One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.
| Flaccid Resolve |
Three days had passed since their breakout from the castle. Along their run, never once did they see any chasing knights. Those guards in armors turned out to be soldiers exclusively stationed in the capital and big cities, never leaving their nest unless an urgent call whacked them. Towns only got adventurers as multi-role local militia. That lax in response afforded them an escape that went way faster than the news of their crime.
Suffice to say that the Spear Hero and his charge were safe. Their situation was unbelievably pleasing. In fact, it was too convenient to the point that they could indulge themselves in fleshly excitement in every inn they spent a night in.
Needless to say, the more intimate they became, the stronger the bond they built.
As for money, they earned enough sum from selling monster materials and drop items they gathered during their journey. They aimed for some small games to avoid raising suspicion. All in all, the matters of meals and shack were nothing to worry about.
Their journey finally brought them to a seaport town. The place flourished from trades where goods from outside the country made their entrance here. But above all else, almost all kinds of info circulated in this place, especially things about their destination country.
Under the bright sun of noon, they passed the town's bustling gate. There were no official Melromarc guards in sight and they immediately looked around for any inns. Securing a place for the night would always be their top priority whenever they arrived at a town.
"Alright, what do you think about that one?" Suiryu pointed at an establishment across an armory.
"Whenever you point your finger at, you tend to choose an expensive one." Eclair shook her head in amusement. "Let us ask around, shall we?"
"Can't be helped. I have a princess in tow. Taking a shabby inn will be totally disgraceful." He retorted, smiling teasingly at her.
"Oh, do I look like one?" She chuckled. "Just wait until I wear a barmaid uniform. I am no different than a commoner."
"Are you seriously want to wear something like that?" He leered at a girl who was serving some ale at a nearby pub. "Okay, honestly, I think you'll also look really good in that."
"Ah, please forget it." She waved her hand dismissively. "I know that rather than my new look, you want to see the lumps beneath the shirt more than anything. Also other obvious places. Like the one beyond the skirt."
"God… Since when you become this wanton, Eclair?" Suiryu got a gobsmacked look on his face.
"Perversion turns out to be a divine way to mend my tattered soul. I am exhausted with all the decorum I mold myself with. They are but a shackle. Do you think it is wrong?"
"Tone it down a bit, at least. Can't just say it in a broad daylight as if it's nothing, right?" He said, looking around the street as they passed a group of sailors who were talking merrily.
"Hey, hey, how's last night?"
"Lame. She's just an amateur with cow tits. I'm totally disappointed."
"Buahahaha! I can feel it, mate!"
Both Suiryu and Eclair didn't need a sage to tell them what those sea fellas had talked about. In a place this jammed with people, that kind of service was among many tourism attractions that drew in customers and their money. Rarely would it become a territory's main source of revenue, bawdy business would always exist as long as humans still need an outlet for their unbridled lust.
"… Or maybe not." Suiryu spoke as his face turned bland, eliciting Eclair's smirk.
"I can feel it, Lord Suiryu." She smiled in mocking sympathy, patting his shoulder. "Then, shall we check that one over there?"
"Ah, yeah. Sure."
They walked farther and stopped before an inn, close to the warehouse area. The higher floors overlooked the port, providing a pretty panorama of the crowded sea. Since it was a little bit far from the main street, this inn might offer a more reasonable price.
"Looks cozy. Let's pick this one. We'll also get a grub."
Right after lunch, Suiryu and Eclair went out to explore the town. Aside from supplies, they were also looking for any info about the voyage bound to Zeltoble. As they gathered their needs, they asked around the vendors. They told them that some boats which regularly headed to that country would sail tomorrow. Normally, the sail would take a couple of weeks. With that info in hand, they returned to the inn.
"I couldn't imagine that Zeltoble is really that far." Suiryu exclaimed as he sat down in a chair. "Two weeks, huh? By the time we reach that country, the next Wave will have struck."
"The Wave, is it?" Eclair grimaced, sitting across him. "I actually wonder how other countries deal with it."
"Um, this Wave… That geezer– I mean Aultcray, told us that it struck Melromarc. Is that true?"
"That time, it might be the case. But I heard that it was not only Melromarc." She said as her countenance got a more bitter shade.
"So, it's a global disaster?" He frowned.
"I do not know the scale of the Wave, but Her Majesty's urgent leave is related to this catastrophe. It turned out that several other countries also face the same problem. She attended a meeting abroad to bring up the topic, especially about the summoning of the Four Holy Heroes."
"Four Holy Heroes Summoning? But hadn't Melromarc done it?"
"Melromarc had done it?" Her eyes widened. "All four Holy Heroes?"
"Yeah. I came with other three heroes. I found myself with the other kids and the guys in the palace addressed each of us based on the weapon on our person."
"I see. That means His Majesty had decided to summon all four Cardinal Heroes at once without sending any notice to the neighboring countries." Her frown deepened as she gazed at the sky beyond the open window with bitten-back rage. "He had soiled his wife's trust over him. I might be his subject, but I still find his action as deplorable."
He caught her stifled anger and stiffened in his seat. She seriously looked pissed off at the old bone's callous betrayal.
"Well, that's the guy who ordered his soldiers to catch the Spear and Shield Heroes. I think reporting his action to his wife is the most reasonable option. You've made a good choice."
She sighed in resignation. "Indeed. I think at this point, I should steel my resolve to tread a path of waywardness."
"Are you thinking about a rebellion?" He quipped, slightly furrowing his brow. "Sounds really dangerous, but I'll help if you need something. Of course with things in my power."
"I thank you for your eagerness to help me, but it is not something grand like a rebellion." She shook her head, smiling.
"Then what?"
"Well, as a branded criminal, they hold no control over me anymore. I am but free."
A content smile crept onto Suiryu's face. "Okay. That's more for a reason for me to stick with you, then."
"Sticking with me or sticking your spear into me?" She suddenly shot a deviously sultry smile.
"Geez, Eclair! You really know how to raise the mood, huh?"
"I am delighted for the compliment. And I shall be looking forward to your blessing for tonight."
"I already know where you'd lead our conversation to." Suiryu snorted, glancing at the evening sky outside. "Alright. Let's hit the bed after dinner. We need to get up early tomorrow. It won't be fun if we miss the boat."
"Understood, Lord Suiryu."
"All be aboard!"
"Aye! All aboard!"
"Pull the anchor! Set the sails, folks!"
"Yo–HO!"
As the mariners were preparing the ship to embark, Suiryu, Eclair and several passengers crowded the deck, gazing at a little spectacle at the dock, prior to their leave. When the ship moved, the bustling port soon turned smaller in sight as they cast hopeful looks, praying for a safe voyage. Since time immemorial, the sea was a territory mankind never succeeded to conquer.
It might be their last journey, probably.
The crowd began to disperse when the draft blasted the sails mightily as the expanse of blue besieged them. The land they came from was nothing but a little dot beyond the earth's bend at that point. Suiryu and Eclair remained to stay, entrusting their bodies over the ship's railing.
"Is this your first time taking journey by boat, Lord Suiryu?"
"Yeah. This is my first time. Though an ocean covered most part of my earth's surface, I've never traveled by boat. Strange, is it?"
"Oh, no. I have met some people I believe never traveled through the sea their entire lives. It is as if the moment they were born, they were destined to spend their waking moment over the earth, never even once to get a whiff of the seawater until the day they expire."
"That sounds so cruel if you put it that way." Suiryu gazed at the horizon where the sky fused together with the sea.
"But life is always like that, is it not?"
"Yeah, maybe you're right, but… no." He shook his head. "It's not always like that."
"Now you look confused. Does the wind rob away your firm thoughts?" A smile curled on her face.
"Hey, my head is still here. At least I can still know that you're kidding me." He deadpanned, pointing at his head.
"Apologies. I meant no insult." She chuckled.
"Good grief…"
"By the way, shouldn't we check our chamber?" She glanced at the door that led to a descending stairway.
"Right. Let's go."
When they headed down to the passenger's quarter, the ship swayed. Eclair slightly lost her balance and bumped into a fellow passenger who was walking through the corridor. The guy turned around and faced them. Eclair's eyes widened in horror, for the man, whose built was almost exactly the same as Suiryu's, looked quite intimidating. The bangs of his straight black hair that covered his right eye didn't help but added his strangling aura.
"A-ah, forgive me, sir. I-I did not mean to–"
The man's complexion softened, graced by a thin smile. "It's okay. The tide is pretty strong. Just be careful."
"O-oh. Right. Thank you."
"Are you perhaps searching for your room? In that case, may I be of help?"
"Yep. We're looking for our room. We truly appreciate your help, but you don't need to be troubled by us, thank you." Suiryu answered in her stead, politely declining his help.
Rather than animosity, Suiryu couldn't help but got impressed by the guy. The man seemed to be in his mid twenties, just two years his senior. He might be a taciturn type, naturally flaring his intimidating impression, but he was also the making of a lady-slayer. A warrior to boot with a pair of nifty longswords perched on his waists, no less, his gorgeously-chiseled physique was a charm some women would often swoon over than not. This guy really piqued his interest.
As he was thinking about the cool passenger, the said man broke his reverie. He offered his hand to Suiryu.
"I see. By the way, I'm Egil Voltz. Nice to meet you, sir."
Suiryu's smile stretched wider as he took his hand. "The name's Suiryu. Pleased to meet you too, Egil."
Eclair suddenly felt the urge to press her back against the corridor's wall. She swore that she could see blue and red auras that shrouded the men respectively were clashing as they made a handshake. Despite their friendly gesture, they emitted a killing intent that made her sweat profusely. She couldn't imagine what would it be if a fight were to break.
"And my beloved traveling companion over here is Eclair." Suiryu introduced her, unbinding her from the tension.
"… I-it is an honor to meet you, Sir Voltz." She bowed shortly, placing her hand over her heart.
"Ah, please don't be so formal. Just call me Egil, Miss Eclair."
"O-oh, I am sorry. Then, Mister Egil, is it?" She regained her composure.
"Yes, you can call me so." He nodded and fished out a key. "It truly is a pleasure to meet you. For now, let me excuse myself. I have a matter to attend to. See you later."
"Oh, see you." Suiryu waved his hand as the man took hasty steps.
They exchanged glances for a moment as Egil's broad back vanished. They shared a nod and picked their pace, heading deeper to the passenger's quarter. As they walked, Eclair held the key.
"Which room, is it?" Suiryu asked, eyeing the tiny wooden figurine that hung freely with the key.
"Twenty three. I think we are almost there." She said, glancing from door to door, matching the number. "We are fortunate that this ship offers a decent accommodation for her passengers."
"Guess the owner is a generous man."
"I believe so."
They descended through a short staircase and passed another corridor. There, they found Egil was opening the door opposite their room.
"Oh, I never thought I'd be staying in front of yours." Egil was unlocking the door as the pair came over him.
"Right. We're looking forward to be your neighbor." Suiryu said, offering an easy smile.
The moment Egil pushed the door, it opened rather harshly and two women – or hotties to be precise – scrambled out. The one with lustrous blonde locks hugged him, pressing her impressively ample bust into his body. Despite her shameless act, she exuded a regal air. Slutty as she seemed, she was likely a princess, still. Meanwhile, the other one with short pink hair in a typical adventurer getup stood there, grinning naughtily.
"Master Egil, where have you been?! Do you know how long I have been waiting for you?!" She pouted, tucking his shirt.
"Yeah, right. Did you hit on another girl on the way here?" The pink-haired adventurer smiled teasingly. "Not that I have a problem with that."
The blonde glared at the other girl. "But I have! Do you know how much trouble you have brought to Master Egil, Serina?"
"Oh, sorry, sorry. Truly, defying the pervert queen's will isn't an option. Thus I beg thy pardon."
"Who do you call a pervert?!" The blonde barked back.
"Enough, you two. I'm sorry, Eleanor, Serina." Egil addressed the blonde and the pink-haired girls respectively. "If you're wondering who is this certain person, then meet our traveling fellows."
He moved aside to reveal Suiryu and Eclair who looked as baffled as the girls. The girls stared at the pair in exasperation as if they were some rare goods.
What intrigued both Suiryu and Eclair however was the presence of a massive iron bangle that wrung each neck of those babes. Those who weren't familiar with slavery could even tell that those stuffs made them look like some possessions, deprived of their freedom as a mankind.
'And she called Egil master? Are they some sort of slaves?'
"Um, Master Egil, is he a long lost brother of yours?" Eleanor asked, squinting her eyes at Suiryu.
"Hoh?" Suiryu's smile returned as he eyed Eleanor in interest.
"Huh, a brother? I've never said anything about having a relative." Egil retorted.
"A swordswoman?" Serina leered intensely at Eclair, especially at the thin sword that hung over her left waist.
"Um, do I have something weird on me?" Eclair asked uncomfortably.
"Oh, no. I'm just impressed. You must be strong. Are you going to invite her into our party, Mister Egil?"
"… Um, thank you?" Eclair said, flustered.
"Sorry. She's my partner already. We don't have any plan to party up with any group, yet." Suiryu declined, smiling apologetically at Egil as he pulled Eclair closer.
"Oh, how considerate of you, good sir! Indeed, Master Egil does not need any more companion. For I am but his most loyal vassal!" Eleanor exclaimed confidently, puffing up her lascivious bust.
"Eleanor…"
"There she goes again." Serina sighed.
"Oh dear. Look at what we have here. Are those some guests I see, Egil-han?"
A new figure emerged from behind Egil. The lady truly got all the tempting curves at the right places, well-endowed almost dreamily perfect. But above all else, what surprised them was the existence of animal features on her person.
"Fox ears and tail?" Suiryu muttered.
"A demi-human?" Eclair knitted her brow at the lady's appearance.
"Setsuna…"
"Ugh, it's the vixen!" Eleanor's face contorted in disgust.
"Hmm, your tongue is as sharp as ever, Eleanor-ojou-sama. I am elated." Setsuna turned to Suiryu and her expression grew stern. "Fellow warriors, I wish you would at least know your position and never get in Egil-han's path."
"Do we look that suspicious to you?" Suiryu's smile didn't falter despite her threat. "It's not like I want to bother you, or anything. If you get any problem since we stay in front of your door, I'll ask the crews to arrange a new room for us."
"Lord Suiryu..."
"Setsuna, please stop. They are just fellow passengers." Egil shot a reprimanding look. "There is no need to be so stiff. Be mindful, would you?"
"That's right. Don't be so frighteningly contemptuous, lest you earn yourself more wrinkles." Eleanor threw a smug smile at Setsuna.
"Pardon my insolence, Egil-han. But would you at least allow me to slap this wench's face? She disturbs me more than our respectable guests could have ever done." Setsuna asked with twitching smile.
Before Egil could answer, the door next to his room burst open. Five girls around their mid-teens in various adventurer gears scrambled out and ran over him. From the manner they dressed, one was a priestess, another one was a ranger, the one holding a rabbit could be a beast-tamer, and the last pair were assassins.
"Mister Egil's back!"
"Welcome back, Mister Egil!"
"Egil…"
"Wowie! Big sis' hubby sure takes loooong time!"
"Sana, Luna, Fii, Kurona, Shirona.
"Speak about the devils…" Serina spoke with disinterested look.
As Egil got swallowed by his fangirls, Suiryu and Eclair were gawking at them awkwardly. When Eleanor turned at them and smiled meaningfully, Suiryu took it as a cue for them to retreat.
"Um, Egil, sorry to interrupt, but we'll be seeing you around later."
"Oh, me too. Next time I see you, I'll make sure we can have a plenty chat." Egil amicably replied, softly pushing away the young girls who clung around him.
"I'll be looking forward to it." Suiryu winked coolly as Eclair opened the door, bowing with knightly dignity.
Suiryu's parting gesture was a spectacle the young ladies found themselves dazed by. In their eyes, the mysterious, good-looking guy with a spear vanished as swift as they noticed him. To add their regret, they lost sight of his beautiful, strawberry-haired swordswoman companion.
"Ah… H-hey! Who's that man? Mister Egil, tell us!"
"Miss Eleanor, who are they?"
"Big sis Serina, you gotta tell us!"
"Well, I'll tell you, but first, let's head inside. Is that okay, Master Egil?" Eleanor took Egil by his arm.
"Yeah. Can't let people walking around this corridor get disturbed by us. Let's go inside."
As Egil and his followers went inside, Setsuna tilted her head, looking at Suiryu's room in suspicion.
"What a peculiar couple."
Eclair stirred in her sleep and woke up, only to find Suiryu was nowhere in their room. She touched the place he lied down not long ago. The faint warmth still lingered there. It was so strange that a hard-sleeper like him got out of bed.
Following her slight uneasiness, she swiftly got dressed and left the room. The moment she closed the door, she could hear some muffled yelps from beyond the opposite door. They sounded like having their finest moment, faint moans and whatnot leaking from the tightly-closed wooden door.
"Ugh… They also do it, don't they?" Eclair said under her breath and quickly rushed through the corridor, heading upstairs.
The moment she reached the deck, she saw Suiryu was swinging his spear. In every swing, she sensed how much determination he poured into it. His strained look was a testament of his serious effort.
However, she should admit that he was a complete amateur, lacking finesse. The way he swung his spear was meant for sword practice. She actually wanted to laugh, but his hellbent look slew her evil thought.
"Open your elbows slightly and let your left hand grip the lower mid-length. That way, you will get a sturdier balance. Remember, you are not swinging a sword, it is a spear."
"Huh?" He turned around and blinked. "Eclair? Why are you here?"
"Shouldn't that be my line? I hope you don't cut your rest for this mere blind exercise."
"Ah, sorry. I hardly could get any sleep." He smiled wryly as he came over her.
They claimed a spot under the mast. As he held his spear and gazed skywards, she leaned her back against the cold log.
"Is something bothering you, Lord Suiryu?"
"No, actually not. It's just that I suddenly cannot sleep."
"I see. Is it because this is your first time traveling through the sea?"
"I'm not really sure, but I don't get any sign of seasickness. I'm fine. Maybe it's because I'm a little bit… pumped up?"
Eclair leaned closer to learn his face and pursed her lips. "Is that so? You don't look like in higher spirits. Strange."
"I also don't know. Is that because we're heading to a new place?"
"How can I even tell? You know yourself better than anyone."
"You're right. But regardless…" He glanced at his spear as his grasp tightened around its shaft. "My mind keeps telling to get stronger. I don't want to slack anymore."
Eclair for a moment was enamored by his determination. Behind his laid-back personality, a man with a will of iron resided. In her eyes, he was like an aspiring knight who aimed for nothing but a single goal in his life. It was dazzling. She didn't know whether her line of thought was right or not, but such a man would need a support to reach his goal.
And she would willingly become that pillar.
She reached for his free hand and held it tightly, her eyes met his. "Lord Suiryu, the path you would trudge is a treacherous one. In that case, allow me to support you in every way I am capable of."
"E-Eclair, why so sudden?"
"Do you know, Lord Suiryu, for once, I also had a dream." She spoke wistfully, turning her gaze to the floorboard. "But fate doesn't align with my yearning, thus shattering it. I thought that it was hopeless at that point to even think that I would find a way to reclaim what I lost. I nearly succumbed to despair. However, the moment I met you, I found a new aim. You are like a beacon of hope. I want to chase it, and thus I follow you."
She exhaled and looked up at him. "So please, until you find what you seek, let me stay with you."
Suiryu's jaw slackened, speechless. He slowly closed it and regained his composure, but he was still at a loss. He racked his brain, but nothing came up except his honest impression about himself. He heaved a sigh and looked at her in the eyes.
"You see, Eclair, I'm a scum."
"A scum? No, you are not! How can you say so?"
"No, Eclair, it's true." He averted his gaze skywards, staring at the cloudy night sky. "Back in my world, I learned martial arts through training and fought to get the kick out of them. It truly was fun. I got much money. And I was young. Then there was something else I really got addicted to."
Eclair gulped as Suiryu's pause turned ominous.
"It's women."
Another silence followed, only the sound of drifting sea wave that filled their field of hearing. Eclair's eyes darted about the place, her gaze wavering. She made a grimace as she tore her gaze away.
"You can judge me whatever you like. That's why I'm scared. I'm scared if one day, I fail your trust."
He expected an adverse reaction, but instead, she embraced him, taking him by surprise. It was an honest hug, filled with affection. It was tender, soothing. She gazed up at him, casting a solemn smile.
"Even if you are a scum, would it change the fact that you are a hero? Would it make me despise my own savior? Would I regret that you robbed my first time?" She vehemently shook her head. "No. You have the right to be yourself, Lord Suiryu. I have told you that I am beyond satisfied since you chose me, have I not? And indeed, I know that being betrayed is balefully painful. However, I assure you that a man like you would never lay my trust to waste. Leaving a mark in me is a hard proof of your seriousness."
"Eclair…"
"Besides, you are also a victim of a certain person's treason. Let it be a reason for you to not betray me. Simple, is it not?"
Suiryu's momentary daze vanished as he let out a groan. "T-that's easier said than done, Eclair. Still, if that's what you want, I'll try my best. Oh, and I'll also need your help."
"I will! That is my hero!" She buried her face into his chest.
As he enjoyed her affectionate warmth, there was a matter he wished to word out. It was something deadly important since his nature as an outgoing guy was at stake. His little buddy could often slip out of check whenever there was a little stimulation – namely, naughty girls.
"Thanks, Eclair." He glanced reluctantly at her. "Still… Suppose that there's a woman other than you I really can't restrain my devil from and I… well, made a fatal slip in the process, won't you get mad?"
"Is that what you are afraid of all this time after you pierced me several times already?" She looked at him incredulously.
"Yes."
Much to his surprise, she lightly chuckled. She broke free from the embrace and cast a cryptic smile. She didn't look mad at all, honestly, but he caught a hint that her answer that followed would be something he expected coming from a woman.
"Naturally, I would."
"Thought so. Then feel free to kill me if I make a blunder."
Her face scrunched up. "Why? Do I have a reason to do so after we go this far?"
"You know, I still feel really bad after that night. I always get the feeling that I don't deserve this." He said as his face turned sullen. "And I can't keep my promise."
She frowned at him, looking at him with an angry look. Her gaze stung his fortitude oh so dearly that he stepped back and slammed his back against the mast.
"Oh, are you still thinking about that? Lord Suiryu, how many times should I say that you have my permission to devour me? It would irk me at this point if you still brood over that matter. So please, let my first time be a fleeting, fond memory we cherish together. And let our nightly adventures be a way to deepen our bond."
She huffed, letting out a smoky breath that united with the cold night air. Her gaze went gentler as she turned her head at him. All the traces of her ire had gone.
"Eclair…"
Without any warning, Eclair threw a kick at his stomach. However, Suiryu reflexively blocked the tip of her boot with his pointer finger. They smiled broadly, inwardly praising each other.
"Even when you are brooding, you are still sharp. As expected of a hero."
"I'll take it as a compliment." He sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "Seriously? Do you need to hit me this way?"
"At the very least, I can know whether you are still a man worthy of your prowess or a mere scum just like you said."
"Ugh…"
"The moon grows paler. Dawn will unfurl soon. Shall we spend it for a little session of exercise? Let us wash away your ill-feeling with this activity. Oh, I assure you that you will learn many things from me."
"Thanks. I'll be in your care, Eclair. Please guide me."
Half a month over the boat with some stops for resupplying passed like a breeze. They finally stepped their feet on a new land – the promised land of peddlers and sellswords, Zeltoble.
They took two days of travel to reach the capital. By the time they arrived at the city, they realized that their travel expenses had landed a massive blow to their purse. They were broke.
"We need to find a job." Suiryu exclaimed, pensively staring at his malnourished pouch over his palm.
"Indeed. Let us find out how Regulus' gift works."
They asked some fellows in a rowdy bar and got an info as quick as they got their fills of ale. Taking into account about their decent capability in fighting, they got two options. They discussed it over that cheap frothy drink.
"Okay, let's think about this, Eclair. We can either take a job as a mercenary or enter an arena."
"Correct. However, even entering an arena will charge us some money, unless we get a sponsor. This is complicated and unfeasible at the moment."
"Yeah. Though I honestly prefer the arena, even if we find the cheapest one, that will be deadly strangling when our wallet is this thin." Suiryu put on a look that showed a nostalgia. "But, it seems our only choice is becoming some soldiers of fortune."
"Pretty much." She said, her face hinted a plain amusement and interest.
"You seem to be happy." He curiously probed.
"Um, that line of work is the closest one to my old occupation, after all. I cannot help but be interested."
"Oh, you're right. So, it's decided, huh?"
"Yes. Let us enlist as sellswords."
They went out and rushed directly to a building at the main street. It was a haughty establishment, packed with visitors in various manners of clothing. Among them, many demi-humans blended in. It was apparent that this country didn't hold race discrimination like her neighbors, fortunately.
"This looks like an adventurers' guild to me" Suiryu cocked his head. "So what makes it different?"
"We would never know until we head inside."
"Right. Let's go."
The mercenary guild. A wooden board with letters written in Zeltoblese was nailed onto its face, overlooking the street. Whatever its name and motto was, it didn't matter. Suiryu and Eclair entered it, together with some fresh guys who sported hopeful looks.
The place by no means was small, but it was jammed. They went in without much trouble, yet the crowd made their stride to the counter rather strenuous. They momentarily stole glances, learning the situation. Indeed, the place seemed to be the main destination for those who needed some jobs.
The moment they reached the counter, a beefy man in his 40s emerged. Despite his barbaric appearance, he seemed to be a very friendly fellow. He smiled when Suiryu and Eclair stood before him.
"Welcome to Fighting Falcon. Oh, a young couple I see. Do you perhaps need some money to support your marriage?"
"Unff…" Eclair averted her gaze to the side, her cheeks visibly turning red like an apple's skin.
Suiryu raised his hand, smiling wryly. "Sorry, pops, I hope that's the case, but we need some money to cover our expenses for traveling. First and foremost."
"Ahaha… I see. Well, I think it would be rude to pry into your matter any further. Thus, I'll let you fill these papers."
"So, we need to register first?" Suiryu shot a scrutinizing look at the registration form.
"Correct. Write your name, age, hometown origin, your former occupation if you have one, the weapons you are adept at the most and your fighting style. You can use the empty tables over there." The nice receptionist pointed at some rows of table where some boys were filling their forms. "In case you cannot read and write, you can ask our employees."
"Um, do not worry. I will fill it for you, Lord Suiryu." Eclair quickly stepped in.
"Oh, uh. Thanks."
"Hahaha… What a considerate companion you have, young lord!" The old guy chuckled. "Anyway, good luck on the registration. Because right next after you turn in your papers, there will be a practical exam to determine your rank. Best wishes!"
"Thanks, sir." Suiryu lightly bowed as the receptionist was grinning, flashing an encouraging thumbs-up.
The pair took a seat at a secluded long table. Eclair took a quill and dipped it into an ink pot. She turned to Suiryu, putting on an inquisitive look.
"Should I write your name as Suiryu?"
He hummed and snapped his fingers, finding an idea. "Rather than my original name, I'd like to use a new one. Please write it Ryu."
"Ah, understood. Then, Ryu, is it?" She scribbled down the name onto the parchment, five foreign characters written neatly from left to right. "Excellent. What about your age."
"Just write it 23. Well, I'm 23 anyway."
"You are 23?" She blinked in surprise. "That makes us the same!"
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. Well…" She rolled her eyes, squirming in her seat in embarrassment. "Women like me would have been considered as an old hag if they are not married yet."
"Is that why you joined the knight?" He leaned closer and whispered.
"Yes. Partly. And that saved me from such a humiliating status." She replied, lowering her voice. "At least being called a dame is more bearable."
"Amazing…"
"I hope that is not something you should be amazed of. Then, about your weapon, should I write it as is?"
"Spear? Well, spear, I guess. Though I'm not proficient at it, but… This is my only weapon." He let out a weak chuckle.
"That must be another reason for you to never procrastinate with your training." She smiled brightly.
Behind that bright smile, he could sense a looming pandemonium. He rolled his eyes, smiling nervously. After one taste of her training, he finally found out that she was an extremely strict instructor. He preferred to hone his [Void Fist] rather than his lancing skill.
And above all else, she was a training freak. She almost never skipped her sword-swing regimen.
'No wonder that she's well-shaped and supple. Oof… Not now, please!' He inhaled deeply the moment he felt a surge of power into the sanctuary between his legs.
"T-training? I never slacked, did you see? I never missed it when we were on the boat."
"True, you were always serious, but you still prioritized your awful martial arts regimen over it." She continued to write, recalling the time they spent over the boat. "I am afraid that you will merely become a Spear Hero in name without any true skill to support it."
"Nah, that can't be possible, right?" He chuckled rigidly.
"Well, who knows? However, no great achievements demand small sacrifice. I believe you know it well."
Suiryu glanced over her face. Her attractiveness truly mesmerized him, especially whenever she teased him. But the moment he saw the translucent bars and letters that floated over her, his lips curled painfully. She had a base to backup her words. Theoretically, she was stronger than him.
The fact of her higher prowess stung him harder than her beauty could heal his fortitude.
"I know. You're level 76 while I'm still level 14. I guess that good receptionist was just too kind to not scoff at me. Now I'll be fully in your gentle care. Please, treat me like I'm your newborn son." He sulked.
"I truly appreciate your attempt at jesting, but please don't lose your courage." She consoled him, patting his back. "But are you truly in a desperate need of a mother?"
"Um, maybe." He rolled his eyes.
"Then feel free to partake in a banquet of debauchery… tonight." She whispered seductively, pressing her hand into her chest.
Her gesture couldn't help but trigger his recollection of their journey to this land. Along that trip, they took their leisure time wisely to strengthen their bond in the boldest way possible.
In their room with their door slightly ajar, from the deck to the edge of the beam till dawn, and in the storeroom when a storm struck. Even above the topmast when the crescent moon shined palely while the night was at its darkest. They almost never missed a single day without that regimen.
Their boldness had even put their lewd neighbor to shame! Egil Voltz and his harem, who also never missed their bonding sessions, well-known among the passengers as the raunchiest bunch, admitted their defeat. The harem lord bowed down before the couple, albeit figuratively over their tea time.
It was like a dream. A wild dream that sucked him into an abyss of depravity. A terrifying threat that could turn him into a beast of lust.
"You know, Eclair, our good time on the boat to me felt like a dream. But now I hope I can stay awake a while longer." He looked another way, catching some adventurers setting their eyes upon their little lovey-dovey act.
"Um, what do you mean by that?" She cocked her head.
"Ah, just forget it."
"If you say so. Well, the trickiest part finally comes." She exclaimed, eyeing the lowest part on the form as she refilled the quill with ink. "How should I write about your fighting style?"
"Just write it as mix-martial arts."
"I think that is not a familiar term. However an unknown style usually commonly would be called a freestyle. "
"Freestyle? My martial arts follow a certain pattern. Though it might flexibly incorporate other styles into it, but…"
He trailed off, feeling his grandfather's divine legacy got a humiliating blow from being called a mere freestyle. And he could do nothing about that. Aside from protecting the inhabitants of that world from the Wave, it appeared that he still had a very long way if he wished to introduce [Void Fist].
Even Eclair was no exception in this case.
"Alright. Just write it as a freestyle. It's not that my style will curse me if I simply call it a work of art."
"You really are attached to your martial arts style, aren't you?" A raising concern floated on Eclair's face.
"I am. It's a priceless thing I bring from my world."
"I see." She cast a smile of understanding. "Then should I write it as 'Vanity Fist'?"
"'Vanity'? It's [Void Fist]."
"I see. So it is [Void Fist]. Then Vo-id F-ist…" She etched four characters onto the paper. "Hmm… neat. I should say that its name is as foreboding and dashing as the destruction it left on its wake."
A broad smile stretched across his face. He felt so grateful that his partner was such a warrior who regarded the value of a combat art more than most people could. It was a good small step to introduce her to the style.
"Is that a compliment?" He quirked a brow.
"I merely said a fact."
"Oh, well." He rolled his eyes.
"Please do not fret over it, Lord Suiryu. You can show your true capability in the practical exam, later on."
"Yeah, I guess so." He smiled and turned to her. "Thanks, Eclair."
"You are welcome." She nodded. "Now in return, would you like to stay with me? It is time for me to complete my paper."
"With pleasure."
Before the new test participants, some examiners had been standing in row. The leading tester at the center was a huge man. Young as he might look, he stood nearly a head taller than Suiryu. To throw in a mental breakdown to the hopeful joiners, he brandished an impossibly large sword that would fit for a giant. Added with his stern look, it was a complete mental crushing, barring faint-hearted people from entering this harsh industry any further.
"Aight, everyone. As the guild has said, we're here today for a test to determine your placement and ranks. I'm Loren, and I'll be one of your examiners. Others will be tested by my friends over here. Those who mainly fight with weapons will come with us, magic-users will go with our two mages. Other than demonstrating your personal basic combat skills by smashing those dummies, there will be a mock battle. Remember, we'll only be using wooden weapons. Do you catch it so far?"
Murmurs of agreement followed. Loren nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Then let's get to it. Follow the instruction. Start from the lowest number. Those who got blue card go with Nelka, yellow ones with Claudio, red with me. For magic-casters, white with Roana, orange with Liselotte."
The participants dispersed to reach their examiners and moved to the designated spots on the guild's testing field. Most of them went to Nelka the ranger, some others with Claudio the swordsman, and few with Loren. Meanwhile, magic-casters went to join their respective examiners.
"See you again, Eclair." Suiryu waved at his dear companion. "Or should I call you Claire?"
"Well, either way is fine. Let us meet again later. Good luck. Oh, and make sure you fasten your belt, tight, Mister Ryu." She winked at him.
He gave a sidelong glance at some pretty fighters. Surely, those blooming young ladies were attractive. However, he had his own taste. Those who were close in age with his was his preference.
"I'm not into younger ladies, okay."
"Then I suppose you have no choice other than me." She grinned.
"Sheesh… Don't make it sound like I'm a pathetic guy."
Both of them let out a hearty chuckle and parted ways.
'Hmm… They seem to be quite skillful. And this girl is far more experienced than Rochelle. Color me surprised.'
Suiryu silently appraised the performance of an azure-haired brawler girl. Fighting with bare fists, she could go toe-to-toe with Nelka who fought with a pair of wooden knives. Nearing the end, she almost overwhelmed him should a guild official failed to halt the mock battle session.
In his eyes, it was an interesting fight to behold, owing to the fact that martial arts in this world weren't as developed as the ones on his former planet. His view towards this new realm slightly changed. Perhaps introducing [Void Fist] wouldn't be as arduous as he thought.
"Well done, Miss Narsena! That was really awesome!"
"Thanks so much, Mister Nelka! Well, I thought I should go all out, so I guess I went overboard." She spoke sheepishly.
"That's not a problem. With this, I can assure you that you may secure silver rank as your starting point."
"R-really?!" She beamed and hopped cheerfully when Nelka gave a firm nod. "Yaay!"
"Hi, Narsena, how was the test?" A guy in a priest coat strode over.
"Oh, big brother Raust! Let's see later about it, but Mister Nelka over hear has told me…"
As the brawler and the spiky-haired priest had their congratulatory talk, Suiryu diverted his attention towards the guy who was going to test him. The swordsman had just finished his session. He got the last number, so he got abundant time to observe the participants. As he watched the rest of the retreating entrants, Eclair returned, followed by her examiner.
"I'd never thought that you're also proficient in light magic, Miss Eclair. And to think that you could defeat Claudio with a single strike, just how strong are you?"
"Miss Liselotte, I am but still a novice in the art of swordsmanship. I know that out there, there are people whose might and skill far surpass mine."
"Don't be so modest. You are the very person we need to keep our guild stay afloat. So, just for a tidbit, with these impressive skills, our guild will likely grant you a golden tag."
"Oh, really? I would be honored. However, what are the benefits of being a gold-tagged member?"
"Well, plenty. For example, you have the right to lead up to 16 silver-tagged, which is equal to 50 bronze-tagged or 100 iron-tagged. Of course Fighting Falcon had never deployed manpower that many in a single mission, but if we commence a joint operation with other guild, you have an authority to take command."
"That's quite a high position." She cupped her chin, pondering shortly. "This guild is not the largest, right?"
"Yes. We are not be the largest, but we are well-known in Zoltoble as the most excellent besides offering the vastest service to our clients. Ranging from guarding important people to assisting military expedition, we take many jobs."
"Does it include a job that would tangle you with any struggling political powers?" She asked in a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Yes. That one in particular is the most profitable among the jobs in our list. Noblemen as a personal client and states alike hire and pay us with hefty sum. Not to mention that we can often claim the spoils of war."
"Oh my…" Eclair muttered under her breath in exasperation.
'Aside from the fact that mercenaries are a flock of rioters, I had never thought that their work is that lucrative. To think that I, a former proud knight of Melromarc, would flutter before worldly gleam…'
She had a brush with this troublesome bunch in the past when she was still a squire, stationed around the country's border. Her first impression on them was terrible, they were no more than hired bandits. However, it seemed that this place sell a premium service which would never require their employee to fight like some disposable pawns.
In short, Fighting Falcon was an ideal example of a private military company. Well-maintained, reliable and elegant.
"Pretty impressive, right?" Liselotte winked suggestively. "Well, of course once you delve into the battlefield, things might not go as easily as you imagined. But I'm sure a strong fighter like you will manage without any trouble. Best of luck~!"
The lady in purple mage robe waved, bidding her goodbye. She vanished into the guild's main building, embracing a stack of parchments that held the participants' data. Eclair for a moment stood in a daze, deep in thought about her new occupation. She snapped back to reality when a familiar presence walked towards her.
"What a professional worker." Suiryu remarked.
"Oh, that is true. I think all of them are doing their duty well, far more organized than knights. Now that makes me wonder whether all of them is because of money."
"Well, money makes the world roll properly. I guess this place has reached a point where money moves everything."
"You might be right. But to think that money holds such an unimaginable strength… I shivered from just thinking it."
"Don't be so serious or you'll be a granny before you know it." Suiryu smiled teasingly, putting his hand over her shoulder.
She faced him with a twitching smile. "I thank you for your concern, but you truly are fortunate to be blessed with a companion who have an enormous patience and a body that can–!"
Suiryu pressed his index finger to seal her lips. "Please, Claire. Let's just keep that for ourselves."
She puffed her cheeks slightly in dissatisfaction. "Well, if you say so."
"Hahaha… You're so cute! Best if you keep it for me after I pass the test, alright?" He flashed a thumbs-up as he saw Claudio was looking around, searching for him.
"And you better grant me a greater reward, Lord Flesh-Lance!"
"Sheesh…!" His brow scrunched up as he walked away to see his tester.
"Mister Ryu, I presume?" Claudio asked.
"Yeah. The last one." He offered his yellow card.
Claudio took the card and nodded. "Okay. Shall we start the test? You can begin with those dummies. Please use the weapons we have prepared. After that, we can start our mock battle."
"Understood." Suiryu nodded as he made his way to the target practice area.
When he reached the designated point, he didn't take a single weapon. Claudio frowned in suspicion when Suiryu didn't even stop to hand in the weapon on his back.
"Is that a halberd, Mister Ryu? Can I see it for a moment?"
Suiryu turned around, smiling apologetically. "Well, yeah, but I'm afraid that I got a circumstance. You see, how should I say about this…? I got some sort of curse."
He could still go just fine with his [Void Fist] if that was all he got, but that holy weapon suddenly latched itself on him like a leech. It sure would be helpful if it was detachable, but the system ruthlessly shoved a burden to its wielder. Now it looked more like a curse than a blessing.
Not to mention that it would sting him if he carelessly swung a kitchen knife or blabbed some bad comments on it. There's no way such an obnoxious thing wasn't cursed.
"Curse?" Claudio's brow creased deeper.
"So you got yourself in a bind because of a cursed weapon, huh? Guess you've been through a rough time, huh?"
A new voice resounded around them. It was Loren, walking in leisure pace with his blade on his back.
"Loren?" Claudio tilted his head.
"Yeah. Still, can I join this guild?" Suiryu asked, a sense of slight apprehension painted across his face.
"Sure you can." Loren casually replied.
"Loren, aren't you overstepping your place a bit?" Claudio warned, a sweat bead slid down his cheek. "That's the guild to decide."
"I only answered about a possibility, alright? If he can prove himself to be a worthy guy, why should refuse him? That's a waste of resource." Loren shrugged. "Claudio, go help Liselotte with the paperwork. I'll take over from here."
Claudio's face looked tense when Loren held the hilt of his massive blade. "H-hey, as if I'll let you go straight to kill him! Don't do anything rash! I'll call the guild master!"
"No need. I know he can take more than just one swing from me."
"W-what?! You serious?"
Loren nodded. The mere presence of his and his sword didn't make Suiryu falter even one bit. He smirked instead, finding his opponent was a strong and perceptive guy. A smile also graced Loren's face, knowing the examinee as a real deal.
'Maybe this will be a worthwhile challenge after I came here.'
"You're sharp."
"Been a while since someone praise me so." Loren replied coolly, bringing down his gargantuan sword. "Wanna test out who's sharper?"
"I'll be damned if I don't take your offer." Suiryu drew his halberd, assuming a stance he learned from Eclair.
"… Are you really serious?" Claudio asked, his stare went blank.
"Don't wanna half-ass my job as a merc. Ryu, is it? Let's skip the dummies. If you can land a blow on me, I'll recommend you to be a gold-tag. Now come at me!" Loren raised his blade.
"Heh! You're one to talk!"
Suiryu bolted forth and used his charge to drag his weapon and swung it sideways. His constricting back and shoulder muscles creaked at work, pushing his arms to the left. Loren in return jammed his blade into the ground. His sword's blunt side met with the halberd's blade, ringing a deafening clang.
"Guhh!"
The brutal swing rattled up Loren from his arms, forcing him to draw the blade to dampen the reverberation. The moment his sword left the ground, Suiryu had cocked back his right arm, resuming his delayed charge. Loren's blade got another blow, but this time, the punch hammered him backwards tens of steps away. It shocked both his physical and mental states.
'H-how the hell!' He mused as he soared in the air for a moment before his boots touched the dirt, decelerating him through a rough skidding.
As if not even letting his surprise die down, Suiryu closed in on him with a mighty leap to deliver a roundhouse kick. Loren barely blocked it with his trusted blade, bending his grip and grazing his person. He got pushed farther back before he was able to come up with a counter.
"Wh-what is he…?" He wondered aloud as he saw Suiryu continued his relentless assault on him.
Heavy swings, punches and kicks descended on Loren alternately like a torrent. His eyes soon couldn't keep up with Suiryu's speed. Under that constant barrage, Loren came to realize that his opponent was toying on him. This trait commonly known as a showman's character dawned on him.
'Cause if he was serious, he could have killed me from the start.'
He still had an ace up his sleeve, but even if he unleashed it, what good would come from that? Wasn't this just a battle to determine the examinee's combat prowess? His loss wouldn't put so much of a dent to his well-established reputation. People probably would likely say that he was just too unlucky to meet an overpowered new recruit.
"Alright, you pass!"
Suiryu stopped his kick a mere inch from hitting Loren's blade. The gust blasted the mercenary's hair backwards. While his grip didn't wane, his face showed the exhaustion he suffered. Loren breathed heavily. He raised his head as Suiryu lowered his outstretched leg.
"I pass?"
"Yeah. You pass. Welcome to Fighting Falcon."
Loren smiled tiredly as he had his sword to support him. He offered his hand and Suiryu took it as he cast an appreciative smile in return.
"Thanks. I'll be looking forward to your guidance."
They shook their hands. When they turned to see the people around them, a baffling sight greeted them. Their jaws hung limply. It appeared that the mock battle had siphoned all their attentions and wounded their logic. They had just realized the world around them had revolved wildly, petrifying their minds.
"Well, it seems we need to give them a moment to recompose themselves." Suiryu exclaimed, staring at the mortally stupefied gawkers.
"Just leave them be. Come to our office for the finalization of your license. You can head to the general room afterwards if you wanna join a mission."
"Thanks. I'll gladly grab the offer." Suiryu slung his spear onto his back as he followed Loren, leaving the arena. "Anyways, that's a nice fight."
"Not at all. You could've killed me several times over. You didn't even let me strike back, geez. You truly are a demon, huh?" Loren blandly admitted, narrowing his eyes slightly at Suiryu.
"Ah… Did I do it too much."
"Too much is an understatement. With that speed, power and technique, you probably have so much chance to beat the hell outta some scary monsters."
Suiryu's eyes narrowed upon the mention of the baleful beings. "Do mercs also deal with monsters?"
"Sometimes. But in Fighting Falcon, it's quite frequent. We have all manners of clients, after all. You should expect they can fling some ridiculous orders straight to your face."
"Wow. Guess that's one hell of a tough job." Suiryu dryly remarked.
"Yea. You'll see for yourself."
"Lord Ryu…"
His conversation with Loren came into a halt as Eclair came over. She wore a joyful face as she stood before the men. Loren switched his gaze from Suiryu to Eclair, casting a wondering look.
"Your… retainer?"
"Oh, I am but his traveling companion. Pardon my rudeness, I am Claire." She bowed shortly.
"I'm Loren. Well met."
Eclair's lips curled into an intrigued smile. "I would have never thought that you can tell what my former occupation was."
"We mercs came from various backgrounds. You can tell easily if you often get the job to test new recruits." Loren answered proudly. "Right. After this, you can head straight to our office to finish the registration and take your tags. I'll be seeing you there."
"Thank you, Mister Loren." Eclair nodded as the pro merc headed into the main building.
"Shall we head to the office? He said that we can join a mission immediately after that." Suiryu tilted his head to see Eclair.
"Oh, that would be great. Then off we go."
The pair walked away, following the path Loren had taken.
"Alright guys. Since most of you are rookies, just take it easy. I'll be your guide. Now, let's cut to the chase."
The one who gave a briefing was a female panda terianthrope in a full plate armor. Suiryu, Eclair and their fellow new recruits were listening at her attentively. She rolled open a map over a table and continued her explanation.
"Our mission tomorrow is actually pretty simple. We'll raid an estate that belongs to this certain bastard named Rogias Rodin. To summarize it, the state needs to jail him for murdering some influential merchants. Anyways, we'll go the old way – rush through the main gate, hit anything that dares to screw in our way and capture Rogias. Our client has sent us these papers regarding all the details about our target's abode, but…" She cast aside the papers. "We'll let the veterans handle the complicated stuff. You just follow our orders like good boys."
"Woo! I love you, big sis Larsazusa!"
"That's our chief!"
"I'll follow you everywhere you go, big sis!"
Cheers of glee erupted throughout the room. The rookies were overjoyed by her likable, easygoing nature. Even Suiryu and Eclair couldn't help but smile at her.
"Heh! Praise me as you like. But if I find you defy our orders, I'll make sure to kick your butts, hard!" She threatened, smirking deviously, garnering the men's laughter. "Am I clear?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. So far, her explanation was satisfyingly clear.
"Moving on, this is an important thing you need to know. I won't say it twice, so make sure to nail it into your dense heads." Her frown deepened, sending chills to the rookies. "Rogias is a sly thug. His manor is riddled with traps, monsters and whatnot. So he doesn't need that many guards to keep his ass. Don't wanna scare you, but the chance you got tangled and killed by those nasty things is quite high."
She took a breath and huffed."So, follow our orders. Don't stray. Don't rush recklessly. You only live once. You're not a hero."
That last statement that sounded like a motto pricked Suiryu. Her words reflected the grimness of battlefields. He lightly shuddered in his seat, looking back at Larsazusa's abyss-like stare. Though she took the form of an animal, he caught a trace of pain she suffered from losing comrades along her job.
'It's terrible…' He inwardly remarked as he tore away his gaze from Larsazusa. 'This isn't the line of job I'd be enjoying. Still, we don't have much choice.'
"Aight. Any question?"
Suiryu raised his hand, drawing Eclair's surprise. He smiled, but that didn't convince her in the slightest. She caught a whiff of his whimsical nature that hung over his mien, yet she did nothing to stop him.
"Yes, you."
"Since we'll breach into an enemy's domain, can we keep any valuables we find in this mission? Like Rogias' possession."
"Hmph! Idiot. We're mercs. We're not a bunch of thieves. Still, it's my fault for not telling you the basics of our guild, but fine." She shrugged. "Our guild has a strict rule to not let its members take any loot. It's our policy. Right after every mission completion, there will be a quick checking on you. Those who pocket suspicious valuables will get their loot confiscated, wage cut, and worse, kicked out from the guild. We don't wanna get any trouble with the client. Unless they said it's okay to take them, just don't do that, ever."
A guy at the corner raised his hand. "Um, then what about stuffs dropped by enemy soldiers or monsters?"
"That's different. You can take them. Think of them as a bonus."
"What about their armors and weapons?"
"You can treat them as trophies."
"What about items that are stolen by the enemy soldiers and fall in front of us."
"Then you can count it as your luck. But if one day there are some tough guys asking you about that lost stuff, you deal with it on your own. The guild doesn't hold any responsibility for your action. Any other question?"
No one raised a hand. Larsazusa nodded and gathered the papers on the table.
"Okay, guess it's clear enough. Get some rest. Polish your armors, sharpen your swords. Thanks for coming. Dismiss."
The mercenaries dispersed from the meeting room. Suiryu and Eclair followed the crowd and exited the guild building. They ambled through the street, heading back to the inn.
"It's still tomorrow, huh?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, we still have a day to spend for our own… free time."
"Hmm…"
Suiryu hummed, rubbing his chin. Normally, a day like this would have been a ripe time for him to pick up one or two girls for lazing around with. It was such a carefree life he had been through. He glanced at Eclair inquisitively. She seemed to be a little bit under the weather.
'Come to think of it, although I'm always with her almost all the time, we never went out specifically for a date, huh? Will it cheer her up?'
It was just a spark that crossed his mind, but his eagerness reciprocated strongly. He turned to her and she tilted her head in return.
"Is something the matter, Lord Ryu?"
"Well, I think going back to the inn isn't a good idea. Let's check the town for a bit. Do you have any particular place you want to visit, Eclair?"
Her face brightened up at that instant. "That would be a splendid idea! Um, actually I want to see the central plaza and some weapon galleries."
"Oh, really? Then let's go there."
"Ah, I believe you would like it."
Thus just like youthful adventurers, they went to hang out in the central plaza, melding in with the flow of people and their merriness. They bought some snacks from the street food vendors, had a chat along the way, checking out some local souvenirs and visited the largest weapon shop as their final destination for that day.
When they walked home, the sun was already sinking, welcoming the night to take the stage. It was such a fun, blissful day. They put on content smile as they walked side by side. It appeared that his action on a whim was truly good for her, elevating her mood.
"Lord Suiryu…"
"Hmm…?"
"… Thank you so, very much. I have never been this joyful before. Spending a day in this mundane but fun activity turned out to be refreshing."
"Oh, really? Then I'm glad to hear that." He placed a hand to her shoulder, pulling her closer to him as they walked.
He suddenly gazed at the peach sky distantly. His look harbored a longing for something. It garnered Eclair's curiosity.
"Is something bothering you, Lord Suiryu? I hope that I can help you as a listener at the very least."
For a moment, he tried to consider about what he wished to speak out. It wasn't something nice at all, but he felt that this was the right time to tell her. He heaved a long sigh, his smile turning sour.
"You know, maybe this is just too disgusting. Call me a lecher if you want, cause when I was still in my previous world, I often went out with more than one girls."
Eclair slowed down her pace as she looked at him with wide eyes. In response, he also held back his stride and they came into a stop. They fell into silence.
"… Is that what you are afraid of? Even if you really were a scum, how many times should I convince you that I am fine with it?"
He didn't respond, standing in a daze. Her annoyed look changed into that of a concern.
"However, after I met you, you have not taken any chance to embrace other women. During our journey, there were many female adventurers you can have your way with. And I am quite certain that they would be happy to jump in the act, even if you discarded them as morning had broken." She paused, taking a breath as she fixed her gaze at him. "After you admitted about your past misbehavior several times, which annoys me to be true, you still seem to be fixated on me. Now come to think of it, that begs a question. Can you really leave me?"
"Uh…Eclair, how should I explain?"
Even he still wondered why his past greed had vanished almost without a trace the moment he met her. Currently, whenever he saw pretty ladies, he only shot a glance and nothing more than that. He lost any drive to hit on them. His carnal engine didn't respond, silent.
In the case with Eclair however, he would spend the best of his time and peak of his strength to spoil her. The satisfaction of their union came every time they reached the ceiling of pleasure. They dropped and conked out together over the sheet. Came morning, they usually woke up with goofy, cheerful smiles and flirted for a bit until they regained all their might to start a new day.
Was Eclair really so wonderful that he didn't want someone other than her?
'That's strange. This is the first time I can stay with a single partner this long. And I totally lost interest in girls other than her. What the hell's happening, man…?'
"Ugh, sorry. I'm not sure." He shook his head.
"You cannot even answer?" She quirked a brow then sighed in defeat. "Well, then at this point, I have no say in this matter. I also am at a loss."
"Oh, I guess so. That's pathetic."
"To find no answer for my question, is it that saddening?"
"Well, maybe not saddening, but I feel like there's something missing."
She hummed in contemplation. Of all things she gleaned from his personality, it truly was strange that a man who was unbelievably strong in his own right doubted his action after he reached a certain point. He possessed the asset to be a hero, but his conviction in their relationship swayed him. Whatever it was, Eclair was also in the dark. The best guess she could throw in was that he had some sort of trauma.
Nevertheless, she didn't dare to word that out. She kept the question in store at the back of her mind, saving it for a later date. She turned to him, casting a smile of sympathy. It was all she could do, but she hoped that it was more than enough to bring him consolation.
'A benevolent savior like him should not suffer.'
"I see. Whatever that is, do not let it bother you, Lord Suiryu. Our journey is a long one. Should you find a trouble, let me know how I should assist you. Please depend on me."
"I know. Thanks, Eclair." A resigned, yet relieved smile spread across his face. "For now, let's just go with the flow."
"Um." She nodded, walking closer by his side.
Unbeknownst to the pair, a lady in a clothing that would fit perfectly for a seductress was leaning her back against a building, overhearing a piece of their conversation. The grimness of the shadow only added a mystical aura to her stunning beauty. A solemn, yet mischievous smile stretched on her mesmerizing face.
"I see… So they are the lusty couple those boys near the dock have begun talking about. They join little Sasa's guild, huh?" She lightly brushed her long, shining black hair to her side as she left the place. "The boy is very cool. But his girl will be a little trouble, maybe? Hmm… Now I wonder if he can hold his drink. Well, let's see…"
Author's Note
Oh yeah! Our beloved killer whale girl is going into the fray! What are you gonna do, Champion? Eclair is hot, but this one is damn smoldering! Her… ahem… rack is just above demon level!
Well, as much as you wonder how this will turn out, I'm also wondering how I can bring her into his ravenous embrace. A little thought on this would be appreciated. :-3
Hope you like this. Share your thoughts. Thanks and see you in the next story. :-)
