Chapter 27

We talked little after that and finished our dinner. Part of it was because we weren’t in the most talkative mood… But it wouldn’t do to brood over it forever. We needed something to take our minds off of it.

“Daniela, let’s go for a walk.”

“A walk?”

“Yeah, there aren’t any forest wolves around anymore. I thought it might be nice to look around, now that the forest is peaceful.”

I say as I scan our surroundings. It was now morning, and rays from the sun were sparkling off of the dew. There was something almost mystical about the way light leaked through the green leaves over our heads. I had stayed up all night but somehow did not feel tired at all. Perhaps my body was still feeling the rush from the fight, but in any case, I wasn’t sleepy. Daniela too had not yawned once since sitting down. Maybe a little walk to calm our nerves would be just the thing to make us drowsy? Or so I thought, anyway.

“Indeed… Though, we should bring our weapons. Just in case.”

“Sure.”

I nod at her suggestion and equip the iron sword. Now I was ready. I look around to see that Daniela had done the same with her mother’s sword.

“Let’s go then.”

“Aye.”

We put extinguished the bonfire and walked away from the camp.

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A crisp, cool air fills the forest. With every deep breath, the fresh air that smells of grass, soil and moisture enters my body. It’s the most refreshing thing.

There was no one here to interrupt our stroll. I guess the forest wolves had finished migrating. We had killed so many of them that their numbers must have dropped considerably. Still, the goblin forest must be quite chaotic right about now. There was nothing to do but leave that matter to the monsters.

“This feels good, Asagi.”

“It really does… I love the forest in the morning.”

“It is a good thing that you like the forest. It is said that the ancient elves increased their territories by expanding the forest borders. I am sure that the use of those weapons will also be related to the forest in some way.”

“Do you think so? …Are you sure that you don’t want to use them?”

As we walked, Daniela raised her arms into the air and stretched.

“Mmm…ah. That sword and bow are all I have left from my mother. I have depended on them to live up until now. I do not see myself ever parting with them.”

“Right. I feel bad now… For trying to force them onto you without knowing.”

“It is fine. You did not know. And I am happy you asked.”

She smiled and patted me on the shoulder. I had meant to cheer her up but ended up being the one who was encouraged. How did that happen?

“But, these are weapons made by the ancient elves, do you think a human like me will be able to handle them?”

“I do not see why not. You have a unique skill. But more than anything, you will learn by using them. I think that they will be well suited to you, since you have a knack for using any weapon.”

Was it that simple then? It kind of felt like I had been given a cheat weapon in spite of having a low level. It didn’t sit right with me.

“Ah, well then. I’ll accept it with gratitude. Though, I don’t think I’ll be using them for a while. The trick is to learn the basics, right?”

It did seem incredibly wasteful, like I was allowing a treasure to rot. But it was better this way. I needed to follow my own advice if I wanted to grow.

We could hear the cries of birds flying over the forest. Something about it reminded me of coming back from my night shift. It was stupid, but such were the thoughts in my head as we walked back to our camp.

Drowsiness arrived at just the right time, and what was intended as a light nap ended with us waking up a little past midday. We hurriedly packed all of our belongings and gazed at this clearing that had briefly been our home. It was only three days, but a lot had happened.

“Let us go, Asagi.”

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

I chase after her, my increased load of weapons were jangling loudly. We walked through the midday forest and headed for Fhiraldo. When we were walking along the wheel tracks that split the forest, we could see goblins that were on the move. Two goblins carrying their young were running as fast as they could.

Once the goblins arrived and began to thrive in the northern forests, Beowulf would likely set out on his journey. I wondered if I would have to kill him the next time we met. Or would he kill me? We continued to walk. When it became night, we camped again, ultimately exiting the forest in two days time.

And there were the gates of Fhiraldo. They were open just like they were on that first day.

We decided to let the guild take care of the ancient weapons. They were registered to me with magic and blood before being stored in a safe. I had to remember to take them with me when I finally did leave this town. We also handed over the forest wolf fangs and in return, received four golden pieces and some silver. Fiona had given her stamp of approval in regards to the quality of the fangs. We, of course, split the reward. Fiona looked like she wanted to tell me something after that, but I ignored her and we left for the bar. The two us wanted to celebrate our return, it was a job well done and we deserved a little party. I ordered something with fish, and Daniela ordered her favorite meat, which she took with some spiced wine. It was really good… It was good manners to enjoy your daytime drinking with just a little bit of self-deprecation.

Well, we had finished reporting in and were no longer hungry. Might as well return to the inn now. I was thinking this when I was assaulted from behind. A great open palm had slammed into my back. It made quite the sound.

“What the…”

“Don’t act stupid with me, Asagi! Those weapons!!”

“Ahh, yes. We just found them.”

Fiona was glaring at me from behind. I guess this was what she had wanted to say earlier. Still, she really did act very familiar. I feel like this change came quite suddenly too. I wasn’t quite sure why.

“Uh, you’re a bit close. You should remember your standing as a guild worker.”

“Hmm? Well, I need to mark my territory while I can…”

“What?”

“Asagi, I just know that you are a gemstone. Don’t you think I should catch you now, considering what you might be worth in the future?”

This woman…is horrifying.

“I think you are overrating me a bit.”

“You collected that many fangs and picked up those weapons in only three days. How can you be anything but a person of great talent?”

“That was because of Daniela.”

“I am sure she did her part to help.”

Fiona was shaking me back and forth now. I didn’t need this… I was so tired… Ugh, and drunk. I looked over to Daniela for help.

“Indeed, Asagi is a brilliant one. I know he will become a great adventurer one day.”

She nods. No. That’s not what…

“Well, I was completely right then! It is just as Miss Daniela says!”

“Aye, but he is still just a cub. Do not let it get to your head, Asagi. Keep moving.”

They both had me wrong. I looked up at the ceiling. Now, how was I supposed to get out of this one? A sigh escapes me as I consider what my tired mind and body would have to do.