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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

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Chapter 23: The Eye of the Storm

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It takes very little for me to genuinely be angry at someone. But to be livid to the point of contemplating their murder on the spot? That's not exactly an easy feat to manage.

By nature and by nurture, I always put a reason behind doing something that extreme. It always amounted to 'you deserved death' either because of your actions or what your survival may lead to if I don't put a full stop to that life. After a long time spent as an adventurer, killing monsters and bandits, I had grown to see death as a factor that is far more common than it should be. There are too many internal conflicts, and infighting is the best choice to entertain that sense of instability until it reached a sense of calm.

Talking with Lilia was both relieving as I knew that she needed to have an outlet through that, and infuriating because it gave me an even more unpleasant view of what Paul was deep inside. At first, I could have justified his actions as him being a single-dimensional idiot that comformed to society's depravity and 'common sense', but the way this sort of behavior had persisted through his youth into now... well, that wasn't acceptable.

And I decided to make an effort to drill it on his skull if he tried to approach him. I didn't do anything in that regard myself, I didn't want to be the one that 'struck first'. Not because I didn't want to, but because I knew that it wouldn't have fixed anything. Lilia was already 'tainted' by the experience, and she saw it less as rape and more like genuine 'bad luck' on her side.

'At least Paul was not as rough as some nobles have been'. I think Ariel knew this, which is why she wanted Lilia the closest to her and away from any of those 'ugly nobles'. Reinstated to job and deprived of the horrid fate many maid-guards were subjected to?

I wasn't truly happy with the overall situation at the royal palace, but I could at least make an effort to appreciate a small victory and a singular step in the right direction. No one ever said that a problem in society so rooted to its core could be fixed on the spot but... I guess it goes without saying that the disappointment was expected and pretty much despised by me.

But to go for a mostly condescending and unresolving behavior? That would be a complete defeat on my part. Paul was a moron, he had been for years and no amount of beatings was going to straighten him you.

Which is why I opted to ignore him whenever it was possible. He tried to approach me a few times to ask me to live in the party's building for a few days. He has been a bit unlucky finding shelters in town since he may have tried to seduce his way into one of the cheaper Inns and reignited the indignation he got from his demented stunt from months ago.

Which is why I just give him a big fat no. He wanted to press on it? I just ignored him. I wanted him to make the mistake to want to fight- I wanted to have reason to bloody his face again. But I wasn't going to actively instigate him. He was eventually going to make a wrong step anyway, as Paul was known to make for many things in his life.

And while I was struggling with that thought, training to improve my swordsmanship and evaluating investing in a farming village, I started to think about the future and how things needed to change to a degree. I know, I shouldn't be growing this cozy with my current status this early on, but I wanted to finally settle down.

Not entirely, but to finally make a few promises a reality by making huge steps in the right path for a good future.

The first of the many important choices starting during breakfast around one of those free weekends for the party. Everyone was enjoying their meal when I sat down beside Zenith and gave her a look. She noticed the glance when it became apparent I was purposely staring at her and gave me a quizzical frown.

In return, I fished a small box out of my small bag by my belt. It took me a while to have these things cast out with the proper alloy and the most precious gems I could find without going bankrupt, but the final product was nothing to scoff at. And I knew Zen was going to appreciate those.

"Part of me wanted to make this announcement during a date, or within an amazing place to fully capture the importance of the moment, but I think here and now with the others is the best time to make this request," I started to say, unease manifesting as I slowly turned the lid and revealed the tiny box's content. "Here with friends, our family, and those we care the most."

Her eyes were wide, her jaw hanging slightly open as she stared in growing delight at the items.

"Zenith, will you marry me?"

The blonde was literally shaking in pure glee when I delivered the question and it didn't take long for the room to explode in celebrations, while Zen, filled by the moment's relevance and a sudden need to give a powerful response, which was her suddenly tackle-hug me while shoving her lips onto mine. Cue some intense smooching while she pelleted me with numerous 'Yes'. I took it all, and I felt genuinely relieved and happy for the confirmation.

All that was left to do was to set up plans, discuss on how to make it fit for our desires regarding the big day, contact the future in-laws and hope they wouldn't start something, see for the wedding's planning for food, seats, venue, and any priests available for the task at hand. This was all going to be quite important and I wanted this to be as big of a day for myself as it would be for zenith.

After all we went through, we deserved to have that big day be among the biggest days we would ever hope to have. Everyone we knew and wanted to be there would be invited, and I think it was going to be easy to bill the whole costs without asking for money around. I was confident that my wallet was ready to survive that onslaught.

But while at the table the general reaction was one of delight and joy, I failed to notice that someone wasn't exactly pleased with the news. Not for the reasons many would expect regarding this sort of announcement...

Rather because it forced them to fasten their plans and cause disaster for the event.

I had just finished training when I was approached by Geese.

The Nukadian looked nervous, which was a bit uncharacteristic of him and suddenly got my attention when he asked to talk in private. I saw no reason to deny him that much of a request and we were soon sitting by his room. It's been a while since I checked the place, and I smiled fondly at the few souvenirs he brought from our trips. It was all objects he either bought or was given as gift during our missions outside of town.

"So, what did you need to talk about?"

"It's about... the wedding," Geese hummed. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Thank you, but you know that you can make it at the wedding-"

"I can't."

That interruption left me frowning. "Why not?"

"I..." He paused, then closed his eyes. "John, I don't want to be... I can't make it for the wedding."

That further confused me. "What? Did something important happen?"

"I have businesses to attend. The anniversary of my tribe's destruction, I... need to make time for that."

That sounded incredibly big for him, but nonetheless suspicious due to the timing. I knew that he already went to do this once just a few months ago, so this all felt so... wrong. Why was he giving me such a false reason?

"I see but... are you sure it's just that? Geese, you are like a brother to me and I can tell something is upsetting you."

"O-Of course you can," He mumbled, smiling weakly. "John, I think- I know you are a brother to me too, but I have... worries about this decisions."

"What kind of worries?" I pressed on the matter. "Is it because Therese will be there too?"

Geese snorted, but shook his head. "No, that would actually be great but... it's different. It's really important and I can't tell."

"...I see."

He gave me a serious look. "Is this marriage going to- you know, change things for the party?"

"Well, some things are going to change but it was actually planned a few months ago," I reminded to him. "Remember when we agreed that we should relocate for the sake of avoiding having conflicts with the guild?"

"You mean Buena Village? We are going to move there this soon?"

"Well, not too soon if we don't have the money, but we should have everything ready for a full move out process by the next two months," I answered happily. "And there we could start making more profits since the place is rather central by the northern border, the wheat business could allow more investments and it's a lovely place with no monsters or bandits around."

The Fittoa region in general was known to be a little heaven for people that just wanted to settle down and 'disappear' from the world, but we weren't going to exactly retire once there.

"Still, what if Zen ends up pregnant? Wouldn't a homebound Zen pretty much stop any chances of going on a mission?"

"We already talked about this, Geese. The group would still be active, and Zen is homebound then we will go through some low-rank missions to keep up with the lack of a healer. Either that or Roxy would just put an effort to get better at healing spells- she is making serious progress at this point," I remarked strongly, starting to perceive some dissatisfaction about the situation which was... well, quite unwarranted considering I took care of that question a long time ago. "Plus, the region could do with a doctor, so she could still work and do nice things with her power without having to fully stop for her pregnancy until she is forced to stop in its last few months."

The Nukadian looked defeated, but not in a way he was unconvinced- he clear was aware we had planned out everything we could to avoid any issues. But Geese still looked upset by something and I could tell that it was gnawing at him a lot. I wanted to ask, but I could tell it would just make him more upset towards this issue and maybe lash out at me because of it. So, I relented to do a single thing.

I pulled him in a hug. He didn't hesitate to return it as it was a simple non-intense hug at that.

"If you have a real issue you are afraid to face, you can ask us. We are family, Geese, we see you as part of our pack."

He inhaled deeply, trying to keep the tears back. "I-I know. I know and..."

He didn't finish that sentence, preferring to just depart to resume his usual daily chores. He looked distracted, clearly caught up by the talk, and extremely influenced by it. For some reason, I also felt compelled to think about potential issues that could come up with the wedding, with Geese's paranoia flaring up so suddenly, I felt the need to play it safe and hire some trustworthy adventurers for the event in case some dangerous threat emerged during the event. I doubt that was going to be the case but...

Better safe than sorry.

AN

Weddings and ambushes. And Demons. The party may experience a big and radical change in the next few months...

REVIEW Q&A!

The Riddle: Let's just say Hitogami's many plans are getting wrecked by John's mere existence. Someone is out to screw him up for good with this Isekai.

J: Ghis is about to get some loving as Zenith's smutty 'first night' is soon to come.