chapter 17

Departure

“You little punks! Get back here! You’re training isn’t over yet!” The instructor roar as he chased after the trainees.

“But Ms. Bella and Sir Dante said we could leave!” One of the trainees screamed as he ran.

“Do you think I care who dismisses you?! The king himself can come down here and say you’re free to go, and I wouldn’t give a damn. Now get your ass back here and give me twenty laps around the track!”

“How strict. Takes me back to my training days,” Dante’s gaze became distant. I didn’t bother imagining how far back in the past he was looking.

“Are you guys really leaving now?” I knew they eventually would leave this small town. But I thought, no, hope that they would wait until I was prepared to leave.

“To be honest, we were supposed to have left last week, but the old man wanted to make sure you were ready for the tournament. Although, I doubt the fat bastard would accept that as an excuse for why we’re late.”

“Bella.” Dante raised his hand and hit her on the top of her head.

“Ouch! what the hell was that for, old man?!”

“You shouldn’t call our king a fat bastard.”

“Why not? It’s because of him and that asshole that we keep getting shitty jobs like this.”

Dante hit Bella on the head again. “You shouldn’t call the head captain an asshole.”

“Ha!” Bella exclaimed while rubbing her head. “You knew exactly who I was talking about, which means you think he’s an asshole, too, right?”

“I’ll admit, the captain can be a bit strict, but you should try being nicer to him.”

“I’ll be nice to him when he pulls that stick out of his as- ouch!” Before Bella could finish talking, Dante hit her head again.

“So, when are you guys leaving?” I force myself back into the conservation, fearing Bella will end up suffering a head trauma if I allow them to continue.

“We’re leaving tonight.”

“Huh? Tonight? Why not tomorrow?”

“Because we can’t keep that fat-“Bella quickly covered her head and looked up Dante, whose hand was still hovering above her head like an executioner ax. “I mean, we can’t keep the king waiting any longer.”

“But isn’t it dangerous to travel at night?’ Is what I wanted to say, but then I realize my concern was pointless. These two can travel through a monster-infested forest alone and come out completely unscathed.

“Anyway, that’s enough, chitchat. It’s time to celebrate.” Bella scoop me off the ground and held me in a princess carry.

“Whoa! What are you doing?!”

Obviously, I’m carrying you. You still can’t walk, right?”

“Yea, but this is kind of embarrassing.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t be holding you for long.” Bella carries me over to the track field, where the instructor forced the trainee to run laps around.

“Hey!” Bella shouted. She steps on the track stopping a group of trainees. “Hey, kid, I need your help with something.”

The trainees all look at a young boy who appears to be around fourteen or fifteen years old.

“Huh me?” Theo point at himself, confused.

“Do you see any other kids around here?”

Theo’s eyes wander toward me. If I could move, I would’ve headbutt him. I’m a full-grown woman, you know!

“Here, hold this for me.” Bella tosses me at Theo.

“Oh.” Theo utter as he unconsciously reaches out and grabs me like I was a package.

“Bring her to that new fancy restaurant in the center of town. Oh, and don’t worry about your instructor. I’ve already told him I’ll be borrowing you for the day.”

“Oh, okay.” Theo nodded his head, clearly overwhelmed.

“Don’t keep us waiting!” Bella shouted as she dragged Dante away.

“Sorry about this, Theo.”

“It’s fine. I’m happy I get to skip out on today’s torture.”

“Torture?”

“Who told you maggots you can stop running?!” The instructor roar as he continues to chase after the trainees. “If I catch up to any of you bastards, I’ll have you running till your legs bleed!”

“I see what you mean.” Hopefully, the instructor was joking about the threat, but seeing how terrified the trainees were, he probably was serious.

“Bella wants us to meet her at a fancy restaurant, right? You want to stop by your house to change clothes?”

“I would like to if I had better clothes. Sadly, these are my best clothes.” I pulled on my oversize shirt that went down to my thighs—the only clothes I got either torn or don’t fit me. I guess I could wear my cloak and thief outfit, but then I probably get arrested as soon as I step into the restaurant.

“I could go for some cold water to cool down and wipe off the sweat.

“Alright! Cold water coming right up.”

“Huh? Woah!”

Theo suddenly broke into a sprint while holding me. I grabbed his arms, scared I might fall.

“You don’t have to rush, you know.”

“But, Bella might get mad if we take too long.”

“Knowing Bella's personality, she’ll probably be mad even if we show up earlier.”

“All the more reason why we should hurry. I don’t want to know what she’ll do if she gets too angry.”

“She’ll probably test one of her weapons she's always cleaning on us.”

“That’s a terrifying thought, but I doubt she’ll go that far.”

“I don’t know. When we first met, she drugged me and threw me in a cell with the noble that tried to feed me to an ogre.”

“…. I think we should pick up the pace.” Theo suddenly sped up. We flew past eh training ground an ended up on the side somewhere the building.

“Here, we are fresh cold water.” Theo gently places me on the ground near a sink that was attached to the building. “Us recruits come here to recuperate from all the hellish training.”

“I see.” It hasn’t rained in weeks, yet the ground around the sink was moist. I bet the recruits always try dunk half their body in the sink. I can’t blame them. I feel like I’ve been wandering around in the middle of the desert for days.

I place my head in the sink, the rusted value squeak as I turn it. Water gushed out of the old pipe and splashed on my face, washing away the heat and exhaustion from me.

“Ah! that felt good!” I shake my head to get rid of the water from my hair.

“Hey, you’re getting it everywhere!” Theo crossed his arm to shield himself from the water

“Ah, sorry about that!”

“It’s fine, but your shirt is soaked now.”

“No big deal. I was planning on taking it off anyway.”

“Huh? Taking what off? Ah!” Theo, let out a shriek and cover his eyes as I took off my shirt.

“Relax, I have another shirt on.” Underneath my oversize shirt was a plain sleeveless white shirt.

“Oh! Thank goodness.” Theo let out a relieved sigh when he looked at me.

I wipe the water off my face with my oversize shirt and then wrapped it around my waist. For some reason, Theo was still staring at me.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh! Sorry I didn’t mean to stare!” Theo quickly averted his gaze. “It’s just I notice that tattoo on your shoulder. It looks nice.”

“Thanks.” I cover my left shoulder with my right hand. I’m not sure when it happened, but one day I woke up with this strange tattoo in the shape of a flower on my left shoulder. I would love to shrug my shoulder and say that it’s just birthmark, but I’m reasonably sure birthmarks are usually shapeless and don’t just suddenly appear. Not mention, I think it’s getting bigger. When I first noticed the tattoo, the flower was close. Now, it looks like the flower is opening, and thorns are growing out of it. Hopefully, this is just a strange bruise and or birthmark. The last thing I need is something else to add to my list of worries, especially since I’ll have to deal with Bella’s attitude in a few minutes.

“We probably shouldn’t keep Bella waiting any longer.” I shook my head once more to sure all the water was gone from my hair then stood up

“Can you walk?”

“I have to. You have already done so much for me. If you didn’t shout my name during the spar. I probably would’ve failed Dante’s test.”

“Huh? You knew it was me?!”

“It was kind of obvious. There aren’t that many people that know me around here. And I can’t imagine Bella cheering me on or anyone for that matter.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“Anyway, thank you for cheering me.”

“Ah. There’s no need to thank me. You would’ve done well even if I didn’t say anything.”

I let out a sigh and punch his arm. “Just accept the compliment.”

“I will accept it once you realize how incredible you are.”

“Ugh.” I plug my ears and walk away.

“See? You can’t accept compliments either.”

“I can. But only when it’s true.

“If it isn’t true, then why is someone like Dante going out of his way to training you?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out. And honestly, the more I think about it, the more it doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t think I did anything special when we first met besides trying to get as far away from them as fast as possible. Also, why does Dante want me to participate in the tournament so much? He makes it seem like its only way to deal with The Crooked Man. But after sparing with Dante a few times, I know he can easily take down Crook. The fact that Crook nor his men haven’t made any moves since Dante and Bella arrive is proof of that.

“I think your overthinking things. You should relax a bit.

“Yea, you’re right.” I close my eyes and tried to clear my thought, but I was bombarded with doubts and concerns.

I didn’ think it be this hard to relax. Actually, when was the last time I relax? I can’t even remember. I feel like I’m going to be bald by thirty if I keep letting stress get the better of me.

“I’m glad I got a chance to skip training. Today a good day to go for a walk.” Theo’s eyes seem to sparkle as he looks around. I was a bit envious of Theo’s carefree nature. “Huh, What’s happening over there?” I follow Theo’s gaze towards a crowd gathering around a building. “You think there some events going on?”

“No idea, I’m bad at keeping up with current news.” I didn’t even know our king die until recently. “Let’s go around them. I’m not a huge fan of crowds.”

“But isn’t that the building they’re gathering around is the restaurant we’re supposed to meet Bella and Dante?”

I peer through the crowd to see the same restaurant Crook took me to. Of course, she would pick that restaurant out of all the others one.

“I guess we have no choice but to go through the crowd.” I reluctantly made my way towards the crowd.

“See you on the other side!” Theo shouted before disappearing among the crowd.”

I wish I had at least half of his enthusiasm. The only thing stopping me is that today might be the last day I see Dante and Bella. I need to thank them for everything they have done. I just wish they pick somewhere a bit quieter.

But seriously, why there so many people gathered? If you’re not planning on eating, then get out of the way and stop blocking the street!

With a bit of effort, I manage to squeeze my way to the front of the crowd. Everyone’s attention seems to be focus on the newly built restaurant, or rather they were focused on Dante and Bella.

Both Dante and Bella calmly ate their meal unconcern with the crowd’s gaze. I guess they're used to this kind of attention. I should come back later when the crowd thins out.

Just as I was about to leave, the crowd suddenly exploded with excitement. I turn around to see Bella waving at everyone. At least that what it probably looked like to everyone else. For me, even though I was in the middle of the crowd, I could tell she was looking directly at me. Her sharp gaze froze me in place. I can almost hear her telling me, "you can't run away."

I lowered my head and went straight to the restaurant’s entrance. Just as I was about to open the door, a giant of a man steps in front of me.

“Reservation?” Was the only thing he said. I was so stunned by sudden appearance and size that it took me a moment to register what he said.

“Ah, no, I don’t have one. But there are some people I’m meeting here.”

“Hmph.” The man snorted. Going by how many people are trying to get a glimpse of Dante and Bella, he probably heard that line a lot. He looks like he’s ready to throw me into the nearest trashcan if I told him I’m here to see Dante and Bella.

“Cool it, big guy. She’s with me.” Bella lightly taps the giant’s arm. A vein pop out on his forehead

“Listen, lady, if you’re going to lie then-ah!” The giant froze the moment he looks down to see who he was talking to.

“Oh, you think I’m lying?” Bella tilted her head and crossed her arm. Suddenly at that moment, when Bella took that pose, the giant was no longer intimidating. I was trying to figure out how I can calm Bella down before she hurt a guy who’s just doing his job.

“No, no, not at all.” The giant guard back away, clearly terrified.

“Good, I’ll be taking my friend now.” Bella grabbed my hand and pulled me into the building.

“have fun you two.” The guard said half heartily before turning his attention back to the crowd that was trying to push past him.

“You sure took your time I was hoping you get here before we gather all this attention.”

“You could’ve chosen a more inconspicuous spot for lunch,” I spoke lowly making sure Bella didn’t, but my effort was in vain as she causally responded to my back talk.

“If we went somewhere quieter than my plan wouldn’t work?”

“Huh plan?”

“Take a look.” Bella suddenly stops and turn her attention to the table she was sitting at. Theo stood in front of Dante protecting him from the maids that were trying to get his autographs.

“Shouldn’t we help?”

“Naw, they’ll be fine. Besides, we never hung out alone before have we?”

“No.”

“Then let’s make this the first of many.” Bella led me to a table that was quite a distance from the one Dante and Theo were sitting at. The moment we took our seats a man dress as a butler approach us while carrying a silver platter. Just from a glance, I could tell that his movement trained. Every single one of his steps was graceful and smooth.

“Here you go, ladies. If you need anything else please, let me know.” The waiter gave Bella a flirtatious wink, before leaving.

“I get the feeling the people come here for different beside eating.” I took a quick glance around to see the waitress and waiter flirting with the customers. “Do they do this kind of stuff in the capital?”

“Nope.” I waited for Bella to tell me more about the capital but quickly realize “no” was the only thing I was going to get from her when she started eating her salad. An awkward silence fell over us. I took a sip of water while trying to figure out a way to break the ice.

“That waiter was pretty hot, huh?”

“Pfft.” I spat my water back out.

“That was a bit unnecessary.” Bella calmly wipes the water off her face.

“Sorry about that. It’s just that I never imagine you saying something like that.”

“Oh.” Bella's lips curl upward as she crosses her leg. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“Nothing, it just no offense I didn’t think you were into guys or anything girly for that matter.”

“Well, you’re right about that.”

Then why the hell you get mad?!

“You still didn’t answer my question. Did you think that waiter was hot?” Bella tosses her salad around her plate while staring at me. I have no idea what she was after or why she wants to spend time with me alone suddenly. But I get the feeling she won’t leave me alone until I answer her question.

“He looks fine, I guess. Not really my type.

“Oh, what exactly is your type? Younger guy? Older men? Or could it be you into girls?” Bella brush her braid back and gave me a seductive smile. I nearly spat my salad back out when she wrapped her arms around herself and push her breasts up to emphasize their size. Is she flirting with me? Is that why she wanted to talk to me alone?

“I-I’m sorry, but I like guys!” Thankfully, everyone was still freaking out over Dante, so no one heard me.

“Thank goodness.” Bella’s flirtatious smile vanishes, and her visage became deadpan. “I didn’t know want to do if you had a thing for me.”

So, she was testing me? Thank goodness. I took a deep breath and took a sip of my water to calm down.

“So, what do you think of Theo?”

“What’s with these questions?”

“I’m just curious.”

“Hmm.” I glance over at Dante’s table. Theo was now struggling to get Dante’s sword back from a couple of maids. Strangling enough, Dante himself didn’t seem to mind that his sword got taken, as he continues to calmly eat his steak.

“Theo is a good kid. He’s energetic and now he knows how to cheer people up. I think he has a bright future ahead of him.”

“So, you see him as a kid, huh? I kind of feel sorry for him.”

“Huh why that?” Bella giggle softly and took a sip from her cup.

“That kid got quite the hard-on for you.”

“Hard on?”

“You don’t know what that means? You see, a hard-on is when a guy gets- “

“I know what it means!” I slam my hands on the table to stop her from saying anything else. “But there’s no way Theo sees me in such way.”

“But what if he does? What will you do?”

But what if he does? That question repeated endlessly in my head. There’s no way he likes me. but even if he did…

“Even if he did. It won’t ever work out.”

“If it’s because of his age, then give him time, I’m sure you’ll eventually see his charm.”

“Why are you trying so hard to hook me up with Theo? What exactly are you after?”

“Nothing. It’s just…” Bella leans back in her seat and sighs. “I’m not good at talking about sensitives subjects. But fuck it, I’ll give it a shot.” Bella grabbed her drink and chugged it all down in one go.

“Listen, cat ears. I know life hasn’t been the kindest you and that because of circumstances, you were forced to do shady things to survive. But right now, you have a choice. You don’t have to go along with Dante’s plan. You can live as a normal girl, isn’t that what your father would want?”

I inhale sharply. It felt like a needle stab my heart.

“You knew my father?” I spoke slowly. Trying my best to hide my pain.

“No, but I did a bit of research. I understand why you’re so obsessed with that store now. Your little flower shop did a lot of good in this community. You guys grew medicine for the war. Donated money to the orphanage, and even offer flower for funerals. Your father was a good man, which is why I don’t think your father would be happy seeing you go to such extreme for a store.”

My hands tremble uncontrollably, but strangely I wasn’t angry. Normally I would’ve been enraged if someone who don’t know about my father, talk like they knew him.

“You’re right. Even though my father and mother put their heart and soul into that store, they’ll always choose my happiest over anything else. Which is why I have to participate in the tournament.”

“What? Why?” Bella’s eyes widen. It’s nice seeing her flustered for once.

“Because it’ll make me happy, I think.”

“You think? Are you seriously going to risk your life for something you don’t even know?”

“I know and to be honest even I don’t understand myself. But I just got this feeling that I must do this. At least, that’s what my heart and soul is telling me, and this is the first time they ever agree with each other. And besides, my parents may be happy with me abandoning the store they work so hard for, but I won’t.”

“I see.” Bella closes her eyes for a moment. Her gaze became even more fierce when she opened them again. “You’ve become a bit stronger cat ears. However, you’re still too weak. At your current level, you won’t get that far, but maybe I can tip the scales in your favor.” Bella reaches under the table, pulls out a black case that had a sliver cross etch into it. “A gift for you.” Bella slides the case over to me.

“Th-Thank you.” I hesitantly accept the case.

“But!” Just as I was about to grab the case, she pulls it away from me. “Before I give this to you, promise me you won’t open this case until you leave for the capital. There’s a couple of weeks before the tournament starts. Plenty of time to change your mind or lose your confidence. If you get cold feet, sell this case. The content inside should be worth fifteen gold coins.

“Fifteen gold?!” My heart nearly stopped. That’s more than enough for me to live a decent life if I decide to give up on my family store.

“However, if you're truly adamant about going down this road, then take that case to the weapon store across the street from us. They’ll get you prepare for the journey ahead. Got it?”

“Yea.” Bella hands the case to me. I was surprised by how light it was. It almost felt fragile. I held the case close to my chest to make sure I never drop it. “Thank you so much, but why you go so far for me?”

“Because you’re weak.”

I stupidly stared at Bella, trying to figure out if she was insulting me.

“You seem unsatisfied with my answer. But that’s all there is to it. My family has been protecting the weak since the start of this country, that won’t be changing anytime soon.” Bella smiles slightly as she gently touches her earring that was in the shape of a silver cross.

“I got it! I got the hero’s sword!” A maid happily skipped around, holding Dante’s sword.

“Give it back!” Theo chased after the maid. While Dante took a sip from his drink.

“Seriously, that old man.” Bella, let’s out a sigh and stood up. “We should probably help him.

.

.

.

After Bella got Dante’s sword back, not much happened after that. The people crowding around Dante’s table immediately disperse when Bella approach. With everyone going back to their table, we were finally able to eat in peace. And so, the rest of the day went by uneventfully.

The sun was slowly setting as we approach the town’s gate. My heart grew heavier with each step I took. There was so much I wanted to say that I have no idea where to start.

“Well, it looks like this is it.” Dante stopped at the town’s entrance.

“Huh? Don’t tell me you guys are walking to the capital.” Besides, the guards keeping a lookout for any monsters. There’s no one else around the town’s gate.

“If Dante didn’t delay our departure, we would’ve had a ride.”

“I’m sure we’ll eventually find a ride along the way.”

“Yea, how long that’s going take? A Day?”

“I don’t see anything wrong with that. You’ve been neglecting your training ever since you started working on Catherine’s- “

“Shut up. She doesn’t know yet!” Bella quickly covers Dante’s mouth.

“Heh.” I cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing. “You two, we’re arguing just like this when we first met.”

Both Dante and Bella silently looked at each and then separated. “I guess so,” Bella said as she fixes her braid.

“To be honest, I’m still upset that you guys chased me around and arrested me. But if I haven’t met you guys, I would’ve still prowling around the streets stealing chump changes for a living. I bow my head deeply. “Thank you so much. I’ll never forget you two!”

“You make it seems like we won’t see each other again.” Dante gently rubs my head. “We’ll meet again in New Dawn.”

“Unless she changes her mind,” Bella added.

“Regardless. Whatever path you choose, I’ll be waiting for you in the capital.”

“I’ll see you there. I promise!”

“I’m looking forward to it. Dante patted my shoulder and then headed towards Bella, who waited for him at the entrance of the town. The two grew smaller as they travel down the winding road that seems to stretch for an eternity. Just as they were about to vanish from sight, Dante turns around, and with a faint smile, he said, “…….”

“What?” I ran towards the gate. But Dante and Bella were already out of sight.

“So, what are you going to do now?” Theo asked as he approaches me.

“There’s only one thing left to do.” I hug the case Bella gave me and looked back at the road she and Dante were traveling on. “Prepare for what’s to come.”