บท 67: Vol. 4 Prologue
"See you later," Said Naell, bidding farewell to his family.
It was the day where he and Owly were to finally go back to Taglagas. Hints of spring had already spread throughout the land. Lakes and rivers weren't as frozen as before yet the coldness of winter still lingered especially for Owly.
The fluffy young owl was still hiding underneath Naell's coat, HOOTing peacefully in his sleep.
Whereas the young master of Beryldot, who unlike before would faint from the travel, at that moment was doing just fine. All thanks to their slow pace and not to mention, to his companions who were no strangers to him.
They were once again escorted by the knights; the goofy but good-looking Iwan, the shabby yet well-mannered Dikolam, and tagging along was the kind butler Lebrut.
Their conversations were filled with laughter, where even the knights felt at ease in teasing the young master.
Even so, only Owly could go so far as to get Naell tilted, likewise only he could frustrate the young owl.
"You were better off sleeping again, you chatty bird."
"How could I sleep knowing you'll vomit in any second, HOOT."
"Then find another body to hibernate on."
"No I'm good, HOOT."
Unbeknownst to the duo, there was no doubt that those who knew of their banter, considered it a funny yet clear testament to their friendship.
.
.
.
As the night began to loom over the horizon, the carriage of Beryldot decided to stop for a rest; in the middle of Taglagas and Arigare, was the village under the Viscount of Lamasep.
Though it wasn't as big as the other territories, being the bridge between the royal kingdom and the northern dukedom made it a prosperous village.
Further, it was known as the centre of trade for small villages nearby.
As they neared the village, carriages and people alike queued up for inspection.
It was apparent that it was a busy estate filled with flocking merchants and visitors. After a while, knights whose uniform had the bridge sigil approached them.
They sported chainmail tunics that seemed to be made resistant to the cold. A mage also stood at the gate, disguised as a knight, yet with Naell and Owly's superior magic, they were able to sense him.
Upon seeing who he was, the guards, in a warm and friendly tone said,
"Welcome to the village of Lamasep young master."
Naell greeted him back and with a calm voice said his thanks, all while his gaze was wandering to the village gates.
The guard noticed this and smiled at what seemed to be a misunderstanding, before he proudly said and let them all through,
"Do enjoy your stay at Lamasep, the village of gold!"
Just hearing that phrase made Naell want to camp out, he knew very well that places with gold attached to its name were always rowdy.
Unlike the guard's mistakened thoughts, Naell's gaze was actually a retreating one. Yet as he knew his companions wished to go there, he chose to silently accept his fate.
Sure enough, the village was bustling; lights still shined throughout, stores were still open, and inns were fully booked and occupied.
It took them several minutes of hunting, until Butler Lebrut finally returned with good news.
"Young master, I've talked with someone and have arranged a room for us." Said the butler as he caught his breath earning him a genuine smile from Naell.
"Well done, HOOT." Praised Owly whose wings seemingly flapped inside Naell's coat.
"I do apologize for the delay, young master Naell."
"It doesn't matter Mister Lebrut, thank you for finding an inn.''
Lebrut then replied happily as he said,
"It's my honor."
"Let's go, I'm hungry, HOOT!"
"..."
They all then decided to first dine at the inn's dining room. As they entered, Naell could only feel more impressed with Lebrut.
The tables were lined neatly and chairs were noticeably made of expensive material. Even the tableware appeared pricey with its porcelain sheen.
Its ambiance filled them with expectation, yet Naell could only smile wryly. Afterall, none of it mattered to the young epicure that was Owly.
'What should be judged is the food, HOOT!' Mockingly thought Naell as he saw Owly's unfazed gaze.
Soon enough, they were all left in awe with how delicious the food was.
*******
The morning came without a hitch, yet the young master of Beryldot to no avail was still dreaming.
"Heyyy wake up now, HOOT!" Said the pecking owl.
Still since Naell's slumber didn't really disturb his breakfast, Owly was only doing soft pecks under the guise of having sympathy infront of the knight and Lebrut.
Nevertheless, it was effective as the days of it being used as Naell's alarm clock did its work. He then said while yawning with no hints of feeling apologetic.
''Sorry, I will prepare now.''
Lebrut and the knights could only nod at his demeanor. It was true that Naell's expression had already softened, which was why seeing his old cold look often made them reminisce.
After cleaning himself and wearing simple black pants matching his white polo shirt, Naell put on his boots and coat, completing his basic journey look that Lilia and Lily had prepared.
Naell sighed at remembering how his sister and mother kept picking clothes for him to wear. He then promised to sternly reject next time, as he thought to himself,
'That was exhausting.'
Little did he know, Andrea would inevitably join them by then.
As they exited with the warm goodbyes from the inn, what beheld them was the busier Lamasep in its afternoon. The huge number of beings that night paled in comparison with the crowds at that moment.
When one of the employees outside saw their surprised faces, she then immediately told them,
"A normal goldy day, dear guests."
"…"
Just from the crowds alone Naell already wanted to leave as soon as possible.
As he was about to say his intention of leaving, he saw the faces of his companions.
It was apparent they all wanted to stay and were eagerly waiting for his decision. Therefore, he said wearily,
"If I remember correctly, apricots are a delicacy here."
They cheered and rejoiced, and that alone reassured Naell, it might not be such a bad decision to stay for a while longer.
.
.
.
The sun's light only grew more immense yet the soothing first moments of spring were far more noticeable than the heat.
Naell stood at the loud marketplace eyeing the many fruits on display at each humble stall.
He walked by a few and carefully looked out for the bright peach-like fruit, before stopping in front of one cart manned by an old lady.
"A bag of apricots from the back please." Naell said, discretely containing his excitement.
In truth, Naell had never tasted an apricot in his time on Earth, as he lived in poverty and could barely even buy cheap fruits for himself. Yet he had learned of the distinct taste from watching a childhood show about cooking.
'Panto-Boy's favorite fruit…They always made it look so good in the show.'
As the lady handed the bag of fruits, Naell thanked her and turned his back to leave, yet in the process he bumped into a taller stranger with dark brown hair.
"Oh, my apologies, I---" Naell quickly said to the man, before furrowing his brows in confusion.
"I... didn't notice you." He continued, questioning the man's odd presence.
"No worries, that was my fault. I was too keen on getting Spring's First Bloom as they say." The man lightly smiled, amused at his own statement.
Spring's First Bloom was one of the many first names given to the fresh apricots of spring, yet Naell's mind didn't pay attention to the reference and was in a daze before he spoke,
"Well I shall take my leave then." He quickly said before walking away from the smiling man, and towards the direction of his companions sitting from afar.
"May Magi guide your way, young master." The man called out as he left.
Naell ignored the man's statement and entered the cafe where the three all sat.
• What took you so long, Hoot? •
Owly asked, watching Naell as he placed the bag of fruit by his side.
Before Naell could even respond, Butler Lebrut called out to him.
"Young master, what shall I order?"
"Ah, one coffee please." Naell replied calmly yet his thoughts were elsewhere.
Lamasep's population of commoners was rather high, yet even so Naell was accustomed to sensing a wide range of mana and emotions from its citizens.
That was why, he was surprised that the man he just bumped into was void of anything.
From afar, the stranger thanked the old lady for the fruits. He then walked towards two other people and grabbed one apricot from the bag.
"Hold the rest of them." He sternly said, before eyeing the fruit in his hand and taking a bite.
"They truly are the best in the spring." He happily muttered before. turning to the sky, his golden eyes glistening under the sun's peak.
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