Reunions and Changes

After leaving the village of [Yarrin], several days have passed, and today we will finally return to the city. One of the injured members of the other team regained consciousness halfway through, so it seems that Shalia's healing magic has been effective. As expected, he was quite sad to learn that the two of them were the only surviving members of his team. He told us a little about how things happened and how he saw his companions die at the hands of Borak. They never expected that a high-ranking adventurer would be the bandits' leader. The only thing that managed to comfort him a little was that we avenged his friends.

Once we reached the gate to enter the city, we felt what it was like to be a member of an important guild for the first time. The guards let us enter the city just by showing our pocket watches while showing an amiable attitude—no lines or paying a fee to get in.

Once inside the city, Shalia kindly offered to take care of the rest while Ryul and I went to look for our relatives. I suppose our countenances showed the anxiety we were feeling. Shaila will continue in the carriage with the two wounded heading to the Knights Hospitaler Guild, while Leona, on the other hand, would be in charge of reporting the completion of the quest to the guild. Ryul and I also went to our guild, but we intended to see if our families had come looking for us. We went to where Rania was, as she usually spent most of her time serving food and drinks in the common area. If someone enters the guild, she will definitely at least notice.

"Rania!" Ryul called out to her, "Did my father and sisters come looking for me?"

We took Rania by surprise as she was busy serving food at a table.,"Hi, guys!" She replied, "I'm glad to see you guys back in one piece from your first quest."

"Thank you!" I answered, "Did my mother happen to show up here?"

Rania carried some plates with food that she had in her hands to another table while we walked behind her. Once she finished, we moved away from the tables, and she continued, "I see you guys are very anxious. Well, I can't blame you. Yes, the relatives of both passed through here three days ago."

Both Ryul and I were pretty happy to hear that our families were in the city safe and sound.

"Ryul, your family said they will be at the inn that is near here."

The nearest inn is only ten minutes from here. We often pass by, so I'm sure Ryul knows where it is.

"Awesome!" Ryul said before running out of the guild.

"Darx, your mother also passed by here. She told me she would be at the castle. If you go there, you will surely find her."

"In the castle? Why would she be there?"

"I don't know. She left before I could ask her any more questions."

I wonder why she is in the castle? I thought that maybe she would stay with Helena or Alice while we find a place we could call home. Well, that doesn't matter for now.

"Was she okay?" I asked Rania.

"If you're referring to her health, she was fine. No one would think she came from fighting an invasion of monsters. I imagine healers treated her before coming here."

Calmer knowing that she is fine, and after thanking Rania, I left the guild building in the castle's direction. The road is long and more so at this time of the day that there are multiple people in the streets, which makes it difficult to walk quickly; however, I went as fast as possible. It was not very difficult for me to enter the castle after leaving my weapons at the entrance and the typical security inspection. It seems that the guards had already been informed that I would come. I asked them about the location of my mother, and they told me that I would find her in the gardens.

After spending a month in this place, I already knew it well, so I took the shortest route to the gardens, and when I finally got there, I saw her.

"Mom!" I called her.

"Darx!" As soon as my mother saw me, she ran towards me and hugged me tightly.

It's been less than a year since I last saw her, but for some reason, it feels like more time has passed.

"I missed you so much! I'm glad you're okay!" My mother said, still hugging me tightly.

"I should be the one saying that. I'm sure you had a hard time with what happened in the village."

My mother is quite strict and rarely shows her emotions so openly. So seeing her with a couple of tears in her eyes after seeing me shows me that she really missed me too.

Because of the emotion of seeing my mother after so long, I didn't notice that we weren't alone. Princess Kathleen was sitting on a bench watching us, and next to her was Wendy and two other women wearing the armor of the royal guard.

"P-princess!" I said after noticing her presence.

"Hello, Darx!" She replied with a smile.

After the attack on the castle, I didn't see her again. Even though we spend little time together, we helped each other for a while. I wondered how she continued her studies in magic. Syvis and I helped her, but now that neither of us is in the castle, I wonder what she's doing. I'm also curious about what Ryul told me he saw regarding her and Zhoron, though that's not something I can just ask.

Then my attention was fixed on Wendy, who waved her hand greeting me. Her new style and armor suited her well. The girl I met at the beginning of our training who hid food in her clothes is turning into an admirable knight.

Smiling I waved my hand back at Wendy.

"Even though you are mother and son, you don't look much alike." The princess said.

"I've heard that a couple of times though Darx is definitely my son." My mother replied.

I don't know how I didn't realize it until this moment, but when I saw my mother again, I noticed that she was also wearing royal armor, "Mom... Why are you wearing that armor?"

"You finally noticed," My mother said smiling, "I agreed to work as the princess's bodyguard. From now on, I will live in the castle."

"What? How?"

"I imagine you have a lot to talk about." Kathleen told us as she got up from the bench, "We'll leave you alone so you can have a relax conversation."

"Princess, you don't have to!" My mother said, a little shocked.

"It's alright, Ilene. I'll be in my room. I won't be in any danger there."

After saying that, the princess and Wendy said goodbye and walked slowly to the castle entrance. Then my mother and I sat on the bench where the princess was seated.

"I imagine you are surprised. To be honest, I had no idea what I would do once I came to [Riledo]. I always thought I would spend the rest of my days in our village."

"I'm sorry I couldn't have gone to help when I found out what happened in the village. I..."

"You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I'm glad you weren't there."

My mother and I started talking about what had happened in the village. She told me in detail everything that occurred and about the acquaintances who managed to escape and those who unfortunately could not leave in time. Being such a small village, I knew everyone who lived there. My mother's expression showed how sad she was because of what happened, and once she finished telling me what she saw, her eyes turned red, which is something I had never seen. To think that the place where I lived all my life no longer exists is hard for me to believe.

"It's more or less what Kase told me. To think that not only our village but all the surrounding villages were also destroyed is heartbreaking."

"You spoke with Kase?" My mother said, turning suddenly in my direction and looking scared.

"Mom? What's wrong?"

"I-It's nothing... W-What did Kase tell you?" She asked me, pointing her gaze to the ground.

"Eh? More or less the same thing you told me? Is there something wrong?"

I don't comprehend what's happening. Suddenly my mother became very nervous. I don't remember seeing her like that before either.

"Forget it. It's not a big deal." My mother answered me, still showing a little nervousness.

"I see... But you didn't tell me how you ended up escorting the princess."

"Ah, y-yes... It was all very sudden. When I got to the city, I first looked for you. I met Alice and Helena, and they told me a little about you. It made me happy to know that you had several friends and a guild that you like to be in."

"I remember you recommended me to join Dark Dragons, but in the end, I decided to join Midnight Dawn. Sorry."

"You don't have to apologize for that. As long as you're in the place you like, that's enough for me."

"I thought maybe you would decide to go back to Dark Dragons," I said.

"I considered it. Helena and Alice invited me, and the guild master also welcomed me but my days as an adventurer are behind me. Rather than explore the world in search of adventure, I prefer to be in a stable place. I received several proposals, and to my surprise, Harold offered me the job as the princess's bodyguard."

"Harold invited you?"

"Yes, Harold told me that after an incident in the castle, the queen decided to create a guard with high-ranking adventurers to protect the princess. My former guild master Aelbrecht recommended me for the position, and it seems that Harold had already investigated me beforehand."

Harold indeed told me that he researched my mother when he tried to find answers about my unusual awakening.

"It was a good offer, so I accepted it." My mother continued, "Not only is it a well-paying job, but it gives me a place to live. And above all, it allows me to be close to you."

"I thought we would live together again, but I guess this is not a bad option either."

"You're already an adventurer; you don't want to be living with your mother anymore. Go and explore the world. Besides, I hope you give me grandchildren one day."

With what she told me, the image of Syvis came my mind. I hadn't thought about the possibility of having children with her one day. Although there is still a long way to go, I am glad to know that it is a probable future. Speaking of which, I have to visit Syvis later. I haven't seen her in over two weeks.

"Your face turned red! Were you thinking of someone?" My mother ask me in a playful tone, "Tell me!"

"M-Maybe another day, hehe... And what about you? In the time we didn't see each other, did you find any good prospects?" I said in a playful tone as well.

Ever since I left the village, I was worried that my mother would be alone. Now that she doesn't need to take care of me anymore, I thought it would be good if she found someone with whom she could have a relationship but knowing her character, it would be tough, so to be honest, I wasn't expecting an answer, but my mother got flustered to my surprise. Don't tell me...

"Wait, is there really someone you're interested in? Who is him?" I asked.

My mother stood up with an expression that I couldn't tell if it was nervous, angry, or embarrassed.

"There is no one. I have to return to the princess's side." My mother said, avoiding the subject, "Darx, come see me when you can, okay!? I will visit you too."

"Ah, y-yes, of course!"

My mother smiled and walked towards the entrance of the castle. Was I wrong? If not, I'm really curious to know who my mother is interested in. I hope he is a good person, ...I suppose that he is from the village, but I can't think of anyone it could be.

With that said, I also got up from the bench. I wonder if Syvis is in her guild. It doesn't seem like it, but I spend a long time talking with my mother, and now after leaving the castle, the sky has turned red, which means that I don't have much time before nightfall; however, I still want to see her before the end of the day.

Oblivion is far from here, and I don't know how to contact Syvis. From what I understand, people outside that guild can only enter their building by invitation. I guess I'll have to figure it out once I get there. Shortly before nightfall, I arrive. Looking around, Oblivion's surroundings are quite different compared to my guild. There are numerous mansions in the surrounding area and elegant carriages passing through the streets. There aren't many people walking, but the few are dressed in fancy outfits or armors that look expensive. In addition, there are many more guards than in any other area of the city. So this is the area where people who have a lot of money live.

Heading to the guild entrance, two guards stopped me with a prepotent attitude refusing me entry unless I came with someone from the guild or had an invitation letter. Syvis doesn't seem to be around, and I can't think of anywhere else she might be. The attitude of those guards annoyed me, but I didn't want to cause trouble. I almost gave up, until I heard a familiar voice call my name.

"Darx!?"

Turning in the direction of the voice, I saw that it was Amelia.

"Amelia...!"

"Darx, what are you doing here?"

For a moment, I didn't recognize Amelia as she radically changed her style. Since I knew her as a child, she always kept the same hairstyle and clothing, almost always black. She now loosened her hair and is wearing an elegant, tight red dress that highlights her cleavage. Her makeup is brighter with a highlight on her lips with attractive red color and jewelry that she didn't wear much before. Anyone would think that she is from a noble family.

"I'm... looking for someone," I replied.

Amelia suddenly came quite close to me, and with an expression that showed concern, she began to check my body, "Darx, what happened to you? Your clothes are all torn. Did you get hurt? Do you need me to use healing magic?"

Now that I think about it, I'm wearing the same clothes with which I faced the bandits since I didn't have a change of clothes. The next time I go on a quest, I should remember to bring at least two extra pairs of clothing.

"I'm fine, it's nothing." I replied, taking two steps back, "I just got back from a quest, that's all."

Amelia seems to have noticed that she got pretty close to me and also took a step back, "I-I see... I'm glad you're doing well. And who are you looking for? Maybe I can help you."

"Do you know if Syvis is inside? The guards wouldn't let me in, and they also refused to call her for me."

"Syvis...?" Amelia said with a bit of surprise and then shrugged her shoulders and her head down to then turn to see me, "It is true that you two are..."

Why is she looking at me that way? It's almost like she's telling me with her eyes to tell her no. I really can't understand her. At times and especially when she is with Kase, she is cold and distant with me, and on other occasions, I see her and she is the same Amelia that I have known since we were children.

"Syvis is my girlfriend."

I love Syvis, and I don't want to hide it from anyone.

"I-I see..., y-you must value her greatly to come to see her as soon as you return from a quest..."

"Tha's right, I-I love her!"

"Darx!?"

Suddenly I heard Syvis's voice call my name. Turning to my right, I saw Syvis, who had a shocked expression. D-Don't tell me she heard me.

"Master, who is he? Is he your boyfriend?" Beside Syvis, a little girl asked.

I'm sure she heard me. Damn, it's so embarrassing.

"Amélie!" The little girl said before running to her.

"What are you doing outside?" Amelia asked the little girl, "Your body is still weak, don't push yourself too hard."

"I feel fine! Master Syvis gave me a tour of the city. It was so much fun!"

While Amelia talked to the little girl, Syvis walked over to me.

"You are back!" Syvis said as she crossed her arms, "I'm glad you returned safely from your first quest."

"Y-Yes! It was challenging, but we managed to complete the goal."

"I see."

A small awkward silence occurred while Syvis avoided looking me in the eye. I'm sure she heard me.

"I'll take Mili home," I heard Amelia say.

"Thanks!" Syvis replied, then turned her attention to the little girl, "Make sure you take your meds, Mili."

"Yes, master!" Mili reply.

Moments later, Amelia turned to see me with a look between sad and angry and left with the girl who also, for some reason, looked enraged at me.

"You're a mess!" Syvis told me, showing her usual serious attitude, which tells me that she's over the shock of hearing what I said.

"More or less, haha! I was anxious to see my mother, so I went as soon as I got to the city, and I didn't want to go to my guild without seeing you for at least a moment."

Syvis turned a little red, "Silly!"

"By the way, who is that girl?" I asked.

After remaining silent for a few seconds, she replied, "She is Kase's younger sister."

"Kase's sister!?"

"A few days ago, the guild master asked me to help her. Mili was born with a disease and didn't have long to live."

"What? It's horrible..."

"Many healers and others tried to help her but to no avail. Now that I'm in town, Agnes asked me to check her out."

"Did you find something? Can you help her?"

"I can!"

"Wait, really!?

"It will be a long process, but I am sure that in a few years, Mili will be cured."

Every time I think Syvis can't impress me more, she somehow manages to. It is not for nothing that people say that she is one of the best alchemists. It's no secret that I don't like Kase but I would never want a little girl to suffer. If Syvis can heal her I'm glad she's doing it.

"You are awesome!" I said.

Syvis turned to look at me seductively, "I know, but there is no reason to shout your feelings for me in the middle of the street."

I could feel my face getting hot. I bet I'm redder than a tomato.

"You heard me..."

"Who knows," Syvis said before starting to walk.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"I bet you haven't eaten anything. Come with me. I'll treat you to a meal as a reward for completing your first quest."