replace the damaged body parts. But still not perfect.
The body parts I healed will slowly decay back to their original state. Even her previously undamaged body also began to decay. I am frustrated. Magic to stop time is useless as well.
Just in case I tried to create a new body. I took a handful of my wife's hair, a clay figure, a mandragora and a fresh heart. And put it in a tube. I chanted the alchemist magic incantation that I learned long ago. Alchemist magic that I never thought I would use now.
Gradually all the ingredients come together and glow brightly. I closed my eyes because of the glare. When I opened my eyes again, the heart inside the tube started to beat and slowly began to form the human body tissue.
I sighed with relief because according to the book I read it should be like this. To form a new body takes quite a long time and I have to keep an eye on it while chanting healing magic to keep the process going.
I guess that's enough what I did today….
I feel tired and hungry because I haven't slept or eaten in days. Before leaving I looked at those in the tubes. Both of them.
My hope and my love….
Iris suddenly closed the book she was reading loudly. Joshua looked at Iris' face which looked pale.
"What's wrong with your face? Like seeing a ghost."
"I just read the scary part..."
"Like a ghost story?"
"So-something like that…"
Joshua just shook his head with a smile.
"Let's eat first."
Then he put the dishes he made on the table. An appetizing fragrant aroma immediately fills the dining table.
"It looks delicious. Unlike before."
Joshua looked pleased when Iris complimented his cooking.
They also enjoyed breakfast that morning while chatting. Iris told Joshua what she had just read.
As usual, Joshua listened quietly without commenting much.
After finishing eating, they together cleared the dining table.
"Iris, I will be leaving for a bit."
"Where are you going?"
"I want to sell the wild boar I caught. I caught more this morning on purpose. Maybe I'll go into market in Lindheim."
"You won't be long, will you?"
"Are you still afraid because of reading earlier?"
Iris shook her head despite the fact that she was still scared.
"No-Not really. I'll just sit back and wait for you to come home."
Joshua stroked Iris head while smiling.
"Ha ha. Alright. Be a sweet little sister and wait for me to come home."
When Iris heard what Joshua said just now. She suddenly felt irritated.
"I-I'm not your sister, Joshua! Stop treating me like that!"
Joshua looked shocked when he heard that.
Iris covered her mouth. She was shocked too by her own words.
"I-I was going to walk around the lake to get some fresh air."
Then Iris walked out of the house carrying the St. Varos book.
Joshua didn't say anything and just watched Iris leave.
He then took the wild boar he caught earlier and walked away from his house.
=======
"So today we're going to be touring Lindheim again, Isabel?"
Malcolm yawned lazily. While stretching his sore body. Last night he wanted to sleep in the bed with Isabel. But Isabel only allowed him to sleep on the couch.
"Yep. We're trying one more time today patrolling Lindheim. After all, only I know what Joshua looks like. I want to meet him personally before making him an official fugitive. And…"
Isabel glanced at Leon who was in the distance giving instructions to the Vanguards. That morning after breakfast Leon took Isabel and Malcolm to the Vanguard base in Lindheim and giving the Vanguards a picture of Iris.
"Duke Greyson is watching our every move. I don't feel comfortable with him. If there is a chance, I want to disappear from him."
"I think the problem is that we don't know how many eyes Duke Albert has in Lindheim," said Malcolm, looking around him.
Leon came over to Isabel and Malcolm.
"Isabel, I've already spoken to them. They will tighten the guard at all four city gates. And the others are trying to check inns or places that could be used as hiding."
"My Lord, if you don't mind. I have a request for you."
"It's very rare that I hear you ask for something. So… what can I help you with, Isabel?"
"Since my stay at Red Peak. This is the only uniform I wear for days without a spare uniform. If you do not mind…. I want to buy other clothes. Besides that, as a woman, I feel dirty having to wear the same clothes over and over again."
Leon glared at Isabel who was smiling in front of him.
"Fine, if that's what you ask. It's only a small request. Anything else? What about your subordinates?"
"If My Lord would be kind. He also needs new clothes."
"Okay. After we finish shopping, we need to focus on finding Iris again."
"Of course, My Lord and thank you.", Isabel replied, glancing at Malcolm.
Leon took them to a clothes shop that looked expensive and big. There Isabel seemed to try on several clothes before she finally made her choice.
As usual, Isabel prefers to use blouses, pants and boots that are not far from the clothes she wore before.
Isabel seemed satisfied with her choice after trying on several clothes in the fitting room. But she didn't immediately come out to meet Leon who was waiting for her in the waiting room with Malcolm.
Isabel peered around and after confirming there was a chance of escape. She slipped away through the back door of the shop. After jumping and climbing a few buildings until finally she reached the roof.
Isabel hasn't done it in a long time. Isabel felt like she was nostalgic. From above it makes it easy to observe what is happening. Observe passersby. Looking for a familiar face.
For a while Isabel just stood watching while occasionally moving places and silently observing again.
Isabel's gaze landed on a man who looked striking in black clothes and a hood that covered his head. She silently followed the man from above until the man stopped in front of a shop that looked out of place with his appearance.
The hooded man stood long enough in front of the shop. It seemed he was staring at something inside. But in the end, he walked away.
Isabel jumped down with curiosity and she saw what made the man stand so long.
======
Joshua has finished selling his catch at the market. He looked at the number of coins he had gotten.
"Ugh. I'm not sure this could buy even a simple dress."
Joshua had never bought women's clothing before so he didn't know the size or price. But he was certain that the clothes Iris usually wore were of high quality.
"I'd better just take a look first so there's an idea of what it's like.", Joshua muttered to himself.
Joshua walked around town trying to pay attention to the clothing stores he passed. He stopped when he saw an interesting dress. A simple short white dress with lace.
Joshua remembered when he met Iris for the first time. Iris was also wearing a dress that was similar in style though simpler.
"It looks like it fits Iris but still I don't know the size of the dress that fits her." Joshua muttered.
Joshua seemed to be in deep thought. He wanted to go in but hesitated and it showed on his face.
"Well… maybe next time when I have enough money..."
Joshua walks away from the shop.
Suddenly he felt someone watching him. Joshua looked back. But he saw nothing suspicious. Joshua immediately tightened his hood and hurried away.
But his intuition told him that it was indeed someone following him. When he reached a deserted alley, Joshua climbed onto a roof and looked for a place to hide.
Soon a woman appeared. As Joshua had expected, what followed was Isabel.
Joshua came out of hiding while opening his hood.
"Long time no see, Isabel."
Isabel turned and looked at Joshua sharply.
"I see. It seems you already know I'm following you. Finally, we officially meet."
"Yes, Isabel. I'm sorry I never told you about my existence. Nice to meet you again."
Isabel folded her arms with a serious face.
"Iris told me about you. Too fishy for me. Even I myself suggested her that she should avoided you. But what happened was the other way around."
Joshua remembered how Iris had said that she didn't want to involve Isabel. Turns out that was the real reason.
"Enough of the small talk. I know you didn't kidnap her. She left of her own free will. Where is she?"
"I can't tell you. She asked me not to involve you."
"Joshua, this is serious matter. They thought she had been kidnapped by The Free Insurgents. And they think so because I haven't talked about you. I'm PROTECTING YOU right now!"
"I'm sorry Isabel but I promised her.", Joshua raised his hood getting ready to leave.
"Wait! If you leave, I have no choice but to let them know about you. Knights and vanguards will be hunting you. What can you give her when you are branded as criminal!"
Joshua stopped walking. He looked hesitant. What Isabel said was true.
"She's a noble. The only daughter of a Duke. Young, beautiful and rich. As well…a young duke was also approaching her. Her future is still long and bright. She is different from us, Joshua! I say this as a friend as well as one who is indebted to you for saving us!"
Joshua looked down trying to hold back his sadness. Joshua's body was shaking and his condition looked strange. The Seraphine Aile on his body gave off a darkness aura.
Isabel sensed danger and suddenly Joshua looked strange. Isabel's hand moved closer to her rapier. But before she acts.
Someone had attacked Joshua first. Joshua quickly turned his hand into a claw and parried it.
Claws and Katar clashed with each other. They both don't want to give up. But in the end, it was the claws that won. With his strength, Joshua pushed the person with extraordinary strength.
Malcolm fell to his knees. Blood was seen coming out of his mouth. Malcolm got up and prepared to strike back.
"Stop it both of you!"
Isabel immediately intervened between the two of them.
Joshua seemed to come to his senses from his actions and returned to normal. The dark aura from Seraphine Aile seemed to have disappeared. His hand back to normal. Joshua looked depressed when he realized what he was doing. There was a deep sadness in his face. His hands clenched tightly.
"Isabel, I will tell you where she is. But I ask that tomorrow you pick her up. Allow me to be with her until tonight… Promise me."
Isabel nodded.
"I promise. You have my word."
Joshua took a deep breath.
"Southwest of Lindheim. Passing through the forest you will find a lake. There is a house nearby. That's where you will find her."
Joshua turned around with a limp face and prepared to leave.
"Wait! Bring this."
Isabel threw a small package she had been carrying which Joshua caught immediately.
"What's this?"
"Dress for her. I know you want to buy that for her. That is her size."
Joshua looks surprised.
"I see…."
Joshua smiled with a sad face then jumped away and disappeared quickly.
Isabel gasped when she saw Joshua's face that looked like he was about to cry. Isabel looked far away in the direction Joshua left.
"You're right, Isabel. That man...is different."
Malcolm walked up to her
"You know, Isabel. It's my job to extract information even in the most heinous way. Usually…. there are people who don't want to give up and even take their secrets to the grave. Or they finally gave up but it was too late for them…."
Malcolm wiped the blood from his mouth.
"That man is giving off such an aura…. the smell of death lingered on him. But why is he still alive. People like that should no longer exist in this world. You saw just now not what he did with his hand. Turning into claw… an ordinary human wouldn't be able to do it."
"I…don't know what happened either, Malcolm. This is the first time I've seen too…."
Isabel walked away and got down from the roof. Behind her, Malcolm followed.
But Isabel had only taken a few steps down the alley, when someone was waiting for her.
"So… he's the one named Joshua?"
Leon stood up while propping himself against the wall. His hands folded. It seemed Leon had been waiting for Isabel.
"How long have you been watching everything?", Isabel asked with a sharp gaze.
"From the beginning he witnessed everything, Isabel.", Malcolm replied, jumping down.
Isabel stared at Malcolm in disbelief.
"He knew that you were going to run away from him from the start. And he forced me to help him follow you secretly or else he'd put you in jail for negligence on duty. I don't have a choice."
Malcolm scratched his head.
"If you already know everything. Then there is nothing more to talk about, My Lord. Malcolm and I will return to the inn."
Isabel walked nonchalantly and passed Leon. Malcolm walked up behind her. Leon smiled satisfied and followed them.