Sighing, Jash calmed himself and looked up to Bil. "Took you long enough. Can we go get my armor now?"
"Sure, but it's not noon yet. So don't expect it to be finished. We may need to wait a bit longer," answered Bil.
"Then, if there's time, let's find some more food," added Nelphy, getting up to take Bil by the hand.
The three left the bathhouse. Nelphy was full of smiles. Bil was glad to sense her happiness. While Jash was doing his best to hide how irked he was by that sudden conversation.
It didn't take them long to reach the town square and find the armor vendor.
With the armor atop the counter, the vendor was delicately hammering away. "I'm nearly done! Just a little longer!"
"Thank you for rushing," remarked Bil, tossing the man a gold drit, giving the vendor a speed boost. "Nelphy, why don't you search the market once more? I'll wait here with Jash. Okay?"
"Okay.. But I don't need to–"
"It's your birthday, too. Please, if you find something I'd be happy to purchase it," Bil added.
Glancing once at Jash, Nelphy nodded to Bil. "Alright! I'll try not to take too long."
The moment Nelphy left, Jash felt a new sense of pressure. That glance from Nelphy was all too telling.
"You're right, you know."
Blinking, Jash looked at Bil. "What are you talking about?"
"You don't have to respect how I handle things, nor do I want you mimicking how I handle things," Bil clarified.
Jash's head drooped as he sighed, ".. So, you heard all that?"
"Most everyone in the lobby did. But most didn't pay you any real attention," answered Bil. He found a bench near the changing area. Sitting down, Bil patted the spot beside him. "The reason I don't let you call me anything other than my name is because I don't want you to end up like me.. I just want to make sure you're safe and that you're set up for the life ahead of you."
"... Then why do you handle things like that? Like a jerk to society?" Jash whispered while sitting down.
"Hmm, because I can't think of a better way…"
"What are you talking about? You brag about your war scars but you turn tail every time a chance to help others comes up," Jash commented. "And every time we ask, you never explain yourself."
Nodding softly, Bil stated, "I do it–"
"For us, we know.." Jash groaned, disappointed, "But you said to treasure life, that our lives are the most important thing in the world. Then, aren't the lives of hundreds worth even more than ours?"
"... To some, yes. To me, no."
"Bil…" Sighing again, Jash shook his head. "I don't get you."
"And that's fine," remarked Bil. "Soon, you'll be living your own life. You won't even need to include me if you don't want to. You'll be in control of your own fate. That's what we fought for, you know, back in the war. For people to control their fate in place of someone forcing their will onto you since birth."
"... Is that how it was when you grew up?" Jash asked. "You've never talked about your past before, so we don't know."
Nodding, Bil continued, "I know. But that changes today. Today, you two start to become your own people, acting for yourselves and carving out your own future. The least I can do is explain myself and my motives before you two have to choose your motives for living.
"I won't get into that much right now. But later, when we can properly celebrate, I'll answer some of your long-standing questions. Including, how different my childhood was from yours. Maybe then, you'll at least understand why I've chosen to be a jerk to society, even though I agree it's not the best way to live…"
".. Okay. I'd like that," replied Jash.
For a while longer, the two sat in silence. The armor vendor paid no attention to their conversation as he was fully invested in finishing the armor as quickly yet carefully as possible.
Once the vendor finished, Jash rushed to the counter. "Wait.. Isn't this a bit different now?"
"That's what we paid for," stated Bil. "You did a great job despite the harsh time limit."
"Thank you! It was more than worth the tip," the vendor boldly laughed, slapping Jash on the back. "With this, you're more than set to be a city guard."
Confused, Jash picked up the chest piece. "It's… lighter? But won't that–"
"I've sized it for you, that's why I took measurements after you took it off," explained the vendor. "With fitted armor, you'll be more agile and it won't hold you back as much. I removed unnecessary scales and did my best to fit your frame. I'm throwing in a scroll on armor care, so maintain it well!"
"I… How'd you know?" Jash asked Bil.
Chuckling, Bil felt the armor for himself with a big grin. "Any war vet would know this much. I know plenty of people that died because of little care for their armor, or because it wasn't their size. How could I let you face such obstacles when I care too much about you?"
"..."
"Why not thank him, boy!" the vendor chimed in, still patting Jash's back. "Go on, thank your father!"
"Sorry, I'm not–"
"Thank you!"
Bil had put up a hand to deny the role given by the vendor. But he paused. He lowered his hand and returned Jash's sudden embrace. "You're welcome."
"Thank you, Bil!" repeated the young man.
"Jash, you don't need to change your opinion of me just because I gave you armor," Bil stated but continued the hug. "Just remember that I care about you. No matter what happens, no matter what sort of man you choose to become, I'll always care about you and be there for you."
"I'll remember…" Jash sniffled, catching himself before tears could build up in his eyes.
Releasing Jash, Bil patted the boy's shoulders and shared the most tender smile. "Happy Birthday."
Returning to his usual self, Jash replied, "Th-thank you. Now, let's go find Nelphy."