Chapter 26 - Sweet Reunion
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"Mother!" Lily screamed as she dashed and plunge herself into her mother, embracing her dearly as she weeps emotionally.
"Lily...I'm so glad..." The Elf Woman also reacted the same, embracing her daughter tightly as not to let her go, weeping so.
Such unexpected surprise made Luna and I looked into each other, utterly dumbfounded. But more than that, the both of us beamed the same feelings in mind. We can't help but smile seeing Lily who had experience hardship has finally reunited with her mother.
"Fufu~! How heartwarming." Luna remarked.
"You're right..." I nodded.
We began to gather some attentions to ourselves, but we couldn't care less about that. Right now, letting this family express their emotions into each other was more important rather than stopping them just for the sake of my own self-consciousness.
During the moment of their time, I made sure that no one interfered them. Whenever someone tries to do something, I shot them a menacing glare, making them self-conscious of what they're doing. Looks like Luna also understood my intentions and also did the same. Haha, I'm sorry but this is not a show you can ruin for fun. Please get lost.
After a while, Lily and her mother who had caused an emotional scene has started to calm down. Lily's mother who had gained her composure started the conversation.
"I apologize for the sorry look, everyone." Lily's Mother apologized. "I was just so relieved to finally see my daughter again that I thought was long gone."
"It was of no problem, Miss." I replied, shaking my hands as to don't mind. "We're also glad you've finally reunited with your daughter."
"Ah, I still haven't introduced myself, have I?" She replied, then put her hands into her chest, bowing. "My name is Rina of the Helianthus family, and I am Lily's mother. It might be a bit late for introductions but nice to meet you."
Rina Helianthus, huh. I think I heard her name being mentioned in the game, but only for a number of times. As far as I can recall, the game stated that she's one of the strong characters in the game...
Well, let's leave it at that.
"My turn then. My name is Sai Crimsonheart," I also put my hands into my chest and did a graceful bow. "This beautiful girl beside me is Luna. Pleased to meet you too."
"Eh?!" Luna suddenly became panicked into my remark into her introduction. But as expected of Luna, she immediately kept her composure and introduced herself gracefully. "M-My name is Luna. Nice to meet you..."
"Likewise, Sai, Luna. Fufu~!" Rina-san giggled. "We're finally done for the introduction. But Sai, I'm sorry for going straight to the point but would you mind telling me the whole story of what happened?"
"Of course," I replied. "Although, I'll tell you in advance but it's not really a good of a story. How about we find some good place for us to properly converse without a problem?"
I'm so glad I was used in these kinds of conversations. Our talk was quite stern, but I wanted to express myself to Rina-san properly by being frank and open. Of course, being respectful is a given.
"Oh really?" Rina-san replied. "How about my place then?"
"Oh, then we'll take you up on that offer." I replied.
With everyone in compromise, we followed Rina-san on our way into her place. Riding with quite the grand carriage, we all had a fun conversation. To our surprise, it seems like Lily knowing that they had a residence here in the Capital was new to her. Apparently, Rina-san had many secrets from her daughter which made Lily sulked in response. Me and Luna had fun watching as the two happily converse into each other.
* * *
Not long after, we had finally reached Rina-san's residence which is a place that is expected from a noble—a large white luxury Villa. The residence was located on the suburban part of the Capital. The place was encompassing with greeneries and beautifully so, was beside a large pond. Wait, was it a pond or a lake? It's quite big to be called a pond but not too large to be called a lake... Anyhow, the Villa was quite isolated from the other houses. You'll need to take a minute walk until you reach the main road. Hm, neat.
The Villa had a similar design as that one Italian modern Villa which you often find on the internet. It was engraved with beautifully smooth white theme and a brick format on its edge that matches superbly. It was getting dark. And what piqued my interest, is the dazzling orange light inside the Villa that illuminated the outside coming from the multiple glass window aesthetically brightens the night.
"Wow! it's so beautiful..." said Luna, her eyes glittering in extreme awe.
"Right?" I replied.
It was a hundred times better than the Crimsonheart Mansion. I mean, that place was disturbingly gloomy, compared to this place who was beaming with liveliness. I like a place that's giving off a lighthearted ambiance and full of vitality, so I fully understand what you feel, Luna.
"Fufu~! Shall we head then? Everyone." Rina-san replied whilst gesturing us to head inside.
Accepting Rina-san's invitation, the three of us then entered the Villa. Lily didn't react much, huh. Just as you expected from a noble's daughter, this place was normal for her. As for me, my motto is to appreciate everything I see.
I sneakily took a glance at every part of the Villa's interior, and just as I expected, it was remarkably beautiful. The interior was of a modern design mixed well with antique Furnitures. Clearly, Rina-san sure had a nice taste. Vigorous. Pleasant. Everything fit my taste.
Luna and I sat on one of the sofa side-by-side, while Rina-san and Lily went to our opposite. Shortly after, a Maid carrying a set of tea went and gave us on by one. I gestured a thank to the Maid which the Maid beamed in response. Luna went and followed suit but ended up looking clumsy. I wonder if she's still uneasy...
The living room had halted to a silent. Tensed. Rina-san crossed her legs gracefully as she opens her mouth for conversation.
"Once again, I would like to thank you for saving Lily from her predicament." Rina-san patted Lily's head. "It must've been a traumatic experience, which is why I want to thank you two for the bottom of my heart."
"N-No, of course. I think it's a given to save someone in help when taken the chance..." I shot a look at Lily. "Especially her case which is quite serious to tackled with."
"It certainly is. Considering what happened to our family..." Rina-san turned downcast. I can see her reminiscing. "So, may I know what happened?"
I took a sip of my cup and nodded. "Of course,"
I told Rina-san everything starting from the teleportation accident, how I found her and the present. My side didn't completely elaborate Lily's story, so she went and told her side as well, from how she managed to escape from the hands of the bandits and her dire situation from the Cave Chamber. When I shot a look at Rina-san, she was biting her lips in visible anger. It was reasonable.
Luna was downcast the whole storytelling. However, I kept my composure as it would turn sour and awkward for later if all of us were feeling blue after this.
"I see," Despondent, Rina-san hugs Lily beside her. "It was that bad, huh..."
"Hm-hm, it's okay." Lily shook and smiled. "I was saved from that dilemma thanks to Sai. Besides, he took care of me and even gave me many things, so I'm not that depress now..."
After saying so, Lily shot me a sweet smile. It was beautiful. Although, I feel like there's more to her smile than meets the eye...
"He's a weird guy, isn't he?" Lily added.
"...Huh?" I can't help but raised an eyebrow to her remark. That came out of nowhere...?
"I think so, too!" Luna agreed in sudden enthusiast. Even Luna?!
"Oh my, looks like you got something going on, huh? Sai. Fufu~!" Rina-san teased. Although, I can see that she's just as lost as well. "But I wonder what you mean by that, Lily?"
"Hn! saving me is one thing... Not only that, but Sai also took care of me as well as giving me gifts. I had thought that I would suffer the fate what would usually occur, but it seems that I was blessed."
"That's kind of exaggerated," I interjected. Thinking about it, we were pretty fortunate I had the items needed that I'm able to save her. It was a close call, I tell you.
"Master, people normally don't help a person they didn't know. If different people manage to find her, she'll probably be sold as a slave or worst, they will use her to relieve... themselves..."
"That's—!" I was shocked. There's no such thing as despicable as that told in the game. Hell, I didn't know people in this world were like that...
Thinking about it, it gave me a huge reality slap in the face. I was not in my old world anymore. This world is different...
"That's why I said that you're a weird guy." Lily remarked. "I didn't mean it as an insult, okay? Really, thank you for saving me..."
"Still, it was kind of exaggerating..." I guess I still have something more to know about this world, huh. I Can't let my guard down now. For now, it still feels unusual for me, though.
"That's not true, Master! You also saved and even sided with me from the hands of your own family. You gave me something precious that I can't thank you enough..." Luna retorted. It gave me a shock. "I'm now living a fun and exciting life thanks to you."
Luna...
"That's why, don't underestimate what you just did, because for us, it is the treasure that can never be paid back!"
This is the first time I was praised by more than one person. How do I say this... I don't really get some compliments from someone back in my old world, which is why getting like this feels...strange.
"I see," Filled with validation, I beamed. "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind."
"Ah, no, it's okay, Master...! Ugh," Luna flushed red and moves away in embarrassment. I'll never get tired of teasing her. I can't help but giggle.
"Oh my, Sai. Flirting in front of us, I didn't know you were this bold." Rina-san remarked in a teasing manner. But then, she noticed, her daughter was looking forlorn. "My, looks like someone wanted some affection as well. Fufu~!"
"M-Mother?! W-What are you saying?!" Abashed, Lily started lightly punching her mother. Anyways, what do you mean by that, Rina-san?!
"Haha! Stop it, Lily. Ehem~! Jokes aside, what are you plans now, Sai?" Rina-san asked.
"Hm? Ah, we're actually planning on enrolling to the Imperial Academy." I answered. "It's the reason why we came here in the Capital."
"Really? What coincidence," Rina-san remarked. "Actually, Lily here were enrolled in the Academy as well."
"Yes, I also heard from Lily."
"So, you've heard. That makes things easy. Fufu~! So, you three were going to be schoolmates, huh. Sai, I know it's a very selfish request of mine, but I'll leave Lily to you, alright?"
"Of course!"
"I can't wait, Master. Hehe~!" I nodded at Luna back. Having to see the actual structure you only see in the game; I'm feeling excited as well, so I know how you feel, Luna.
When I noticed, Lily with her head lowered, was looking at me. She's looking forlorn, so I beamed at her, which to my surprise, made Lily's face turn red, then covered herself with her hands. Good thing Sai Crimsonheart is handsome. If I ever do that with an ugly face, Lily's response would be different.
"Hn, seems like it's already dark there outside," Rina-san remarked. "How about you stay here in the villa, you two?"
"Is that okay?" I asked.
"Of course," Rina-san replied as she turned towards her daughter. Knowing her mother's intention, Lily covered her face. "Moreover, my daughter here would surely like it as well."
"I see. We'll take you on your offer then." This is great. We won't have to trouble ourselves looking for some inn or hotel. We won't get separated with Lily as well. All is good.
And thus, Me and Luna stayed our night at Rina-san's Villa. Tomorrow's the day we'll be enrolling in the Imperial Academy. I wonder what will I meet there?