"Seriously, what the hell am I doing?"
Argus didn't think twice about choosing to provide meals to a girl or assist his father in the field. It is easy and cozy to stay inside a house made of wood. He is already standing there in front of the door.
Argus knocked on the door. Not long, Celes opened the door.
"I didn't expect for you to come again." She fixed her gaze on the box that Argus had brought. "Please, come in!"
Argus said nothing. The boy was just strolling and looking around. Two days ago was the last time he visited. It was a mess, and now the place is much cleaner.
Still, is it okay for a girl to live in a place like this? They rarely maintained the house. It's not his style to just get anxious over a stranger. Probably, because Celes is a girl.
At least the bed appeared to be comfortable and clean. There isn't a single dust particle on the floor or in the window. Two chairs and a table at the center of the space with a bowl of fruits. Sufficient for one person to live in one room.
"Are you really okay sleeping in this place? I heard, girls are picky about this kind of stuff?"
"Well, not like I have a choice. Bed, food, and a house, I won't complain about what I got. The chief said it's okay to take anything from the forest and river nearby. As long it fulfills my primary needs. I am grateful for everything."
That's such a mature answer for someone who just collapsed a few days ago because she is hungry.
Argus put the box that contains food on the table. He is speechless at how natural Celes is to accept everything.
"You said you were doing some kind of experiment, right?"
Argus created random topics. For him doing nothing when someone nearby just doesn't sit right. He is the type who prefers to talk than being silent, so the atmosphere isn't awkward.
"What about it? Interested?"
"Interested? That depends on what experiment you're doing. Actually, I am just worried you will make a mess around here."
All the knowledge Argus had about the outside world comes from books. The boy believes that almost everyone had never been out of the woods.
"Stop giving me such a weird look." Celes gives an irritated look. "I won't make a mess."
Celes sighed, full of disappointment, looking at the food. Vegetables again.
"Anyway, I am sure I told you yesterday. I am trying to make a fertilizer. There's a space behind the house, so most of what I do is there."
"Why are you interested in growing plants, actually? There's nothing fun about them."
"Is it just me, or do you have a grudge against plants?"
Argus gets curious almost about anything. He talks a lot. However, making a topic about plants is just like a torture to him.
"My mother told me to help my father in the farm. When I am home, I need to eat plants. We're surrounded by plants. Maybe I do."
"Uh…" Celes, for a moment can relate to him. Not about the plant, but she just sometimes tired of doing the same stuff every day. It happens to everyone after all.
"Fertilizer's purpose is to make plants can grow faster and produce more corps. While it's not wrong, my goal is in another direction."
Celes ate the food. It's not like she hates vegetables. Except, the way of serving it is a mess. The seasoning is not exactly flavorful either.
Argus's mother must have cooked all the vegetables and put on some spices and hoped the food would be tasty. Or quite the opposite. As the only person who can cook in the family, she doesn't care about the quality because everyone will definitely eat it.
Just because you add salt to your cooking doesn't mean it's going to be delicious.
"..."
"If you want to complain about the food, say that to my mother."
"I didn't say anything." Celes make a little smile and then she started eating forcefully. "Please say thanks to your mother."
"Then stop, make that kind of face. It would be hard for me to say thanks later."
Argus has become accustomed to his mother's food at this point. The cooking is occasionally good, but it's not always. So he assumes it was all the ingredients and mood. For someone who doesn't want to cook, he can't complain though.
"By the way, what is this goal are you talking about?" Argus tried to continue the topic.
"Do you know there is a tree called Ashmagi?"
"No. Never heard of it."
"It is a tree that contains magic inside its trunk. Usually it is used to make magic paper. My goal is to grow the tree so I can make the magic paper as much as I want."
"Then what? Sell it?"
"That may be not a bad idea." For a split second Celes grinned, but it quickly vanished. "There are people who already do that. I don't need that much money anyway. My goal is to write a magic which is a grimoire!"
"Are you telling me you stayed in this tiny house, so you could make an experiment to create fertilizer, which you would use to grow a tree, so you could make paper into a book?"
"Don't make it complicated like that!"
"Clearly, you're the one who was making it complicated. I don't understand. If someone already made it, why don't you just buy it from them?"
"Well, duh! It's expensive. I don't have that much money. Do you think money grows from trees?"
From how she described it, it does.
"What is a grimoire? I mean, I know it's a magic book. But I've heard that there is a lot of a magic item that are being sold out there. So, I assume it's different from others, but what makes it different? I don't get it."
This is the first time Argus can't contain his curiosity. Since the girl doesn't mind answering, why not ask more?
"You know what? I can't enjoy the food. I mean… The food is already bad enough, but you keep asking me questions just make things worse."
He averted his gaze. "Sorry."
"I don't mind answering all of your questions. Just give me a moment to rest."
Even after all of that, Celes didn't become upset. Now, that is rare. People in the village tends to get annoyed whenever he asked questions.
This time he brought a book to pass the time. Before he could seat down, they heard a knocking sound coming from the door.
"I am sorry, can you open the door, please?"
Is there anyone who visits Celes other than him? Argus thought, as he made his way to the door.
It was a face that Argus had never seen when the door was opened.
A girl with long silver white hair stood there. Her eyes are the same as the shade of emerald green. Her face is what you would call beautiful, but for a brief moment Argus's body tensed under her piercing gaze. She was completely covered by a brown cloak giving her a mysterious vibes.
"Ugh… ugh." Celes choked. Some vegetables that should have been chewed suddenly got swallowed. She drank.
"Celesta Arcenite!" Her brows furrowed. The girl forced her way in, ignoring Argus. "Mind explaining? What the hell are you doing here? Running away again?"
Celes reflexed and jumped from the chair. Her legs took a few steps back in fright until reach the wall.
"No, wait… I mean. Reasons! I have… I have a reason! Please…!"
The girl who was usually calm and chill, started to shake. It was an expression filled with fear.
"Remember when we were talking about making excuses to me before?" The stranger yelled. Despite the fact that it was directed to Celes, it made Argus jumpy.
The girl step forward. Celes turned away, and now she is stuck in the corner. Argus, who is still standing by the door, can feel her intimidating aura. The boy doesn't brave enough to interfere.
Celes's brain went blank. Tears fell from her eyes. Celes bowed, placing her head on the wooden floor.
"I am very sorry. I promise, I won't run away again, Lumina!"
"This is a bit too dramatic for me." Argus muttered.
The young woman known as Lumina gave a sharp gaze. If looks could kill, it definitely be like this.
"Not even once I can get used to the way how you apologized. As my apprentice, it is pathetic to see that your feeling towards your teacher isn't respect, but only pure fear."
Argus didn't want to admit it, but the way Celes reacted also made him felt scared. This is not something Argus can see every day. After all, this peaceful village is full of very kind people. Not everyone though.
"Wh-what are you talking about? Of-of course. I respect you. I could never lie about this." Celes' voice trembled with an awkward smile.
"Then, get up! I never taught you to apologize like that to someone."
Celes stood. Still feeling bad, she glanced down and dared not to look into her teacher's eyes.
Lumina walked over and took the seat on the chair that Argus had occupied before. She remained silent while appearing to be waiting for something. An explanation.
"Uh, I came to your place a few days ago to ask permission to leave. I waited all day, but you never appear. So…"
"So, you left without my permission?"
"But, but… I told Erste and Elliard I want to go."
"And yet you never said where you were going."
"Well, that is… because I don't have any place that comes to mind. So, it just happened." Celes still standing in the corner.
"So, what are you doing in a remote place like this?"
"I am doing my… nothing." Celes thought for a moment. "This place is really has a splendid view. There is a river… and birds, and…"
"There is nothing but trees here, Celes. What are you doing in this place?!" asked Lumina, raised her voice.
"I am… sorry." Celes lowered both shoulders. "I am not hiding from you. I was just trying to find a place to continue my experiment."
Her fear disappeared as quickly as it appeared. She started to feel regret now.
"If that's true, then I see no reason you should be anxious. Aren't you eating when I come in?"
Celes sat back with a concerned expression. "I am… not hungry anymore." She closed the box.
"Celes!"
"Yes, of course. Wasting food is not good. I will finish it. I know. I am sorry." She opened the box again and continues eating what's left.
Lumina attention was fixed on someone else. "Who are you? Are you perhaps Celes's assistant?"
"Eh, no. I am not." Argus shook his head becoming more aware.
"What is your relationship with Celes?"
That's a good question. What is his relationship with Celes? Argus wondered in his mind, feeling unsure. They are clearly not friends or acquaintances. He is basically just there to deliver food to Celes. So…
"I see." Before Argus could answer, the girl had already opened her mouth again. "You're a nobody?" Her eyes looked from Argus's feet to the head, as if scanning him.
"His name is Argus. His mother cooks food for me. He's the one who brought it to me. Argus, this is my teacher. Her name is Lumina." Celes felt she had to explain.
"Anyway," Lumina continued the topic and ignoring Argus like before. "What are you doing? You still haven't answered my question, Celes."
"I already told you, it is for my experiment."
Celes finished her food. Since Lumina is here, Celes tried to eat as fast as possible by ignoring the taste.
"I am sorry." Again, Celes couldn't think of anything else but to apologize.
Went into the forest, and then lived in a remote village alone. The girl hadn't even learned magic for a year. Other than the basic spell, Celes can do nothing. She isn't even realize she was risking her life just to make fertilizer. This is the main reason why Lumina's so angry at her.
"Stubborn as always."
Celes unable to speak. While she felt guilty, there is a sense of relief. Lumina tried to find Celes. She was angry at her, and now they were talking. It means Lumina still care for her.
"By the way, Lumina. How did you find me?"
Celes never told anyone where she was going. They are in a remote place surrounded by a forest. This is the fourth day she stays in that village. Lumina found her too quick. It doesn't make sense..
"Forget it!" Lumina gave a serious expression. "I want you to cook for me, Celes."
"For a moment, I feel relieved because you were searching for me. Turns out you just wanted to eat my food."
Yes, there was no other reason than food whenever Lumina was looking for Celes. Almost every time it's always like this.
"Are you gonna cook for me or not?"
"Why don't you just come to the restaurant? Someone there will cook for you."
Celes is a chef and owns a restaurant. Lumina usually eats there when she has the time.
"Did you not hear what I said, Celes? I said I want to eat your food."
With an enormous sigh, Celes nodded. "Alright. I will do it. Just don't expect too much. We are in the middle of nowhere. I am not sure I can cook proper food here, to be honest."
"Good!" She stood and looked the other way. "You over there."
"Huh? Me?" Argus, who had blended into the background, was taken aback.
"Help the girl!" It is not even a request, but an order.
"Wait? Why me?"
Argus doesn't understand. His responsibility was to deliver a package to Celes, and that's it. Now, it seems more trouble following him.
"I am sorry. But, could you just say you agree for now?" Celes stare indirectly telling Argus not to make Lumina angry.
Argus swallowed. Forget about Celes. The aura emitted by Lumina itself is stopping Argus to refuse.
Why did he feel intimidated by the girl who was slightly shorter than him? Argus heard the outside world was full of conflict and danger. Probably, that is the reason.
"I will come again tomorrow." Lumina quickly walked out of the house.
This is the first time Argus met someone who is as forceful as her mother. They've only just met each other, and Lumina is already giving him orders like an errand boy.
"So, this is what it feels like to be a background character. She ignores me all the time. That's kinda weird and awkward." Argus sat back in the warm chair.
"I apologize for my teacher's actions." Celes lowered her head.
How many times has the girl apologized for today? Argus felt pity for her.
"No, you don't need to. I mean, with a teacher like that, I think you're the one who's having the most trouble here." Argus scratched his cheek. "So, I guess I don't have a choice but to help."
Celes kept quiet.
"What is it?"
"It's just… I will appreciate it if you don't disrespect my teacher."
"Right… sorry. I didn't mean to do that."
Argus felt nervous. Celes seemed honest about how she looks up to Lumina. Their relationship seems complicated for Argus to comprehend.
"Anyway, I appreciate your help. Can you come here tomorrow morning?"
"Morning it is? I guess, as long I can avoid farming."