“You sure this is the way?” Lin asked.
“I only came here once Lin. I have no idea,” I said.
Back when I was young and stupid, I made the glorious decision of leaving school and going on an adventure. I snuck into a caravan at Schalion, somehow made it past the border of Sluven and Slunten, and finally made it to Sun Port. After four relentless weeks of seafaring, I finally set my foot on the red lands.
I didn’t know much of anything about the world but my teenage mind was hellbent on adventure and thrill. So, I went to the demon continent to fool around.
By the time I reached the second city, I was already mugged thrice and was left destitute for a few days. The local guild took pity on me and gave me quests and that’s how I became an adventurer. One of my first jobs was to hunt down an elusive beast near the Bagrain river. Looked like a deer, just black and tasted really good, or so I’d heard.
But that was over a decade ago. I didn’t recognize anything here anymore. Heck, I couldn’t even find the river and I wasn’t sure if we were even in the right place to begin with!
Everything was red and deserted!
Lin sighed, “Let’s take a break.”
The sun was up high. And with little to no greens in this red scorched land, sitting in the sun felt worse. Still, we had to catch our breath somehow.
Luckily the white turbans were a godsend.
“Water?” I said, taking a sip and offering it to her.
“No thanks. Not as frail as you.”
“Don’t complain when you pass out from dehydration.”
“Really? Tell me, who passed out eighteen times so far?”
“Me…”
“How many times did I pass out?”
“None…”
“Exactly.”
Sigh. She had me, that was for sure. This woman was a monster when it came to stamina. Yet, these days she was looking a bit thin. Always worrying about her boy.
I contemplated proposing above seven times but, in the end, I convinced myself, I would only propose when we were back to gather… as a family.
“Do you think this’ll be enough? I’ve heard rumors about that Templar already reaching Moon port and leaving,” she broke a biscuit.
Our time here wasn’t short. But it felt like forever. People didn’t actively discriminate against us, but we weren’t really welcome here either. Just like they weren’t welcome back in the mainland.
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“If they just left, that means they’ve found Sol,” Lin said.
“Sol’s in good hands. Even if the church finds him, there’s little to nothing they can do; besides they’re searching for him not for us.”
“Yeah…”
“But with the knight gone, I think we should be safe for now. We should move back to-”
“No. There’s a high chance this is a ploy.”
“I honestly don’t think the church would really care that much Lin.”
The church took some matters seriously. Murdering a priest was one of them. However, they didn’t have infinite resources to hunt down every single murderer. And even if they did, it didn’t seem like a good use of might.
I didn’t want Lin to die. I didn’t want her to be alone. I didn’t want her to suffer this burden alone. That was why I came with her.
However, Lin had somehow convinced herself, by running away she was protecting Sol. Even though at this point, I had my doubts on whether Sol was even… no it was better to not say it. That boy was a genius and there was a very good chance he’d made the best use of his situation and….
Sigh.
But if he really was alive, wouldn’t he’d send at least one letter?
I could understand him not caring for me. But… I knew he cared for Lin and-
“Borges? Denkar Borges?” a voice.
Instinctively I drew my bow but lowered it immediately.
A mail man. He was floating in air.
“Yes?”
“Letter. I’ll be needing two gold and a signature.”
“Here.”
The man left almost immediately. Sometimes I wondered how they were so damn fast.
“Who’s it from?” Lin sure seemed excited. We both knew who it was from.
I sat back down and we read it together.
“
Dear Mom & Den,
I know it’s been a while and I’m not sure where to start. Lately life has been really interesting… I made some friends and the Baracks are treating me well. Classes at the academy have been going well and I placed 1st in my class for midterms! Even I’m confused how that happened. Guess I’m a genius, huh? Laugh*
You guys know I don’t have much mana but lately I’ve tried practicing some sort of magic. Manipulating wind to be specific. So far, I’m only mildly successful but one day I’ll be able to fully utilize this. That contract really came in handy.
I know you’ll be mad Mom but I got engaged. No, it wasn’t forced, at least not entirely but… I think I made the right decision. My fiancée is the 3rd daughter of a sovereign; she’s 6 years older than me. I’m not sure if you’d recognize the name Alzania but that’s the one. He also made me a noble, so now I’m a Baron? Even I’m a little confused If I should be honest.
Rexen turned out be a deity and the headmaster says I will not be persecuted by the church. Speaking of the church, Den, you better puff up your cheeks because I’m definitely punching you the next time.
Anyway, a lot of things happened and I don’t think I can fit them all on this page. Did you know just one-page costs 2 gold? Like what the hell! Water resistant paper is so damn expensive!
Anyway, I hope you guys are doing okay and hope to see you again someday.
Lovingly yours,
Sol. “
“Why does he want punch you of all people?” Lin said.
“I have no idea.”
I did have some actually. I was supposed to stay with him for a week. But I didn’t.
I was supposed to tell him about the Barack family and all their shortcomings beforehand… I didn’t.
Heck, I didn’t even introduce him to Anya and… shit!
Of course, he’d be mad.
Still, it thrilled me to know that kid was doing great. “Didn’t think he’d actually pull it off though,” I snickered. “But the daughter of a duke.”
“You told him to look for a bride?” Lin said.
“No, I was joking and told him to find some rich lady to settle down… with…” My words gradually became silent as I gulped a couple of times.
Lin was glaring, she was glaring hard. “I guess this settles it. We’re changing course.”
“To where then?”
“Sun port.”
A/N
This was supposed to be the epilogue but I've decided to extend the volume a bit more. Thanks for reading.