Looking for answers

Mia walks slowly in my direction while unbuttoning her blouse. With difficulty because of her injured arm. I wonder what I should do. Mia is a beautiful woman, and I'm sure any other man would kill to be in my position right now. But I can't stop thinking about Amelia and what Mia said.

"Are you nervous, Darx!? I am too. It's my first time."

"M-Mia, I don't think we should..."

"It's okay, Darx. I always wanted it to be with you."

Mia drops her blouse leaving her underwear exposed while tenderly hugging me as she begins to kiss my neck. I can feel her breasts pressing against me, and her hand rubbing my back as her mouth tries to reach mine. The little moonlight that enters the cave lets me see her red face with closed eyes trying to kiss me.

It is the first time that I think that Mia looks cute since her personality is the opposite. I can feel my dick growing. I am really feeling this. But to see how she has honestly expressed her feelings for me, if I continue and we do it even though I do not feel the same for her, I think that I will hurt her more. And what's more, I'm still thinking about Amelia.

"I'm sorry, Mia, but I can't."

"Why not? I already told you it's fine."

After listening to me, Mia's face turned serious.

I walked away from Mia, putting a little distance. If she were to get close to me again, I might not be able to resist.

"You don't want to because you're still thinking about Amelia, isn't it!?" Mia says with growing frustration. "Didn't you listen to what I told you ? Amelia and Kase have been dating behind your back."

"We don't know if that is true. I'm sure there must be some explanation."

"That bitch has you blind! But I'm going to make sure you see who she really is!"

"You don't need to talk about her in that way! Now, hurry up and let's go. We gotta bring the sword to Mr. Enzo."

We had a small moment of silence in which we looked at each other without knowing what to say.

"Wait outside while I get dressed, or do you think I'll go around the village in my underwear."

I came out of the cave while Mia dressed. The cold wind helped me calm down and realize that I was about to make a big mistake. I won't believe Mia's words, but I think I should talk to Amelia. I should go to her house after handing over the sword. I know her well, and I know she's not that kind of person.

Mia took a long time, but she behaved as if nothing had happened when she came out. I thought our relationship would be uncomfortable after what happened, but I was wrong.

"I'm sorry I made you wait, but my bra broke. So, if you see my boobs jump more than normal, it's because I'm not wearing underwear."

Now that she says it, the figure of her breasts is more highlighted, and her nipples can be seen. I'm starting to regret not having at least touched her breasts. She has a good pair.

"Are you repainting yourself, Darx!? We can go back in and continue if you want."

"D-don't say no-nonsense.... we have to go."

"You are so easy to read, Darx. But that's what makes you cute. Next time, I should be more aggressive."

There will be a second time !? What am I thinking now? Without saying more, I started walking in front of Mia since I didn't want her to see that my face was turning red. And if she walks next to me, it would be impossible not to look at her breasts jump with every step she takes.

We returned to Mr. Enzo's mansion without any setback, and when he saw that we returned with the sword, his semblance of immense happiness showed how much he cared about the sword.

"Darx. Mia. I don't know how to thank you. You have no idea of the immense favor you have done for me."

"Money would be an excellent way to thank us."

Mia, without any delicacy, asks for money as a reward. It is good that she goes straight to the point, but it is a bit embarrassing.

"Of course, it is the least I could... do..."

It seems that Mr. Enzo noticed that Mia is not wearing underwear. It's cold outside and it looks that it has caused Mia's nipples to become erect. I understand Mr. Enzo's reaction; as the thin tight blouse she wears that highlights her breasts and nipples kept me dumbfounded the whole way.

What is more, it seems that Mia enjoys making men nervous since, realizing Mr. Enzo's reaction, she crossed her arms in front of her discreetly lifting her boobs.

"W-wait a minute here; I'll go get the money."

Mr. Enzo left the room but not before taking one last look at Mia's boobs. She turns her back on me, but I can still hear her mischievous laugh. After a few minutes, Mr. Enzo returned with a bag that seemed to contain coins. Until now, I hadn't thought about the reward, but if last time he gave Amelia and me a silver coin for a lesser favor, I wonder how much he will give us now.

When he opened the bag, I could see quite a few silver coins. I estimate that there are about 50, which he began to divide into two groups. I was more than happy to be about to receive half of them when Mia approached Mr. Enzo.

"The sword we found is magnificent, and that big diamond encrusted in there must be very rare, I'm sure that sword is worth a fortune."

"Ahh, y-yes..., it is a treasure that has passed through many generations in my family."

Mia was getting closer and closer to Mr. Enzo until she hugged his arm, putting it in the middle of her boobs. What is Mia thinking? Mr. Enzo looks more and more nervous.

"Did I also tell you that we also found the rest of the things they stole!? Those evil thieves. I can't believe how much they stole from you. The things we found also looked quite expensive."

"Really! T-that's excellent, if you tell me where they are, I can have them picked up as soon as possible."

"Of course! But don't you think our reward should be a little better!?"

"Better!? There are fifty silver coins in this bag."

"I was thinking that a gold coin would be better."

"A, A GOLD COIN!!??"

"Yes, one for me and one for Darx."

A gold coin ?? What nonsense is Mia saying ... that's a fortune ... just like 100 copper coins make a silver coin, 100 silver coins make a gold coin. I have never seen so much money together.

"Miss Mia, what you are asking me is too much."

"Really!? Two gold coins are nothing compared to what you got back, thanks to us. I have always thought that you are a very kind and fair person. I'm sure it's a fair payment for your two favorite people."

Right now, Mr. Enzo has the same perverted expression that Kase makes when he sees my mother. I wonder if it is hereditary? What is more, the mansion is full of beautiful servants except one who has a similar age to Mr. Enzo, and if I remember correctly, my mother told me that he asked for her hand in marriage on one occasion. The taste for women must come from him.

Mia continues to hug Mr. Enzo's arm stronger and stronger. I can only imagine what he's feeling, but I don't know if he's enjoying it because of Mia's predicament. Mr. Enzo thought for a moment until he came to a conclusion.

"You're right! I should be more grateful for finding the sword and the rest of the things they took. I'll give each one a gold coin."

"Yeyyy!!! Thanks!!

Mia happily hugged Mr. Enzo and kissed him on the cheek. I can not believe it. Mia really got us a gold coin... I can't even think of what to do with that much money.

"Wait here."

Mr. Enzo collected the silver coins on the table and left for a few moments returning with the two gold coins. I didn't know what to say other than thanks. Mia, on the other hand, was jumping with happiness while Mr. Enzo watched her breasts bounce.

"I'm sure Kase will also be happy once he returns and sees the sword."

"Kase hasn't returned yet?" I asked instantly without thinking.

It's already dark, and I don't think Jax would keep them until this hour in the woods. Could it be that Kase and Amelia are together now?

"I told you!"

Mia's comment was most likely due to her realizing what I was thinking after hearing that Kase still hadn't returned.

"Is something wrong?" Mr. Enzo asked, confused.

"Is nothing! It's time for us to leave."

After telling Mr. Enzo where to find the rest of his things, Mia and I thanked once more and left the mansion.

I thought Mia would make some sarcastic comments once we were outside regarding Amelia and Kase, but she didn't. Mia is difficult to understand, but after today I discovered that she is not what I thought.

"I had a great time today Darx. Thanks!"

"On the contrary, I am the one who should be grateful. Thanks to you, I have a gold coin in my pocket. If you don't become an adventurer, I think you would be a good merchant."

"It is not a bad idea. Would you like to have a store with me in the city?"

"I-I can't..."

"Hahhaha!! I'm joking! I'm going home now before it gets more late or I will have to listen to my grandmother's scolding all night."

Mia started walking towards her house, but steps later, she turned around.

"Darx, if you want to continue what started in the cave another day, let me know."

I didn't know what to say again. I feel like this happened to me a lot today. Oh, well... I should go to Amelia's house and confirm that she's not with Kase. At this time, she is always at home.

I walked towards Amalia's house, wondering if I should ask her about what Mia told me. I could not reach a conclusion, but it depends on how things turn out, possibly I will. Once in front of her house, I knocked on the door, and her mother greeted me.

"Good night! I know it's a bit late, but could I come in and see Amelia?"

"Amelia? I thought she was with you. She hasn't been home since she left with you in the morning."

The truth, I was not expecting that answer. The things Mia told me go through my mind again, and I can feel my heart race. It is a feeling that I had never felt before as if I had a knot in my chest.

"Is everything okay, Darx? Don't you know where Amelia is?"

"Possibly, she is with Alice. I'll go find her and bring her home."

It is true! It is possible that she returned to Alice's house after all, now more than ever, Amelia is trying to learn more about magic. I said goodbye to Amelia's mother and headed to Alice's house. But if she's not there, what will I do? It didn't take me long to get there and knock on the door.

"It's open, come in."

I heard James's voice inviting me to come in, which I did. Inside I just saw James sitting in a chair in front of the table and his daughter sitting next to him.

"Oh, Darx, what brings you here? I thought it was Alice for a moment."

"Alice!? Isn't she here?"

"She left a few hours ago but has not returned since. It's weird for her to be out so late, and I'm already starting to worry. By any chance, you haven't seen her?"

"Sorry I haven't seen her. In fact, I came to see if Amelia was here because I can't find her either."

I can see how worried James and his daughter are. It must be stressful not to be able to go out looking for her because of his legs' condition.

"Amelia was here recently. She came to look for Alice, but after I told her that Alice had not returned, she offered to look for her."

I see so that's why Amelia had not returned... I was a fool to think badly. I should also look for Alice; strangely, she is not back at this time, and I may find Amelia.

"Don't worry, James, I'll also go find Alice."

"I appreciate it, Darx."

At this time, there is hardly anyone outside the only place where people gather at this time is the restaurant where Oliver lives since it serves ****. I went to the restaurant, and once inside, I saw several people happily drinking, but there was no sign of Alice or Amelia; neither was Oliver, since, at this time, he is usually no longer working. I can't think of any other place where they could be, so I walked around the village hoping to see them.

I went through the entire village but still not seeing any of them. I was starting to worry, what if they went to the forest and something happened... Before thinking about going into the forest first, I would go to Alice's house one more time in case she returned.

I was about to get to Alice's house when in the distance I saw Amelia running. I didn't want to call her raising my voice at this time of night, so I ran after her. Amelia was running with all her might, which rarely happens. Why is she running? From the direction she is going, she seems to be heading home. Since she was far away and running in the opposite direction from where I was, it took me a little time to get closer, but I finally reached her.

"Amelia!! Hey, Amelia!!"

I called her a couple of times, but she wouldn't stop. I had to get closer to her and grab her wrist to stop her. When I finally managed to see her face, she was crying... now that she has stayed still, I can feel that she is shaking too.

"Amelia, what happened? Why are you crying?"

"Darx... I..."

Amelia was in shock; the only thing I could do was hold her to calm her down. She hugged me back, and we stayed that way for a few minutes until finally, she calmed down enough to talk.

"What happened Amelia, did something happen with Kase?"

"N-no, I was not with him..."

Amelia was slow to answer me, and she avoided meeting my eyes when answering. Is she lying to me!? I don't know anymore.

"Are you telling me the truth, Amelia? I feel like you are hiding something from me or tell me why you are like this."

"I already told you I was not with Kase!"

Amelia's spontaneous anger took me by surprise.

"I-I'm sorry, Darx. It was not my intention to talk to you that way."

Amelia's tears began to appear again. She was really sorry for talking to me like that, but I didn't care. I was more worried about her. But I don't think I can make her talk right now.

"Everything is fine, Amelia. Don't worry. I just want you to know that you can count on me no matter what happens."

"I'm sorry, Darx. It's just that I had a bad day and I'm exhausted."

I know that is not the whole truth, but I will not press more for today. Amelia obviously doesn't want to talk about it. Still, I feel like everything is tied to Kase.

"Let's go home, Amelia, the best thing will be for you to rest."

"Yes..."

Amelia began to walk slowly, without looking back. She seems really down, but I don't know how to help her.

"Oh, I forgot, did you find Alice, Amelia?"

Amelia stopped and without turning to look at me to answer. I could only notice that her shoulders lifted a little, and her fists closed tightly. Again she was silent for a moment.

"She must already be at home."

Amelia just said that and continued walking. Did they have a fight, and is that why she is behaving like that!? I don't know what to think anymore, but I will trust Amelia's words that Alice is already back, and I will also return to my house.

Amelia didn't speak much on the way, and with a slight goodbye, she entered her house.

The next day I went to see Amelia, but her mother told me that she was not feeling well and was sleeping. If she does not recover, we will have to suspend the trip to the mine. I told her mother to pass on the message not to worry if she couldn't go tomorrow. After that I headed out to Alice's house just to make sure everything was okay, and just like Amelia said, Alice went back home. It seems that she just lost track of time eating with a friend.

I had nothing else to do for the day, so I just locked myself in my room reading books, even so, I got up early the next day in case I had to talk to Kase to inform him of the cancellation of the trip to the mine, but to my surprise, Amelia was already waiting for me ready to go.

"Amelia, your mother told me that you did not feel well yesterday. Are you sure that you are in the condition to go?"

"I'm fine after sleeping all day yesterday I felt better, and I know how much you want to explore the mine."

Amelia seems to have returned to normal, which I am glad. I took my things, and together with Amelia, we went to the entrance of the mine where Kase was going to be waiting for us.

When we arrived, Kase was already there. The strange thing about it was the interaction between Amelia and Kase. It seems that they fought because no matter how much Kase tried to get Amelia's attention, she only responded with short and cutting sentences.

"Did you bring all the equipment that I told you? If you need anything, Amelia, let me know."

"Yeah..."

"For more security, stay by my side, Amelia."

"I'm fine being next to Darx."

I can't say I hate the new dynamic between Amelia and Kase. I feel a bit bad about how Kase is being treated, but it's for the best. I am more convinced now that what Mia said was not entirely true. I guess I can stop worrying so much.

"Remember that the mine is like a labyrinth, and there is little lighting, so make sure you do not separate from me. If an enemy appears, I will take the role of tank."

And with those last words from Kase, I entered the mine for the first time, and as he said, the place is a labyrinth with paths everywhere. The site is much bigger than one would expect when looking from the outside. Inside it looks like I suppose all the mines look like, with some roads with rails, stones, and pieces of broken wood everywhere. Just for safety, I was memorizing the paths we were taking in case Kase forgot.

On the way, we had to face some monsters, including a kind of giant bat that I had never seen but without any difficulty. What has caught my attention the most until now is how much Amelia has improved. Before, she used to take a lot of potions to regain her mana after a few magic spells, but at the moment, she hasn't taken a single one, and her healing now also relieves fatigue as well as her paralysis magic now lasts longer. She has really worked hard to improve.

We went deeper, and with that also, the light was dimmed. There were roads on which you could hardly see, but Kase insisted on taking that route since it was the one he took previously. Amelia was holding my arm all that time because she did not want to get lost.

"Are you sure this is the way, Kase?"

"..."

"Kase?"

I lost sight of Kase for a moment, and he doesn't answer me. Where is he? The place is really dark, and as I tried to find him, I stopped feeling Amelia's hand holding me.

"Ame... Kekk"

I felt a blow from the side that made me lose balance, and when I tried to hold onto the wall, there was no wall. With nowhere to hold, I fell through a hole on the wall, while I fell, I managed to adjust and fell with my feet. What just happened?

"DARX !! DARX !! ANSWER TO ME!!!"

Amelia was in a panic, screaming my name.

"Amelia !! I'm here, but it seems like I fell to a lower level."

Suddenly at the top where I fell, Kase appeared holding a crystal that illuminated the entire place. Once the light was on, Amelia peeked through the hole in the wall. From the way it looks, it seems that this opening was made to lift things from below with a pulley.

"Darx, are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

"I'm fine, but I don't think I can go up."

I hate to worry, Amelia, but I'm in trouble since I don't know how to get up to where they are.

"This pulley still seems to work, and if we look for a rope, we could get Darx up here."

Kase's idea is not bad; the problem will be to find the rope.

"Kase, do you know where we could find a rope? Amelia asks.

"I seemed to see one not far from here the last time I came."

"Darx, wait here, me and Kase will go get the rope, don't worry."

I hate the idea of leaving Amelia alone with Kase, but I have ****. From down here, I can see several paths, but I could get lost if I took the wrong way.

"Kase, please keep Amelia safe."

"Shut up! Isn't that what I've been doing, unlike you !? Now because of you, we have to waste time saving you."

"What did you say?"

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!! Darx took care of me all my life; without him, I would have already died more than once, so don't talk to him like that."

"It's the second time I've to have to save his pathetic ass."

"Shut up! If you don't want to help me, just tell me where to find the rope."

"I wouldn't let you go alone. Follow me"

Before leaving, Kase looked down at me and smiled. Damn, why did this have to happen? I hate having to owe him a favor. Who knows what he will try being alone with Amelia. What is really going on between Amelia and Kase? I'm sure they haven't told me everything. I'm feeling helpless right now.

What should I do? Do I wait for them to return, or do I take one of the paths hoping it is the right one?