Morning came too soon, the sky beginning to grow lighter. The early light of dawn illuminated a small, cabin hidden by dark green forest surrounding it. My eyes blinked open as they adjusted to the sudden brightness of the morning. I sat up in my bed, stretching my arms above my head with a yawn.
"Good morning Master" I heard a female voice call out in a soft, melodic whisper.
Turning my head to the right, I saw Rhea kneeling on the floor next to my bed, smiling brightly at me. "D-Did you sleep well? Did you feel anything wrong when you're asleep?" She inquired nervously.
"No... It wasn't anything like usual... It was really refreshing." I replied honestly, feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Rhea sighed in relief as a slight blush appearing on her cheeks, knowing that her master doesn't caught on to her little mischief last night. "Hehe~" She chuckled to herself.
The door suddenly swung open, revealing a skeleton holding sword as well as a shield. It walked towards us with purposeful steps and stopped before the bed, carefully putting the weapons on the floor before kneeling on one knee. It's head lowered as it bowed humbly, greeting me with respect.
It took me a moment to realize that it was Raga, my skeleton warrior. It looked up at me with it's glowing red eyes, with a hint of sadness lurking deep within them.
"Umm... what's wrong buddy?" I asked hesitanly as Raga continued to eye me with sadness, clearly upset about something. It turned it's head to the left, staring intensely at Rhea before turning back at me.
I tilted my head slightly in confusion as the realization hit me. "Oh yeah right, I understand now haha. You didn't get to do anything last night because Rhea mostly took care everything right?" I chuckled slightly as the poor skeleton shook his skull vigorously in agreement, looking quite pleased with me understanding him pretty well.
I patted him on the shoulders. "Don't worry buddy, if something like this does happen again then I'm counting on you" I reassured it, giving it a smile. It's eyes lit up in appreciation, bowing again in gratitude.
"And of course you too Rhea" I added, noticing her jealous face staring at my interaction with the skeletal soldier. "I'll count on you too" I said, winking in her direction.
She blushed quickly in response, averting her gaze as she muttered incoherently under her breath. "O-Of course master, I shall live up to your expectations" She stuttered out.
"Good " I laughed softly as I got out of bed and stretched my arms over my head again lazily.
"Should I go to work today?" I murmured to myself, the thought lingering in the air.
The events of last night played through my mind like a vivid reel of memories, reminding me of the dangers that lurked in the shadows. I think it's not wise for me to go to work today. I bet those damn lunatics are still after me, trying to get the grimoire back which I won't give out easily.
I think I will go visit that strange shop again where I bought the grimoire. I knew the shop owner was shady as fuck! I mean seriously, who would sell a book that contained a bunch of dangerous spells that's actually work to random people without telling them anything at all?! Now those lunatics are after me because I have the grimoire. What a great fucking coincidence!
"Haahh..." I sighed heavily in frustration, scratching the back of my head.
I don't want to get tangled up anymore with these damn bastards! But I'm sure more of them will come and find me until they get their hands on the grimoire. They surely aren't going to let me go just like that. I'll have to take some precautions.
"Rhea, I'm going out shortly. Would you go along with me?" I asked casually, glancing over at her.
"Of course, my master" She answered proudly. "My rightful place is always by your side, which is at your feet" She grinned widely at me before lowering her head submissively, biting her lip slightly in anticipation of my approval.
"That's right... That's my good girl" I smiled gently at her and nodded to her. "Just don't cause any trouble alright. You hear me? Keep a low profile and try to stay away from anyone else. Alright?" I said gently, patting her head affectionately.
"Ahhhh master~!!" She squealed excitedly at her master's gentle caress.
I chuckled lightly at her antics, watching how she seemed so delighted. "You would have to stay home" I said, turning my attention towards Raga. "We can't have a skeleton casually walking around..."
Raga nodded in response, seeming rather displeased at having to stay back but nonetheless agreed obediently. It could never deny master's request.
I turned my head away, gazing at the sun which was slowly rising, shining its bright rays onto my room and warming my face. I went ahead and did my morning routine like usual. Then, I dressed up casually before heading outside.
The cool morning breeze was blowing lightly, brushing against my cheeks. I closed my eyes briefly to enjoy the refreshing sensation. Opening my eyes again, I saw Rhea already patiently waiting for me, sitting on the ground, her hands folded neatly on her lap.
"Let's head off then, shall we?" I said in a casual manner, walking ahead of her.
"Yes master" She quickly responded, following closely behind me obediently.
The early morning sun cast long shadows as Rhea and I made our way through the dense forest surrounding the cabin. The vibrant green leaves rustled in the breeze, and the songs of birds filled the air. Nature seemed to carry on as if untouched by the chaotic events of the previous night.
Rhea's presence behind me was comforting, her steps as silent as a whisper. Her raven-black hair flowed like a shadowy waterfall down her back, and her blue eyes shined brightly, reflecting the sunlight like a pool of diamonds.
As we emerged from the forest and entered the bustling City of Avalae, the transition from serene wilderness to lively civilization was stark. The streets were alive with activities as vendors called out their wares and townsfolk went about their daily routines.
Our destination was the mysterious shop where I had purchased the grimoire. It stood hidden within a secluded alleyway between a row of buildings.