章節 14: Small steps
Eric felt like he was immersed in a world that was new to him. The thrill of experiencing first-hand the atmosphere and life in dark-age Europe gave him an unforgettable experience. However, amidst his admiration, there was also a sense of disappointment. Although the modern world had its own flaws and problems, Eric still felt that it was better than the world he encountered now. In the modern world, there are better rules and standards, even if they are not always well executed. Here, things felt darker and crueler.
Walking around the markets and the old town opened Eric's eyes to the injustices that exist in this world. Slavery and discrimination against certain races were common sights. Politics filled with intrigue and vested interests made him feel uncomfortable. Even more shocking to him was learning that discrimination against half-elves came from the elven nobility themselves. They, who were supposed to be the role models and moral leaders of elven society, were instead the most ruthless perpetrators of discrimination against those who were considered "dirty blood".
"All right, boy. It's late afternoon and we'll just play around here and go back to the guard office to see Captain Naura," Uncle Jack said.
Eric nodded, but his gaze still lingered on the market that had begun to close. 'Haah, this will be the hardest and most challenging thing I've ever done in my life. Although it will be self-destructive, let's commit that no matter how hard the road is, there will be beauty at the end.' He thought. "Yes, uncle" Eric replied.
Uncle Jack nodded in satisfaction, his friendly smile radiating from his face. He then invited Eric to immediately meet Captain Naura at the guard office.
...
[POV Eric]
Seriously, today was amazing. I felt a mixture of admiration and sadness. Seeing something that's not normal to me is taken for granted here. It feels strange, but it also gives me a deeper understanding of the reality of this world.
I sat on a chair in a room that looked like Uncle Jack's boss's office, told to wait there until the Captain Naura they were talking about arrived.
Naura... That woman, seems to have a harsh personality but also feels like there's a soft side to her. She was responsible for taking care of me after suspecting me of being a spy, although in the end she also fell victim to the same situation.
After waiting for a while, I heard someone's footsteps approaching and the door opened. Two people entered, a male elf who seemed to be Uncle Jack's superior, and a female elf with silver hair.
"Eric, this is Captain Naura, the leader of the special forces who is also the guardian of the royal family. We all call her 'Naura'."
"No need for introductions anymore. We already know, he's the one who saved Princess Bella."
"S-so..."
I stared listlessly at Naura, who was looking at me with a sharp gaze. "Then? Will I be taken care of by you from now on?"
She nodded slowly, "Yes, consider this my apology for accusing you for no apparent reason," Naura said in a firm tone of voice. "Well, follow me, and thank you for your work, Ivac."
Jack's superior named Ivac looked down with a calm face. "Ha! Thank you for your hard work too!"
Then, I was pulled away by Naura. When I came out of the guard's office, it turned out that Naura was carrying a horse-drawn carriage. Although not as luxurious as the palace's, the carriage was quite impressive to see in person.
"What are you waiting for? Hop on," She said, already on the train.
I then clumsily stepped into the carriage and sat opposite Naura.
"Sir, we are going back home," Naura said to the coachman.
"Very well, miss," replied the coachman with a bright smile on his face.
We finally made our way to Naura's house. Along the way, the first time riding this horse-drawn carriage was not pleasant. It felt uncomfortable with the vibrations of the carriage that made my butt hurt. However, the beautiful scenery along the way and the calm atmosphere around made the trip a little better.
Then, the atmosphere on the train felt very awkward. Why, because the stern expression on Naura's face did not relax at all. As if she was carrying a prisoner, and I was that prisoner.
'Damn, let's find something to break the ice...' Okay, I'm a bit experienced in dealing with cold women. But is she an elf? Will my topic will be understood by her?' I continued to wrestle in my mind thinking of a suitable topic.
"B-how is the princess doing?" In the end I was a little nervous, and also fuck a cliché topic like that main character.
Naura turned her head with a face that did not slacken at all, "What business do you have with the princess's news?" She asked back.
'Damn,' I muttered to myself, shivering. However, I had to stick to the current situation without losing control. Her style of speaking was so sharp, as if she was examining someone. "It's fine, just asking again, especially since we've been together for the past few days on our way to this city," I said, trying to keep my voice calm despite my heart racing.
Naura nodded slowly, her fingers resting under her chin, as if pondering whether my previous question had been adequately answered. "Hmm... Yes, the good news is that he's fine, just a little sullen because the royal troops detained me. However, once given the news that you have been released, he will definitely return to his usual self," Naura said, her sharp gaze dreamy, trying to understand every word she said.
I deflated like a balloon, I guess I'm just bad at two-faced communication with women.
However, this awkward atmosphere could not go on forever. I needed to find a way to diffuse it, to create a bond or at least warmth between us.
Turning my gaze out the train window, I tried to find a suitable topic to talk about. The surrounding scenery looked peaceful, with trees lining the roadside and the sun sinking into the western horizon. Golden and orange colors radiated from the twilight sky, adding to the beauty of the serene atmosphere.
"N..Miss Naura?" I said hesitantly, trying to ease the tension in the air.
"Just call me Naura, although many people call me that but somehow I don't like it at all," she replied quickly, her voice soft yet firm.
"Naura, is your job as the leader of this special force very burdensome?" I asked, trying to start the conversation with a neutral theme.
Naura looked at me for a moment, her eyes seemingly twinkling before she replied, "Yes, sometimes it is. But I'm not complaining. It's what I choose to do, and I have to take full responsibility for the task."
I nodded in understanding, though still felt that there was more she wanted to say about her work. However, I didn't want to press too much, given the already tense atmosphere from the start.
Our journey continued in comfortable silence. Although Naura still looked serious, at least now I felt a little more relaxed around her. The calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery along the way made my heart feel more relieved.
After a while, the carriage finally arrived at a large, imposing-looking building. "We've arrived," Naura said, patting my shoulder lightly before getting off the carriage.
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