Chapter 11
(this is before Creeper meet Isabelle)
Sitting on the bench near a fountain, just a distance from the market, Sheryl sat on my lap with her head leaning on my chest, and Natsumi staring at her with fury, leaking his jealous side.
After they told me about what they knew, of what causing Isabelle's sudden changes, we then went to a uncrowned place, and found this area.
Leaning her head to my chest, snuggling it with a gentle caress, Sheryl then spoke
"Darling"
"Hmm?"
"No matter what, just stay calm"
Feeling puzzled to her words made me felt, anxious, to what really happened during our captivity, an imagination I once thought out of the blue, maybe the sole reason of this sudden turn of event.
Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and stated
"Go ahead"
".... She, no, we, each one of us were been used by those people, during those times"
With her words like a whisper, she utter
"....."
Silence deluge the place, as if the words on my throat were being drag down, making sure it won't escape my jaw. I grasp her waist with a gentle touch, place my forehead to hers, and muttered in silence
"Forgive me"
She shook her head as she reply
"No, it's not your fault, none of us were"
And place her left hand on my chest
"Don't blame yourself, our own weaknesses also causes this"
"Darling, the sole reason why we can't react, or be much surprised like Isabelle was, is because we didn't saw it, nor did we seen it, we just merely thought of it, and nothing more"
Natsumi then stated as she lean her head to my shoulder
"Isabelle saw everything with her own eyes, wide awake and conscious, while we have ours shut and asleep"
She then wrap her arms to mine and added
"So be sure to give her some attention and guidance, or she might lost her way. A woman in distress are the most vulnerable with words, and pleasantries, so be sure to embrace her"
"...."
"Don't worry about us, unlike her, we are oblivious in this matter"
As if she read my mind, Sheryl spoke.
"But -"
"Even the 3 of us indeed go through it, there is a difference between knowing, and experiencing it hand"
She then press her face to my chest as she close her eyes, and utter
"Don't worry about us, though we felt disgusted and disturbed by it, unlike her, what we felt were merely a childish tantrum. Prioritize her, she needed it"
Sighing, I then caress both of their heads, and spoke in relief
"Thank you, both of you"
"Hmmm"
"He he, give us love right after okay"
Chu
"I will"
(Back to the present)
Though quite embarrassed to be found out by your mother, I still walked out from the house, and went towards the [Adventurer's Guild]. After what happened to the [Town of Hurlk], the guild took each of the Quest that was posted on the [Inquisition Draft], and carefully examined them with the tool they procured, its from the north, enclosed in a beautiful wooden box, painted in a dry yellow coat, with black paint at the center, making 3 marks on it.
I didn't know what is it, but I have seen a glimpse on it when they took it inside the [Adventurer's Guild], yesterday, after discussing with Sheryl and Natsumi. It was quite surprising when father just issued the order to buy a tool that let them know, whether the item, the Quest form, or some materials are imbued with magic or not, and here they are, already have 1 in hand, truly a swift one to say.
Kath took the form I have in hand, the Quest about those Spirits that wield elements, and plant that only grows during the moonlight, and I was told just to get back there after a few hours.
...
Going alone to the guild without any carriage, was quite a change of pace, as walking across this lush forest, was peaceful and quiet.
Chirp Chirp Chirp
Rustle Rustle Rustle
Though the melody they hum was quite a marvel, but I didn't dare to let my guard down, as I keep observing my surrounding area with a careful gaze.
Swoosh
But indeed, there is really a significant difference between traveling alone, and exploring with a companion
"When you already experienced traveling with someone, being alone is quite, unusual, and silent"
...
Arriving at the guild, I then directly headed to the receptionist desk, where Ruby was stationed. Seeing me, she then took something below her desk, and took out 3 written papers.
As I arrived before her
"We already verified this Quest forms, and none of them were envelope with any magic or some kind, so we are safe to say this Quest are indeed valid"
She then handed them to me. As I took it
"How about the other Quest?"
I spoke in whisper, so the other passing adventurers won't hear, nor would they.
"Among the posted one, only 9 of them were found, engulfed in quite simple, but sneaky magic"
"The same one like before?"
She then nodded
"Yes, we already dispatched some of our men to investigate, it would just be a matter of time to find out"
"I see, and I am indeed glad about it"
Ruby then stood from her seat and, bow
"As the receptionist of the guild, and the one who checked the Quest form, I would like to apologize for my incompetence, forgive me"
People around us, adventurers, people who are seeking aid, and some staff, murmured as they saw her bowing at me, though their voices were faint, their whispers could be heard. Sighing, I utter
"No need to, none of us were at fault, or maybe was. What happened, happened, we just need to make sure we won't do the same again"
She then raise her head up and respond with a stoic look
"I shall try to meet your expectations, to the best of my abilities"
As I smiled at her, I then leave the guild, leaving those murmuring words at their own place and time, and let those people have thier own things work.
...
Creak
"Oh, welcome back darling"
"... *smile* I'm home"
I greeted with a momentary shock, as I saw Isabelle at the couch, preparing some drink, cookie and other treats, with Sheryl and Natsumi sitting down.
"Darling!"
Natsumi called, tapping the sofa, gesturing me to sit beside her
...
Sip
"So, how is it?"
"The Quest forms are verified as valid, so we don't need to worry about anything, but being on guard and prepare won't kill us anyway"
Tap
Placing the tea cup on the plate, I then added, as I gaze at Isabelle
".... Is everything alright now?"
Staring at me, she then place her cup at the plate, while still holding it, and spoke with a quite distant tone, yet different to once before
".... Might be, but thanks to you, I'm trying to get hold of myself, and move forth. Slumping myself down won't get my anywhere"
"But don't try to push yourself too much, your health should always be prioritize"
Sheryl stated
"So, where should we headed again, darling?"
Natsumi ask
"We will be traveling west from here, to an old Citadel. The path will be arduous, so we will be riding a Horse than a carriage. Most of the enemy we will encounter are at [Silver Rank] to [Gold Rank], even some [Platinum Rank] won't be unexpected, meeting a variant is expected also, so we should be careful"
"How many days will it be?"
"*3 days ride by Horse and maybe some more, as I needed to train my control over a new element in that place"
"So let us assume a week or 2 then"
Isabelle stated
"Indeed"
"When should we depart then?"
"Tomorrow should do, transversing the area at night would be dangerous"
"Then shall we stock our materials? There is still time before dinner anyway"
Natsumi suggested, as she cling to my arm.
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3 days by horse but 15 days by foot