章節 167: Preparations
Currently, Ben and Flavia which happens to be the name of the elven girl were sitting at the newly replaced dining table. While Flavia was having her bath Ben was able to learn a few things about herself, especially how she got captured and was sold. Although not all of it he knew she must have had a dark past that led her to that moment.
*Creak*
The large double doors flew open slowly and four people walked in. Two burly men of different complexions and two beautiful young ladies. Ander wore a large coat over himself, come to think of it, Ander always wore such attire. It might be a native ware for the brute. And considering how powerful he is things like cold and heat wouldn't be a bother.
Mullin was wearing a different colour of vests and shorts, he seemed to be here only to chill. And just like Ander, in this residing cold weather, he wasn't bothered. Mia was adorned in a brown long gown, she looked more ladylike than when she wore her armour. It brought out her great beauty and complexion. Wherever she passed she always made heads turn.
It wasn't far-fetched to say the two beautiful ladies behind these men were simply angels in the making. Ben sighed, he knew that for the two beauties to be here wouldn't be one hundred percent good news. He only hopes it is something that can be fixed without much hassle.
"Ben, of all of us you are the only one to have a mansion of their own." Evelyn said with a bright smile as she walked towards Ben, but coming closer she realizes someone else was by his side. When Evelyn looked at the young girl by his side an involuntary chill ran down her spine. If anything, this girl wasn't simple.
"It wouldn't have been possible without the Lord of this city helping me acquire this land." Ben replied before turning to Ander and Mullin, he bowed in greeting, "Please, everyone have a seat." Ben gestured for everyone to sit which they did. "Mia, it's been a long time."
"It sure has, Ben. Many things have changed back at home since you left." Mia said in melancholy.
Seeing that this wasn't a topic for the table Ben switched the subject. "Well, let me introduce you all. This here is Flavia," Ben pointed at the blind elf by his left, "she was bought from an auction house right before what happened two days ago. You can say there's something unique about her, I don't know yet, but there is." he said and then faced Evelyn, "This here is a member of the Hunter party, Evelyn. We are one of the survivors from the 'into the Badlands' mission. She's also an alchemist."
"Please, don't put it like that, you make it sound like I'm the best in it. I'm only a Beginner-level alchemist guys." Evelyn interjected from the side.
"A Beginner-level alchemist nonetheless, I don't know how many young people are still stuck as an Apprentice-level alchemist out there. And tell us, how long has it been since you became a Beginner-level alchemist? probably less than a year?"
*Creak*
Right then the door flew open once more, and a young girl was seen entering the dining hall. All eyes turned to her. Vivi was draped in a comfortable white gown that reached her knees.
With everyone looking at her, she gave a small nod. Evelyn stood up from her seat and went towards her. Evelyn held her hands and looked her in the eyes, a smile adorned her face.
"You're the Spellcasters that helped us."
"Yes, my name's Evelyn. I've heard a few things about you Vivi. But most of all, I'm sorry for your loss." Evelyn said with a sigh.
"Ha... Thank you. I appreciate it. Greetings everyone." Vivi turned to those at the table and welcome them.
"Please, you don't have to worry about formalities." Andre was the first to wave it off. "Oi, kid. Don't tell me you don't have any good ale." Andre seemed to be just the person they needed to light the environment.
"Ha! Of course I do." Ben brought out two blue bottles of wine from the cellar. Fishing out cups for everyone, they served themselves.
The atmosphere became calm, and a little accommodating. The saying about wine making the gathering joyous wasn't a lie. After two cups Vivi's face was rosy and little things would make her laugh for no reason.
*Bang!*
The door to the dining hall was flung open by a new face. Ander and Mullin didn't say anything since they felt Ben must have already realized someone was barging in.
Elsa came running in with teary eyes. It was because after so many days she has yet to receive word of Stephan, she feared for the worse. But, unlike Vivi, Elsa was a strong girl, although young in heart, she was strong in spirit. If she hadn't heard from Stephan, Vivi or the very least Ben, then she knew what must have happened.
Directly walking to the table she picked up one of the blue bottle, cocked it open and drank straight from it. Ben thought he was watching something straight from the movie back in his previous life. Reality, however said otherwise.
"COUGH... COUGH... COUGH!!!" even if it wasn't rum or gin it was still hot for an inexperienced drinker. If Vivi was flushed then Elsa was dripping red. Her chest rose and feel from the burning sensation of the wine. It was only after it was over did she look at all the presence in the room. "Good afternoon everyone." with so much elegance you wouldn't believe she was the same person who was nearly drowned a whole bottle in one go.
"Elsa, you came." Vivi stood up, a bit shakily, and hugged her. "He's gone... Stephan's gone." tears once again feel down here cheeks.
"It's okay, it wasn't your fault. We couldn't have known about it." said Elsa hugging Vivi back, however her eyes stared daggers at Ben, it was like they were questioning him, asking why he didn't do anything to save him.
"You know gazes like that can bring you trouble, right?" Ben said in a tired tone. Yet, his words fell to deaf ears. Ben knew there were very few things that could make one lose all reason; rage, fear, faith and love. The right in front of him is the strongest of them all, love.
"He tried, you know? He wouldn't have let anything happen to any of us, you know that, right?" Vivi's words spread throughout the hall.
"It's alright Vivi. She does need to know what happened." he spoke for himself. "By the way Mia, where were you guys when this all started?" turning to Mia and the rest, he asked.
"We were at an auction before we abruptly had to leave due to Mullin having a 'feeling'." Mia answered.
"Was it the Lion's Beard Auction House?" Vivi who had already left Elsa to sit down asked.
"Yes! that's the one. We saw how it became in the aftermath."
Ben explained what has happened and how things went south when Flavia began speaking somewhat incoherently. Stephan was too far for Ben's spell to reach him. And the puncture to the heart was what dealt the blow.
"When is he going to be buried?" taking a deep breath to calm her raging emotions, yet a tear managed to escape her lids.
"Two days from now." answered Ben. "For the next few days everyone is allowed to stay... well, except you Elsa, you may visit."
"What!? Why??" Elsa slammed her hands on the table yelling.
"Well, mainly because you father, the city Lord of Nalazi, would not let you stay outside his manor for so long." Ben explain. "In the main time, we will be going on with our lives. There is a saying which goes; Let the dead bury the dead, we the living won't kill ourselves." Ben said this while looking at Vivi as though converting a message.
"Brewer!" after silence descended Vivi called for the house butler.
"You called for me My Lady." Brewer stepped in and bowed.
"By night fall we will be burying my brother." Vivi said nothing else and left. The room once again feel to deaf ears.
Ben was taken aback a little bit agreed with her nonetheless. There was no need to leave his body unburied after the days Ben spent recuperating in the valley. Stephan was finally back so why wait to be buried. Ben was right, let him be buried and let the living continue living.
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