~ Chapter 2 ~
[ Bonding ]
25th day of the 9th Month – HEC, 372
Rulid Village, in Selka's home
'Ahh… I may have bitten a lot more than I could have chewed…'
An idiom that she recalled Kirito using, once upon a time, which apparently meant doing something far beyond someone's skill. It sounded so right and appropriate, and knowing how he was the kind of person who'd make up all sorts of phrases and ideas, she found herself using it a lot more regularly than she'd realized.
Scattered all across her bed were several scarves, each with differing colours. Mairie, who lived close to the southern gate of the village, often purchased wool from the pasture before dyeing them by hand. High-quality, too, and Selka often asks her mother to buy some for her knitting projects.
While Selka wouldn't ever call herself an expert, she felt that she was adequately skilled enough to be able to do some knitwork on her own. She'd always done them with her mother, but she has her own duties to tend to, so it's not like they'd always have all the time to knit together. Not something she can blame her for, and that just meant Selka has to do this solo. It's fine.
Until it doesn't, and all the scarves she ends up doing on her own are… well, messy seems to be right term to use here, considering how the supposedly simple patterns her mother taught her were crisscrossed in the wrong ways.
"Ahh… How am I going to do this..?" She muttered to herself, frowning a little. "At this rate, I won't be able to get them done in time… Not like I could have realistically done this before the next month comes by."
Should she ask her mother? No, no, that would be too much trouble. Village has been getting busier in preparation for the winter, and the faint signs of frost around the trees and plains are already getting everyone antsy in preparation. She'd be too busy trying to make sure no one accidentally burnt their wheat farms ( again).
Who else could she ask? She wasn't too familiar with anyone else in the village, and asking Eugeo's sister would be a little awkward, considering how the two of them barely know each other. And none of her friends actually know how to sew or knit.
Was there anyone else she could ask? Again, she wasn't familiar enough with any other people to ask. And most people who could knit were adults, and seeing that she doesn't interact with them too much just means that she—
"Hmm? Selka?"
"E-Eh? Charlotte-san?"
The woman in question had become their guest for a few days now, always clad in her typical black dress that never failed to make her seem so… mystical, for a lack of a better term. Her natural beauty and grace made her quite a lady, in her opinion, so it was strange to know that she was technically living with them.
"D-Did you return from visiting Kirito and Eugeo?"
"I did. We did some… exploring," she said that with an intonation that suggested something else. Like she was being honest, but not completely direct. "And then we returned to our respective homes. You came out of a bath?"
"Ah—" Having just finished taking a bath, her hair was still very damp. She'd already gotten dressed in her nightclothes, though, which saved her from the risk of embarrassing herself. "Y-Yes. Just recently. Would you like me to prepare your bath for you, Charlotte-san?"
"No need. I can do it myself, thank you."
"O-Okay."
The silence that came after felt stifling, and Charlotte couldn't help but feel slightly awkward. Her eyes, earlier in contact with Charlotte's, eventually broke away.
Truth be told, Selka wasn't sure what to feel of this woman. She would forever be indebted to her for saving her and her friends, that went without question, but outside of that… who is she?
She'd never seen her kind of clothes, so that likely painted her as a resident from another empire. Eastabarieth, maybe? And why was she in the woods that night? Was it purely coincidental that she'd ended up being in the area as she did? And where had she learnt to fight so well as she did that night? It was scary to think of, considering just how easily she'd decimated the enemies.
Selka wasn't opposed to not knowing many things, but she felt uncomfortable about knowing too little about her saviour. Perhaps she was the kind of person who doesn't openly talk about themselves with others, which she could understand. But still…
"You aren't with your friends?"
"Huh?" The question snapped her out of her thoughts, noticing Charlotte's gaze on her. She felt herself trip over her words. "O-Oh, that. Well, e-everyone's sort of busy at the moment. So I thought I'd just stay here at home. Plus, my parents are still out checking around the village, so they asked me to watch over the house. So… yeah. Nothing to do."
"I see… It must be boring being home alone all the time, isn't it?"
"A-A little, I admit, but it's okay. Mother and father have important duties to carry out. I can't fault them for that?" It isn't exactly odd for her parents to return home a little late at times. They have to go everywhere to check in with everyone, having to make sure that everything is accounted for. Lots of people rely on them.
"Hmm. You're very mature for your age."
"E-Ehehe… I try."
"Hmm. Selka," the girl perked up. "Are there any chores that I can help out with around the house?"
Her question made her perk up, blinking. "Chores?"
"Yes. Ever since I'd started living with you, your parents have never once requested me to do anything for them. I feel like it wouldn't be right for me to live off of them without giving in return, but I thought of finding something to help with. At least to repay your parents for their hospitality."
"Ahh… But you don't have to, Charlotte-san. You've already—"
"It's unnecessary to worry about that sort of thing," she shook her head. "I personally don't mind if I was given a chore or two. Honestly, it gives me at least something to do. These past few days, I've quite honestly done nothing, save for taking walks around the village. And though I enjoy them, doing something much more productive would be much more preferable, wouldn't you say so?"
Well, that's an issue. She agreed on the productivity bit, though; time is golden, as she once heard a merchant said. It's one of the many things that, once gone, never comes back, which put into perspective its importance in one's life. It stresses just how important it is to use time properly.
And Charlotte seems to be the kind of person who understands that. Hearing her say all that makes her realize that there was likely not a single lazy bone in her being, which makes her feel a little at awe.
"A chore, huh…"
"It can be anything, really. As long as I can help around the house, or around the village—though I doubt anyone would be comfortable enough to ask me for help—then I'd be more than happy to help."
This is hard. Selka hardly knows if there's anything that Charlotte could possibly do; her mother usually takes care of things around the house, and her father wasn't above helping her from time to time. Even Selka chipped in from time to time, which meant that there wasn't really much for her to do.
Unless…
The idea was quickly discarded before she could give it further thought. 'No no no. I shouldn't be asking her for that. I'm not even sure if she'd want to help with something like that, of all things.'
"Selka?"
"Ah, s-sorry. I thought about a few things, but I really can't figure anything out," she said with a weak shrug. "I'm sorry."
"Is that so? It's alright," even if she said that, there was no missing the slight disappointment in her tone. Her voice returned to normal afterwards. "Nevertheless, if there's anything you'll ever need me for, you may call upon me."
"A-Alright," pausing for a little, she averted her gaze immediately after. "T-Thank you…"
8th day of the 10th Month – HEC, 372
Rulid Village
Though it was still pretty early into fall, she tended to worry about the season that came right after. The expectation of such brings an equal amount of delight as well as it does some concern.
There no signs of frost across the mountain peaks. Again, it's still far too early; they still have at least two months before they need to worry too much. So everyone is taking it slightly easier than before, likely only to pick up the slack once things get closer to the mid of the eleventh month.
Once winter kicks into high gear, things would be much more difficult. It would ge much more difficult to stock up on food and firewood, and merchants would likely be travelling less and less to the village with snow blocking the routes. Some of the hardier ones would make the trip regardless, though, to trade medicine, food and other resources.
Upon finishing breakfast, her parents were the first to leave the house. Charlotte had left shortly after, intending to do some sightseeing around the village. Seeing that everyone would be out as well, she thought about what she'd be doing for the rest of the day, quickly knowing what her plans would be.
"And you needn't worry about anyone ransacking your house with no one to watch over it?"
"It's fine. We're a community that trusts each other not to do anything without informing each other. Plus, any sort of trespassing and stealing would be breaking the «Taboo Index», so no one would really do that."
"Truly? But that seems far too lackadaisical," the confusion must have showed on her expression, prompting Charlotte to explain herself. "As in, too careless. Lenient, even. How can one be completely certain that no one would try anything?"
"Well, if they do, they'd be breaking the «Taboo Index»," she said once more, as if that answered everything. And it sort of did. "Before, people could only imagine the consequences. After seeing it for themselves, well… you know. No one would dare to try anymore."
That day was still so fresh on her mind, like it had only been yesterday. How everyone had been in a sheer panic when a knight clad in silver armour showed up out of nowhere, declaring his intention to arrest her sister and execute her for a crime.
She didn't believe it at the time. It just didn't make sense at the time; after all, did stepping foot on Dark Territory grounds really deserve that heavy of a punishment?
Apparently so.
All crime was treated equally with one another in terms of the weight of punishment. And, in this sense, there was only execution that awaited all who were foolish or careless to have committed the crime. That was how it had been decided. No one would dare to defy the Axiom Church's rule—
' You can't arrest her! This is all a mistake! Alice didn't do it on purpose! She fell by accident and touched the land with the tip of her fingers! You can't call that a crime!'
For a brief moment, Selka felt at ease. Even with how dangerous it had been (and he had gotten injured in the process), Kirito had openly revolted against the knight. Just because he cared so much for her sister and wanted to save her.
And then, he'd gone and saved her and her friends too.
"Selka?"
"…Huh?" Blinking out of her thoughts, she turned to meet Charlotte's expression. "S-Sorry. I just thought about something."
"You were thinking about your sister, were you not?" Those few words made her flinch in surprise. Is she some sort of mind reader? "Forgive me. I did not intend to make you recall unpleasant memories. It was insensitive of me."
"W-What? No, no! It's not your fault! You didn't even bring up my sister's name or anything! It's just… well, it's fact, isn't it?" She shrugged weakly. "Everyone were there. Or at least, most people were. They'd been there that morning and had seen that Integrity Knight show up. He took away my sister right in front of everyone. Even openly declared that he would kill her once they return to Centoria. There's not much else to be said about that."
Charlotte was quiet once more, and that had her chewing on her bottom lip. Urgh, way to go, Selka! This is supposed to be a pleasant morning, and she'd up and ruined the mood!
"B-But hey! If we look on the bright side, it just means everyone will be more careful in the future, right? That means no one will ever accidentally break the «Taboo Index». Something like that would never happen to anyone else."
"…It's just sad that it had to happen to someone else before everyone can truly understand."
"…That's just how things happen sometimes, I guess."
Quiet once more, the young girl and her companion wandered the roads of Rulid Village, uncertain of their destination at first. Eventually, though, Selka brought up a point of needing to buy some wool thread, which prompted them to travel towards the southern gate of the village.
Miss Mairie lives alone, no children of her own and her husband having long passed following an incident in the past. What it was, no one knew for sure, but she'd moved on since and had dedicated her life to helping around the village with the little things. She had also practised on sewing for a long time, becoming a rather popular seamstress of the village.
It wasn't hard to find her house, honestly. Though it was built from the simple bricks and stone like any other house here, what distinguishes her home from others is the assortment of flowers planted outside of her home. A mini-garden, one could call it, with every colour that she could imagine fit into that little spot.
"Colourful."
"Mmhm."
Approaching the door, Selka knocked on the door twice. "Miss Mairie, are you in there?"
" Hmm? Oh, do wait a moment, I'm here—Oh? Selka?" The door is pulled back to reveal a woman with light creases in her face, greying black hair tied back into a bun. Her green eyes regards her with curiosity before it moves towards her companion. "And you are..?"
"Charlotte, ma'am," she responded with a bow. "I am currently staying with the Zuberg's."
"Ah! The one who helped those children that night! That was you, right?" At her nodding, Mairie let out a delighted giggle. "My, I didn't expect you to look like this! I'd expected someone bigger, admittedly, perhaps with some scars and whatnot. But you're beautiful!"
"Oh," even with her nonchalant expression, the slight raise of the brow meant that she hadn't expected that. "Is that bad?"
"What? No, no! Nothing of the sort! It's just, well, you tend to stereotype warriors and fighters by accident. You think of them as these scarily powerful people with all these battle scars, but you look so flawless… Oh, that's probably tactless for me. Do forgive me. I was just taken aback, is all."
"There is no need for concern, ma'am."
"And polite too!" She giggled once more. "Well, don't let me keep you out. Here, I'll get you something warm. Consider it an apology on my part for my behaviour."
"No, I don't think that's—" Door left open, Mairie had already retreated into her home and off to the kitchen, by the sounds of it. "Necessary. Hmm. Is she this spirited?"
"E-Ehehe. Yeah, she's really friendly. Sometimes a little overbearing, but she means well."
Stepping into her house, the sparse amount of decoration gave it more space, which was something Selka could appreciate. She especially liked how Mairie often put on her work for display, like the coat rack with which she uses to hang up some scarves she made, adding some colour to the room.
Right as they sat in her living room, Mairie returned from the kitchen, a tray in her hand with teacups. "I hope you two don't mind tea, because I haven't really prepared much else."
"It is still very kind of you," Charlotte accepted her drink with a nod. "Thank you."
"You're very welcome," smiling, she took a seat at a single chair before leaning forwards. "So, Charlotte, correct? Would you mind if I call you that?"
"Not at all."
"Splendid! So, Charlotte dear, I'd seen you around the village though I'd never gotten the proper chance to talk with you. Now that I do, I want to take the opportunity to thank you on behalf of all the people of this village."
"Oh?" Once more, it seemed like she was caught off-guard, eyes a little wider than usual. "There's no need for gratitude. The Zuberg's are already kind enough to offer me a place to stay and meals every single day, and the people of this village welcomed me in. That is more than enough for me."
"For you it might be. Not for me, it is," huffed the woman. "It's just… well, you know what being an adult means. We worry. A lot, I might add. And I'm sure everyone would have been absolutely terrified if anything bad had ever happened to the children. If worst came to worst, we might have decided to move."
"Simply because of something like this?"
"Well, people overreact at the worst of times, and they still tend to do in other situations. Some would have felt unsafe, others would have called it a 'curse'. Likely blame it on the Gigas Cedar's presence," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "One way or another, we'd probably do something drastic. Or perhaps we won't, and I just made up all of those scenarios because I'm the worrywart. Either way… things wouldn't have been great. Not after we'd already lost one child."
"My sister," Selka finds herself muttering. "You're talking about her, right?"
Miss Mairie nods with a sad look on her face, seemingly older than before. "Yes… What happened to your sister wasn't right. And everyone had been afraid ever since. You'd notice how none of the children are ever allowed to roam outside of the village walls ever since, or at least not like before. But things were still relatively fine."
"Until five more children were discovered to be out in the forests at night," Selka flinched. Even if Charlotte hadn't mentioned her or her friends, it still stung.
"Yes. And you were a godsend. For saving the five of them, we'd averted the worst. But still, everyone's uneasy ever since. None of the children are allowed out of the village, ever. Only Kimoro and Yulio are allowed to since they have to cut the Gigas Cedar—"
"That's Kirito and Eugeo, ma'am."
"Ah, yes, of course. Forgive me, I tend to mess up names," Selka sweat-dropped at that. Those made-up names were nowhere close. "But other than that, the children are strictly forbidden from leaving the village grounds ever. Parents are concerned, and who can blame them? Everyone had just seen a knight take away Selka's sister. The thought of losing more children might just be the breaking point."
Just thinking of the possibilities left a bitter feeling in her gut, and Selka wasn't sure what to make of that. Sure, they'd gone that night as careful as ever, but they'd still managed to find themselves in a pretty bad situation.
They'd made out of it okay, but at what cost?
'Now that I think about it, I haven't talked with Yuka and Eri ever since that night,' that sudden realization leaves her dry in the mouth. 'I hope they're doing okay…'
"Nevertheless, there's no use worrying over the past. It's all over now, and… and we should count our lucky stars that everything turned out okay," with that said, a smile returns to Mairie's expression that wipes away any signs of aging. "Charlotte, for what you did that night, I want you to know that everyone appreciates you for your help. If there's ever anything that you need, don't be shy to ask, 'kay?"
"I… would appreciate that, thank you."
"Mmhm… So! With that out of the way, how may I help the two of you? I'm not opposed if you came just to visit little ol' me, though. I enjoy having people over!"
"W-Well, we were hoping if you have any threads?" Selka asked. "I'm, uh, using them to knit some stuff. And I kind of… ran out."
"Oh, then that might be an issue," she frowned. "I would love to give you some, in fact, but I haven't been able to get my hands on some wool myself. I tried asking Karim—he's the one in-charge of the pasture. Very gentle man—but he said that with the winter approaching, it might not be a good idea to shear them."
"Ah… It would expose them to the cold, which would be really bad for them, right?"
"That's it. I mean, it's still too early, so it shouldn't be an issue to shear them."
"It's the merchants, then?" Charlotte's words earned her a nod.
"Indeed. There'd been a high demand for wool, and Karim had to prioritize them over the village. I'm so sorry, Selka, but I don't think I can give you any."
"Oh… It's okay. I'll find some other way."
"Alright. But once winter is over, I'll be sure to ask for some, and then I'll get them just for you, dearie!"
Her optimism was infectious, and Selka found herself smiling. "Alright. Thank you, Miss Mairie. Charlotte and I will be on our way, then, if you don't—" She cut herself right after, still noticing her not-at-all empty teacup. Her face flushed in embarrassment. "W-Well, right after we finish our drinks, that is!"
"Ohoho! By all means, take your time."
Once they were done with their tea, Selka and Charlotte departed from her home, with Mairie bidding them a good day. With them back out onto the cold street, Selka unconsciously felt herself shiver a little, though she didn't let it bother her much longer as they opted to return home.
Well, that was a shame. If only she'd gone to buy some wool a little earlier, then she wouldn't have had to worry about having none at the moment. The winter puts a stop on a lot of things, and she hadn't even considered the possibility of the sheep thing until today.
Sighing, she decided that she may as well head back home for now and try to figure out some other way to fix this little issue. That is, if there is any way to fix it…
"I didn't know you knit."
"Oh? R-Right. I just do it in my spare time whenever I can," she chuckled nervously, wringing her hands together. "I usually do it with mother, but she has a lot of responsibilities. Lots of things need seeing to."
"But it must be quite boring to be knitting on your own, then?"
At that, she could only shrug back. "It's not that bad. Plus, I don't really know anyone I could knit with."
"Why not Mairie, from earlier? With all her work, you could go to her."
"A-Ah. Well, that's not a bad idea, but I guess she's a little… overwhelming?"
"Fair enough," and it wasn't like she was a bad person or anything! Just very, very enthusiastic, and Selka wasn't sure if she had the willpower to handle that for long durations of time. "Then how about Sulinea? From what I heard, Eugeo's sister seems proficient at a lot of things, with knitting one of them."
"But… I'm not close enough to Eugeo or his family to really ask them. It'd be sort of awkward…"
"Then would you like me to help?"
"Well, that would be—Wait, what?" Blinking, she turned her gaze upwards to look at Charlotte. And the lack of any jokey expression meant that she was being entirely serious. "You..? Huh?"
"Though I may not seem like it, I'm rather adept at sewing work. I've done some of it myself back in the day, so I know a little of the craft. So, whatever it is you'd need my help with, I may be of some assistance. That is, if you'd like it."
W-Well, that's unexpected. Then again, she supposed she shouldn't be that surprised.
Maybe it had to do with how her brain had naturally categorized her as a fighter of sorts. Someone whose talents only leaned towards the combative side. So to know that she could do something as mundane as knitting, which was such a stark contrast to fighting, was really surprising.
Still, she didn't let herself remain stunned for too long, shaking herself out of her stupor long enough to consider her offer. And in all honesty, it wasn't so bad. They both lived under the same roof, and they'd sort of known each other enough to be comfortable around one another.
But Selka didn't know her long enough. It had only been, what? Just a few days at best? Would it really be a good idea to ask her for help with this..?
'Oh, what's the worst that could happen? Charlotte seems to know what she's talking about, and it would really be helpful to have another set of helping hands,' she reasoned with herself. 'Plus, this might just be the opportunity I need to actually get closer with her! That way, I wouldn't be so awkward with her all the time! We live together, for crying out loud!' Nodding to herself, she faced Charlotte and nodded with a smile. "Actually, that would be really helpful! I'd appreciate it!"
A small curve in the corner of her lips. Barely visible from afar, but up close as she is now, Selka is able to see just how big the difference it is when Charlotte smiles the way she does now.
"Then I will be in your care."
"A-And I as well!"
"Hmmhmm. So, shall we get started right away?"
"Oh! Well, if you're not busy…"
"Not at all. Lead the way, Selka."
O-Okay, slow steps! She can do this!
Selka liked Charlotte. Respected her too, which made sense. She did save her life and her friends'.
But if one knew of their interaction (or lack thereof), one might wonder whether she feared her. That was farther from the truth; it was simply the fact that she didn't know how to grow closer to the woman.
Knowing next to nothing about her (hobbies, food preferences, colours, music tastes) gave her zero to work with. But Selka did want to find a way to communicate with her saviour, if only to grow less awkward around her every time and more because she was a really nice person and she wanted to know more about her.
Somehow, this exact situation has opened up that very door. Not what she expected, but she wasn't complaining.
"There are quite the number of colours."
"A-Ahaha, yes. Mairie dyes the wool by hand, and she makes them in all kinds of colours, so I have a lot to work with, but I uhh…"
Picking up one scarf and showing it to Charlotte, the ravenette gingerly accepted it and began inspecting her knitwork. It was clear as day that it was messy, likely because she'd somehow gotten messed up on one step or another, and that resulted in the loss of proper patterning.
And it was supposed to be the easiest pattern to do, too! Honestly…
"Well, this doesn't seem too bad," Charlotte's words had her hopes soaring. "Although, we would be better off undoing everything and start from scratch."
"E-Eh? Why? Can't we just backtrack to the point of the mistake and work our way from there?"
"Perhaps, though I fear that it might be too unruly to salvage at that point."
"Ohh… Well, okay then. Let's get to it."
Picking a scarf of a beige colour, Selka began unscrambling it so that the half-finished scarf was returned to its original thread form. It left a thrum of disappointment in her, but she opted to push it aside and start once more.
Grabbing a pair of knitting pins, Selka began going through the motions. It's all muscle memory at this point, cultivated from time spent in watching her mother and then trying it out for herself.
Three basic steps; casting, knitting, and then weaving the ends. Selka had done this enough times to have made the entire process as natural to her as breathing… or as well as she could, though she's much more careful this time to make sure she doesn't repeat the same mistakes as she did earlier.
'Alright. Loop the string and put it around the needle,' she does it slowly to make sure she got the first one right, then she does the next. It turns out well, and she's just about to make several more loops—
"How many loops would you like to do for your scarves, Selka?"
"Umm, I was thinking around twenty. Or is that too much?"
"I think that should be fine. Twenty it is then."
Nodding back, Selka moves on to make the next few loops. Reaching twenty, she grabbed her other needle and began twirling the loops onto the right. This was the part that was all rinse-and-repeat, though she wondered how she'd gotten it wrong the first time she made them.
"Selka, don't forget to wrap the thread around the right needle once you've stuck it through the loop on the left needle," she perked up at the woman's voice, turning to look at her knitting companion… only to gawk at the sight. "It seems that the mistake you made was that you'd forgotten that one step while you transferred the loops."
"I-I see… And also, Charlotte-san, how are you so fast?"
"Hmm? Am I? I don't think so."
So says the person who's already gotten at least five rows done! Even with her gaze now shifted from her knitting work, she was still able to knit away—and her hands were so fast!
"Y-You must be used to doing this sort of work, huh, Charlotte-san?"
"Hmm, perhaps. A good friend of mine often asks me for some help, so it was good practice. And I do enjoy it. Something about it is just… comforting. And your room, being as quiet as it is, makes this particular activity even more enjoyable."
"E-Ehehe… Well, it would have been better sitting on the bed or a chair than on the floor, huh?"
"Not at all. This way, I feel more focused. I quite like it."
Her kind words put a smile on the younger girl's face, happy to know that her companion was having a good time. She'd been hoping for that!
After all, with how little emotion that she expresses, it's just hard to figure out what Charlotte is often thinking or feeling. So to hear her validation through verbal means is… well, it's nice.
And yeah, now that she thought about it, this is pretty nice. There isn't a lot of furniture, which gives them plenty of space to just sit on the floor without hitting anything. And with how cool the floor is, it's not that bad to sit on it, though having a blanket would be pretty nice too…
"And… done," holding up a baby blue scarf, Charlotte displayed her work to the younger girl. "How is it?"
"Oooh..! It looks so good, Charlotte-san! You're amazing at this!"
Lowering the scarf revealed the lithe smile on her face. "Thank you, Selka. Truth be told, though I'd told you earlier that I often helped my friend to sew things for her, it's not a very common occurrence. I do it whenever the moment calls for it, so I don't really practise much for it. But I'm glad that I hadn't completely forgotten how to do it."
"Well, if this is any indication, then it just goes to show just how amazing you are, Charlotte-san!"
"Haha… Well, I suppose it would come in handy if I'll ever need to do this in the future," setting the finished scarf to one side, she grabbed one of her awkward creations and began to undo it. "In any case, this piques my curiosity as to whom these are all for. If you don't mind me asking."
"Oh, these? I was thinking of giving them to the orphanage," her answer piqued some interest from the woman. "Since, you know, it'll be the winter season soon. And giving the children these sounded nice," and then, a nervous chuckle escapes her. "Although, Sister Azalia didn't really ask for it. I just thought I could do them something, but I certainly bit off a lot more than I could chew this time…"
"Is that so? That's very kind of you."
"E-Ehehe… W-Well, they accept donations in the form of clothes and food, so you know… Might as well make them something…"
"And with all these different colours, I am certain the children would have a fun time choosing. You would be making them very happy."
"Aw~..! Stop it…"
With nothing else to bother them for the rest of the day, and their time spent equally in chatter as they worked away their hands, Selka felt like she'd gotten to know this 'stranger' a lot better.
"Ohh? Sounds like the two of you had a pretty fun time today, then!"
"E-Ehehe, yeah. I guess we did."
It was right around five or so that both her and Charlotte had finally decided to stop and take a break. And even then, with how long they'd been knitting together, they'll just continue the next day. Much to her embarrassment, she'd even complained about being cramped from sitting on the floor too long, with Charlotte humouring her every request.
"And colour me surprised. I never knew you had a talent for knitting, Charlotte-san."
"Not exactly a talent, per se, but I am familiar with the craft," with a cup of warm tea in her hands, Charlotte clasped it with both hands to let some warmth into her palms. "It was a nice change of pace, I'll admit. I hadn't done it for so long, and to return to it was very comforting."
"That's good to hear. And thank you for spending time with Selka, Charlotte-san."
"It was my pleasure, Sadina. Selka made for wonderful company."
Knowing that she'd been genuine with her words, Selka couldn't help but flush from her words. Her mother's laughter was not helping in the slightest!
"Well, the two of you can continue tomorrow. Get plenty of rest tonight so that you'll be all refreshed for the next day."
"Yes, mother. We won't stay up."
"Good. It'll only wear you out, and your sleeping clock will be messed up for it," perking at her father's voice, she watches him approach the table with a look about his face that suggested he'd been all around the village, though he was clearly trying to mask it. "Sadina, some tea if you could."
"Of course. Been busy, it seems."
"Simply put, yes. Winter especially requires much preparation, so it's to be expected, though I'm mostly concerned for the orchards and our wheat fields," accepting a cup from his wife, he takes a sip from his drink before letting out a sigh. "And it doesn't help that there might be some sort of monster out in the woods. Like we needed any more problems…"
"Monster?" Charlotte parroted, earning a nod.
"Aye. Sister Azalia approached me a few days ago and reported that she'd seen a monster of sorts roaming the forests," he said with a shrug. "She told me that she'd noticed it while she'd been at the orchard, so that means whatever it is, it's hiding in the eastern forests. But when I sent the village hunters there, they reported that they'd found nothing."
"Not a single clue? Like tracks or prints in the earth? Wild animals tend to leave behind some indication that they'd been there. The territorial ones would even purposely mark forests to indicate that said area is their territory."
Selka was momentarily taken aback by how confident and vocal she was being about this particular topic. Her very gaze was focused on the man, as if trying to get a read on him.
That's right. Charlotte-san's a huntress. She'd know this kind of stuff. And it certainly shows in just the way that she spoke, which is pretty impressive.
"They'd been on the lookout for such clues, but they found nothing," he replied. "So I'll ask you. Had there been anything in the southern forests? I recall you having visited that place before. Perhaps it had moved to that place."
"Then that would be really dangerous," Sadina piped in with a worried look. "Kirito and Eugeo have to go there for their calling. If there's a monster there, it would be risky to have them work there."
"True, which is why I'd rather have this beast taken care of as quickly as possible. If left unchecked, the villagers would be in unrest, and there's no knowing how well that would go."
Charlotte shook her head at that. "Forgive me, sir, but there was nothing remotely amiss near the Gigas Cedar. Our trip to and from the Gigas Cedar went as normal," true. She'd gone with Charlotte once before too, and she hadn't noticed anything. And if Charlotte didn't either, there really must be nothing then.
"Is that so..? Well, I suppose we'll have to expand our search—"
"If you'd be willing, may I assist in the hunting efforts?"
Her request caught everyone at the table off-guard, surprised expressions reflected off of everyone's features. "Charlotte-san?" Came Sadina's surprised response.
In comparison, though surprise had been apparent on his expression for a very short moment, her father managed to temper it a moment later. "Charlotte, you needn't assist us with this. You—"
"With all due respect, sir. Though I may be your guest, that should not exempt me from any duties. If there is something that I can assist you with, then you shouldn't be ashamed to ask me of anything. In fact, it would be an honour if I could do something to repay you for your kindness."
Her words weren't borne out of arrogance. They were genuine, filled with the want to help her parents for their hospitality.
Even if her voice wasn't capable of conveying just that, it was the eyes that told her everything she needed to know. They were firm, determined to help one way or another.
"Charlotte-san, dear, you don't have to trouble yourself with this," Her mother tried to reassure her, reaching forwards to take her hand. "Really, you'd already done much for us. You don't need to go this far."
"On the contrary, I see it as fair trade," she shook her head. "Yes, I saved Selka and the other children, and in return you offered me shelter. During my stay here, you've given me much more; daily meals, baths, a comfortable bed, companionship."
"Err… I'm pretty sure all of that is included with the house bit…"
"And you seem particularly insistent on wanting to help us," Gasupht's voice drew all gazes towards him. "Why is that?"
"Why..? I suppose there isn't any true reason in particular," she shrugged her shoulders. "Perhaps, in one way or another, this village and its people, whom I may not be too close to, are endearing to me. Maybe I am charmed by its simplicity or some other factor. But, were I to be more honest, it's simply because I don't see why not. If there's something one can do to help, why should they not?"
Wanting to help just because they can…
For a moment, Selka was taken aback. She hadn't expected such words to be said, but with how sincerely they'd been said, she was at a loss for words.
The husband and wife traded glances with one another, uncertain. But after a moment of silent communication with one another (and that awed her. Even if they don't openly display it, for her parents to be able to do such a thing was a testament to the strength of their love for one another), it was her father who spoke next.
"Charlotte… I can tell that there will be no dissuading you," he said with a sigh, though he didn't sound upset. "However, for the time being, I ask you to be patient. Should the situation escalate, then I'll hope that you'd be willing to lend your assistance at that time."
"Of course, sir," she nodded her head. A little lower than usual, akin to a bow. "Thank you very much. It will be an honour."
"Hmph. You humble us with your words," despite what he said, there was no mistaking the smile that played at his lips, which prompted her to smile as well. Selka couldn't help herself and did the same, albeit with a little giggle of her own.
"Well, if Gasupht is alright with this, I guess there's no use trying to argue about it any further," her mother hummed with her own grin. "I'll admit, I'm not too fond of asking you too much, but if you're sure… well, who am I to stop you?"
"Thank you, Sadina. And you needn't worry. I won't let you down."
"Haha, I know you won't. Now then! What shall we have for tonight? If we're looking for something light, might I suggest—"
14th day of the 10th Month – HEC, 372
Rulid Village, in Selka's home
Green eyes and blond hair. A youthful face with a kind and calm expression that earned him much trust and respect.
"Eh? Eugeo?"
"Good afternoon, Selka. Are you alone at the moment?"
"Oh, um. No, I'm here with Charlotte-san," she blinks after a while, noticing another face behind the blond. "Kirito?"
"H-Hey, Selka," the ravenette, usually so cheerful and friendly, seemed oddly pensive, though he was trying his best to act normal. He gave a weak smile back in return. "In case you're wondering, Sulinea made extra. Wanted us to give your family some food."
"O-Oh, I see. Well, come in, then."
The three children entered the house together, moving towards the dining area. Charlotte was already seated at her typical spot, head turned around to regard. "Kirito, Eugeo. It is good to see the two of you?"
"Huh, Charlotte? What're you doing here?"
"What do you mean by that? Charlotte-san is living here with Selka's family. Of course she'd be here," chided Eugeo before smiling back at her. "Hello, Charlotte-san. We came to deliver you something," he gestured towards the basket in Kirito's arms. "My sister made… extra."
"And by extra, it's a treasure chest's worth of food," deadpanned the ravenette. "I mean, I like to think of myself as a pretty big eater, but I can't imagine myself being able to eat through even a quarter of what she made."
"Big doubt on that…"
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing."
"Is that so?" Charlotte managed to ignore their banter. "How is she capable of making so much, actually?"
"It's because she's Sulinea," shrugged the black-haired boy, setting down the basket on the dining table. "Somehow, she just knows how to make so much with so little. Well, not a little, but it's usually because the neighbours give her extras. Or, you know, stuff that they don't know what to use for, and then she ends up being able to make so much out of them."
Eugeo chuckled somewhat, caught between feeling exasperated and being deadpanning. "Thankfully, she shares them around the village, so we don't have to worry about overinflating ourselves from eating too much."
"They're nothing too fancy. Sandwiches, salad, and rice cakes. We had some earlier and they tasted pretty good, which shouldn't be too much of a surprise because Sulinea's just good like that."
"Oh?" That piqued Charlotte's interest, judging by the barest widening of her eyes. "That good, you say?"
"I'd bet both my legs that she's the best cook in this entire village."
"Don't," Eugeo quickly interjected, somewhat pale.
"Pssh, don't worry too much. I wouldn't actually give my legs away… maybe."
"Don't just say maybe! You're not reassuring me here!" His exasperation was enough to make her giggle. They're always at each other's necks that way, in that friendly bantering way that warms her heart to see. "Honestly… Well, in any case, since we've done what we came here to do, we'll be—"
"Would you not like to join us?" Charlotte asked. "It would be a shame to send you off right after. Perhaps the four of us could eat together. It has been quite some time."
"Oh, true," Selka piped in. "The last time we did so was when I came with Charlotte-san to visit you two. It would be nice to have lunch together like before!"
"Ehh. Eugeo and I already ate a little back home, sooo…"
Though he said that, it was clear that his eyes were still lingering on the basket, likely able to picture the food inside perfectly. His friend caught notice of that, sighing audibly. "You're still hungry, aren't you?"
"…Do you want me to be honest or give you the answer you're hoping for?"
Once more, he let out a sigh before looking to her. "Sorry about him, but I suppose we'll be eating with you guys… If you don't mind."
"Oh, that's okay! Our parents won't be back for a little bit, so you can stay with us for a bit if you'd like," Selka offered a smile. "I'll help prepare some plates."
"And I'll prepare us some tea. You boys can take a seat first."
"And let you do everything? Like heck we are. Eugeo, you sit down. I'ma see what I can help with."
"Right, right…"
Eugeo's sister had prepared all kinds of things, from appetizers to proper meals, all of which filled the room with a myriad of aromas that Selka knew she was enjoying. A lot. Returning to the table with some plates, she and Kirito began prepping the food. And with all the kinds of colours and shapes, though it hadn't been too long since they had breakfast, she certainly felt her appetite being whetted.
Where her mother's cooking worked from its homey feel and comforting feeling, Eugeo's sister was a master of diversity and flavours and all kinds of smells that had her very much in anticipation. She was rather glad that she'd made extra, now, even if the boys were less than a little amused by her antics.
Eventually, they had everything prepared, and the four were sat at the table. The tea Charlotte prepared hadn't taken too long, so the three of them had prepared the cups and the food for everyone.
"Hmm… Selka, have you made sure to keep some for later?"
"Mmhm! I've already stored away some for my parents, so everything should be fine now."
"Alright then," tapping his hands together, Kirito nodded. "To the goddesses we give our thanks for this bountiful food… And to Sulinea… Alright! Let's eat."
Selka realized how different it was, eating with her parents and then with the two boys. Her parents aren't the talkative kind, especially her father, but Kirito most certainly is. He's the one that initiates the conversation, and she finds herself drawn into it, with Eugeo and Charlotte joining as well. It provides for a comfortable and friendly ambience that she's all too happy with.
'Although… Why does he look away from me?'
It wasn't something new, though something he'd started to do since Alice was taken away. And he'd never not done it whenever they were in the same spot. Was there something wrong going on?
And it wasn't so obvious, though if he couldn't turn his head away, he'd at least try to avert his eyes away from her or focus on someone else. It was enough to make her pout.
"…and we're making good progress on cutting down the Gigas Cedar," his words drew her out of her thoughts. " 'Course, it'll be taking a little longer, though I'm expecting to finish it in the first month of the next year."
"Wait, really?" Snapped out of her thoughts properly, she was appropriately surprised by this news. A surge of joy bloomed in her chest. "That's such wonderful news!"
"Heh, yeah. Finally, we can cut down that forsaken tree… Although I know I'll be missing it."
Eugeo sweat-dropped. "Really? You're going to miss the same tree that you've always been angry at your whole life?"
"I mean, sure, it's been nothing but a pain in the sides. We've been doing it for a whole year, and we'd sort of been told that way more people before of us had tried. And they hadn't really made much difference, so it was hard to feel hopeful. But once it's gone… I don't know. Like, I got used to seeing it every day when I wake up, you know? It'll certainly feel different once it's not there anymore."
His words made Eugeo's expression soften a little. "You're not wrong there. It'll be weird not seeing it ever again afterwards. Something that made Rulid stand out, quite literally from afar, and for it to never be there anymore…"
"And that means you two would be the first to complete your calling," Selka whispered. "What will you become next? You'd get to choose your «Sacred Tasks». What do you think you'd be?"
"Hmm… Something that involved travelling, maybe?" He shrugged. "I mean, it sounds nice. Just seeing the world beyond our village, and then we could come back and share our stories with everyone…" His eyes gained a distant look, something about his tone suggesting something else completely. "And then, we'd get to…"
"It would be weird watching you go on your own, so I'd probably come along," Eugeo adds, almost a little hastily. As if he intended to cut him off there. "After all, having someone to watch your back just seems natural, right?"
"Heh, having my best friend right by side would be great, yeah. I'd appreciate that."
"Then it's good, since the two of you would be able to take the same callings to go together," she grins at the prospect. "And it would be fitting. The two of you and my sister were always together. Hard to imagine that you'd only known each other for only two years."
" Two years?" Charlotte's tone was coloured with surprise. "Considering how close the two of you are, I would have assumed you two to have been friends for much longer. Perhaps from your childhood. How is that not the case?"
"Ah… Well, not many know of this, but we actually didn't even know each other in the beginning," Kirito paused to finish the remainder of his second sandwich, eyeing another before deciding not to. "See, I was found in the woods, and then I was taken in by Sister Azalia. I never really went out and socialized much, since I was always hanging out by the church and all. The only time I'd started to get to know Eugeo was… well, right around we were choosing our «Sacred Tasks»."
His friend nodded. "Typically, children receive their callings when they're ten, but ours were considered a 'special case'. So we received ours when we were nine, and would officially start work when we turned ten."
"And then, we got to know each other from there on. It's been two years ever since."
Judging by Charlotte's expression, she clearly looked to be in disbelief. "That's… But with how you two treat each other, it feels as if you've known each other since the day you were born…"
"It does feel that way, doesn't it?" Chuckled the blond. "Yeah, that is a little weird… I guess you could say it's because Kirito's just so friendly that me, Alice and him just clicked right off the bat."
"True. He does seem rather popular in the village."
" Me? Popular?" The way he could look so doubtful and exasperated at that thought was funny. "Urgh. I'd believe it if you said Sulinea's popular. Or Alice. She was always the talk of the village. The 'prodigy of «Sacred Arts»'."
"Oh, hush you. If Alice heard you calling her that, she'd slap you in the back of the head," snorted Eugeo, amusement in his eyes. "And no, we're not joking. I've seen how everyone talks to you. Lots of the other kids look up to you."
"If anyone has to be a role model, I feel like I'd be the worst example…"
"I-I don't think so!" Her outburst wasn't intended, but she'd done so. Kirito looked surprised, but she continued. "I mean… everyone thinks you're the bravest person here. For standing up to bullies, trying to talk back at an Integrity Knight of all people, and then you saved us from those goblins. You're amazing, Kirito."
"O-Oh," eye contact. And then, he averted his gaze once more. This time, however, there was a ghost of a smile on his face. "…Thanks. But we've already sold the story about wolves, and Charlotte's the hero of that story, so no one will know the truth behind that."
"No one but us."
"…Heh. Well, I'll take it."
Eventually, they'd finished all the food that was prepared. Kirito and Charlotte moved the plates to the kitchen, where the latter took over with washing them. That left her with the two boys at the table, all three of them content with their lunch.
As she looked over to Kirito, a thought popped up in her mind. "Um. Kirito," the boy in question turned to look at her. "That night. After all of that… stuff. Did you get to check on Yuka and Eri for a bit?"
"Hmm? Oh… Actually, no, I didn't," the boy frowned at that. "I haven't talked to them recently too, yeah…"
"Well, it's not like you're living in the orphanage, right? Of course it would be a little hard for you to go see them," his friend said, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm sure they understand."
"True that. So, what's up?"
"Err. Well, do you think they'll appreciate Charlotte-san visiting them?"
"Charlotte?" The three of them turned their heads to look at the woman, who was dutifully scrubbing the dishware clean. "I don't see why not."
"I mean, she's an outsider, right? I'm just worried that they wouldn't be comfortable getting visited by someone they don't know."
The moment she said that, a snort escaped him, face contorted into amusement. "That would be silly. All the kids are the friendly sort. I'm sure they'd be real excited to talk to her. Likely bug her on any exploits or crazy feats."
"Ooh… That does make sense. And it would be fun to know too."
"Right?"
"I wouldn't be opposed to that."
Caught off-guard by her sudden proximity, Kirito let out a yelp and started wheeling his arms in the air, almost falling out of his seat if Eugeo hadn't caught him by the shoulder.
"C-Charlotte! Jeez, give a guy a warning before you're going to give him a scare!"
"Ah. Forgive me, that wasn't the intention," she shook her head. "But regarding the visit, I think that would be rather lovely. In fact, I have had plans of seeing the children long ago already," saying that, she exchanged glances with Selka, who understand what she meant.
"Oh yeah? That's… That's good," he let out a sigh, smiling right after. "I'm sure Yuka and Eri, especially, would be happy to see you again. 'Never had the proper chance to thank you', is what I'm betting they'd say."
"That would likely be the case, yes."
Yuka and Eri… She'd only given a passing thought for them when they'd finally been brought back to the village, but she'd been too concerned over Eugeo's injury, this mysterious woman and Kirito's own involvement in the fight to have really fretted over them enough. Once she sees her friend in the church again, she's definitely going to change that.
Whatever she was about to say abruptly left her mind when she heard the sound of the front door opening. "Ah, mother? Father? Is that you?"
" It is!" Out of the corner of her vision, she notices Kirito flinch minutely, gaze quickly averted towards a wall. " Your father is still out. Checking around the pastures. And I heard from Sulinea that the boys came over. Are they still—Oh! Kirito, Eugeo, it's a surprise to see you here."
"Oh. H-Hi, Auntie Sadina…" Weakly muttered Kirito.
"Sorry for being here. We thought we'd catch up with Selka and Charlotte for a little bit," Eugeo, on the other hand, seemed a lot better, smiling at the woman. "Hope you don't mind."
"Oh, not at all! It's nice to have guests every once in a while," chuckled the woman. "In fact, we should have a get-together sometime. Our families could certainly get together. Goddesses know just how much stories Gasupht and Orick could share with each other… And you'd have to come too, Kirito."
"Huh? Me?"
"Of course. You're Eugeo's and Selka's friend, aren't you? We'd love to have you with us."
"Ahaha… Is that so..?" Initially tense, he eventually relaxed enough to give her a small smile. "I'll… Well, I guess I can't say 'no' to that. If you don't mind."
"Of course not. It would be lovely to have you."
For that brief moment, Selka found herself exchanging glances with Charlotte, the other woman wearing a befuddled look. Selka herself wasn't sure why he seemed so on edge. Was there something that they were missing here?
"Alright… Well, now that we're done eating, I'd better get this guy back home before his sister throws a fit. Ah-dah-dah, you know she will. See ya', Charlotte. You too, Selka. It's been nice seeing y'all, but it's high time we take our leave."
"Wait, but I—Ahh… Alright, alright. You can st op pushing me, you know. Oh! Bye, everyone! See you another time..!"
With their voices slowly fading away, the quick thud of the door immediately cut off any sounds of them, though they could be faintly heard from outside, what with how loud Kirito was being. He was back to sounding like himself.
And that only confused her even more.
"…He's not wrong. Sulinea does fret a lot over those two in particular. Not like I'm any different."
"Mother…"
Her father returns later that night, having done with his patrols and mentioning how there was no success yet again regarding the issue with the supposed beast that Sister Azalia had seen. Still, he asks Charlotte to remain patient, of which she obliges with little difficulty. Sometimes, it seems as if she dances between the line of stubbornness and obedience.
There were no troubles that night, and the next few days after that. There was still a lot of time left before winter would be upon them, so Selka took comfort in how everything would be fine as always.
In a few more days, Selka Zuberg would be painfully reminded once more that that is not how it works in Rulid Village. Not anymore.
Author's Notes:
I had a brainfart. This is still in September. Winter starts in December. Aiyo. So I had to edit the chapter just a wee bit around some parts to make sense—it does involve some time skips here and there, but we won't get straight into winter next chapter.
Underworld is technically more of a fantastical world than it is close to a real world, what with each empire having drastically different environments and climates. Even so, when it comes to the seasons, I'll more or less follow the basic seasons of Japan.
There's Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), Autumn (September to November), and Winter (December to February). There you go.
And before you start commenting that I might be wrong about the seasons or some nonsense, I probably am. I got this from the first Japan touring website I saw. And also, I live in Malaysia. Every year we only get hot, rainy, very hot and very rainy, lmao.
Welp, with that hasty update, proper wishing! In a bit more, we'll be kicking off with a brand new day, but of course with a special note—here's to a Happy Chinese New Year to everyone across the world who celebrates it, and to all my fellow Malaysians as well! No going to school to see the lion dances and performances during assemblies anymore (because I'm twenty now. Those fun days are long past), so I'll make do with my fond memories. Hope y'all stay safe and have a good time!