Chapter 2

"Just the person I need to see."

"Oh. Hello, Cherche. You looking for me?" I glanced over.

"Yes indeed, sir. I would like to address the recent success we had in our last battle working as a team. It has been a pleasure. I'd gladly do it again." Cherche gave a warm smile.

I chuckled slightly. "Cherche, you can just call me Robin. It's all good. We're going to be allies for a while; such formality wouldn't suit me very well."

I then gave a brief smile. "But yes, I do think we work as an excellent team. I shall definitely consider you as my fighting partner for the next battle."

"As you desire, sir." the maiden bowed.

"... I guess there's still a lot of work to do." I shrugged.

Suddenly, a buzzing sound flourished around my ears. Witnessing a large insect in front of my eyesight, I jumped back in fear, scrambling to maintain balance.

"Wragh!" I screamed, racing back a few steps.

The buzzing sound in the atmosphere was then surrounded by giggling noises. I glanced back to see Cherche holding her hand to her face, attempting to hide her laughter.

"Afraid of bugs, I see?" She smiled jokingly.

"H-Hey! I-It's not like that!" An embarrassed tone came out of my mouth. My face, blush red.

She raised her hand gently in the air, and the insect elegantly landed on her finger. "Dragonflies don't bite, you know. They are absolutely adorable, almost as cute as Minerva."

I blankly stare at the dragonfly, then to Cherche's comrade, Minerva the wyvern. I guess... they are cute? Attempting to approach the wyvern, she responded with a loud snort, forcing me to retreat back to my spot.

Cherche continued to carefully inspect the insect. "See, in Valmese tradition, a dragonfly represents maturity and poise. Those who can bring a dragonfly to their fingers are blessed."

"Interesting, indeed. Never heard of that before." I decided to slowly approach the dragonfly on Cherche's finger. However, my presence led the insect to flee into the distance.

"Hehe, you still have much to learn about these creatures, sir!" Cherche chuckled like a little child.

"Haha, I guess so. Hey, thanks for letting me know about that, Cherche! I really appreciate gaining exciting, new knowledge, especially from your hometown. It's quite interesting!" I answered.

"Ah, it's nothing. Passing knowledge down to our tactician is always pleasing to hear." she remarked. Then, a smile was visible on her face, a smile similar to our first meeting back in Ferox with Virion.

"You will need to owe me for that, though. Let's make a deal, shall we? For every dragonfly that lands on our fingertips, the other person must repay duteously."

I scratched my head. "I guess we can try that. In a way, this will make the two of us closer as allies and friends, right?"

She smirked again, that same, old smile beaming on her face. "Well, actually, it's really because I have a myriad of duties that I require assistance in. I'm sure with someone like you, I can easily get a helping hand, and finish them as efficiently as possible!"

My laugh was rather passive."... Haha. Then... I guess I'll be owing you quite a bit, Cherche."

It was the start of a journey I'll never forget.