Here we are at Chapter 4. In this chapter, we will focus on Rafinha. To be clear, NO incest romance is in this chapter since I'm not too big on that stuff personally. More like familial love between cousins who are close like sisters and because I didn't want Rani to be left out since Inglis cares about her more than anyone else in the series. Anyway, I do not own Reborn to Master the Blade. They belong to their respective owners. Here's chapter 4. Enjoy.
Chapter 4: Family Fun
"Ah, it feels so good to get some fresh air and freedom from those lessons," Rafinha says, stretching her arms.
Inglis and Rafinha are out in the capital after a long week of lessons at the knight academy. With that done, they thought they'd go out for a day on the town. They invited Leone and Lisolette to join them, but the two of them declined, wanting to focus on training in their off time. Also, Rene isn't in Inglis' chest this time, much to her relief. Today, the little fairy-like former Highlander decided to take shelter in Leone's bossom, much to the latter's dismay. Seeing Inglis kick major butt everywhere they go, even without a weapon or rune, motivated them to try and get stronger so she doesn't leave them behind.
"Shame the others couldn't come along with us," Rafinha notes sadly.
"It's alright, Rani. More fun for the two of us, then. Come on, we're already here, so let's have some fun," Inglis keeps it positive.
"Right, and we got some spending money from my brother," Rani pulls out a big bag of cash. "This way, when we get hungry, we'll be able to get plenty to eat,"
"Now, now, I want to check out the clothing stores too. I'd love to see what kind of dresses they have for me to try on," Inglis reminds her.
"Right. Let's go!" Rafinha is getting pumped.
"Still, it be nice if some magicite beats would show up and cause mayhem. I could use the exercise," Inglis rolls her shoulders.
"No! Chris, please just be a normal girl for one day! I'm begging you!" and now Rani is nearly crying as she prays to the heavens for salvation.
The two cousins stroll through town, looking for anything that strikes their fancy. They go through the shopping district first to check out the clothing stores. Inglis has always loved checking herself out in the mirror in anything she wears, or even when she's wearing nothing at all. They find one store doing a sale on formal ball dresses and check it out. As soon as they get inside, the owner of the establishment quickly spots Inglis's beauty.
"Oh my, how may we be of assistance, young ladies?" the woman asks.
"Oh, we're just looking for right now. Any chance can we try on some of these dresses?" Inglis asks.
"Oh yes, by all means. Ah, to have such a beauty in my store, trying on my work. I'll never get another opportunity like this," the woman says.
"Come on, Chris! Let's start trying on these dresses. Get changed now!" Rani is eager to play dress up as well.
They spend some time trying on dresses. Together with the owner, Rafinha helps Inglis get into each dress and style up her hair. First, she tried on a purple dress with one strap on her left shoulder and a slit down her right leg. Next, she tried on a blue dress that came with a matching fur shawl and her hair up in a braid. Then, she tried on a white strapless dress with a knee-length skirt and her hair up in a high ponytail. One after another, Inglis tried them all and checked herself out in the mirror. The owner was so dazzled by her gorgeous looks that she almost fainted from the spectacle. Rafinha and Inglis almost bought every dress she tried on, but if they did that, they wouldn't have any money for food later. And with their appetites, food came before fancy dresses. So, they only purchased one for Inglis and one for Rafinha. After having their dress-up fun, the two looked for a spot for something to eat. They found a local stall grilling up some boar meat and seasoning them. The scent of the steaming meat caught their noses and they gravitated over to it. It wasn't long before the two young women were enjoying their meat. However, as they scarfed down plate after plate, they started getting attention from the other customers.
"Where the Hell do they store all of it?" one flabbergasted man mutters in shock.
"Ah, the meat is cooked just right and the seasonings compliment the juiciness of the meat perfectly," Rafinha notes after finishing her fifth plate.
"Yes. Delectable indeed," Inglis is on her seventh plate now.
"By the gods, I've seen soldiers returning from battle eat quite a lot, but this takes the cake. At this rate, I'll run out of meat before the day is even halfway over," the chef notes as he takes note of his dwindling meat supply.
"Hey, another plate over here, please!" Inglis calls out.
"You're still eating?! How are you not dead yet?!" the cook yells.
Soon enough, he had to tell them to pay for the rest of their meals and leave. Otherwise, he wouldn't have enough or anyone else. Though they wanted more, the two girls acquiesced and left the stall. They still have some time and money left, so the girls continue their day of fun. They check out other stores and stalls, nibbled on treats here and there, and have a merry time.
"This sure is fun, huh Chris?" Rafinha seems to be having a good time.
"Yes. Though it would be better if I had a strong opponent to practice on," Inglis clenches her fist.
"Chris! Please, don't jinx us or anything. Please, just try to be normal for once," and Rafinha is now pulling on Inglis' cheeks.
"But I want to grow stronger. That's the best way to do so," Inglis replies, though with her cousin pulling her cheeks, Rani is the only one who would understand her.
After pulling on Inglis' cheek for a few more moments before freeing her cousin's pour face. With that done, they continue on their trek through town.
"You know, it's nice. Getting to spend time with you like this, Inglis. I know you prefer a fight over just about everything else, but you can't be on the battlefield all the time," Rafinha says.
"Come on, even I know that. I do need to sleep and eat after all," Inglis scratches her cheek.
"Yeah, but we're not home anymore. I miss everyone there. Mom, Dad, your parents. The people. And while we're closer to Big Brother now, he's usually working as a knight for the capital and going off on missions. So, we don't get to see him too often either," Rafinha sighs, melancholy at missing her loved ones.
Inglis smiles at her cousin. Rafinha's always been like that. Always worried and thinking about others and never about herself. It's that kind of mindset that makes for a good knight. However, Inglis, from her past life's experience, knows that reality and fantasy are too very different things. There are people in this world who will never share the same beliefs as Rafinha, and some will either work to destroy those ideals of hers, or worse, use them to manipulate the innocent Rani. That's why Inglis has worked so hard to stay at her side as her squire. She'll make sure that Rafinha can enjoy those ideals of hers for as long as possible. Rafinha can be the hero, while Inglis will be her squire so she can fight as many strong opponents as she wants.
"We'll see them again when we go on break from the academy. As for Rafael, we'll just have to play it by ear. Don't worry too much about it, Rani," Inglis reaches over to pat Rani's head. "Come on, a nice day like this isn't the place for gloomy stuff. Let's go see what else we can do in the city before we have to head back!" Inglis cheers and pulls Rafinha along with her.
Unfortunately for Inglis, no fights or chaos occurs while they're in the city. As the sun begins to set, they decide it's time to head back to the academy since they have classes tomorrow. Returning to their dorm room, they change into their pajamas for the night.
"Hey, Inglis, today was a nice day, don't you think so?" Rafinha asks.
Inglis smiles affectionately, "Yes. I always have fun when we're together, Rani. Besides, I'm your squire, so I'll always be by your side,"
"Hey, let's sleep together like we did when Leone was with us," Rani suggests, and Inglis agrees with a nod.
The two snuggle together in Inglis' bed as night falls. It's not long before Rafinha is fast asleep after having an exciting day. Inglis takes a moment to enjoy her peaceful face as she sleeps before she drifts off herself. She's always viewed her cousin like a granddaughter, even if to everyone else, they might be like sisters with how close they are. It's because of that that Inglis will do everything in her power to watch over her cousin. Aside from mastering the blade, which is still her main reason for reincarnating, her other mission in life will always be to watch over Rafinha and protect her smile.
And that's the chapter. Like I said before, a little chapter for Rafinha so she's not left out, but not really a romance chapter. I still have a few more chapters left in this story before I'm done. Until then, please Read and Review.