‘Sixteen Swamps, four big, ten medium, and two are small. On average, each has one Hollow Alligator. All are inter-connected by waterways that are between 20 or 30 meters deep, though two have been blocked by debris, which could mean there has been a light tremor. Still… this is not enough.’

Arthur spent five hours wandering the forest around the village, mapping the Swamps that are connected. He even possessed the body of the small fish and dove deep in an attempt to find the cave. Unfortunately, his efforts bore no fruit whatsoever and he would always find himself in one of the aforementioned swamps. Furthermore, being in the body of the defenseless and minuscule fish was dangerous, therefore, making it not a safe method to navigate the murky waters.

Just like yesterday, Arthur returned when the sun started to set and met up with Ami and Evelyn. The two were chatting near the praying altar, though it was the girl doing most of the talking, as usual.

“Oh! Hello mister Alexander!”

Ami cheerfully waved at the approaching Arthur, an innocent smile plastered on her young face.

“We’ve been looking for you.” Added Ami as she fidgeted around, seemingly embarrassed.

“You were? Pray, tell me what for.”

He glanced at the quiet maid but she did not deign to explain, thus it fell on Ami to reply.

“A-actually… Despoina told me you knew a lot of stuff about the world. I…” Hesitating, Ami lowered her head and paused for a couple of breaths.

“Would you tell me? I want to hear about the cities and all the fascinating places.”

“Why, of course! You don’t need to be so nervous.”

“Really? Thank you!”

Ami, joyful, jumped up and down, her hands excitedly clenched. She stared at Arthur with a beaming expression, one that was eager to listen to everything he had to say.

Soon enough, the three made themselves comfortable in the Tavern of the Gods. While Evelyn contented with eating some food and listening, Arthur and Ami conversed.

Even though his knowledge wasn’t exceptionally vast, Arthur still had a lot to say to the curious girl. After all, she had lived all of her life holed up in here and apart from hearsay and old books, she barely knew anything.

Whenever he mentioned a city or a well-known place, he provided explicit details as if he visited them himself. Of course, Arthur used a bit of his imagination to ignite the fire in the girl’s heart and also subtly added unnecessary details. In fact, he even described places on Earth, much to Ami’s surprise.

As time passed on, even the maid became interested in his tales. Whether they were fiction or not did not matter for he spoke with enthusiasm and intrigue, so much so that the two females forgot to finish their plates.

“That’s so cool! I want to visit that place too! It’s not very far… is it?”

“Hahahaha! Don’t worry about it. I’m sure you’ll get the chance in the future.”

“Yes! But first! I have to reach my monetary goal. Adventures cost a lot of money, or did Mister Dominus always say.”

“Hmmm…” While scratching his beard, Arthur pondered for a bit then shook his head, “Not particularly. Even when penniless, you could still tour the world and see wondrous spectacles.”

With that said, Arthur let out two fake coughs and continued, “I’ve seen how excited you are. As you well know, Despoina and I are travelers, and were for long, we will depart.

“...”

Ami wryly smiled and nodded, looking a bit sad. Still, she didn’t say anything and did not voice her thoughts, for once.

“If you’re up for it, you can come with us.”

Upon hearing this, Evelyn frowned and looked at her Master. She didn’t expect him to make such a sudden proposal.

Even after he said that, Ami did not speak. She kept fidgeting around, not knowing how to respond.

“I know you like living here, Ami. But, don’t you think it’s time to see the real world? We would be glad to have you with us. Also, you don’t need to pay much attention to money and whatnot. We will have fun together.”

“I…I…” The girl stuttered and eventually closed her mouth.

Arthur saw no reason to insist and patiently waited for an answer.

“Please let me think about it. I never thought about traveling with others.”

“We won’t be leaving immediately. You can think about it to your heart’s content.”

“Thank you!”

Now back to her happy mood, Ami switched the subject and resumed her questions about the places Arthur had seen, heard about, and visited.

“Thank you for the meal! And the offer! Good night!”

Exactly like yesterday, with the same strange behavior and urgency, Ami hastily scurried away while bidding their farewell.

Arthur looked at his pocket watch, a strange and unreadable expression on his face.

“It’s the same as yesterday… How curious.”

“Master…”

The maid was intently staring at him, she had waited till Ami left to ask her own questions, which arose ever since Arthur had made that offer.

“Do you really want to take her with us?”

The man shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, “I don’t see why not. She’s a good and lively girl. Her presence would lighten the mood.” Then he laughed and added, “After all, you’re not much of a talker.”

“What if she finds out your secrets?”

“Secrets? I have no secrets, my dear Evelyn. I am a simple man… a traveler eager to see the world, no different than what Ami aspires to be.”

“I’m talking about Mort and your strange rabbit, Master.”

“What about them?” He retorted, seemingly surprised. “They are friendly and helpful.”

“You seem to be forgetting that one is an undead and the other is a bloodthirsty animal.”

“Hahahah useful perks, nothing more! I’m sure Ami wouldn’t mind.”

“Only twisted people think like that, Master. I genuinely worry about your mental capacities. As your maid, I’m obliged to offer corrections and keep your public image intact.”

“As a matter of fact, I think you are the strange one in our group. Especially if we’re talking about secrets.”

“...” She continued her piercing stare but her lips were tightly shut.

“Yet again with feigned obliviousness. It’s almost comedic, you know.”

…

“How are you investigating the swamps, Master?”

Late at night, as Arthur was taking notes and examining the crude map he had drawn, Evelyn, as is her wont, inquired, her figure looming behind him.

“...”

Surprisingly, he did not joke around or give a half-assed answer, instead, he kept his counsel.

“Master, you know that silence will only make you more suspicious.”

“Suspicious but trustworthy, yes?”

“I’m trying to help, Master. Perhaps I can lend a hand.”

“No, thank you. You keep hanging out with Ami.”

“...”

The parasite put down the map and tapped his knees, which was a signal for the hiding rabbit to leap into his lap. It snuggled and closed its crimson eyes as he caressed its snow-white fur.

He took a deep breath and directed his eyes to the motionless woman, who was standing less than a meter away. She maintained the straight and general maid posture, though her usually cold eyes were not as devoid of emotions as they used to be.

Now, they contained a bit of frustration and dissatisfaction, and those spread to her stone-like expression.

“Are you against taking Ami with us?”

“...”

“If you really are, then we will not take her. I consider you a friend and a companion, not a servant despite the fact that you keep trying to be one. If you disagree with taking her along, I want to hear why, at least.”

“I do not disagree. I just think it’s a bit hasty. We knew very little about her.”

“So you’re skeptical due to your suspicions? Again, why? We know she’s an orphan and lives alone. We know she’s working hard everyday to save gold and travel the world. Perhaps that’s not enough? Or do you think she’s putting on an act?”

The maid, with the same tone, replied, “It’s the latter. All the villagers are strange and are not worth trusting.”

“Even Ami? How strange, I had thought you were friends with her, or is it also one of your acts, meant to complete your duty, or better say, duty.”

“Being friends with someone does not necessarily mean I trust them.”

“That’s fair.” He said as he half-turned his head and looked at his notes. “But you’re too mistrustful. Ami is a sweet and innocent girl. Maybe once you get to know her better, your opinion will change.”

“Master, it’s not always about trust. And Ami is not the problem.” The maid walked to her bed and sat down as she continued talking, “Before we left Wilsden, you told me that you did not trust me. Since I already suspected that you’re not Leonis, I wasn’t surprised. Nevertheless, I still find it strange…”

“Strange? If you want to convey your thoughts, do try to elaborate, Evelyn.”

The maid let out a soft and barely noticeable snort: Her back was facing him as she slowly removed her shoes, ready to lay down and rest.

“I don’t trust you too, Master. However, I chose to follow you and see what you will do. What I find strange is your actions… always so unpredictable. You’re so engrossed in your task that you forget to pay attention to other things.”

“What makes you say that?”

“It’s plain clear, Master. You disappear for hours on end, and though you show interest in the villagers, your main focus is the bottle and its origins. This little village is undeniably strange and I would not be surprised if something bad were to happen…” As she stopped talking, she finally looked back at him again, “Tell me, Master, and tell me true; Will I find myself left behind again if things go south? I will not be chasing after you a second time.”

As he heard her ask with an unusually serious face but noticeably wavering voice, Arthur tapped the rabbit, which made it leap away, then stood up.

He walked to the edge of her bed and stretched his hand. Evelyn did not dodge his touch but she was nonetheless surprised as his fingers pulled both sides of her cheeks.

“You were talking on and on only to say that? Honestly, you had me worried for a second.”

Only when her cheeks were reddened did he let go, her expression the very definition of speechlessness.

“You have a very low opinion of me. This time, I promise you that what happened in Wilsden will not repeat itself. Just as we entered the village together, we will leave it together. Satisfied?”

Once she got over her shock, she tore her eyes away and laid down thereafter.

“You better be a man of your word, Master.”