“Eris…”

As she finishes telling her story, I can’t hold back my tears. The truth behind why she delves into the dungeons, the reason she’s been risking her life… it’s all to find her father.

From the way it sounds though, her father is likely dead, just like everyone had said. And yet… Eris keeps believing, holding onto a thread of hope, convincing herself that he’s still out there, alive.

It’s probably just a baseless hope—a 99.99% chance that he’s gone forever.

But… even if that’s the reality, I know… it doesn’t matter.

Her mind is already set. Her heart is locked on this path.

Looking into her eyes, I can see the determination burning beneath the sadness, rising from the sorrow. Even if she has only one breath left in her, Eris will still yearn for the dungeon, I’m sure of it.

So… the only thing I can do now…

Is to simply be there for her.

“Alright… I understand now… But… you still have to be careful! Please… don’t ever risk your life. If you die, who’s going to find your father then?” I manage to say through my tears.

“Right…“

Eris smiles softly, reaching out to gently wipe away the tears from my eyes. Her hand is warm against my cheek, tender.

“I will, I promise,” she whispers.

Then, she shifts slightly, pulling me closer, guiding me to sit beside her. Our shoulders touch, skin against skin, and I can feel the steady warmth of her body next to mine.

Ba-dump.

Eris leans her head on my shoulder and lets out a deep, heavy sigh.

“You know, you’re right,” she says quietly, “That’s what I told myself back then too. At that moment, the wound was so deep, the blood was everywhere… I couldn’t think straight. I thought it was over, that I was going to die right there in that dungeon. But, in the midst of the pain and the chaos, I saw him—my father. His image flashed before me, like he was telling me to hold on, to fight for him… to not give up.”

She pauses, her voice trembling.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“And somehow… I survived. It felt like life gave me a second chance, like I was meant to keep going.”

“Eris…” I murmur, my own heart aching for her. I can’t even imagine what she’s been through.

“So don’t worry, Felicia,” she continues, “I’ll be careful. I won’t be reckless anymore.”

“Good,” I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “And when you face danger… run if you can. Don’t go to dangerous places unprepared. Make sure you’ve thought of everything before you step inside!”

“Hihi,” Eris chuckles lightly. “Look at you, already an expert in dungeons. That’s some solid advice!”

I giggle too. The tears are gone, though my heart still feels heavy.

“Hey, how about I go with you next time?” I blurt out suddenly. “I could help!”

But as soon as I say that, Eris’ expression shifts. Her smile fades, replaced by a serious look.

“Absolutely not,” she says firmly.

“But—” I try to protest, but she cuts me off with a stern look.

“No, Felicia.” she says. “I appreciate that you want to be there for me, but I can’t let you step into that kind of danger. And honestly… you’d only hold me back.”

…

Ah…

Damn it…

Her words sting, though I know she’s right.

I glance away, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over me.

Seriously?

What was I even thinking when I said that? I’m just a weak, small, vulnerable catgirl. I can’t even lift a few bags without panting—how would I handle a dungeon full of monsters?

“I’m sorry…” I mutter…

“Hey, don’t apologize,” Eris says, squeezing my hand. “Actually… there’s something else you can do, something just as important.”

My ears perk up immediately.

“Something I can do? What is it?”

If I can help Eris, I’m willing to do anything!

“Well, if you really want to help, then… please wait for me,” as she says, her thumb tracing soft circles on the back of my hand.

Huh??

“Wait… for you…?”

I don’t get what she’s trying to say.

I’m confused.

“Yes, wait for me.” Eris, nods smiling warmly. She then turns and look at me directly in the eyes. “Felicia, please, be my emotional support. Knowing someone is waiting for me at home, just like how I’ve waited for my father… it’ll give me a reason to come back. It’ll give me the strength to keep going.”

At her words, my eyes widen.

And suddenly everything becomes clear.

Ah… so that’s how I can support her. By waiting for her. By giving her a reason to return!

“ALRIGHT!” I say, my heart swelling. “Eris, I’ll wait for you! And when you come back, I’ll cook you the best dinner ever and give you the best back scrubbing of your life!”

Eris laughs, her face lighting up. “That sounds amazing! I’m already looking forward to it!”

Her laughter is contagious, and soon, I’m smiling too.

“Eris,” I murmur softly. “I will be there for you. So please, make sure you return to me. If you don’t… I’ll go into the dungeon myself to find you!”

“Alright,” Eris says gently, her eyes meeting mine. “I will always come back.”

I lift my pinky.

“Promise?”

But… Eris blinks.

“I promise. But… erm… what am I supposed to do?”

Ah… damn it!

I forgot she doesn’t know!

“If you promise, you have to hook my pinky with yours!” I explain quickly. “This way, the promise is sealed, and you’ll never be able to break it!”

“Ah… is it like a blood contract?”

“YES!”

Eris grins, understanding now.

“Alright!”

She hooks her pinky around mine, and our fingers intertwine. In that simple, gentle motion, a promise is made.

I promise to wait. She promises to return.

And ultimately, we promise to be there for each other, no matter what.