Chapter 4: Kill Temptation
“Celes, I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Mhm. I’ll wait patiently,” she nodded and beamed me a warm smile.
Once I set the things I was carrying aside, I followed after the old man and we passed by his kitchen in order to reach the smithy.
Since it directly led to an open space of his house, which I would guess to be his backyard, the smithy was well ventilated. Other than that, there was a giant wok? right beside his anvil in the middle of this room. His tools were also carefully placed in their respective areas. All in all, it was a well organized place.
“So, what is it that you want me to do?”
While I asked that, I was making sure the gloves fit on my hands in an attempt to look serious.
And even though his equipment was turned off, the area inside the smithy was still very hot. I could feel sweat forming on my brow and around my armpits too.
Old man Freks stopped at the anvil and gestured me to come along.
“You know how Elemental spirits dwell in almost everything, correct?”
“I was told that magic power is said to based on a person’s soul so, from my understanding, that’s how it works?”
“I see. That saves me the time to explain what you need to know then. Just look at this knife.”
The knife the old man showed me didn’t have anything great or fancy about it. Compared to what I expected, it was just a regular kitchen knife.
“A kitchen knife? What is this about?”
I pondered loudly and looked at the old man, eager to hear an answer. He looked like he was holding in his laughter for some reason.
“Indeed. This kitchen knife was brought by the housewife down the street to have it repaired. Do you know why?”
As I was about to open my mouth to ask what he meant, a sudden idea flashed in my head. Could inanimate objects also contain spirits?
Even though I knew how ridiculous I sounded just now, I still went ahead and asked.
“Are you trying to say this kitchen knife has a spirit living inside it?”
“Bingo! One of my jobs as a spirit blacksmith is to communicate with these spirits, find out what they want, and why they rebel. Watch.”
Old man Freks grabbed the knife and closed his eyes, as if he was offering a silent prayer. I stood silently, watching him do his task when suddenly, the entire blade glowed and began to produce a faint light.
“I’m a kitchen knife for God’s sake! Use me to cook delicious food instead!”
WHAT.IN.THE.WORLD?
Did that knife just talk? Or am I going insane?
After the light dissipated, the old man opened his eyes and explained.
“That’s how the spirits show their frustration. The spirit is sad because of its owner’s ignorance. Now, what I want you to do is to feel the spirit living inside this knife.”
I reached out to the knife that the old man offered to me. He urged me to follow what he just did, but I really didn’t have any clue as to how to try and sense the spirit.
“So, you’re saying you want me to find the reason as to why it’s sad, correct?”
“Yep~ If you can do that, I’ll accept you as my apprentice.”
His carefree explanation made me unsettled, but I still did it anyway. I raised the knife and pressed it against my forehead. After taking a deep breath to stabilize my mind, I closed my eyes.
Based on what I heard earlier, this knife was probably sad because it had been neglected for quite some time now.
“I’m sorry they treat you poorly.”
It took a few minutes to respond, but little by little, I was beginning to feel some sort of connection forming between this knife and I.
“Yeah bro. I’m glad you understand my feelings. I mean, that bombshell lady just had to use a different knife ever since I accidentally hurt her. Well, it was mainly her fault for being clumsy, but anyways, I’ve been stuck sheathed after that.”
I didn’t even know where to start. I felt like I was on the edge of losing my sanity. But a job’s a job and this was something I had to do.
“Don’t worry, I’ll personally talk to your owner and ask her to use you once in a while. Is that okay?”
“Great! Thanks bro! I’m glad I came here.”
The accumulated heat I was feeling with this knife was slowly vanishing. At the same time, a voice resounded in my head.
*Pi…!*
Obtained: a Wind’s Blessing!
You learned the skill: Wind Cutter!
I reflexively opened my eyes and saw the old man with his mouth hanging open.
“Kid… You… You can directly talk to spirits?”
“Umm, didn’t you hear its voice just now?”
“Its voice? For entire time that I’ve been a spirit blacksmith, all I heard were small squeaks, and I make my deductions from those reactions and the story that was told to me.”
Wait, wait…
“So you’re saying you can’t hear them?”
“No.”
Old man Freks answered with a surprised look. He blinked three times as if he was trying to gauge the authenticity behind my words. After that, he slung an arm around my neck and squeezed me hard.
“Good! This is good!”
“Ouch! Dammit old man! Stop!”
I tried to struggle my way out of his bear hug, but the difference in raw strength was clear. His burly arms felt like they’d rip my neck apart.
“Whenever an object is out of control, the reason must lie in the feelings of the spirit. Therefore, the object will return to its original condition once the spirits calms down. And to calm those spirits is one our jobs as a spirit blacksmith. Remember that.”
And thus, old man Freks formally accepted me as his apprentice.
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After catching my breath for a few moments, we walked back to the dining room.
“Ah!”
Celes alarmingly rose from her chair and hurriedly approached me, but she quickly backed away again once her nose picked up the manly stench coming from my skin.
“Ugh!! Reimuz, you kind of… stink…”
“I blame the heat. Well, once we find you an inn, you won’t have to worry about me.”
I wiped the dangling sweat on my face with my shirt. That place was just too hot.
“You worry about me, but I’m worried about you. I doubt you even have any money, right?”
What about me?
That was a question I hadn’t even thought of. No, it was more like me avoiding the possibility of being homeless and on the streets. Nevertheless, my pride as a man wouldn’t allow me to accept anymore babysitting from Celes.
“I’d hate to impose on you any further, so I’ll find a different way.”
While nonchalantly saying such words, I turned away from Celes’s compassionate gaze as if I was trying to escape. Just when I thought that took a load off her slim shoulders, she protested and grumbled instead.
“Do as you like then, stupid.”
Her reaction made me wonder if I did something wrong. And that wondering eventually turned into a question that left my lips.
“Celes, what’s wrong? You’re acting weird.”
“Nothing. Have fun sleeping outside tonight.”
The moment she turned away to pick up her luggage, I grabbed her arm instinctively. I was an idiot for not noticing, but Celes looked like she was about to cry.
And it was all because of me being stupid. Damn, I hate my indecisiveness.
“Celes… I just…”
I flashed a stupid grin on my face to reassure her, but it didn’t help.
“Ohh!! You two are looking for a place to stay, right? I happen to have an extra room upstairs. What do you think?”
Suddenly, old man Freks interrupted us with his loud and deep voice. And with such perfect timing too!
Good job old man. I’m beginning to like you more and more.
“It’s not really for me to decide. What do you think, Celes?”
I felt like I needed her consent on this matter, so I glanced back to Celes and asked for her permission. After meeting my gaze, she sent me a smile with a hint of dimples.
“I don’t really see much choice, so I guess we’ll gratefully accept your offer.”
Celes seemed like she cheered up as soon as she spoke.
“You heard her old man! We’ll impose on you if that’s okay!”
“Great! Follow me upstairs!”
Afterwards, we followed the old man upstairs to our supposed rooms.
Ah, if I can only do something about this loud heartbeat in my chest.
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“This is it.”
Old man Freks said so after opening the room at the very end of his house’s corridor.
Before reaching here, we passed by two and a half rooms which I would guess the first one was his, the other is for Celes, and the smallest room as the bathroom.
“So this is my room? Hmm… not too shabby. A little cramped, but just enough for a guy like me.”
The image of my six tatami apartment suddenly flashed in my mind. Ah, I miss that place.
“Actually, this room is for the both of you.”
The old man calmly declared while flashing a face that said he did not further think about it.
““What?!””
Celes shouted at the same time as me. Seems like she was also shocked.
Goodness gracious old man, way to ruin the good image I just had of you.
“Just come down once you’re done unpacking. I’ll prepare some food in the meantime.”
He quickly dashed downstairs to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere. What am I supposed to say in this situation?
“Well, let’s check the room first shall we?”
“Mhmm~”
That was surprising.
I thought Celes would be mad, but she was surprisingly happy. With her mushy atmosphere, we proceeded to enter the room.
“Hmm… What do you think, Celes?”
“It’s cramped.”
“I know right.”
Although the room was small, it was well furnished with everything we needed, well aside from the problematic single bed and the very small dresser on the right.
There was also an antique-looking wall clock across the room.
When I came close to check, it seemed that we used the same method for telling the time. The writing was obviously different, but if you counted it accordingly and checked the hands, it was basically the same.
Old man Freks hadn’t skimped on anything for his guests.
This place was more than adequate for a single person. And that was our problem! We were not one, but two!
“I think I’ll just find a place to sleep downstairs.”
As I was about to walk away, Celes pulled my sleeve and timidly pointed on the empty space right beside the bed.
“W-Well…… it’ll be dark and I do not want to be left alone.”
Okay, that confirmed it. Celes is just afraid, but it still didn’t make any sense.
“Meaning?”
“You can sleep over there. On the ground.”
“Ahhhh……”
I’ve always slept on a futon so it didn’t really make much difference. But this means I’ll be sleeping in the same room as a girl?
“Let me just remind you before you get any weird ideas now…”
“Haiyeee?”
“The moment you lay your filthy hands on me, your neck is forfeited!”
A threatening smile appeared on her face. Not like I have any weird plans now, but just because of that, I’ll keep my hands to myself.
“How about tying me up then?”
Celes backed away the moment I said that.
“You’re beginning to disgust me.”
“Ahahaha, forget it. It was a joke. A joke!”
“As long as we’re clear here.”
“Yes ma’am. I, Reimuz, will never cross that line!”
Deliberately making myself look like a fool pains me, but if it will make her feel at ease, then it was all the more worth it.
Thirty minutes later.
After I cleaned the room a little bit and Celes finished unpacking her stuff, we went downstairs to have dinner with the old man. The tangy smell of soup that let out a delightful aroma of spices swarmed my nose.
“Ohh, just in time you two! I just finished. Help yourself.”
There, old man Freks had just finished setting up the table so we didn’t waste a moment and joined him right away. Our portions were already prepared, along with the utensils that we needed.
“Delicious!”
“Gahahaha! Have some more, don’t be shy!”
We were a rowdy pair of men eating and talking loudly at the same time.
This old man’s look was deceiving and you wouldn’t imagine that he could cook such a good meal. Even Celes was quite hesitant at first, but after tasting it, her taste buds couldn’t lie.
Maybe working with fire all the time has something to do with it?
I just hope we were not being a bother to Celes. When she was being quiet like this, it was really hard to tell what she’s thinking.
“Thank you very much for the food. I’ll be using the bath if you don’t mind. And Reimuz…”
Celes gave me this glare. Not any normal glare, but a death glare. Warning me that if I as much get the idea of peeking at her, it would cost me my life.
“Do not be alarmed. I still have many things to discuss with the old man. I won’t be coming upstairs till later.”
“I sure hope so.”
Celes quickly went upstairs while shooting me some dubious glances.
Her expression basically told me that she wanted to lie on a bed as soon as she could. I couldn’t blame her. She’s been traveling far longer than I had, and all by herself it was no doubt a stressful journey. I just wish she’d stop thinking that I was a disgusting pervert.
“So Master, now that Celes is gone, there’s something I want to confirm.”
Probably bothered by the serious tone I just used, the old man’s carefree atmosphere disappeared and was replaced by a stern look.
“What is it?”
“Master having the knowledge to repair that sword is a lie, isn’t it?”
“Hmm… What makes you say that?”
He started playing with his chin, but I can feel the strength and authority in his voice.
“Master did say it was an artifact and judging from your smithy, you probably don’t have the proper tools or facility to work on. The reason why Master accepted to repair that sword at such a high price is because you wanted us to go away, am I right?”
“If you predicted such a thing, why did you ask me to teach you?”
I’m surprised. Very surprised. Normally, if someone talked dirt about your skills, you’d get mad.
However, the old man was not showing me any type of resentment at all and was just seriously lending his ears to my plea.
“Haha, I don’t really know myself. Call me impulsive, but at that time, I just didn’t want to see her sad. That was why even if you don’t know, I’ll find a method myself.”
I tried to laugh it off but, in reality, I was scared. If there really was no way to repair it, then I’ll honestly tell her. But as long as there was a tiny glimmer of hope, I’ll hold onto it.
“What drives you to do this?”
“As I said, I don’t know. I don’t even know as to why I’m here… But I feel like as long as I’m with Celes, that’s all I need. For now at least. And that sword is something very important to her. That’s why I want to find a way.”
Shit, I’m awfully talkative today.
“Gahahaha! Is that so?”
“Yes, it might be quite funny to you huh, Master?”
“Not at all. I understand you very well. On that part we resemble one another.”
His eyes went upward, as if he was reminiscing about someone important. From a stranger’s perspective, he might seem like he had too much alcohol already. But from my eyes, it was a sincere longing.
“You have more time to keep an old man company?”
“Of course!!”
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After talking my ears off about his past, the old man finally went to sleep. Since there was nothing left for me to do, I also went upstairs to retire.
“Hmmm… Perfume?”
Right after opening the door, I could already smell the sweet fragrance coming from within. Like a floral scent that was cool and refreshing.
“Hey, Reimuz.”
Celes was still awake when I entered, quietly staring outside the window above her bed. That sweet flowery scent seemed to be originating from her. Not just that, but her usual robe is gone and was replaced by sexy pajamas.
“Yo Celes, can’t sleep?”
I casually greeted her as I entered the room, trying my damnest not to notice her sexy attire.
“Not really. There was just something that was bothering me.”
She answered with her gaze still lingering outside our window. That solemn expression she was displaying was utterly mesmerizing. I did not know that simply letting her hair down would make her look so mature.
“I see. Well, I’ll go ahead and sleep first.”
I lay on the sheet that I had prepared beforehand. The floor was hard and cold, but it wasn’t exactly uncomfortable. Shortly after that, Celes turned the lamp off and retired to bed herself.
So many things had happened today. Heck, I hadn’t even taken a bath yet. Tomorrow morning, that will be my first task. Right now, I was just so tired to do anything else.
“Neh… Reimuz… can I… ummm…”
Celes ended up trailing off midway, probably too embarrassed to finish. It made me wonder what she wanted.
“Yes?”
“………………”
This silence is killing me.
“Can I… hold your hand?”
After an awkward silence, she once again spoke, but in a much firmer tone.
“Ah.”
“Mhmm… Can I?”
No doubt it required an incredible amount of courage to make such a request. Was it because of the darkness, or was it something more personal?
“How can I say no?”
Seeing no reason to decline, I extended my hand to hers. Celes gently grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers slowly. I felt a spark. A spark of electricity that bound our hands together.
“Ehehe… It’s warm and big.”
“That’s because I’m a guy…”
Yeah right myself. Shut up and go to sleep.
“Celes, I just wanted to say thanks.”
“Thanks? For what? I don’t think I did something for you that warranted your gratitude. If it’s someone who should be thanking someone, it should be me. The moment we entered Bilford, I’ve been relying on you.”
“Nah, you could have left me alone in that forest, but you didn’t. Who knows what could have happened to me if I hadn’t met you. It terrifies me.”
In this world, I have nothing. No relatives, no money, and not even a place to go home to.
Yes, it was only because I met Celes that I feel so comfortable right now.
“I see… You know sometimes, I wanted to be treated like an adult. I mean, I’m small and tiny compared to others my age, right? What do you think?”
Thanks for changing the subject.
“Nah, I think you’re fine the way you are.”
“Really? You’re the first person to tell me that. Either you know how to treat a lady very well or was that one of your stocked up lines?”
“I don’t have any confidence to say both.”
“Hehehe… Jerk.”
Damn. I want to see her face. Is she blushing? Is she happy? Is she embarrassed? I’m dying to see what kind of expression she was making right now.
“Hey… Reimuz…”
“Y-Yes?”
There was a long pause, and the only sound I heard was the loud thumping of my heart.
“Goodnight.”
“Yes, goodnight.”
Celes just quietly held my hand and didn’t say anything else. Soon afterwards, she fell asleep.
It made me chuckle how she could sleep without any further care in the world, and in the same room as a blooming young man to boot. However, this means that she trusted me… a lot.
And it went without saying that I trusted her already.
“Wait for me world…”
I clenched my left hand into a fist and raised it upward to the ceiling. Preparing myself for the biggest and grandest adventure in my life.
Spoiler :
Chapter 4: Kill Temptation
“Celes, I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Mhm. I’ll wait patiently.”
Once I set the things I was carrying aside, I followed after the old man and we went pass by his kitchen to reach the smithy.
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Since it directly leads to an open space of his house which I would guess to be his backyard, the smithy is well ventilated.
Other than that, there’s a giant wok? right beside his anvil in the middle of this room.
His tools were also carefully put on their respective areas.
All in all, it’s a well organized place.
“So, what is it that do you want me to do?”
While I asked that, I was fitting the gloves in my hands in an attempt to look serious.
And even though his equipment were turned off, the area inside the smithy was still very hot. I can feel sweat forming on my brow and around my armpits too.
Old man Freks stops at the anvil and gestured me to come along.
“You know how Elemental spirits dwell into almost everything, correct?”
“I was told that magic power is said to base from a person’s soul so, from my understanding, that’s how it works?”
“I see. That saves me the time to explain what you need to know then. Just look at this knife.”
What the old man showed me doesn’t have anything great or fancy about it.
Contrast to what I expected, it was just a regular kitchen knife.
“A kitchen knife? What is this about?”
I pondered loudly and looked at the old man, eager to hear an answer.
He looks like he’s holding his laughter for some reason.
“Indeed. This kitchen knife was brought by the housewife down the street to have it repaired. Do you know why?”
As I was about to open my mouth to ask what he meant, a sudden idea flashed in my head. Could inanimate objects also contain spirits?
Even though I knew how ridiculous I sounded just now, I still went ahead and asked.
“Are you trying to say this kitchen knife has a spirit living inside it?”
“Bingo! One of my jobs as a spirit blacksmith is to communicate with these spirits. Find out what they want. Why they rebel. Watch.”
Old man Freks grabbed the knife and closed his eyes, as if he’s offering a silent prayer. I stood silently, watching him do his task when suddenly, the entirety of the blade glowed and produce light particles.
“I’m a kitchen knife for God’s sake! Use me to cook delicious food instead!”
WHAT.IN.THE.WORLD?
Did that knife just talked? Or am I turning insane?
After the light dissipated, the old man opened his eyes and explained.
“That’s how the spirits show their frustration. The spirit is sad because of its owner’s ignorance. Now, what I want you to do is to feel the spirit living inside this knife.”
I reached to the knife that the old man offered to me.
He urged me to follow what he just did, but I really don’t have any clue as to how.
“So, you’re saying you want me to find the reason as to why it’s sad, correct?”
“Yep~ If you could do that, I’ll accept you as my apprentice.”
His carefree explanation makes me unsettled, but I still did it anyways.
I raised the knife and pressed it on my forehead.
After taking a deep breath to stabilize my mind, I closed my eyes.
Based from what I heard earlier, this knife is probably sad because it’s been neglected off the kitchen for quite some time now.
“I’m sorry they have to treat you poorly.”
It took a few minutes to respond, but little by little, I’m beginning to feel some sort of connection forming between this knife and I.
“Yeah bro. I’m glad you understand my feelings. I mean, that bombshell lady just had to use a different knife ever since I accidentally hurt her. Well, it was mainly her fault for being clumsy, but anyways, I’ve been stuck sheathed after that.”
I don’t even know where to start.
I feel like I’m on the edge of losing my sanity.
But a job’s a job and this is something I must do.
“Don’t worry, I’ll personally talk to your owner and ask her to use you once in a while. Is that okay?”
“Great! Thanks bro! I’m glad I came here.”
The accumulated heat I’m feeling with this knife was slowly vanishing.
At the same time, a voice resounded in my head.
*Pi…!*
Obtained a Wind’s Blessing!
You learned the skill, Wind Cutter!
I reflexively opened my eyes and saw the old man with his mouth agape.
“Kid… You… You can directly talk to spirits?”
“Umm, didn’t you hear its voice just now?”
“Its voice? For the longest time that I’ve been a spirit blacksmith, all I heard were small squeaks, and I make my deductions from those reactions and the story that was told to me.”
Wait, wait…
“So you’re saying you can’t hear them?”
“No.”
Old man Freks answered with a surprised look.
He blinked three times as if he’s trying to gauge the authenticity behind my words.
After that, he slung an arm around my neck and squeezed me hard.
“Good! This is good!”
“Ouch! Dammit old man! Stop!”
I tried to struggle my way out of his bear hug, but our difference in raw strength clearly shows. His burly arms would seem like it’ll rip my neck apart.
“Whenever an object is out of control, the reason must lie in the feelings of the spirit. Therefore, the object will return to it’s original condition once the spirits calms down. And to calm those spirits is one our jobs as a spirit blacksmith. Remember that.”
And thus, old man Freks formally accepted me as his apprentice.
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After catching my breath for a few moments, we walked back to the dining room.
“Ah!”
Celes alarmingly rose from her chair and hurriedly approach me, but quickly backed away once her nose picked up the manly stench coming from the steam exuding out of my skin.
“Ugh!! Reimuz, you kind of… stink…”
“I blame the heat. Well, once we find you an inn, you won’t have to worry about me.”
I wiped the dangling sweat on my face with my shirt.
That place was just too hot.
“You worry about me, but I’m worried about you. I doubt you even have any money, right?”
What about me?
That’s a question I haven’t thought of answering so far.
No, it was more about me avoiding the possibility of being homeless in the streets.
Nevertheless, my pride as a man wouldn’t allow me to accept anymore babysitting from Celes.
“I’d hate to impose on you any further, so I’ll find a different way.”
While nonchalantly saying such words, I turned away from Celes’s compassionate gaze as if I’m trying to escape. Just when I thought that took a load off her slim shoulders, she protested and grumbled instead.
“Do as you like then. Stupid.”
Her reaction made me wonder to myself if I did something wrong.
And that wondering eventually turned into a question that left my lips.
“Celes, what’s wrong? You’re acting weird.”
“Nothing. Have fun sleeping outside tonight.”
The moment she turned away to pick up her luggage, I grabbed her arm instinctively. I’m an idiot for not noticing, but Celes looks like she’s about to cry.
And it’s all because of me being stupid. Damn, I hate my indecisiveness.
“Celes… I just…”
I flashed a stupid grin on my face to reassure her, but it didn’t help.
“Ohh!! You two are looking for a place to stay, right? I happen to have an extra room upstairs. What do you think?”
Suddenly, old man Freks bothered us with his loud and deep voice.
And in such perfect timing too!
Good job old man.
I’m starting to like you more and more.
“It’s not really for me to decide. What do you think, Celes?”
I feel like I needed her consent on this matter, so I glance back to Celes and asked for her permission. After meeting my gaze, she sent me a smile with a hint of dimples.
“I don’t really see much choice, so I guess we’ll gratefully accept your offer.”
Celes seemed like she cheered up as soon as she said that.
“You heard her old man! We’ll impose on you if that’s okay!”
“Great! Follow me upstairs!’
Afterwards, we followed the old man upstairs to our supposed rooms.
Ah, if I can only do something about this loud heartbeat in my chest.
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“This is it.”
Old man Freks said so after opening the room at the very end of his house’s corridor.
Before reaching here, we passed by two and a half rooms which I would guess the first one is his, the other is for Celes, and the smallest room as this house’s bathroom.
“So this is my room? Hmm… not too shabby. A little cramp, but just enough for a guy like myself.”
The image of my six tatami apartment suddenly flashed in my mind.
Ah, I miss that place.
“Actually, this room is for the both of you.”
The old man calmly declared while flashing a face that said he did not further think about it.
““What?!””
Celes shouted at the same time as me.
Seems like she’s also shocked.
Goodness gracious old man, way to ruin the good image I just thought of you.
“Just come down once you’re done unpacking. I’ll prepare some food in the meantime.”
He quickly dashed downstairs to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere.
What am I supposed to say in this situation?
“Well, let’s check the room first shall we?”
“Mhmm~”
That was surprising.
I thought Celes would be mad, but she’s surprisingly happy.
With her mushy atmosphere, we proceeded to enter that room.
“Hmm… What do you think, Celes?”
“It’s cramp.”
“I know right.”
Although the room is small, it’s fully furnished with everything we needed.
Aside from the single bed and the small dresser on the right that is.
There’s also an antique looking wall clock right across the room.
When I came close to check, it seems that we at least use the same method for checking the time. The writings is obviously different, but if you count it accordingly and check the hands, it is basically the same.
Old man Freks hasn’t skimped on anything for his guests.
This place is more than adequate for a single person.
And that’s our problem! We’re not one, but two!
“I think I’ll just find a place to sleep downstairs.”
As I was about to walk away, Celes pulled my sleeve and timidly points on the empty space right beside the bed.
“W-Well…… it’ll be dark and I do not want to be left alone.”
Okay, that confirms it.
Celes is just afraid, but it still doesn’t make any sense.
“Meaning?”
“You can sleep over there. On the ground.”
“Ahhhh……”
I’ve always slept on a futon so it doesn’t really make much difference.
But this means I’ll be sleeping on the same room with a girl?
“Let me just remind you before you get any weird ideas now…”
“Haiyeee?”
“The moment you lay your filthy hands on me, your neck is forfeit!”
A threatening smile appeared on her face. Not like I have any weird plans now, but just because of that, I’ll keep my hands to myself.
“How about tying me up then?”
Celes backs away the moment I said that.
“You’re beginning to disgust me.”
“Ahahaha, forget it. It was a joke. A joke!”
“As long as we’re clear here.”
“Yes ma’am. I, Reimuz, will never cross that line!”
Deliberately making myself look like a fool like this pains me.
But if it will make her feel at ease, then it’s all the more worth it.
Thirty minutes later.
After I cleaned the room a little bit and Celes finished unpacking her stuff, we went downstairs to have dinner with the old man. The tangy smell of soup that lets out a delightful aroma of spices knitted my nose.
“Ohh, just in time you two! I just finished. Help yourself.”
There, old man Freks had just finished setting up the table so we didn’t waste a moment and joined him right away. Our portions were already prepared, along with the utensils that we will need.
“Delicious!”
“Gahahaha! Have some more, don’t be shy!”
A rowdy pair of men eating and talking loudly at the same time.
This old man’s looks really is deceiving and you wouldn’t imagine that he could cook such a good meal. Even Celes was quite hesitant at first, but after tasting it, her taste buds can’t lie.
Maybe working with fire all the time has something to do with that?
I just hope we’re not being a bother to Celes.
When she’s being quiet like this, it’s really hard to tell what she’s thinking.
“Thank you very much for the food. I’ll be using the bath if you don’t mind. And Reimuz…”
Celes gave me this glare. Not any normal glare, but a death glare.
Warning me that if I as much get the idea of peeking at her, it would cost me my life.
“Do not be alarmed. I still have many things to discuss with the old man. I won’t be coming upstairs till later.”
“I sure hope so.”
Celes quickly went upstairs while shooting me some dubious glances.
Her expression basically tells me that she would want to lie on a bed as soon as she can.
I can’t blame her. She’s been traveling far longer than me all by herself it’s no doubt a stressful journey. I just wish she’d stop thinking that I’m a disgusting pervert.
“So Master, now that Celes is gone, there’s something I would want to confirm.”
Probably bothered by the serious tone I just spoke in, the old man’s carefree atmosphere disappeared and was replaced by a stern look.
“What is it?”
“Master having the knowledge to repair that sword is a lie, isn’t it?”
“Hmm… What makes you say that?”
He started playing with his chin, but I can feel the strength and authority in his voice.
“Master did say it’s an artifact and judging from your smithy, you probably don’t have the proper tools or facility to work on. The reason why Master accepted to repair that sword at such a high price is because you want us to go away, am I right?”
“If you predicted such a thing, why did you asked me to teach you?”
I’m surprised. Very surprised.
Normally, if someone talk dirt about your skills, you’ll get mad.
However, the old man’s not showing me any type of resentment at all and is just seriously lending his ears to my plea.
“Haha, I don’t really know myself. Call me impulsive, but at that time, I just don’t want to see her sad. That’s why even if you don’t know, I’ll find a method myself.”
I tried to laugh it off but, in reality, I’m scared.
If there really is no way to repair it, then I’ll honestly tell her.
But as long as there’s a tiny glimmer of hope, I’ll hold onto it.
“What drives you from doing this?”
“As I said, I don’t know. I don’t even know as to why I’m here… But I feel like as long as I’m with Celes, that’s all I need. For now at least. And that sword is something very important to her. That’s why I want to find a way.”
Shit, I’m awfully talkative today.
“Gahahaha! Is that so?”
“Yes, it might be quite funny to you huh, Master?”
“Not at all. I understand you very well. On that part we resemble each other.”
His eyes went upward, as if he was reminiscing someone important.
From a stranger’s perspective, he might seem like he’s had too much alcohol already.
But from eyes, it was a sincere longing.
“You have more time to keep an old man company?”
“Of course!!”
----------------------------------------
After talking my ears off about his past, the old man finally went to sleep.
Since there’s nothing left for me to do, I also went upstairs to retire.
“Hmmm… Perfume?”
Right after opening the door, I could already smell the sweet fragrance coming from within. Like a floral scent that’s cool and refreshing.
“Hey, Reimuz.”
Celes was still awake when I entered, quietly staring outside the window on top of her bed. That sweet flowery scent seems to be originating from her. Not just that, but her usual robe is gone and is replaced by a sexy pajama.
“Yo Celes, can’t sleep?”
I casually greeted her as I entered the room, trying my damnest not to notice her sexy attire.
“Not really. There’s just something that’s bothering me.”
She answered with her gaze still lingering outside our window.
That solemn expression she’s displaying is utterly mesmerizing.
I did not know that simply letting her hair down would make her look so mature.
“I see. Well, I’ll go ahead and sleep first.”
I lay on the sheet that I prepared beforehand.
The floor was hard and cold, but it wasn’t exactly uncomfortable.
Shortly after that, Celes turned the lamp off and retired to bed herself.
So many things has happened today.
Heck, I did not even took a bath yet.
Tomorrow morning, that will be my first task.
Today, I’m just so tired.
“Neh… Reimuz… can I… ummm…”
Celes ended up trailing off midway, probably too embarrassed to finish.
It made me wonder what she wants.
“Yes?”
“………………”
This silence is killing me.
“Can I… hold your hand?”
After an awkward silence, she once again spoke, but in a much firmer tone.
“Ah.”
“Mhmm… Can I?”
No doubt it required an incredible amount of courage to make such a request.
Is it because of the darkness, or is it something more personal?
“How can I say no?”
Seeing no reason to decline, I extended my hand to hers.
Celes gently grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers slowly.
I felt a spark. A spark of electricity that bounded ours hands together.
“Ehehe… It’s warm and big.”
“That’s because I’m a boy…”
Yeah right myself.
Shut up and go to sleep.
“Celes, I just wanted to say thanks.”
“Thanks? For what? I don’t think I did something for you that warranted your gratitude. If it’s someone who should be thanking someone, it should be me. The moment we entered Bilford, I’ve been relying on you.”
“Nah, you could have left me alone in that forest, but you didn’t. Who knows what could have happened to me if I hadn’t met you. It terrifies me.”
In this world, I have nothing.
No relatives, no money, and not even a place to go home to.
Yes, it’s only because I met Celes that I feel so comfortable right now.
“I see… You know sometimes, I wanted to be treated like an adult. I mean, I’m small and tiny compare to others my age, right? What do you think?”
Thanks for changing the subject.
“Nah, I think you’re fine the way you are.”
“Really? You’re the first person to tell me that. Either you know how to treat a lady very well or is that one of your stocked up lines?”
“I don’t have any confidence to say both.”
“Hehehe… Jerk.”
Damn. I want to see her face.
Is she blushing?
Is she happy?
Is she embarrassed?
I’m dying to see what kind of expression she’s making right now.
“Hey… Reimuz…”
“Y-Yes?”
There was a long pause, and the only sound I heard was the loud thumping of my heartbeat.
“Goodnight.”
“Yes, goodnight.”
Celes just quietly held my hand and didn’t say anything else.
Soon afterwards, she fell asleep.
It made me chuckle how she could sleep without any further care in the world.
In the same room as a blooming young man to boot.
However, this means that she trusts me… a lot.
And it goes without saying that I trust her already.
“Wait for me world…”
I clenched my left hand into a fist and raised it upward to the ceiling.
Preparing myself for the biggest and grandest adventure to come in my life.
Thanks to DemonWing for proofreading this chapter! Cookies to him please!