Chapter 16: Gust of Wind

For the last five days I started amassing items I might need in my journey. Foods and traveling supplies, even some simple cookwares, and lots and lots of water were all stashed in my inventory. A big part of the giant boar that the inn owner cooked me as a farewell gift was also hidden in the abyss. Still, I had to witness their soulful cries of happiness after Sasha revealed what I have in plan for her.

The next semester is a season away, so they have some time to prepare. The tuition fee for a complete course of three years is twelve Valentia Gold Coins — which is enough to buy me a large piece of land somewhere in this continent and still have some to spare — but since I’m a cheat, I brush it off while looking cool. Heck, I even included Cherche in the package. For a moment there, I thought the old man would have a heart attack, thanking and thanking me while groveling on the ground. He was truly glad for his daughters that he didn’t care if he had to follow me for life, which I respectfully declined. I have no need for an old man. Though I did accept Cherche’s peck on the cheek.

In return, I had the old man looked up some clues for me. According to the information dealers — or thieves guild for short — that he went to, the nearest labyrinth on my current location is toward south, across the seas. Then I asked a few merchants around myself and confirmed that the information handed to him was correct.

On the same day, Fia and I also went back to the magic store to buy some additional formulas. I let Fia pick what she wanted to get while I gave Franz my apology for not following through our previous conversation. I didn’t want Fia to feel like she was some kind of lab animal. It just didn’t feel right as her Master. Though like last time, that handsome vermin was all too happy to snatch my money away.

* * *

It’s finally the day of my departure I make sure to wake up early. Here I am, standing in front of Rosalia’s room, waiting until she comes out. But no matter how much I knock and wait, she doesn’t respond. I sigh, blowing the last of my patience with it. At least I want to have a small conversation with her before I leave, but I can’t wait anymore. I have to go.

Who would think that it would turn out like this? Nevertheless, I did what I could.

I go downstairs — and over there, my eyes widen.

Fia’s new outfit consists of a lavender and white frilly dress along with white stockings and lavender shoes that has white cross markings. She’s also wearing a frilled headband with bows on each side paired with a lavender ribbon across her neck.

I give Cherche a thumbs up beside her. “Good job. She looks fantastic.”

Fia fidgets as soon as I say that. Her cheeks are dyed in a crimson hue as she looks at me with an upward glance, her eyes as deep as the ocean blue in the bay area. It’s like whenever I look at Fia, I’m reminded of my hometown. But it’s good to have a reminder like her; just so I won’t forget my goals.

The old man comes in to let me know that the carriage is ready outside. He squeezes me and Fia in a bear hug, then Cherche, Sasha, and her mom stick to us as well. It’s saddening to think that I’m leaving these good people; I’ve become too attached.

Now that we’re released, I dig out two wands from my robe. Good thing this robe is quite baggy I have no problem pulling out items from the abyss. I hand one wand to Sasha then to Cherche.

“Consider that my first gift to your upcoming journey as a magus. Good luck,” I say.

Sasha nods and beams me a smile, hugging the silver wand I gave her with both hands. “Thank you, Dood. Thank you…”

To be thank like this, I'm a lucky man.

I move closer and brush the budding jewels at the corner of her eyes. “Don’t cry now… And don’t forget about our deal. I’ll write you a letter in the academy once we’ve crossed the Vermont Sea.”

Sasha sniffs her tears back. “Okay, I won’t. Be careful on your way, it’s almost summer, so you’re bound to come across some Sea serpents.”

I snort. “They’re nothing but experience and loot for Fia to harvest. Anyways, I’m leaving. Thanks again, for all your help.”

“Awww, Dood! The elder sister is here! She needs some flags raised too!”

I ignore Cherche's ramblings and head out. After one last wave to the family who helped me settle in this world, Fia and I step into the horse carriage outside the inn. The coachman whips the horses into motion, and our carriage slowly begins to move. I peek my head out of that small box and shout my last farewell to those guys. This is not the last time; I’m sure it isn’t.

After I return to my spot, Fia hands me a piece of paper folded neatly. “Master, this letter is addressed to you.”

The mystery behind it is enough to make me frown. “To me? What’s this letter about?”

Yet a split second later, I retract my question. There’s only that girl who would do something secretive like this. So I excitedly open the letter and read the contents.

Dear Dood — again, what kind of name is this?

First of all, before I begin, I feel like I should start with an apology. I’m sorry for running away that night. I’m sorry for being indecisive when you confronted me about your feelings. But I want you to know that I did feel that spark connecting us whipped through me — so great that I had to distance myself away from you. However I have to complain that, while that kiss indeed tasted wonderful, it didn’t have the best flavor. You’re horrible. Clean your mouth before we do it next time, please! Oh, I accidentally wrote “next time.” Again, I think I owe you an apology for that. Now I must have you wondering what’s the purpose of this letter, so let’s get to that. Truthfully, I had a hard time sleeping that night, when I’m writing this stupid letter, but since I don’t want to feed your ego, I’ll just say that I had too much to eat. Really!

Anyways, let’s get back to the main point. Dood, the look that you gave me that night made me feel so special. All of my doubts about my attractiveness as a woman disappeared the moment I saw how beautiful my reflection was in your eyes. It felt hot, like my heart is intensely burning in anticipation the longer our eyes stayed on one another. You have to forgive me that if I didn’t run away, I felt like I would’ve jumped on you — which I’m sure you would love me to do, a lot! Don’t even say it. I can see the familiar grin inflating your face now.

You see, Dood, my mother had always told me that a kiss is a form of love. A form of affection. But on that night that we kissed, I was aware that you didn’t give me the full extent — you were only half sincere. It terrified me. I want to give you my all, but it’s just unfair that you’re keeping something away from me. I know I might be asking too much, since we’ve only known each other for a short time, but this is what I’ve decided about. I came to this conclusion. By the time you’re reading this letter, I’m probably on my way to Rasdan. Please don’t follow me. Knowing Mr. Big Spender, you might just have the time and money to do so. Joking aside, I decided to challenge my feelings; I wanted to know if these light and silly sensations in my chest is the real deal. So if, after this separation, a smile still lights up my face as I think of you, then… the next time I see you, you better run away — cause I will jump! Thanks again for the wonderful staff you gave me, and I don’t plan to sell it, mind you. It will keep me company in nights that I might think of you.

Dood, I hope that whatever it is that you’re searching for, you may find it one day.

P.S. Don’t blame your slave for this. It was I who asked her to keep this letter from you. So yeah, feel free to cast your undying hatred on me.

Thinking of you…

Rosalia.

“This girl… To the very end…” I rub my forehead and laugh — I can only laugh. But now, whatever it is that’s suppressing my heart is released.

Thus my journey towards the southern blizzard begins.