Chapter 26: Love & Prospect [STAR]
"Why and how are you able to use lightning spells?!" shouted Lily as she stood up from her seat.
As I thought. I was bombarded with questions as soon as we made it back safely to the city. All of us were hanging out in one of the taverns to celebrate. It would seemed that Lily was holding back in asking questions, until now. I was seated with John, Lily and Rose. As soon as she asked that question, members of the Elemental guild came up and joined her. Am I going to be stripped and dissected?
"Um— my gauntlets provided me with those spells. You're not going to confiscate it, are you?" I cautiously clarified with her.
All of them were left speechless. I supposed none of them had ever thought that it was possible. It's my most hidden secret and I was not about to babble it to everyone I know when I couldn't use it yet.
"I— see. As you know, lightning are the Elemental guild's most favoured and exclusive spells. We take pride in being able to use fire and lightning ourselves. To think that there was an item that can give you lightning capabilities. Not to mention superior to our own," said an Elemental member.
"You guys are not going to tell me to stop using it, are you? I put years into finally being able to use this," I warned them.
"We won't stop you, Zen. Just that we'll be informing our guildmaster about this discovery. I take it that he will want to speak with you soon," said Lily.
Sigh. I can't catch a break, can I? Is that the warning the Underwater Dragon King was telling me about? War with the Elemental guild over my treasured gauntlets?
"You really surprised me, Onii-chan. I lived with you for such a long time and I did not even know you had this," said Rose as she pouted a little that I had been keeping secrets from her.
"Oh, right. Rose, how's your wound? I'm really sorry you had to block that beam with your body. I was so worried that you might be toasted by it," I asked Rose.
"It's healing. It's not that bad, really. Only my right arm that took the brunt of it hurts the most, but it's alright," answered Rose as she showed me her wound.
It was seared but it's healing. I guess the green dragon's hide is not strong enough to mitigate all the damage from the beam.
"I'm sorry, Zen. But— is this your sister? You never told us about her before," asked Lily.
Just when I wanted to tell her about Rose, John quickly whispered something to Lily instead. She even made an "Ehhhh?!" loudly at some point. They continued to whisper for quite some time and the conversation ended with Lily squinting at me excessively.
"W— what?" I asked her as I sipped my drink.
"Nothing," answered Lily as she continued squinting at me.
"Well, I was surprised that you were even able to make a potion that can breathe underwater. What are you planning to do with that, Zen?" asked John.
"Truth be told, I don't even know myself. I am wondering whether I should even sell these in the first place. I don't feel like giving monopoly to a single shop if possible," I answered with a thinking face.
"In that case, why don't you meet the founder of this place? I am sure he's interested in knowing the existence of such a valuable potion," said Lily.
"Are you familiar with him? Can he be trusted though?" I asked her.
"Hm, why don't you pay him a visit? His door is always open to visitors," answered Lily.
She seems to be quite knowledgable about this place. Perhaps she came here before.
"Sure, why not? We can head over after we’ve done eating," I told all of them.
"So, Rose. Have you checked out the place around here? Why don't we take a walk?" asked John.
"Huh? We did walked a little before finding you," answered Rose with a confused look.
"There's plenty more to see. C’mon, let’s go," said John as he pulled Rose by the arm.
She was kind of reluctant but John dragged her along with some of the other Viking members. I thought about helping her but I understood John's intention. He was giving me some alone time with Lily. He knew that we won't be able to talk properly with Rose interjecting between us.
There was a moment of silence as we were left alone. I did not know how to start a conversation with her after had not meeting her in such a long time. I pondered on what topic to even start with.
"So— how you been? Were you having fun with your little sister?" asked Lily. Uh oh— I sense a trick question in that. I should answer carefully.
"I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Still stuck as a Shadow Knight though. Everything's normal with Rose," I said. Did I dodge the arrow there?
“Hmph— to think you would adopt a little sister out of the blue. Were you that lonely without me around?" asked Lily as she crossed her arm and legs.
“Well, someone refused to meet with me after such a long time. I even went to the Elemental guild to look for you but you weren't there," I sulked.
“Haha— sorry about that. I was transferred to another location for training under the Elemental guild. It was something all the members had to go through. And when I finally came back, I was selected to be the shieldmaiden for the previous Viking Lord. From then on, I was just so busy ever since," explained Lily.
"Really? Are you sure you weren't avoiding me instead? Last I recall, someone had a crush on me for saving her life," I giggled.
“T— that was a long time ago!" shouted Lily.
I laughed at her response which made her laugh as well. After not meeting her for such a long time, I’m so glad we can converse normally again.
"Hey, thanks for saving me again. I really thought that I’ll be meeting my maker when I couldn't get out of the rubble. I even saw my life flashed before my eyes. I didn’t even noticed you were trying to save me from behind. All I remembered was reaching out to John even though he was still so far away from me. I really thought that was it. I guess I am fated to be saved by you, huh Zen?" she smiled.
I didn’t know how to reply her so I just smiled and played with the drink in my cup.
“So— what’s your impression of me after seeing me again in such a long time?" she stared at me with gleaming eyes expecting an answer from me.
She was giving off a sexy vibe as she asked me. And she even combed her hair behind exposing her long beautiful ears! I was so enchanted by her action that I almost forgot to say anything.
Beautiful was not the only word to describe her. She definitely made my heart thumped like crazy when I finally realised it was her. She has matured significantly and don’t get me started on describing her body structure. All I can say is— I am still attracted to her in ways I never thought of before.
"Truth be told, I didn’t even realised that I was saving you, Lily. And I certainly did not recognised you as you weren't wearing your glasses. But you had grown beautiful indeed, Lily. You changed so much since the last time we’ve met five years ago," I smiled at her.
I noticed that she was blushing. She probably forgot how direct I was. I always felt I can be honest with Lily, since she always made me feel at ease.
Oh right, I almost forgot about this. I reached into my back pocket to find the bracelet that I bought. Glad that it’s still there. I pondered on whether I should give it to her but what the heck, right? I've got nothing to lose anyway.
"Lily, I've got something for you. I sort of bought this bracelet on impulse when I saw it because it reminded me of you. I’m sure it suits you if you wear this," I showed her the bracelet.
Lily was taken aback by my sudden gift. She was hesitating to accept it as she knew very well that it’s an expensive gift. I pulled her right hand closer and wore it on her wrist. It fits perfectly somehow. Glad I followed my instincts in buying it.
“Y— you’re seriously giving this to me? W— why? What about Rose?” she asked me as she stuttered.
“Huh? What about her?” I answered with a puzzled look.
“You don’t give trinkets to friends, Zen. You give them to someone special,” said Lily as she curled her lips.
“Well, you are special to me which is why I am giving it to you. Consider it as a reunion gift or something,” I smiled as I stared at the bracelet. It really fits her like a glove and it’s not just the size.
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Lily stayed silent for some time as though she was pondering on some thoughts. She suddenly stood up and pulled me towards the back of the tavern. Where is she bringing me to?
***
We were at an area where there were little foot traffic. She placed both her hands on my face and stared at me. Hang on, I just realised something. Lily is taller than me! Damn it, I really am the shortest in the group now. I started crying internally after knowing that fact.
Lily continued to stare at me with sparkling eyes. What is going in her mind by staring at me so intensely?
"Lily, what are you doing?" I asked her as she continued pressing her hands on my cheeks.
“Are you really not dating Rose? Do you really have no interest in her?” she asked.
“No, I’m not dating her. And she’s my little sister,” I assured her as I continued to stare into her eyes.
There was a short moment of silence before Lily started talking.
"When I thought I was about to die, what came to my mind was not my parents or anyone else. I thought of you, and how I regretted in not meeting you again because I was afraid that I might— fall for you again. But you saved me again and I felt over the moon. You were really cool and I instantly knew that it was you who saved me. Not to mention you were even carrying me princess style," she said as she started blushing. Her cheeks and ears were burning red now.
I locked into her eyes as she did mine. It was as though we were staring into each other’s soul. I can hear my heart thumping loudly in my ears. It is usually at times like this where you take noticed of things that you wouldn’t normally notice. Like how she had a mole hidden on her left eyebrow or some imperfection on her skin. But none of this took away her beauty from me. Like what she said before, no one is born perfect.
“I— don’t want to lie to myself anymore,” she said all of a sudden.
What does she mean by that? Wait— is she.. going for a kiss?! Hey wait, I’m not ready!
***
My daughter covered her mouth with her hands. I was so absorbed in my story that I completely forgot that I was telling this story to her. Glad she didn't start calling her mom over at this point.
***
We kissed for a couple of seconds but it felt longer than that. Her lips were so soft and somehow addictive. I can’t believe that Lily would be daring enough to kiss me out of the blue. And we’re not even dating yet! I noticed that she was blushing when she looked away after we pulled our lips apart but her soft body was touching against me. Oh lord help me, she smells so pleasant as well. I wanted more. I placed my hands on her chin and guided her so that we can kiss once more. Our lips was about to touch once again when I heard Rose’s voice suddenly calling out for me.
“Onii-chan? Where did you go? We should be heading towards the founder now if you wish to speak with him," said Rose as she looked around for me.
I turned my gaze back to Lily and sighed. I lost myself in the moment and almost made a mistake. We are not even dating and yet I was asking for more. I told Lily that I will be heading back first and she can follow after. She tugged at my cloak refusing to let me go but I told her that we can talk again some other time.
"You won't be avoiding me anymore, right?" I asked her and she nodded with her reddish face.
I took a couple of deep breath before heading out to meet Rose. She asked me where I went and I told her that I went to the washroom. We can start our journey to meet the founder right about now. My heart was still thumping like crazy despite my breathing method. I’m certain Lily was feeling the same and is trying to calm herself. I cannot believe that she was bold enough to do something like that. What’s gonna happen to us now? Are we even going out? Are we still friends despite having such a passionate kiss?
We were waiting outside the tavern for Lily when she finally came out. She probably freshen herself seeing as she is acting all normal now. Oh, she’s still wearing my bracelet that I gave her. Shoot, Rose is quick to notice things. How many seconds will it take for Rose to notice it?
“That's a nice bracelet, Lily. You weren't wearing it earlier," said Rose as she squinted at the bracelet directly. Wow, that took like no time at all.
As usual, Rose is just too perceptive for her own good. She seems to be amazed by the beauty of the bracelet. I hope that’s all she’s looking at.
"Oh, a friend of mine gave it to me as a gift. I— really like it so I decided to wear it," answered Lily with a smile.
"A friend?" Rose asked as she turned her attention and squinted at me. I pretended to not hear anything and just continued walking next to John.
Rose came over and hugged my arm like she usually does. I no longer take notice of this as I was used to it by now. But it would seemed that a certain someone is certainly taking notice of this.
"Rose, do you really need to hug your brother while you walk? I don't think he’s comfortable with it," asked Lily.
"Hm? Oh, Onii-chan is used to it by now. And besides, it’s not like he thinks of me anyway," answered Rose.
"What you’re doing is reserved for his lover, specifically. You are showing the wrong message to others," said Lily firmly.
I turned to look at John with a face that screams HELP ME! but John replied with a face that can only be described as I don't know how!
"Oh, that’s fine. I belonged to Onii-chan anyway. And besides, since he bought me, I am practically his slave," said Rose as she raised her nose.
“S— slave?!" shouted Lily with a surprised look. I gave Rose a bump to her head.
"What the hell, Rose?! I never treated you as such before. I only treated you as my little sister. Don't go telling people something I never did to you before," I scolded her.
She pouted and started sulking but continued to follow behind. Lily came up to my side and gave Rose her signature fu fu smile. I can see that, Lily, even though I wished I didn’t.
***
We finally reached the founder's building. Honestly, it was surprisingly modest. It was just a two-storey wooden building that looks very homely from the outside. But this should be an office building rather than a home. No one would be willing to welcome strangers into their home for business purposes if they can help it.
I knocked on the door and heard a voice calling me to come in. Upon opening the door, there was a receptionist seated at the front desk. She bowed as I approached her and asked how she can help me. I told her that I would like to speak to the founder of this place to show him something extremely valuable. She told me that any direct selling is not allowed and should be done with a merchant and such.
I clarified with her that she got the wrong message. What I want to talk to him is to venture on a business prospect about a potion. Should he wish to venture in that prospect, then we can proceed further. Otherwise, I'll just be on my merry way.
I showed the receptionist the potion in question and she brought it to the other room. We waited for a short while and was granted permission to meet with the founder. He was an elf but he looked matured. How old is he to even start looking like this? We greeted him with our human tongue while Lily greeted him in elvish. She seems familiar with him. Turns out he is part of the Moonshine family. Just how large is the Moonshine family anyway?
“Now, is this the rumoured potion that I kept hearing about? There were reports from people saying that they saw people fighting the Underwater Dragon King without wearing any bubble helmet," asked the founder as he remained seated on this chair.
“That's right. Behold, the potion of mermaid's breath that allows you to breathe underwater for about thirty minutes. And it removes all restrictions of walking underwater as well," I explained to the founder.
"Colour me intrigued but, where did you get this exactly?" he asked.
"I made it myself. I am quite versed in alchemy and I completed it after knowing that I'll be coming here," I replied.
“And— how long did it took you to make this breakthrough?” he asked.
"About a month, I suppose?" I said.
“Sigh— you made this alone in a month? I have an entire team in research and development trying to create something like this for years and yet you made this in a month" he explained with a depressed tone.
“I— don't really know what to say," I answered with an awkward smile.
"Let's cut to the chase, you want to sell your recipe to me, right? Yes, I am interested. What say about— a hundred gold coins, your currency?" asked the founder.
To your average person, that might had sounded a lot. But for me, I still have at least a hundred gold coins myself thanks to grandfather. You can't sway me with such a small amount. Heh heh.
I gave him a thinking face as I pretended to consider the offer. But I had already made up my mind on what I wanted to do with my potion recipe.
"How about 150 gold coins? Or 175? You won't get a better offer out there, I promise you,” said the founder as he started to sweat.
I can see that the other three were drooling at the sound of how much was being offered. I, on the other hand, was unfazed by it. Is he starting to panic? I didn’t even say anything. Or maybe he’s afraid of losing the opportunity to persuade me and that I would rather sell it to someone else instead.
"Let me tell you what I have in mind. I will give you my recipe, for free," I smiled.
I can see the look on their faces of the three person behind me. “What am I even talking about? Why should you give the recipe for free?” they must be thinking.
"But in return, no one will have complete monopoly in selling my product here. Instead, I want to collect money in the form of royalty instead. For every bottle sold, I want 30% of the profit," I explained to the founder.
He was taken aback by my proposal. I am sure that 30% is quite a huge profit margin as he will also want a cut of his own when selling the potions to all the merchants. But I can foresee that this will be a hot selling item. Seeing underwater directly with your very eyes is nothing short of amazing. I am sure the elves will be throwing their money to buy it any chance they get.
"How about— 15% instead?" he asked cautiously.
“Well then, I guess I'll just sell this to someone else instead," I told him as I waved him farewell and proceeded to walk out the door.
"Wait, wait!" he shouted to stop me from leaving.
He brought out his calculating tool which looked foreign to me. How do you count with such an odd tool? After a short while of calculating and wiping the sweats from forehead, he nodded to himself.
"Alright, 30% is a deal. It will be a monthly profit and will be sent directly to your account on the surface. Would that suffice to conclude our deal?" he asked as sweats continued to form on his forehead.
"Deal," I extended my hand to him and we shook on it.
But of course a deal is nothing without proper paperwork. A contract must be established in order to guarantee that both sides will honour their side of the deal. A person of high ranking was present when we signed three copies of the contract. One for the founder, another for me, while the last is for the city councils where all contracts are kept safely. If they don’t have a copy, there’s a chance your contract is either invalid or declared as a fake.
But what if the city officials lose your contract? They will also keep a record in their official book of records for this official date. It will take much longer for them to confirm your contract legitimacy using this method but better than outright declaring it as invalid.
After handing the recipe to the founder, he was stumped that the ingredients were actually cheap and the process to make was pretty easy. But he understood why they couldn’t create this potion in the first place. All of the ingredients listed were things that one would not likely to touch voluntarily.
According to the city council, I am to remain in this city for about two days in order for them to ensure that the recipe is in fact real and the potion tested properly.
Two days in this city, huh? Nothing to worry about as there are so many attractions here for me to explore. I’m certain Rose would be very happy to hear that.
When all is done, the three of them questioned me on why I chose this method rather than outright selling. I told them that the potion is definitely going to be a hit. It’s something completely new and I’m certain there will be many rich elves who is going to take advantage of this. I bet there will be some filthy rich elves that is going to purchase my potions in bulk and resell them at a higher price. Works for me as all I need is 30% of the profit. Doesn't matter who purchased it as long someone make the purchase.
***
It was getting late now and we had our dinner in the tavern that we first arrived here. I've already booked a night and it would be a total waste if we do not stay the night. Lily was shocked that Rose and I will be staying in the same room together and she immediately asked the innkeep whether there was another room available. Surprisingly, there happened to be another single room with two beds. I guess I'll be staying in the same room as John then.
Once we checked-in our rooms, I was actually dreading to sleep. I can already predict what’s gonna happen tonight. Kirin is gonna be angry while Byakko will be laughing his ass off. I tried my best to stay awake but fatigue overcame me. John was already snoring when I decided to blew off my bedside candle and prayed for a peaceful night.
***
When I came to, I was sitting on the floor seiza style while Kirin was glaring at me. Byakko was sitting on a rock yawning.
What the hell? Am I being convicted here?
“For you to actually use Tengu-kaze over me, I’m so disappointed in you,” sighed Kirin.
“What can I say? Using me is better,” answered Byakko with a smug face.
“Quiet, I’m talking to the boy,” roared Kirin.
“It was not like I can only use only Inazuma, right? I should be allowed to have the option to use another weapon depending on the situation, isn’t it?” I asked.
“And you think using Tengu-kaze was any better?” questioned Kirin.
“Well, he did managed to slice up the high speed water pressure from the Underwater Dragon King. Inazuma doesn’t have any specialty aside from being light-weighted,” I explained to them. Silence engulf all of us. It was Byakko who broke the silence by laughing out loudly.
“That’s a good one, boy!” said Byakko as he continued laughing. I didn’t think what I said was that funny.
“D— did I say something wrong?” I asked genuinely.
“Nothing at all, boy. The reason you can use wind pressure from Tengu-kaze is because I was willing to share some of my powers with you. As to why Inazuma does not feel special is because Kirin deemed it so as you’re not worthy in using his powers,” answered Byakko.
“I— never said that. I just thought that he should earn his right before I lend him my powers, Kirin explained.
“And— when would that be? I almost died a couple of times while fighting with the Underwater Dragon King today. If it was not for the Hand of the Lightning God, who knows what would had happened,” I squinted at Kirin.
“And it was because of me that you found that very gauntlets in the first place,” he retaliated.
“Excuse me? All you did was pointed out the location of the gauntlets. You weren’t there to help me dig it out for a year, and after that I had to increase my skill stats in order to use it, which took another three years. If anything, it was more like through my own efforts that I survived today,” I answered with a pissed tone.
He wanted to say something but he stopped. I’m guessing he had nothing to retaliate with.
“You know what, if you’re unwilling to lend your powers to me after all that we’ve been through, maybe I should make Tengu-kaze as my main weapon instead seeing that he’s more generous,” I said firmly.
“Oh ho, I’m liking the sound of that,” smiled Byakko.
“Now wait just a moment, you shouldn’t act so rashly. You are more used to wielding Inazuma over any other weapon,” said Kirin.
“I can use either weapon just fine. If anything, I was getting the hang of using Tengu-kaze with my right hand,” I shrugged.
If you’re gonna act like that, then I’ll do the same. I have the right to choose a legendary weapon that is willing to lend me their powers.
“Byakko-sama, I shall officially make Tengu-kaze as my main weapon starting today,” I announced to Byakko.
“OSSU!” shouted Byakko as he saluted me with his paw.
“Wait, WAIT!” shouted Kirin as he tried to stop us.
“Ahem— alright. I'll start lending you some of my powers from now on," he said softly as he looked away to the side.
Just how much of a Tsundere can you get?
"Are you sure? You're not just saying that, are you?" I squinting at him.
"I don't go back on my words. Although, you wouldn't be able to fully use our powers as of yet. You need some time to get acclimated in using our powers," explained Kirin. I turned to Byakko and he nodded. Seems like what he said is true.
"Alright then, I look forward to working with the both of you then," I said while giving the peace sign. I can feel myself waking up which was why my vision was starting to turn white.
“Hey— wait!" shouted Kirin as he tried to stop me from disappearing.
***
I opened my eyes and smiled. Never in my life did I ever thought that I’ll win an argument against Kirin. Feels oddly unsettling. But that didn’t last long at all.
Happiness turned to horror immediately as I turned my head to the side. I saw Lily's face directly in front of me with her eyes closed. She was sleeping right next to me. What the hell happened last night when I was asleep?!