The day has come to say goodbye

I woke up to the sound of birds. The festival was a disaster and I arrived exhausted. Just by lying in bed, I fell asleep. I left my room and it was strange not to see my mother in the kitchen as she usually is at this time. I knocked on the door of her room and when I didn't hear a reply I open the door only to realize that her room was just like yesterday. Did she not come back last night?

I knew I shouldn't have left her alone when I know how bad she is at drinking. I ran for the door with the intention of going to look for her when the door opened, almost hitting me. My mother came in looking haggard.

"Mom, where were you last night? I was about to go find you."

"Please don't yell! I feel like my head is going to explode. Give me water." Mother said as she sat in front of the table.

"Where did you spend the night? Are you okay?"

"Calm down, Darx! My head is killing me, but other than that, I'm fine. I drank too much with Alice, and it seems like I lost consciousness at some point in the night, and this morning, I woke up in Amelia's room. I don't know how I got there, but most likely, Amelia helped me last night."

"Amelia!? I see... didn't Amelia tell you what happened?"

"When I woke up this morning, Amelia was not in the room. Possibly she woke up early or was asleep in another bedroom since I was in her bed. Anyway, I left the house without anyone seeing me. If her parents had seen me, it would have been too embarrassing."

Amelia most likely came to the bonfire looking for Oliver and me, and she couldn't find us. I have to apologize to her and explain what happened to Oliver. I also have to thank her for taking care of my mother. There is a lot I have to talk about with her, and I also want to go to Mr. Enzo to ask what will happen to Noah's body.

I prepared a hangover meal for my mother and after eating she went to her room to sleep. I forgot to ask her about her dance with Kase, but if Alice was with her all night and Amelia was also keeping an eye on her, I don't think I should worry. I guess a dance between them in the middle of the festival is not unusual after all. I even danced with someone I didn't know.

I went back to my room to collect my things and I left the house with the intention of going to Amelia's house. As I left, to my surprise Amelia and one of Mr. Enzo's maids were passing right in front of my house. When Amelia realized I was there, she was too surprised for some reason.

"Amelia, I was just about to go find you. Where are you going?"

"D-Darx... Mr. Enzo sent for me, a-and it seems he got hurt last night and wants me to use my healing magic on him." Amelia said with an almost inaudible voice and looking at the ground.

"I guess it's because of the injury Noah caused him." I said.

"Noah?"

"Don't you know what happened last night, Amelia? Noah tried to kill Mr. Enzo, and as a result, one of the maids killed Noah."

"W-What? My God!"

Doesn't Amelia know what happened last night? Now that I think about it, it is possible that Amelia was at home with my mother at the time when it all happened. Anyway, Amelia looks tired and with dark circles. It seems like she didn't sleep last night.

"Will it be okay if I go with you to the mansion? There is something I want to ask Mr. Enzo." I asked.

"I-I don't know if it's a good idea..."

"Uh? Don't worry. Besides, I want to talk to you once we leave the mansion." The maid has been listening to our conversation all this time, and I don't feel comfortable telling Amelia what happened with Oliver in front of her. "It's related to Oliver."

"Did something happen to Oliver?" Amelia asked with concern.

"Don't worry, Oliver is fine. But a lot of things happened last night that you have to know."

After our little conversation we headed to the mansion, but I can tell how strange Amelia is acting. Especially when we got to the mansion, she started to shake and nervously looked around. No matter how much I asked, she just told me that she felt tired. When we entered, Amelia treated Mr. Enzo's wound. It's amazing how much she has improved.

“Amazing.” Mr. Enzo says as he is checking out his wound. “You have really improved a lot, Amelia.”

" Thank you...”

“No need to thank me. I am just happy my books were able to be of so much use.” Mr. Enzo continues. “Did you know I once tried becoming a mage?”

“No, I didn’t.” Amelia said while bandaging Mr. Enzo's arm.

I'm glad that Mr. Enzo's books were helpful to Amelia. I was wondering why Mr. Enzo would have those kinds of books, but now I understand why. Even so, I have never seen him use magic, and from what I know he failed to become an adventurer and is an average person.

“It all started when I was very young. Younger than you, in fact. I still lived in the capital back then, and there was this tournament. Adventurers from all over were showing off their skills. It was amazing.”

“I think I heard Ilene talk about a tournament like that.” Amelia said. “It’s where they put adventurers of each class against their peers."

“Exactly. They usually skip the S class because there are rarely enough of them who are interested in competing. But that tournament was different. Both Syliana, the elven archer, and Aelbrecht, the lich mage, competed against one another."

S ranked adventurers are famous throughout the land, so everyone knows their names. Syliana is known for being fast on her feet, acrobatic in her movements, but her abilities go much more than just that, and Aelbrecht is an undead mage. Mother told me about him since he is the guild master of Dark Dragons. The guild my mother belonged to. Nobody knows how old he is, but he possesses powerful magic, including lost spells that only he knows.

Mother has told me many stories about that tournament. I would like to attend at least one time.

“Seeing those two duel must have been quite a sight.” I said.

“Indeed, it was, although it was only a fight of exhibition since if they fought seriously, they could destroy everything around. It was then when I became fascinated with magic.” Mr. Enzo continues explaining. “I asked my dad to buy me as many books on magic as he could, and I would spend so much time reading them. But I was one of the many who failed and did not receive the goddess's blessing, failing the ritual, unable to become an adventurer. No matter how much I tried casting spells, I never succeeded. Apparently, all I had was a fascination for magic, not the ability to use it. Though I never lost my interest and even today, I still feel like learning more about it.”

I never knew this about Mr. Enzo. When Mr. Enzo talks about magic, he smiles as I've never seen him before. Maybe this one is his sincere smile. But now I understand more why Amelia wanted to study with Mr. Enzo's rare books.

“When Kase suggested me to let you study from my books, I was a bit apprehensive at first. I mean, many of these books are quite expensive. But then I figured how much more useful these books would be to someone like you who can actually use magic, as opposed to someone like me.” Mr. Enzo then looks at his bandaged arms and says, “Now that I see the results, I know I made the right decision. I am glad that you decided to continue with your studies. Why did you stop coming for a while, Amelia?"

Continue? I thought Amelia had stopped coming to the mansion. Is that the reason I haven't seen her lately? Amelia stiffened upon hearing what Mr. Enzo said. Was it because he mentioned Kase or because she didn't tell me that she had returned to the mansion to study.

“I-I’m sorry, M-mr. Enzo. K-kase and I just h-had a falling out.” Amelia, answer nervously.

“Kase doesn’t need to be with you, you know.” Mr. Enzo then says. “As long as my books don’t leave the mansion, everything is fine. You can easily be in my library by yourself if you like. Didn’t he tell you?”

I could see how Amelia's face changed from nervous to surprised when she heard Mr. Enzo and then went to one of anger. I don't know what Amelia is thinking. Lately, I never know now. There is something strange in all this.

“Alright, then.” Mr. Enzo says. “Just know that you are free to come back here any time you like to keep studying, Amelia. And now, Darx. What did you want to ask me?"

"It's about Noah. I wanted to know what happened last night, and what will happen to his body?"

"What else could have happened !? He went crazy and attacked me out of nowhere." Mr. Enzo replied angry. "All those drunken years drove him crazy. He should have been grateful that I let him live in this village even though he was a good for nothing."

"I didn't know Noah well, but I don't think he was crazy. He was just a **** man destroyed by his wife leaving him." I replied.

"Is it what that drunk told you! JA! Well, you said you didn't know him well, so don't believe his lies."

The way Mr. Enzo expresses himself about Noah irritates me. But I have to be careful with my words.

"I found out that Noah was talking to you the last few days he was seen in the village. The best thing for you and the village is that you don't say anything. After all, they are lies that will only cause an uproar in the village, and I'm sure you don't want to cause trouble for Ilene. After all, Ilene has gone to great lengths to pay for her house and take care of you."

"Yes..."

Was it my imagination, or did it feel like a threat? I turned to see Amelia, who has been quiet all this time but she seems lost in thought. It's only for short moments, but I seem to see the Mr. Enzo that Noah described.

"In a few days, there will be a court to deal with the **** of Noah, so there is no need to cause more trouble. As for Noah's body right now, Jax must be burying it in the graveyard. If you rush, you may be on time."

"Now!? Amelia, let's go!"

"Ah, Yes..."

After saying goodbye, I took Amelia by the hand and we walked at a fast pace to the cemetery. On the way, we met Jax, who was already leaving the graveyard. Noah was already buried and only three people were present: James, Drogan, who I think knew Noah well, and the housekeeper, who was crying heartbroken.

I didn't know Noah well, but I have the sentiment that I failed him. I should have done more to help him and prevent this from happening. Amelia looks confused at my reaction since she doesn't know Noah's story. I guess I should tell her that too. We were in the cemetery for a while until one by one, everyone left, leaving Amelia and me alone.

"Amelia, there's a lot I have to tell you."

I managed to convince Amelia to come with me to a quiet place to talk. She wanted to go to her house initially, and she only followed me because she wanted to know about Oliver. Amelia is very weird today. I notice her very cold with me. I told her about everything that happened with Oliver and Emma, as well as what Noah told me. Logically, Amelia was shocked by everything I told her.

"I wish I could have helped Oliver and Emma and say goodbye to them." Amelia said.

"Don't worry too much. You will be able to see them in a few days in the city." I said. "Oliver also wanted to see you before he left, but time didn't let him. You can find him at his relatives' house just don't tell anyone about this."

"It's true. I can't wait to leave the village..." Amelia says in an almost inaudible voice.

"I also wanted to thank you for helping my mother yesterday. She told me that she woke up in your bed."

"Ah, y-yes ..."

"Amelia, are you sure you're okay? You can tell me. You have been behaving strangely for a long time and today more than other days. You don't even go to my house anymore. Please, tell me what's wrong with you."

"I-I'm fine. I'm just tired." Amelia said while turning her back to me. "I'm going home now. I need to rest."

There are already many occasions in which I realize that Amelia is not well, and she doesn't want to tell me why. This time I don't want to let it pass, I insisted.

"Amelia, wait!" I said while grabbing the hand of Amelia, who was about to leave. "I know you well and I know you are not well. Let me help you."

"Stop asking, Darx. I told you I'm fine" Amelia said as she released her hand.

I was surprised to see that Amelia reacted in that way and when she realized my reaction, her angry face changed to one that looked like she was going to cry.

"I'm sorry Darx. I didn't want to yell at you. I'm really fine, so please stop asking. I really need to go rest."

"Amelia..."

Amelia left without saying anything to me again. It's starting to get frustrating. I know something is wrong with her and before, we always helped each other when we had problems, but now I feel that things between us are changing. I don't know what to do.

With nothing to do, I decided to go find Mia to see how she was doing after yesterday. Close to the stable, I saw her in the distance next to Fabe. I was expecting Fabe to look for trouble after finding out that Emma left. I ran to where they were to help Mia.

“Where were you last night?” Fabe asked angrily.

I got to where they were. “What's going on here?”

“I’m not talking to you, freak.” Fabe yelled. “I’m talking to my girl.”

“Your girl? Are you crazy?” Mia replied with a disgusted face.

“Yeah, you were supposed to meet me at the forest's edge.”

“Fabe, you were drunk, you slurred something unintelligible, and then you just left.” Mia answers. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Bullshit.” Fabe replies. “I remember clearly you were hungry for a blowjob.”

Now I know how Mia tricked Fabe last night. I watch Mia place both her hands on Fabe’s shoulders and then … she gives him her knee … right in his family jewels. I have never seen Fabe double over in pain so quickly.

“You think you can just **** my sister into sex, beat her while you’re at it, call her a slut on top of it and also cheat on her with me?!” Mia tells Fabe, clearly showing her displeasure. “How DARE you disgrace my sister like that! The time I spend distracting you was nothing but ****!”

"Distraction?" Fabeasked in agony, lying on the ground.

"You really are stupid if you haven't realized it yet. I was distracting you so that Oliver and Emma could escape safely.” Mia answers. “By now, they should be well on their way to Tristanis, and you will never hurt Emma again.”

Fabe got up angrily off the ground. "Did you help Oliver get my girlfriend away?"

Once again, Mia kicked Fabe in the crotch, leaving him in agony once more. That must have really hurt. Instinctively I covered myself in that part when I saw what was about to happen. I almost felt sorry for Fabe. I have to remember that it is not a good idea to mess with Mia.

"Y-You bitch!”

"You better not bother Emma or me anymore, or next time I will rip them off!" Mia said, taking my hand, leading me to another place.

Fabe was left lying on the ground. I can't deny that a part of me felt good seeing him that way after everything he did. Mia stopped near her house.

"That felt good! I should have hit him a few more times."

"I'm sure he got the message, but if he bothers you again, tell me immediately and I'll take care of him."

"Thank you, Darx! I'm glad you worry about me."

"And how are you doing after what happened last night?" I asked.

"I feel awful... After I lost sight of you when the attack on Mr. Enzo happened, I went back to my house where I cried all night. My eyes are puffy from that and I don't look as pretty as usual."

Mia really is something. I spent an entire afternoon chatting with her, which helped distract my concern for Amelia and Oliver. Mia will also be leaving in less than a week, and it hurts me a little to think that I didn't spend more time with her all these years. Since she was always with Cal and Fabe, I thought she was like them, but I was very wrong.

The days went by quickly. During the remaining days, I tried to get close to Amelia, but she constantly claimed to be busy. Every time Amelia sees me, she looks hurt like she's going to cry. It scares me to think that the day may come when we will see each other as strangers. My mother stopped training Kase and insisted on training me, so that's what I've been doing these days. Besides spending the afternoons with Mia.

And without realizing it, the last night that Amelia will be in the village arrived. She and the rest will go to the city tomorrow.