Author's Note: Hey everyone! Just wanting to say thanks for the continuous support as always. I appreciate it a whole lot so I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Chapter 6: Some Small Talk
Memories of past in the town I called home, it soon shall be left when I begin to roam. Beyond the borders of simple comfort, I bring with me items I just had sort. Alongside companions I met just recent, together we travel since we were just sent. With one goal in mind I traverse the landscape, to bring back the princess to her home estate. Though on this journey I begin to wonder, what lies for me beyond yonder.
Due to my exhaustion, I remember that I collapsed before entering the Mayor's house. I couldn't see around me so I slowly opened my eyes. Upon opening them, the first thing I saw was a vast blue sea and the clear blue sky. I blinked twice and rubbed my eyes, making sure that what I'm seeing is true. Looking around, I noticed that I was in someone's bedroom. It seems that I was staring out their window.
Inside the room, there was a comfy looking bed with lots of pillows, an oak cabinet, an oak study table, an oak nightstand, a nice carpet on the floor, and a peculiar-looking banner. The banner was blue, it had a shield in the middle with a clover insignia on it, and two birds on both sides of the shield.
I walked around the room some more to inspect it thoroughly. Inside the nightstand, we're several papers, notebooks, pencils, and scissors. The cabinet contained, clothes of course, and a uniquely carved wooden sword for sparring. On the study table was a book, I picked it up and read its title, "Paladin's Handbook" it said.
It sounded familiar and yet it doesn't. I didn't really have time to read it so I put it down. With nothing else in the room to search, I decided to exit the room. And so, I slowly opened the door and peered over the side. Beyond the door was just a simple hallway that any home would have. As stealthily as possible, I traverse the hall to the right.
As I slowly walked, I noticed some paintings on the wall which were definitely home decorations. Just up ahead was a room with an open door, so I decided to investigate it. I peered inside, the room was fully furnished with a couch, two chairs, a table, and a fireplace. It seemed that this was the living room or guest room, just then I remembered the other dream I had.
This room looked exactly like the last one, so it seems that this was another dream. I sighed knowing that I sneaked around for nothing. I then heard footsteps heading this way and immediately hid behind the couch. As soon as I did, a woman, probably around the age of 40, entered the room and sat on the couch.
She then sighed, "I know you're there! Put your hands up where I can see them!" she called out. Forgetting the fact that this is a dream, I stood up and raised my hand only to realize it was not me she was referring to but someone else. I then heard giggling just outside the room, "Come on in now." she said. I looked at the doorway as a chubby little boy came running into the room, he had his arms up and a big smile on his face.
"You can put them down. Now come over here." the woman said. The little guy ran closer to her and hugged her leg like it was a big pillow. She chuckled, "You sure love hugging people." she said, smiling. She then picked him up and placed him on her lap. When the little guy sat on her lap, he immediately turned around and hugged her again. "No matter how tired I get, every time you hug me can't help but feel recharged already." she said, hugging him back. "I love you, Mom!" the kid declared.
I couldn't help but smile from what I saw, who wouldn't?! It looked so adorable and sweet. Perhaps I'm having this dream because of Cupa's current parental issue. Something that I never experienced since I have no parents... While watching, I soon felt I was regaining consciousness as the dream began to fade. The woman then smiled at her child, "I love you too..." she said before everything faded away.
Then I opened my eyes and saw a familiar-looking ceiling. I noticed that I was laying down on a bed, a girly one to be precise, as two familiar faces lay beside me on each side. I slowly got up and rubbed my eyes, "How long was I out?" I yawned. I looked around and saw that I was definitely in Mella's room. I sighed, "I guess it can't be helped. She is quite the worrywart but I appreciate it. She really is like a big sister to me." I thought.
Then I felt the need to drink, my throat was as dry as a desert. I looked if there was anything I could drink and on the table next to me I saw a pitcher of water. So I grabbed it and poured myself a glass of cold, refreshing water and drank to my fill. After doing so, I put the pitcher and glass back on the table.
For a while, I sat quietly on the bed as I try recalling what I had dreamt about. "The dream I had felt so real, almost like it was a memory of mine. But it couldn't be a memory since I don't even recognize anyone that looks like them, let alone the place I was in. Though for a dream to be of that quality, I'm pretty lucky to have experienced it." I thought.
As I continue to ponder, I didn't notice that someone was waking up. "Xander! You're finally awake!" Mella exclaimed joyfully. Her voice startled me out of my monologue, "H-hey Mella... I guess you're awake as well, huh." I said, still recovering from the shock. "I was worried sick about you!" she announced, suddenly hugging me. "Y-yeah, I'm fine so you can stop hugging me. It's kind of hard to breathe, you know?" I told her.
Despite me telling her off she continued hugging me. I sighed, "Okay fine, I'm sorry I worried you." I apologized, hugging her back. This delighted her so much that she hugged me tighter, "O-okay...I think...that's...enough..." I said, tapping her arm to let go. She then realized that she was suffocating me and let go, "S-sorry about that..." she apologized. I coughed, "It's fine. I'm used to your hugs, kinda." I replied.
We both let out an awkward laugh as another familiar person woke up. I saw her lift her head and look at us with drowsy eyes, "Hey there! Glad to see you're doing fine, Cupa." I said. She then rubbed her eyes and took another look at me before realizing I was now awake, "Xander! You're finally awake!" she exclaimed, lunging towards me delightfully. "Aww man, here we go again..." I thought, awaiting my next strangulation.
"I'm so glad you're okay!" Cupa announced, hugging me as well. And then I went through the same process of almost choking to death. So after being strangled a second time, I gasped for air the moment she let go. I coughed, "Who knew girls had this much hug strength!" I thought.
"Now that both of them are awake and have done their deed. I think it's time I asked them what's going on..." I thought. I mean seriously, I'm surprised that these two got along together just fine. "So, would both of you tell me what happened?" I asked. "Sure thing! Let's see, first, you fainted in front of the door, then we dragged you into the infirmary while waiting for you to be treated both Mella and I began chatting with each other, then we both got along and shared stories of you, then when you were done being treated we had you brought to Mella's room, then we watched you sleep until we both fell asleep. Does that answer everything?" Cupa explained, really fast
Just hearing her explain gave me trouble breathing. I took a deep breath first, "First of all, what?!" I exclaimed. "Was that too fast for you?" Cupa asked. I nodded, "Pretty much, I nearly couldn't understand a thing." I replied. "Let me explain it to you, Cupa." Mella suggested. "Sure thing! Go ahead, Mella!" Cupa agreed, giving her a thumbs up. "So it's your turn?" I asked her. Mella nodded, "You see, Xander. There really was nothing important you missed. We just watched over you while you slept, that's all." she explained.
I sighed, "That sounds even worse than the first explanation. But I at least understood it." I thought. "So what did you talk about while I was out?" I asked. Cupa giggled, "Mostly about you." she said. "What about me exactly?" I asked. "Just some stuff..." Mella replied, smiling. "Oh boy! Probably some dumb and embarrassing stuff I did when we were young." I thought, rather worried. I scratched the back of my head, "Well, I can't do anything else. I might as well just brace myself for it." I thought.
Then I remember what my uncle said in the letter, "What about the meeting?!" I blurted out. "We haven't done it yet..." Cupa said. "Huh? Why?" I asked. "Well, your uncle and my dad decided that they can with until you woke up." Mella explained. "Really? What for?" I asked. "They didn't say." Mella replied. I sighed, "Well if that's what they want..." I said.
Then my stomach suddenly growled, loud enough for the two of them to hear. Mella giggled, "Looks like your pretty hungry, Xander." she said. I chuckled, "Yeah, I am quite famished." I said. "I'm also pretty hungry, Mella." Cupa said as her stomach growled as well. "Don't worry, dinner should be soon ready." Mella reassured both of us. She looked over at the wall clock, "It should be ready in five minutes." she said.
I then looked at the clock and saw that it was already 6:55 pm. "I was out for almost two hours?!" I blurted, surprising both of them. "Yeah, you were sleeping pretty soundly." Cupa said. "We thought you went into a coma or something. Luckily, it was just mild fatigue. The doctor said you were just asleep and that you would wake up soon after they gave you a 'Full Potion'." Mella explained.
And so, after continuously listening to both girls sharing stories about each other and occasionally about me, it was soon time to eat. So I got out of bed by myself, proceeding to turn down Mella's offer to assist me since it's a bit embarrassing. We were about to leave the room when Uncle Alazar came in. To his surprise I was already awake, "Didn't think you'd wake up sooner." he said. "Well think again." I replied. He chuckled, "Good to see you awake, kiddo." he said.
"So why did you come here?" I asked. "Well, I was just about to invite these two young ladies to dinner. I guess it'll be two young ladies and a virgin guy." Uncle joked. I sighed, "Very funny..." I muttered. The two girls laughed at my uncles' joke making me feel embarrassed once more. "Let's just go, already. My stomach can't take it anymore." I said, walking on ahead.
"Hey! Don't leave us behind. Talk about no appreciation for the people who watched you in your sleep." Cupa declared. "Why would I appreciate someone watching me in my sleep?" I said, continuing to walk away. "Honestly..." she huffed. "It's fine, Cupa. He may seem like that but Xander appreciates it a lot. He's just rather shy to express his emotions." Mella explained.
Uncle Alazar chuckled, "Yep, he is a full-fledged Tsundere." he said. "What's that mean?" Cupa asked. "A Tsundere is a person who hides their innermost feelings and refuses to accept it." Mella explained. "Oh! So Xander is a Tsundere!" Cupa declared. "No, I'm not!" I denied, getting further away. "I suggest we get going." Uncle proposed. Both girls nodded and they began walking after me.
With the teasing out of the way, we soon arrived at the dining room where dinner was being served. There were some maids on stand by in the room in case something is needed. The room was decorated nicely with plants, paintings, and a few statues. The table itself is beautiful and the chairs looked very comfortable. And of course, the plate and utensils were arranged neatly and orderly. "Wow...it looks even better than the last time I was here." I thought.
"Ooh! This set-up almost looks like the one I have back home." Cupa said. "Really?! How delightful!" Mella stated. "Rich people..." I thought. I looked over to my uncle who just stood there without the interest of the room whatsoever. "I guess stuff like this no longer surprises him. Being an S-Class Adventurer must really be something." I admired. We were then accompanied by some maids to our seats where we waited for one more person to arrive.
In the meantime, we were served some mushroom soup and some complimentary drinks as we wait. And man, do I love me some mushroom soup. "He looks so contented, I've never seen him like this." Cupa said while watching me sip my soup. "Xander gets these kinds of looks when he eats his favorite meals. I've seen him make this face many times." Mella explained cheerfully. "Is that so?" Cupa asked. "Yup. The first time he had mushroom soup, let me tell ya, he wouldn't stop asking me for it. This guy had me on a soup diet for a week." Uncle said.
Cupa chuckled, "It seems that he's a real soup fanatic." she said while looking at me. "Damn right I am!" I thought. So I continued to enjoy my soup while they continued chatting. My uncle on the other hand was enjoying a glass of fine wine, typical Uncle Alazar. And soon enough, the last person we were waiting for finally arrived.
He entered the room as energetic as ever, "How is y'all doing? Sorry fer being a lil' late." Mayor Espring greeted. "Hey Bobby! What took you so long?" Uncle Alazar asked. The Mayor waltz happily to his chair located at the head of the table. "Oh you know, the usual paperwork is a grueling job." he said. "I used to be able to finish it pretty quickly. Am I losing my touch?" he added. Mella giggled, "That's because you're getting older, Father." she joked.
"Nonsense!" Mayor Espring refuted, jumping onto his chair. Uncle Alazar and Cupa, even the maids, applauded him. "You see? I'm in perfect condition." he declared. Mella took a sip from her teacup, "You say that. Yet, you hurt your own back the other day while picking up a pen." she told him. "How did you-! I remember locking my door." he said. "Looks like you're getting forgetful as well, my poor Father." she said, taking another sip of tea.
No matter how much Mayor Espring denied the fact that he's aging, his daughter would remind him of something that proved his getting old. "How nostalgic this conversation sounds..." I thought, taking a sip of tea as well. Cupa then leaned over to me, "This seems like a fun family." she whispered. I nodded, "It is. They've been doing this for over five years now." I replied. "For real?!" she asked. "It started when the Mayor entered his 60 years of age." I replied, taking another sip of tea.
The skit soon died down when the main course was finally served. And so, I was finally able to enjoy a full course dinner with little noise. There was just some small talk about food and such topics. Soon enough, dinner came to an end and all of us were stuffed and delighted. "So, how was tonight's dinner?" Mayor Espring asked us. "I have to admit. I haven't had a meal this good in a long while." I complimented.
Mayor Espring smiled, "That's good to hear. How about you, Princess Cupa?" he asked. She belched, "It was AMAZING! This taste entirely different from the food I've had before." she stated happily. "I'd give it a 9/10!" she added. "Oho! Almost a perfect score. I'm glad you enjoyed it, Princess." Mayor Espring said. He then looked at my uncle who just gave him an okay sign.
Looking at the contented look on our faces he got up from his seat, "It was certainly a wonderful dinner to be shared with you all." Mayor Espring said. "But now, I believe it's time we discussed more important matters." he added. Uncle Alazar nodded, "It certainly is. So let's not waste time and head on over to the office." he said. "Would you be so kind as to lead us there, Mayor?" he asked. "Sure thing. Follow me, everyone." Mayor Espring announced, ushering us to follow him.
So all of us got off our chairs and followed Mayor Espring out of the room and into his office. When we arrived, he had us sit anywhere we wanted before the meeting started. He sat behind his desk and had a serious tone when he began talking to us. "Okay then. We shall now begin. Is everyone ready?" he asked. We all nodded, "Good. So let's start at the beginning of it all." he said.
Mayor Espring then brought out several filed reports from his desk and begun, "Just to make sure. Remember all these reports are classified and should not be disclosed to the general public. I trust none of this information will leave the room. What occurs in here, stays in here. Understood?" he explained. "You can count on us!" Cupa agreed. He chuckled, "Thank you for your cooperation, Princess." he thanked.
Mayor Espring cleared his throat, "To start things off, we've had two interesting incidents that have occurred these past few days. We'll tackle the first incident regarding my daughter's attackers. According to Xanders' report, the incident began before Mella entered the family estate. It was said here that an arrow landed in front of Xander and Mella which created a unique space that only the suspects could enter. Within this space, they fought off the suspects and managed to defeat them. In the end, they were all captured and interrogated by the town guards." he explained.
"Currently, we have them in custody. And they have given a significant amount of information. This information I have already sent to the capital via a special invoice." Mayor Espring added. "So..." Uncle Alazar paused, grabbing a flask from his coat. "What did you manage to squeeze out of them, Bobby?" he asked, drinking from his flask afterward.
Mayor Espring sighed, "It's as I feared. It seems knowledge about her powers leaked out somehow. Now she's being pursued by those with evil intentions." he said. Cupa raised her hand, "I'm rather curious about this power Mella has. Just what is it?" she asked. "Let's just say that she has the power to change one's destiny." he said. "No way! That sounds amazing! How come you never told me this, Mella?!" she exclaimed.
"Well, it ain't something I should be telling anyone." Mella explained. "Oh! Good point." Cupa agreed. Mayor Espring coughed, "Anyway, we learned that they were an infamous gang of thieves in the slumps of the capital. They were hired by someone who bested them in a one versus all situations. According to the leader, they were paid a huge sum of money and even had a reward waiting for them upon completing the given task. So they accepted the persons offer without delay." he explained.
"So this person managed to overpower an infamous gang of thieves singlehandedly and decided to hire them to do his work. Why didn't he just do it himself?" Cupa asked. "Typical villains. They use others to do the dirty work for them when they can just do it themselves." I said. Mayor Espring nodded, "In the end, they were just pawns to be used and discarded afterward." he said.
"In short, people are after my daughter and wish to exploit her power. Which leads me to this conclusion..." Mayor Espring explained. "What is it? Need me to accompany her to Ysanctia?" Uncle Alazar guessed. "Bingo! Ye guessed right, Alazar!" the mayor exclaimed. "Of course I'm right. And I'll be glad to accompany your daughter. Leave it to me!" my uncle declared. "Thanks as always, partner!" Mayor Espring said.
"Well, that's one down. We've got another one to discuss." Mayor Epsring said, looking at Cupa. "And it concerns the young princess over here." he said. "I almost forgot about that..." She muttered. "I guess you could say this one is the most interesting issue yet." he said. "Really? Is it that interesting?" she joked. The mayor nodded, "It is! Especially since we're dealing with royalty here." he said.
"Let's see here, what was written in Xanders' report..." Mayor Espring said, scanning the document he had. "I'm pretty sure it explains everything you ought to know about my encounter with Cupa." I told him. "It sure does... Quite interesting as well." he said. "What does it say, Mr. Mayor? Does it say anything about me?" Cupa asked. "It actually says a lot about you right to the dot. Personality, combat style, outfit, and even physique. It's almost as if Xander examined you thoroughly." Mayor Espring said.
"Really? Oh my, how lewd of you Xander!" Cupa said, blushing. "It's not lewd, it's work. There were no motives behind it." I asserted. "Really?" Mella asked, giving me an envious look. "Yes, really. I'm not that kind of guy." I said. "I know that but..." she muttered. I groaned, "Look at what you did, Mayor!" I exclaimed. Mayor Espring gave me a confused look, "I don't know what yer talking about..." he replied, flipping through the report.
I sighed, "Please tell me you're almost done reading." I said. Mayor Espring closed the report, "Okay then! Now that I'm done reading, let's continue shall we?" he asked. We nodded, "Now in this incident that concerns the princess, we have an unknown element mixed in. I'm aware that Princess Cupa ran away from home due to some family issues. And it is our duty to escort her back home safely. But what concerns me more is this rip in space that she spoke off." he said.
"Mind if you tell us about this thing that brought you here?" Mayor Espring asked her. Cupa nodded, "I'll be glad to!" she exclaimed. "Okay. So as Mr. Mayor said, I ran away from home. I just planned to hide in some corner of the Kingdom but that didn't go as planned. As you can see, it didn't work since I am nowhere." she said.
"The thing that mysteriously transported me here was some kind of portal or hole in the air. It was black in color and it seemed to be sucking in the air from the surrounding area. It fascinated me so I threw a rock at it to see what would happen, nothing. So I took step closer nut when I did the portal suddenly sucked me in. The next thing I realized was that I was in another place since everything looked different from before. And soon enough I encountered Xander." Cupa explained.
"More like I found her beating up some bandits." I corrected. "It was there fault for attacking a bunch of traders..." Cupa asserted. "Interesting... In all my years as an adventurer, I have never heard of this." Mayor Espring remarked. "Right? I said the same thing the first time I heard her say it." Uncle Alazar said. "Even the S-Class Adventurer, Alazar Nightfall doesn't know! Very interesting indeed." the mayor said.
"So! Other than the portal thingy, we have to accompany the Princess back home." Mayor Espring said. "Thanks, Mr. Mayor! I'll be in your care." Cupa said. "No problem! It's my job to make sure you are escorted back home safe and sound." he said. "So who's going to help get home?" she asked. "Don't worry, Princess! The one's who'll escort you are trustworthy and strong people." he explained. "Really?! Sounds exciting!" she exclaimed.
"Oh it is! Especially since one of them is Xander himself." Mayor Espring announced. "What?!" Cupa and I exclaimed. "That's so great! I get to travel with a friend!" she stated happily. "Are you serious, Mayor Espring?! What about my job? Who'll take my post?" I asked. "Don't ya worry 'bout that, sonny! I got that all covered up." he said. "Okay but why me?" I asked. "It would be much better if one of the Princess escorts is someone she trusts, right?" he said. I sighed, "You do have a point." I agreed.
"I also hired a high ranking A-Class adventurer to join you so you won't have to worry much." Mayor Espring reassured me. "He really thought this through, didn't he?" I thought. "Isn't this exciting?!" Cupa asked me. "Well, I guess so. I mean I never really traveled far. This is basically my first time." I explained. "Your first time? Don't worry! I'll be sure to teach you a lot of things." she said, clinging to me happily. Again, there was a jealous Mella in the vicinity.
"Now that's been settled, all I need to worry now is that portal..." Mayor Espring said. "Don't worry, Bobby. I already sent an invoice to the Ender King. I'm currently waiting for a reply before heading there." Uncle Alazar said. "Always thinking ahead, Alazar. Impressive as always." the mayor complimented him. Uncle chuckled, "I try not to overdo it..." he bragged.
Mayor Espring coughed, "Other than the mysterious portal that brought the Princess here and the mysterious person who wanted my daughter, we have no more issues to discuss." he announced. "So is that everything we needed to know?" I asked. "Why yes! This was just merely a small recap of what occurred in the previous chapters." he stated. "What are you talking about?" I asked. "Oops! Never mind what I said. It's just a...slip of my tongue." he said.
"C'mon, Father. You know it's bad manners to break the fourth wall. You might scare the readers." Mella scolded him. "The what?" I asked. "Sorry 'bout that, readers. I'll be careful next time." Mayor Espring apologized. "There you go again!" she exclaimed. "Sorry..." He apologized once more. "Sometimes I don't know what's wrong with this family..." I thought.
"What about the preparations?" I asked, ignoring the odd conversation. Mayor Espring chuckled, "Ye don't have to worry 'bout that. It's all been taken care of." he said. "Really? Well, that's good to hear. At least we won't be in a panic preparing for the trip." I said. "That's right, Xander! You won't need to prepare anything at all. Everything you'll need for the trip has been properly handled and organized already." he said.
"Already?! When did you even start?" I asked. "I had done two days ago." Mayor Espring said. "You're quite the early bird, aren't you?" I said. He chuckled, "Stop it, you're flattering me." he said. "I guess all we have to do is pack some of our own things and we're good to go." I said. He nodded, "Yup! That's what both Mella and the Princess have to do." he said. "Wait a second, are you implying I have something else to do?" I asked.
Mayor Espring smiled, "Don't worry about it! Trust me, it'll be something worth your while." he said. "Okay then... So, what is it?" I asked. "Meet me by the front door tomorrow at 5:00 am." he said. "What?! Why?" I asked. He chuckled, "Think of it as a little surprise. Anyway, I need to check on something so ill be right back." he said, exiting the room. I felt uneasy, usually, when someone I know plans a surprise it ends up badly.
I looked over to my uncle, "Uncle Alazar, do you know what he's implying?" I asked. He just looked at me and shrugged, "Don't know what he's talking about, kiddo." he said. I asked Mella next, "Sorry, Xander. This time I have no idea what Father is up to." she said, smiling. Then I looked at Cupa who seemed eager for me to ask her. I sighed and went with the flow, "Do you know what the Mayor's planning, Cupa?" I asked. She smiled, "Nope! I have no clue." she said. I chuckled at her response, I guess she just wanted in on the conversation.
Mayor Espring soon came waltzing right back into the room with a smile. "Did something good happen, Father?" Mella asked. "You could say that. But anyway, I think it's 'bout time we all have a good night's sleep." he said. Uncle Alazar yawned, "Good timing, Bobby. I'm about to fall asleep while standing here." he joked. "Don't fret my friend for I have prepared your sleeping quarters." he said.
Mayor Espring then signaled his maids outside to accompany us to our rooms. Along the way, my uncle was guided up on the second floor. It seems his room is on another level from ours. Anyway, it didn't take long for us to arrive at Mella's room. I looked around, "Excuse me! Where will I be sleeping?" I asked the maid the brought us here. "It seems you'll be residing in Lady Mella's sleeping quarters along with Princess Cupa." she explained.
I facepalmed, "Was this what you told your Father, Mella?" I asked. "Well, I did ask Cupa if she wanted to join before telling Father about it." she explained. I looked at Cupa, "So you agreed to this?" I asked. Cupa nodded, "Of course! I wouldn't want to miss put on a sleepover, now would I?" she said. I sighed, "Oh boy..." I muttered. Both of them went on inside first before pulling me in.
The "sleepover" was nice, I guess. Mella changed into her pajamas and had Cupa change into some as well which made look a little cute. Of course, they did this in the changing room and not in front of me. Anyway, I didn't bother with the girls much since they were having a girls talk. It would be rude of me to join them. Plus, there really wasn't anything for me in it so I decided too much on some of Mella's snacks she keeps in her study desk. Why do I know? Trade secret.
And so I watched them do things like braid their hair, paint their nails, share secrets, and look at photo albums all the while I eat some chips. Soon enough, after two hours of they finally fell asleep. So I washed my hand first before approaching them quietly. I took way some stuff they used on the bed like combs and make-up. I carefully cover both of them with a blanket so they won't get cold. And then I closed the lights and went to sleep on the couch.
I woke up the next day at around 4:45 am, just before the anointed time I would meet Mayor Espring. The girls were still sound asleep so I excused myself out of the room quietly. I walked down the hallway and saw the mayor waiting for me by the front door. "Good morning, Mayor Espring!" I greeted him. He turned around, "Good morning to you too, Xander! Glad to see you on time." he said.
"So, what is it you wanted me to do that you had to keep a secret from me?" I asked. He chuckled, "It would be better to show ye instead of words. C'mon follow me." he said. So we both exited the mansion and left the estate. The streets were still empty and the sky was a bit dark but you slowly see the sun rising on the horizon.
We both passed by the plaza and headed into the business district. Some shops we're getting ready to open up while others were still closed. As we walked by, those who saw us greeted us 'Good morning!' and we did the same. The mayor then entered an alleyway and kept on walking. The place looked dark and sketchy but I was with the mayor so I didn't have to worry much. I do trust him to some extent so I know he ain't leading somewhere dangerous.
Soon enough, we stopped in front of a shop with a beer mug on an anvil for a sign. "Isn't this a blacksmith?" I asked. He nodded, "Why yes it is. And what awaits you inside will surely make you leap for joy." he said. "Really now?" I asked, getting a bit excited. "Oh you will. Go ahead and open the door." he said. "Okay then." I said, opening the door.
As I opened the door and peered inside, I was greeted by a brawny old man with a big mustache and a warm smile. "Greetings friend! You must be Xander, right?" he asked. I nodded, "Y-yes I am, sir." I replied. "Don't be so stiff, friend. I don't bite, well unless you're made of pie then I will but I won't." he said, laughing afterward. "He's quite the jolly man." I thought.
"Anyway, where is Bobby?" he asked. "I'm right here, buddy!" Mayor Espring said while sitting next to a counter. "Mind if you prepare us something warm, buddy?" he asked. "Sure thing! Give me a sec. Friend, do take a seat while you wait." the man said. "O-okay..." I said, sitting next to the mayor. Then I noticed numerous alcohol bottles on a shelf, several tables, a jukebox, and other things you see in a bar. "Wasn't this a blacksmith?" I asked him. The mayor chuckled, "It is." he said. "Then why-" I paused.
"Sorry for the wait, friends! Here have some nice warm coco milk." the man said., handing us the warm drink. "Thanks!" Mayor Espring said. "T-thank you, Mister." I said. "Call me Ferlornn." he said. "Okay, Ferlornn. Thanks for the drink." I said. He chuckled, "Good, good! Enjoy your drink. Ring the bell when you're done, okay?" he said. "Sure thing! Ye can get back to work now. We'll call ye out later." the mayor said as Ferlornn entered the back.
"Umm... Mayor Espring, would you mind-" I was cut off. "Not now, sonny! Enjoy your drink first, then we'll talk." Mayor Espring said, taking a sip from his cup. "If you insist..." I muttered. So I decided to take a sip, it tasted great! The milk blended perfectly with the cacao making it rich and creamy, the sugar in it compensates for the cacaos lack of sweetness, and the warmth just made everything better. Without realizing I had finished my drink, I let out a satisfied sigh.
"Seems like ye enjoyed it." Mayor Espring said, ringing the bell. "That I can't deny..." I said happily. "It seems you have finished the drink. How was it, friend?" Ferlornn asked me? "It was great! Never have I had I drink this good." I said. He chuckled, "Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it." he said. "I sure did!" I exclaimed. "Anyway, I think it's 'bout time ye showed us in, buddy." the mayor said. "Show us in? Where?" I asked.
Ferlornn smiled, "Why to my workshop of course!" he said, entering through the door behind him. "Follow me, sonny!" Mayor Espring said as he got off his chair. I nodded and followed him beyond the counter and we passed through the same door as Ferlornn. On the other side was not something a normal bar would have. Definitely, a bar wouldn't have a workshop in it. The workshop was also fully furnished, it was complete with lots of gears, materials, and supplies for smithing.
"Woah! This is pretty amazing!" I announced. "Right? This shop isn't just your regular workshop. Ferlornn here isn't just your regular blacksmith, he also specializes in brewing and bartending. So with both skills, he made this shop that serves you wonderful beverages while he makes or repairs your tools and weapons." Mayor Espring explained to me.
"C'mon, Bobby. Don't go bringing up stories like that. It's embarrassing." Ferlornn said, holding something in hand. "Why not? They have to know the owner as well." Mayor Espring said. "Here you go, friend." Ferlornn said, handing me something. He placed a glowing ore in my hand, it took me a while to recognize what it was and what was the surprise. "Are you serious?!" I asked both of them, excitedly upon realizing what the ore was.
They both nodded, "We thought you might need a replacement since yours looked all beaten up." Mayor Espring said. "Bobby told me all about you, friend. He said it was time you were given something to help you grow. Even your uncle, he wanted you to have this." Ferlornn told me. "Wait, Uncle Alazar wanted me to have this?" I asked.
Ferlornn nodded, "Yes, he recovered this from certain ruin. He thought that I'd be best to hand it to you when you mature and become stronger. And yesterday, he handed me this so I can give it to you." he explained. "You mean this Manasteel ore is mine to use?!" I exclaimed. "Yep! It's all yours, sonny! Use it and make yer self a mighty fine Manasteel sword." Mayor Espring said.
Author's Note: That's it for now! I hope you enjoyed the story. If you have anything to say about it, don't be afraid to leave a comment. I accept all forms of criticism, opinions, compliments, and memes. Seriously, I would greatly appreciate it if you guys said something. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful day. Stay safe during this difficult times. Thank you and God bless! :)