It's been days since I last saw Rose. Today marks the 6th day of the week. Tomorrow will be the final day of our preparation before I officially declare war with the Queen. Lily and I had been sparring daily and every once in a while, John comes over to spar as well. We certainly had gotten stronger as compared to our younger days. One might call Lily the weakest among the three of us but that cannot be further from the truth. Her brawling skill gave her an advantage over speed. Neither me or John were comfortable in taking a direct strike from her normal punches. And that is when it's not being buffed by her fire or lightning spells.
I am more worried about Rose though. I didn't want to say it but her growth over the years had been minimal. Right now, she just couldn't compete with us in terms of power growth. While her dual casting is impressive, she only have her existing spells to use which is limited in the first place. I hope the Paladin Lord is able to guide her into learning some other spells to fully utilise what she had learned or perhaps some other way to improve her powers. At this point, stats no longer play the primary role when State of Mind comes into the picture. While I have faith that Rose would eventually improve herself, getting results within five days is quite a stretch.
I sighed unconsciously in the middle of sparring. Lily lowered her hands and approached closer to me. I was so unfocused during the sparring and was looking down most of the time. It was not until I noticed Lily's boots come into my vision that I realised she was standing in front of me. I looked up and she booped my nose. Her face was awfully close to mine which made my heart flutter. She always knew how to approach me while flaunting her beauty.
"Watcha thinking about, Mister Genius?" she smiled.
"I told you to stop calling me that," I chuckled.
"Thinking about Rose, aren't cha?" asked Lily.
"I'm just worried that she's pushing herself too hard or just down in the dumps. Not to mention we have such short time to improve ourselves. Rose had it hard when she couldn't learn Concentration. Wished I knew where she went so I can check on her," I sighed.
"You're really such a sis-con," she chuckled.
"No, I'm not. Just worried about my little sister, that's all," I said bluntly.
"Rose is much stronger, smarter and brilliant than the rest of us. You're probably the only one who doesn't see that. I believe you still see her as the little girl you saved a long time ago," she explained.
Ever since I bought her that bracelet, her intuition had been superbly sharp now. Almost the same level as Rose. I reached out my hand and pet her head. Kind of awkward when she's taller than me.
"I still remember you being a little girl too," I held my laughter.
"W— Stop making fun of me! Who is the shortest one here?!" shouted Lily.
Ugh, right in my kokoro.
"L— let's get back to sparring. I'll be more serious now— Lily? Yoo hoo?" I waved my hands in front of her. What is she looking at?
I turned my head behind to see what Lily was staring at. There was someone coming into the training arena. It seems as though someone wearing white but covered in dirt and soil. Looks as though someone who had not shower themselves in days. It can't be, right?
As it would turned out, it really was her. Rose that walked into the arena. She looked as though she had not slept in days and was completely covered in filth. I quickly ran up to check on her. I have never seen her in such condition before. What had she been doing for the past five days?
"Rose, a— are you okay? You looked like you've been through hell," I asked her.
"Onii-chan, let's spar right now," she said.
I wanted to tell her to take a shower and clean herself but her eyes was filled with a deep conviction in them. She was eager to show me the fruits of her training. I should definitely indulge her lest she feel even more dejected than before.
"Very well, let me warn you that I am gonna be serious. Show me what you've been doing, Rose," I gestured her.
"You better give it your all. Even I can't promise that I might not hurt you," she smirked.
Getting cocky eh? Let's see how much you grown in this past five days.
***
I opened my eyes quickly. How long was I laying flat on the arena floor? I quickly pushed myself up to see Rose at the other corner panting with her rapier pointing straight. She gave the biggest smile and made a peace sign after noticing I was looking at her.
"I win, Onii-chan," she smiled. I will never forget that expression of hers until the day I die. It was the brightest smile she had ever made throughout the years I've known her.
I was speechless. No doubt I was not going all out on her but I did not make myself vulnerable enough for her to trash me to the ground. She certainly accomplished the impossible in just five days.
I approached closer to her. I gave her a pat on the head along with the biggest smile that I can muster.
"You did it, Rose. I'm so proud of you," I said to her genuine words from the bottom of my heart.
I didn't care that she was stronger than me. As long as she can protect herself in this war, I am more than happy that she had obtained it. I never craved to be the strongest. Only strong enough to defeat Tom had always been my sole purpose and nothing more.
Rose started to sob and eventually started crying. She gave me a hug to which I returned it while patting her back. What an accomplishment to be able to become this strong in just five days. Could she secretly be a Saiyan? I won't lie, I am a little envious.
Lily who was watching the entire scene had her jaw dropped. She came over to the both of us to congratulate Rose. She even declared Rose as the strongest among the four of us. I said that the jury is still out as she hadn't fought John yet. I am fairly certain that John had not revealed his full strength to any of us. He is the only one who was able to achieve the Higher State Of Mind after all. Fairly certain he have more trick up his sleeves.
***
It was dinner time and the four of us gathered in our favourite inn "Sleeping Daisies" once again. Rose had finally washed up but her panda eyes were getting more obvious now. I told her to take the rest of the day off for tomorrow. She need to be in tip-top shape before the start of the war.
I will be going around checking on the guilds tomorrow to make sure everything is in place. By now, we had probably sneaked out a small number of civilians out of the city. The adventurers tricked the soldiers that they were bringing them on a tour for sight-seeing animals outside of the city. Obviously, the soldiers questioned why the adventurers were doing a tour in the first place when the city is still in full lockdown but we had proper paperwork to back things up. The promise was to bring them on a short tour and will be bringing them back by the end of the day. Of course that was never the case. The adventurers will be guiding the civilians to another town where they will be kept safer there. While the civilians will be caught off-guard and assume that they're being kidnapped, we had no choice but to ensure their safety. Sadly, I can't say the same to their properties in the city though.
We raised a glass together with a clank and shouted "Kampai!". This might probably be our last meal together but I pray to all the Gods above that that does not come true. All my friends are more than powerful now and they will survive this war. I am counting on all of them to play their role in this war.
"To all of you, John, Daisy and Rose, thank you so much for supporting me. And thank you, for being my friends," I bowed to all of them.
"Why you getting all sentimental for? I thought we were gonna celebrate instead?" asked John as he rubbed his nose.
"It's not the first time he acted this way. He's always been like that ever since we met him," chuckled Lily.
"Onii-chan had always been sentimental when something bad is about to happen. But sadly he's never thankful enough to officially date any of us," laughed Rose.
"Wait, am I on the list? Why didn't I know about it?" asked John as he alternated his look between Lily and Rose.
"What are you talking about? You're the highest in Zen's list. You two are practically partners right about now," laughed Lily.
"Blood cousins to be more precise. Am I right, Zen?" said John.
"Wait— you knew? I was never able to officially confirmed it," I asked him with my mouth agape.
"What are you two talking about? Are you saying the both of you are related in some way?" asked Rose.
"Well, I found out that Zen's mother was actually from the Gladiolus family. Her records were astounding. I am quite envious that both of your parents were such accomplished adventurers, Zen. Makes my parents seemed like they accomplished nothing when they were in the Viking guild," said John.
"At least you still have your parents around to appreciate. All I have are just stories about them and nothing else. Truth be told, I never knew much about my mother. She was always overshadowed by my father's accomplishment," I sighed.
"Which is why— here," John passed a book to me.
"What's this?" I asked him.
"It's your mother's diary, Jane Gladiolus. Surprisingly kept hidden in the Viking Lord's room. Not sure why her diary would be kept as something secret or valuable though. Quite strange really. Sorry I had to read some of its contents to know it belonged to your mother. I only found out when she started writing about your father. I swear I stopped reading after I realised that it really belonged to her.
"And you think it's okay to just give it to me? Won't you be in trouble if they found out that you took out a secret book and gave to someone else?" I questioned John.
Rose coughed to interrupt our conversation.
"Onii-chan, he is the guildmaster. I'm pretty sure he knows what's best. Don't worry about it," she explained.
I squinted at Rose and John. These two definitely have some dirty little secrets regarding guildmasters. I carefully inspected the diary handed to me and stroke its cover's surface. This book is really old. The edges were rough and the bindings holding it together were peeling apart. There was no title written on it either. I need to be careful so as to not accidentally tear this book apart. It might be the only thing left in this world that can bring me some insight and perhaps some closure with my mother.
I flipped the cover to read the first page. I bit my lips as I read the first few sentences. I instantly closed the diary as I realised that here is not the best place to read it. It would be impolite to my friends but more importantly, I was wrong about my mother.
"If you want to read it you can go ahead. You can take your leave y'know," said John.
"It's fine, it can wait for later. Spending time with my friends is more important right now," I explained.
"Tell me brother, are you actually planning to date either of these two after the war is over?" asked John.
The three of them stared at me. Why is John ratting me out?
"John, you're supposed to be on my side. And yes, probably. But after my revenge is over, not just the war. What are you thinking by asking me that? Are you aiming for either of them?" I questioned John.
"What? Nah— I already fancy someone else now. I'm just curious about you, that's all," he shrugged.
"Are you saying that me or Rose is not good enough for you?" Lily squinted.
"Haha, I know very well that both of you belonged to Zen in body, heart and soul. I wouldn't even dare to think about choosing any of you," he explained.
"W— what the hell are you saying?!" shouted both Lily and Rose as John laughed loudly.
"Hahaha! Both of you should just be Zen's wives! Why bother fighting over him anyway?" John continued laughing.
"Ahem, I had thought about it but— honestly speaking, I would really prefer to have a single wife. I feel that you should treasure and love your partner exclusively. Getting multiple wives kind of defeats that purpose of getting married y'know," I explained to all of them.
Both Lily and Rose kept quiet. I know this affects both of them but I wanted to get my message through clearly. I did not stall myself in choosing either of them because I wanted to play around. I really wanted to choose my future partner properly.
"You do know it is legal to have multiple wives, right? I guess you're dead-set in just having a single wife of your own. Never took you for an idealist," said John.
"Or a hopeless romantic. You have a beautiful, slutty elf right here, ripe for the taking but you're still delaying the inevitable," answered Rose as she introduced Lily like some talk show guest.
"S— slutty? You should choose your beautiful little sister instead. Besides, how many men out there have the chance to lay their hands on their sister? It's like one in a billion chance!" shouted Lily.
John spitted his drink after hearing that. These two must be drunk or something to suddenly start talking this way. While it is funny to hear them banter, I do not wish for another war to start this earlier.
"Alright, if I have to choose someone tonight to accompany me then I'll choose my mother's diary to keep me company instead," I said out loud.
All three of them looked at me in disgust. What in the world are they thinking?
"I meant reading it. Not what all of you are thinking about. I'm not that crazy," I explained.
All of us started laughing. The alcohol must be getting to all of us. We should call it a day before we get hammered and do something stupid.
"Alright, I'll take my leave first. Can't drink too much alcohol nowadays to keep my body in shape. My partner is waiting for me back home," said John.
All of us stared at John and thought he was joking. But his face showed no sign of laughter. Wait, is he serious?
"Y— you have a partner?" asked Lily.
"Yeah, didn't I said it earlier?" John thought back on his words.
"When you say partner, you meant as in romantic partner, right?" I asked John.
"Yeah," he answered with a straight face.
Both Lily and I turned to look at Rose. She shook her head saying that she had no idea that John was dating anyone despite being inside the city.
"Since when did you start dating and who?!" asked Lily and I.
"It's— a long story. I thought I told you all about it before," said John as he put on a thinking face.
"Oh, you are not leaving, Mister Gladiolus. We have plenty of interrogation to do tonight," said Lily as she tried to stop John from leaving but I doubt she'll be able to keep him here.
I guess I should retire for the night too. I want to get started on reading my mother's diary and find out what she her life experience was and what she's been through before. Although, the first few sentences that I read was so misleading.
"Alright, I'll be taking my leave then. You girls gonna continue drinking? Don't get too hammered and do something stupid, alright?" I said to both of them as they waved me away.
***
Finally, made it back to my room. Tomorrow will be last day that I'll be enjoying this room of mine inside the Dark guild. Hopefully my room remains intact after the war. Hate to have all my things destroyed.
Now, as much as I hate reading a diary written by my mother, this is possibly the only thing that I will be able to gather more insight about my mother or what actually happened to them. Hopefully I can discover as much information about the way they lived or the kind of person they were. First-hand information about my mother or father are surprisingly hard to come by, despite both of them being accomplished adventurers.
I opened the diary and scrolled through the pages. There were not too many entries in it. Some of the entries were torn as well. Not sure if mother torn it out or some by some previous Viking Lord. Hopefully those missing entries it doesn't contain too much information in them.
Oh well, here goes nothing. Sorry mom, if you're watching me from above. I'm gonna have to intrude on your privacy just a little bit.
***
Entry 1
I can't believe that I'm actually writing a diary. Who would have thought a brute like me would even thought of doing something this girly. How do you even write a diary in the first place? I think I should just write down all the necessary details into each entry. Hang on, do I need to write the date and sign? Ah, never mind.
My first entry is because of Jack. Who would have thought he would actually ask me on a date?! While we hang out often together, he always ogled at those big-breasted elves like they were Freyja herself.
I daresay that I won't lose to those elves in terms of sex appeal but I'll admit that my body is not slim and frail like them. My body is muscular everywhere due to my heritage. Which is why I'm completely surprised that Jack is even willing to ask me out on a date.
Wait, am I being mistaken here? Maybe I assumed too much and he's just asking me to accompany him somewhere. I must be getting ahead of myself. Jack is not into me. I should play it calm tomorrow and act as though I'm just following him. But why am I getting so excited! What should I even wear tomorrow?!
Entry 2
Kyaa! I was not mistaken! Jack certainly asked me on a date! I'm so glad I wore a nice dress today. Jack was flabbergasted when he saw me in this dress. Not to mention this dress enhances my cleavage to a certain extend. I can't even hold my excitement right now and felt the need to write before I even change. Hang on, maybe I should. I shouldn't crumple this dress that mom gave me.
There, I changed back to my normal clothing. Which is same clothes that I always wear which exposes my abs and muscles. Will Jack go back to being normal if he sees me wearing the same thing? Maybe I should buy more girly clothes tomorrow. That should change his perspective about me.
Entry 3
We are dating. HOLY THOR AND ODIN WE ARE OFFICIALLY DATING!!
I can't even believe myself that I said yes to him!
Who would have thought that he would confess to me out of the blue?! I had to keep my cool in asking him questions. I made very sure to question him about his elf fetish. He said that he will keep it in check.
I asked why he was willing to confess to me when there are plenty of other big-breasted female elves that flaunt over him. Why choose a brute like me in the first place?
To my surprise, he actually told me that he had his eye on me for quite some time. Ever since I gave him a trashing at the tournament, he started taking notice of me.
I never knew Jack was such an M. Maybe his masochistic trait supersede his elven fetish? Should I be proud of that right now? Jack chose me because I was a brute that gave him a trashing. Not as a feminine female. Can't believe I am feeling so sad at the end of this entry.
Entry 4
Jack had complete mastery over his sword. The way he handled it with his movements was so extravagant that I swear I saw glimpses of Valhalla a couple of times. It was a rigorous and lovely night that I think Jack might have brought out more feminine appeal in me than I ever thought I had. I think both of us went the opposite of our usual attitude. To think Jack was such a brute when I showed him my shy feminine side. I think I might be pregnant by the amount of times that we did.
***
I slammed my head on the table. This is exactly what I was dreading to read. I do not wish to peek into their love life and figure out how I was conceived. But sadly, I must press on.
Ugh, my brain was starting to hurt from reading the latest entry. The image of my father being rough with my mother is not something I wish to picture inside my head. I went to splash my face with some cold water and got myself a glass of wine. I don't really fancy alcohol much but I felt that I needed it to push through this diary. Not too many entry remaining now. I can finish this!
***
Entry 5
I was right. I'm pregnant. It started with me feeling disgusted with some of my favourite food and vomiting after a meal. I thought I had food poisoning or something but the doctor said that was not the case. I really am pregnant. How am I going to tell Jack? We are not even married and it was because of my high— ahem drive that I ended up pregnant.
Will Jack push me away after I tell him? I'm so scared right now. I fought with plentiful dangerous monsters and beings but the very idea of Jack abandoning me right now is making me shiver to my core. O Lord Odin, please help me. I'm just sixteen and not ready to be a mother.
Entry 6
I was surprised that Jack was so happy when I told him that I was pregnant. Despite being a noble, he was the most sensible and responsible man that I have ever met. He gave me a hug as he noticed I was turning pale and started shivering when I told him. He knew that I thought of the idea that he might leave me. I felt so loved by this man. He said that he was equally responsible for this baby as he shot plentiful of his cannons inside me the other night. He knew it was only a matter of time.
But the bastard became a brute after knowing that I was pregnant. He even said "You're already pregnant, you won't get pregnant twice," jokingly. I thought I was the only one who had high sex drive but it turned out that he was even worse!
Entry 7
I got married today. I can't really believe it but I AM MARRIED. Take that, Mom and Dad. You didn't believe that your brute of a daughter would end up getting pregnant and married! I sure showed them!
I thought it would be a simple ceremony yet Jack went out of his way to invite everyone from the Viking and Light guild. I swear I even saw guild members from all the other guilds joining in.
Jack was so handsome when he took my hand and swore to take care of me forever. I told him that he can have his big-breasted elf that he craved so much as his second wife. There is no law that prevents him from having another so I had resigned to that fact. But he swore in front of everyone that he will only have one wife. I shall hold onto him on that promise.
We celebrated so much today that I felt like I was in a festival. Ah, how I wish today would never end. My stomach is getting a bit bigger now and I have never felt so happy.
***
Ugh, do you really have to write so many unnecessary details inside here, mom? I'm getting a headache trying to finish reading this diary. It seems like entry 8 and 9 has been torn off. Only two entries remaining. Hopefully I can get an idea on what happened to them.
***
Entry 10
I woke up in an infirmary. I can't believe I actually survived the war. I was injured really badly that I can barely even move but I am alive. From what I heard, Jack died fighting the Demon King. It was so chaotic that I suspected as much when the Demon King unleashed his fury.
I'm feeling so sad right now. I am crying as I force myself to write this entry. To lose my son and my precious husband together, I cannot bear the thought of being all alone. I need you, Jack. I miss you so much.
***
Huh? W— what? Did mother wrote wrongly? Did she thought that I died or something? That can't be right. Otherwise, how am I even here? Was she feeling too distraught or is she not thinking straight after hearing the news that father had perished? Or perhaps there was some fake news she happened to hear about me? Something doesn't make sense here. Let's read the last entry.
***
Entry 11 and possibly the last
The fucking Queen has just declared all Hawthorn as traitors! She is literally committing genocide now and no one is fucking stopping it from happening! I will not sit by idly as she sully on the memories of Jack. My husband literally gave his life to defeat the Demon King and here she is issuing this statement out of nowhere.
If there are no further entries after this, there is a chance that I've died fighting the Queen. I don't give a fuck if she's Queen. I'm going to kill her! Don't shame my husband's name when he gave his life for the sake of this world!
***
I slammed my fist on my bank table which cracked it. I thought both of my parents perished during the war. As it turns out, my mother actually survived and was possibly killed by the Queen.
I won't lie, I felt bitter when I thought of starting this war. There were many times during the week that I wanted to call it off. The deaths of many was not something I wished for.
But now, the Queen just made it fucking personal. I'm going to avenge my mother by giving the Queen a slow death and I'm gonna enjoy it.