บท 98: [23.5] Something Given
For days we traveled endlessly. I could only feel guilty with each step as they had to carry me over mountains and through rough terrain.
They were doing so much for me…
But all I've done to them was act rude.
Perhaps I was being too harsh on them…
Maybe I should at least give them the benefit of the doubt.
I cleared my throat, "Uh…"
They both looked at me. Della spoke first, "What is it? Do you need a break?"
Why are they asking if I need a break?! They've been the ones walking for days without rest!
I shook my head, "I-I just wanted to say… That… Um…"
My voice grew weaker.
Come on! It's not hard!
Just say it!
I forced my voice out, "I want to say-"
Patrick suddenly shouted, "Look! There's a town!"
We all turned to look at the medium-sized city in the distance.
Della stared at it with uncertainty, "Are you sure this is a good idea? It's so close to the Macrabe forest. Aren't there a lot of traffickers that travel through this area?"
He nodded with a grim expression, "It's true that this area is more dangerous… But I think it's still the safest option for us. The Priests expect us to go to the capital or somewhere that's safe. They won't expect us to be here because of the danger."
She still wasn't convinced, "I don't know…"
He smiled softly at her, "The farmers said that there's a lot of job opportunities for protecting merchant caravans. We can save money and then move to the Capital once we can afford a house that's not in the slums."
She let out a sigh, "Okay… If you think it's a good idea."
We continued walking towards the town until we found an abandoned shed on the outskirts. Della fixed the bed and tidied up the inside while Patrick went to work patching up the roof and the holes in the walls. I was placed on the bed and watched as the two turned the dilapidated shed into a place that could be considered a home.
After finishing cleaning, Della sat on the bed next to me and handed me a piece of bread for me to nibble on. She sighed as she looked through the bag, "We are almost out of food."
Patrick spoke as he drew a strange symbol on the ground with chalk, "We can take a job tomorrow and buy more."
I watched him draw with curious eyes, "What is that?"
He replied as he continued to draw, "It's a magic circle to make this room into a barrier. No one will be able to enter if they aren't allowed."
I stared at it in awe, "A magic circle? It actually works?"
Della grinned, "Your uncle is the best at magic circles. There are very few people who can break them."
He scratched his cheek in embarrassment, "W-Well, I'm not very good at using magic other than this…"
I tilted my head, "Really?"
He nodded, "Really. I am terrible at combat situations, unlike your mother."
I glanced at Della who broke out into a blush.
She shook her head, "Oh, I'm not that good."
He laughed, "I seem to remember you taking out five of the traffickers while having labor pains."
My jaw dropped.
Is this woman really that fierce?!
She doesn't look like she could hurt a fly!
She spoke in a fluster, "I-I wasn't the only one fighting at the time."
He made a face, "Della."
"Oh, alright. B-But I warned them to let us pass! It was their own fault for not listening."
He let out a laugh, "Whatever you say."
I looked at the magic circle in wonder, "So this will keep our house safe?"
He nodded, "It will protect you while we are gone at work."
Della let out a long sigh, "But should we really leave her here all alone? I don't like the thought of leaving a defenseless child alone. She can't even walk yet…"
"I know Della, but we don't really have a choice. This will be the only way we can make enough money to eat and save up money. With only one person working, I doubt we could even have money to feed ourselves."
I looked between the two of them, "You both don't have to worry. I am perfectly capable of staying here by myself. I AM an adult. I'm not a child who would open the door for a stranger."
She held my hand with a concerned look, "But what will you do for entertainment? We don't have any books for you or anything…"
Patrick's face grew dark, "That's true."
I shook my head, "It's fine. I can just nap while you're gone. It won't be an issue."
She looked at me closely, "Are you sure?"
I nodded, "I'm sure."
After that, the two started leaving every day to find odd jobs around town. Most of the time, they would be hired muscles. Occasionally, they would take a job protecting a caravan. Even though that job paid the best, it would require them for being gone for several days.
Although they had bought me books and other things to occupy myself, it still didn't help that I was barely able to walk.
I had been practicing walking with them and slowly learning on my own, but my body was still too weak.
When they were gone, the neighbor would come over to make sure I was eating and was safe, but for the most part, I was alone.
But I didn't really mind.
Those days were peaceful…
Comfortable.
I sat at the window staring out in anticipation. They had moved my bed over to the far window so that I could look outside whenever I was bored. Strangely, I found that looking outside of a window and watching birds was far more enjoyable than I had originally imagined.
However, today I wasn't looking for birds.
Today was the day when they said they would return from their job.
I wonder if they brought me any new books?
Usually, merchants would give them some for me to have.
When I saw them walk over to our small shack, I clutched the windowsill.
They're here!
I sat at the edge of my bed staring at the door like a dog awaiting its owner. When it opened, Della rushed in and hugged me tightly.
"Ah! My darling Reika! I've missed you so much!"
I reluctantly hugged her back but a faint smile appeared on my face, "Yeah, yeah. I am glad you're both safe."
She pulled back with a bright grin, "We brought something very special for you this time."
My eyes lit up, "Oh? What did you get me?"
Patrick laughed, "It looks like you are happier to get a gift than you are to see us."
I shook my head, "That's not true. The gift makes seeing you even better. So what is it? I don't like being kept in suspense."
Della looked at him, "Go on. Give her it."
He bent down and pulled out a small stick. There wasn't anything spectacular or mind-shattering about it, but one thing was clear…
It was a wand.
He handed me the wand with a slight blush, "I-I know it's simple… But with this, you'll be able to practice magic."
I stared at that long simple stick with wide eyes.
Della smiled softly at me, "Do you like it?"
My mouth moved, "It's simple, but…"
They both looked at me with worried expressions, "But what?"
"But it's perfect." I looked up at them with glistening eyes, "I love it. Thank you… Thank you so much."
Della burst into tears, "Oh, Reika!"
She embraced me tightly, sobbing onto my shoulder.
Patrick wiped at his eyes, "I want a hug too!"
I laughed as they both embraced me tightly.
I haven't felt this kind of affection in years.
It's…
It's warm.
Maybe…
Maybe it wasn't so bad that I came here after all.
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Nekoru
Nekoru Oh yes. There's more....
But you'll have to wait until next week to find out what~
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