(Part 3)
Night had fallen, and I immersed myself in a warm bath, letting the heat ease the tension accumulated in my body. Steam filled the air, momentarily dissipating the pain that still coursed through my muscles after the fight.
While the others prepared a celebratory dinner, an almost imperceptible fragility lingered in the atmosphere. It was as if the calm in the Mythara forest could crumble at any moment.
In the bath, my thoughts lingered on Musashi Mode. It had been invaluable, but its cost was high. If I planned to rely on that technique in the future, I'd need to train harder, build my endurance, and push past my current limits.
A soft sound interrupted my thoughts. From the open window, Melodía's piano resonated with a serene harmony that seemed to soothe even the forest.
I closed my eyes, allowing the music to envelop me. For the first time all day, I felt I could set aside the weight of my worries and fully relax.
—I suppose it's time to get out —I finally murmured, letting out a sigh.
When I arrived at the dining room, I was surprised to find Hayate and Mr. Kazeharu waiting for me. The atmosphere was different, filled with a seriousness that made me pause for a moment.
—I apologize for what happened today, young Haruto —said Hayate, bowing his head solemnly—. I let anger get the better of me, but I realize I still have much to learn.
Yuna's father placed a firm hand on his shoulder, pushing him into a deeper bow.
—I hope you accept his apology. Hayate is still young, but he's not a bad person. He has time to change.
I nodded respectfully, inclining my head slightly.
—It's alright. I accept his apology.
—Thank you for your understanding, Haruto —Hayate said before bowing one last time and leaving without another word.
As the door closed behind him, Kazeharu let out a deep sigh, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before shifting to the table.
Meanwhile, outside the house, at the base of a tree, Hayate clenched his fist so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes, filled with restrained rage, locked onto the trunk before him.
—This isn't over… That human will pay for this —he murmured through gritted teeth, his voice dripping with anger and humiliation.
With a violent punch to the tree, he caused a few leaves to fall to the ground as determination burned in his gaze.
—I swear I will have my revenge…
Inside the house, as the door closed behind Hayate, Kazeharu let out another deep sigh. His eyes, calm yet weary, focused on me with a mix of exhaustion and reflection.
—Don't mind him. Hayate still doesn't know how to handle defeat, but this duel gave him much to think about —Kazeharu said gravely.
—I'm not bothered by it. I've met plenty like him during my school life —I replied, trying to downplay the situation.
I paused before continuing, choosing my words carefully.
—But if I may say something, sir… I hope you reconsider what you told me about him and Yuna. I think today made my perspective clear.
Kazeharu looked at me silently for a moment, as if weighing my words. Finally, he nodded slowly.
—You're right. It was a hasty decision on my part. I never thought I'd say this, but I still have much to learn.
Without overthinking it, I let my thoughts flow.
—I know I'm not in any position to interfere in your family matters, but… —I paused briefly, taking a breath before continuing—. There's nothing I would hate more than seeing her unhappy with someone like him. I may just be her student, but I could never accept her living an unhappy life.
Kazeharu observed me intently, as if searching for something in my expression. Finally, his features softened, and a slight nod confirmed that my words had reached him.
From her room, Yuna overheard the conversation. Her heart raced as a warm feeling enveloped her, leading her to place a hand over her chest.
—And if you ask me, I'd be careful with him. I have a bad feeling —I said, the weight of my memories echoing in my voice—. I've seen that look before, in people who claimed to be my friends… and then betrayed me.
Kazeharu remained silent for a moment, his expression unchanging as he processed my words.
The face of Ayumi, his late wife, surfaced in his mind, reminding him of past betrayals and the need to protect those he still cared about.
—Yes, we'll discuss that another time —he finally replied, marking the end of the subject. Then, with a subtle change in his tone, he added:
—I have a mission for you. Nothing too complicated.
—A mission? —I asked, intrigued.
—In a few days, you must head to the Confederation of Dwarves in Durkheim, specifically to the city of Molgaroth. It's renowned for its blacksmiths and master artisans.
Kazeharu placed a bright green stone on the table alongside a pouch of coins.
—This is a high-purity Aeresite stone —he explained, gesturing confidently toward it.
—What a beautiful stone! It looks like a gem, kizu! —exclaimed Kizuna, flitting excitedly around the table—. Look, it even seems like a gust of wind is moving inside it!
Kazeharu gave a slight nod, ignoring Kizuna's enthusiasm, and continued:
—You must find a dwarf named Thalindra, a master artisan. She can embed this stone into Yuna's Elven Sword, unlocking its full elemental potential.
Yuna's father gazed at the Aeresite stone with seriousness, his eyes reflecting the mission's importance.
—They say Thalindra isn't just a master artisan; she values perfection above all else. You'll need to prove yourselves worthy of her time.
He paused before adding.
—It's essential to enhance your weapons in Molgaroth before starting Lady Cherri's assignments here in Mythara. We'll need all the help we can get.
The mention of dwarves set my imagination soaring. I pictured Thalindra as a petite "loli" in a tiny forge, wearing an oversized apron, soot smudges on her cheeks, and an expression of absolute focus as she worked.
"Big brother, could you hand me those tongs? I can't reach…" I imagined her saying in a sweet voice, gesturing with her tiny hands toward a tool on a too-high shelf.
The thought nearly made me burst into laughter, but Kazeharu's stern gaze brought me back to reality.
—Ahem! Are you paying attention? —he asked, his sharp tone snapping me out of my absurd yet entertaining thought.
—Yes, sorry. My mind wandered while thinking about the dwarves' city —I admitted, scratching the back of my neck with an embarrassed smile.
The elf let out a deep sigh and placed a hand over his face, as if the situation was too much for him.
—I can't believe my daughter is friends with this boy… Where did I go wrong, goddess Mizuki? —he muttered, pressing his forehead in theatrical despair as he shook his head, as if trying to erase the idea from his mind.
Kizuna, completely ignoring Mr. Kazeharu, flew toward me with boundless enthusiasm.
—How exciting! A new adventure! I wonder what kind of food they'll have! I can't wait to head to Molgaroth, kizu! —she exclaimed, fluttering her tiny wings as she circled the table, her eyes shining with excitement.
—It will definitely be an adventure. I'm thrilled to see what lies beyond the forest —said Yuna, approaching the table with a calm smile radiating confidence.
—I'm coming too. I can't leave Yuna alone with someone as disheveled as Haruto —Melodía said, entering from the balcony with an air of grandeur as she lightly flipped her hair.
—Besides, I need to go shopping —she added with a big smile, her tone making it clear that this was almost as important as the mission itself.
Simo perched on my shoulder, looking at me with determination. It was clear that the little crow was also excited about what awaited us.
—I can't wait to see what adventures the future holds, kizu! I'm sure, together, they'll be the best! —Kizuna exclaimed, spinning in the air with her usual enthusiasm, filling the room with energy.
We all raised our wooden mugs, nodding with a smile at Kizuna's words. We clinked them together with force as laughter filled the air in celebration.
As laughter filled the dining room, I couldn't help but let a few questions cross my mind. What would Molgaroth be like? What kind of city would we find? But most of all, how demanding would Thalindra be?
I shook my head, setting those doubts aside for another time. Now was the time to enjoy.
Kizuna, her eyes shining with curiosity, was attentively watching the banquet that the Kazeharu family had prepared to celebrate this moment.
—What do you think the typical food in Durkheim will be like, kizu? —she asked, tilting her head as if already imagining the dishes.
—I hope the dwarves have amazing desserts, kizu! Can you imagine a cake shaped like a giant hammer? —she added, her voice full of excitement as she twirled in the air.
Melodía let out a long sigh, placing a hand on her forehead.
—Food? Desserts? Is that all you care about?
—Well, someone has to make sure we don't go hungry, kizu! —Kizuna replied, her smile making her look more mischievous than ever.
—And I'll handle the shopping in Molgaroth —added Melodía, this time with a smile that blended mischief and excitement.
—Let's not forget we're going there to work —Yuna interjected, her calm tone contrasting with the others' enthusiasm, though her smile betrayed that she shared their excitement.
—Let's make a promise before we leave —Yuna said, raising her mug—. That we'll face anything together.
—That goes without saying —I responded with a smile, raising mine.
—Of course! Always together, kizu! —Kizuna added, twirling enthusiastically in the air.
The mugs clinked once more, and for a moment, I felt like this was where I had always belonged.
Simo, perched on my shoulder, watched me with determination. His tiny eyes sparkled with a confidence that seemed to say, "I'm ready for whatever comes."
A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have imagined any of this. To me, people were obstacles, and trusting anyone seemed impossible. But now, surrounded by friends who had shown me I wasn't alone, everything looked different.
Yuna taught me to trust again. Melodía reminded me that perfection doesn't come from talent but from hard work and constant effort. And Kizuna… well, she made even the hardest days brighter.
I took a breath, and without thinking too much, let the words flow.
—I don't know if I've said this before, but… thank you. To all of you.
Yuna, Melodía, and even Kizuna paused for a moment, surprised by my words.
—It's nothing. After all, what would you do without us? —Melodía replied, feigning disdain as she crossed her arms, though her smile betrayed her.
—I promised to guide you on the right path, and that's what I'll do —Yuna said, with a warm smile radiating confidence.
—I'm your inseparable companion, kizu. If you're ever feeling down, I'll always try to cheer you up, kizu! —exclaimed Kizuna, spinning in the air with enthusiasm.
Olivia, who had been listening from her control room, spoke to me mentally in her usual mechanical tone.
—Confirmation! I am grateful to assist the master. Both Kizuna and I exist thanks to you, so we will always be here to support you.
Her words filled me with a warmth I hadn't felt in a long time. I realized that more than a group, we were like a family.
I still didn't understand why Mizuki had brought me to this world, but now I knew one thing for sure: I was deeply grateful.
For a moment, a fleeting memory crossed my mind, as brief as it was distant, yet filled with emotions.
"I hope you're doing well too. I'm sorry I can't be there for you."
I shook my head slightly, letting the thought fade as I refocused on the present.
"It's time to move forward and leave the past behind," I thought, as a sincere smile spread across my face.
I don't know what the future holds, but with them by my side, I'm sure every step will be an adventure worth living.