I felt a bit tired after finishing my daily routine. It was currently noontime, the hottest time of the day. At this moment, I should be eating to my heart's content but Yukio was looking for me. Though there was a slight problem.

"Tsk~ Why didn't I ask Tesuo where Yukio was. Now I'm stuck here looking for him and I haven't eaten yet."

I was busy roaming around the whole village with a hungry stomach. It didn't take long before I gave up and looked for a place to eat. I ended up on the ramen shop Yukio have recommended the last time.

The shop was pretty empty with only two people present, this already includes the chef. I guess it was because it's quite late for people eating but that doesn't affect me. It is rather better for me since I can have my ramen faster.

"Oh, it's Silva. You're quite late today." The chef welcomed me.

"I was looking for Yukio."

"That's unfortunate. He was here a while ago but he told me to tell you that he is in the duel field. I don't know where that is but I assume you know. By the way, he really knows you're gonna eat here, huh."

"It's already a given that I would eat here if I got the opportunity. You've got the best ramen here, Oyaji."

"Hahaha. I won't argue with that... So you're ordering the usual right?"

"Yes," I nodded in confirmation.

I'm already acquainted with Daichi, the chef, after coming here many times during the past few weeks but he prefers to be called Oyaji like many of his customers.

Although during those times, I was going on alone. This place was Yukio's favorite place to eat but during this past month, I barely met him or see him in here. The incident has affected him greatly. Ever since that happened, the energy-filled Yukio has been quiet. He is totally different from the first few days. I saw him.

I heard that he was going alone at night to train himself to the limit. There was one time where people found him lying unconscious full of bruises and scratches. I tried to talk to him about his concerns but he avoids answering especially anything related to Shimomura. I'm also not in a position where I could force Yukio to tell me. I can already guess what's their relationship is but the words Shimomura left for me were something I concern about.

It was clear that Yukio wants to chase Shimomura as soon as his body fully heals even though she told not to. And for some reason, I got the responsibility to refrain Yukio from doing so.

To be honest, I don't care whatever Yukio wants to do. I'm only worried about the fact that I would get involved deeper no matter what I do. I still have my problems to worry about.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Here's your ramen."

My order was served in the middle of my train of thought. The delicious aroma has removed every problem that was on my mind for the meantime. It didn't take a second before I began stuffing my face with ramen.

"Yukio was different today."

"?" The sudden remark of Oyaji about Yukio got me to stop eating for a second.

"And I mean by different, he was back to his usual self. Not quite like before but I can sense some life back into him. Maybe that's why he was looking for you.

'Now that's something worth thinking about again.'

It's already strange that he was having the initiative to talk to me when for the past few weeks, I was the one starting the few conversations we had. And every time we had one, he barely had any interest talking or listening to me. I guess he has moved on with Shimomura already.

While I was enjoying my ramen, the door of the shop opened indicating a customer just entered.

"One order of Tonkutso Ramen and bottle of wine, Daichi."

"Oh~ It's Jo. You're feeling better already?"

It was the voice of someone I was very familiar with but also never heard of for the past month. Old Man Jo was currently wearing bandages all over his body. He was bedridden the whole time after the incident. It was understandable since Old Man Jo wasn't really the type who was accustomed to battles or being injured. This is the first time I saw him outside of his house and it looks like he's still not fully recovered yet.

"Hey brat, long time no see."

"Are you sure you can move around and drink alcohol already? It looks painful just watching you."

"Who are you to lecture me, brat. Don't worry, these are just small scratches. The doctor is only overreacting with these bandages."

'I doubt that. I can still see fresh red marks on some parts of the bandage.'

"Forget about me, what is sword addict brat doing?" The face of Jo turned serious.

"Yukio? I was just looking for him since he wants to talk."

"I guess he made his decision and I already know what it is... He's doesn't have the earth element but why is he so stubborn. Tsk~"

I could determine what Yukio's decision was through Jo's words. I also had a feeling it would end up like this but I always wanted to believe Yukio will forget about him because in that way I would be less involved. Besides the favour of Shimomura, my consciousness won't allow me to ignore it.

"If I were younger and in better shape, I would probably do the same for my niece," Jo said while drinking from the wine bottle.

"I know it's weird to talk to you about this since you probably don't have any relation with Kiyomi. It's just- I can't sleep knowing she is in the Royal Mage Association along with that bastard of a father."

"Is the Association that bad? " I saw a good opportunity to ask about it.

"You may not know about this brat, but we're originally from the capital. Along with my sister, we were prominent people before. I was the best blacksmith in town while she was the best Light mage and one of the best mages in the Association before 'he' become the head of it."

"You mean by he?"

"Kiyomi's father, Shimomura Kou. The person who changed the whole Association to worse."

I can see the frustration in the eyes of Jo when he said his name.

"That bastard! Fooling my sister and throwing her and his daughter away after using them. Now he wants his daughter back! I bet he doesn't even know or care at all that his wife died, and all because of him!"

The alcohol seems to have already hit Jo. He went on and on with his story without any intention of stopping. He was clearly not on his usual behaviour of being an unsociable old man. He let out all of his emotions with the help of alcohol.

I can't or don't have anything to say after the burst of emotion from Jo. I could only look at him eating his ramen and drinking his wine since my bowl of ramen was empty. Only when his ramen was done did his anger dissipate.

"Sorry, you have to hear me complain."

"It's alright. I am also in debt of Miss Shimomura so I want to help her if I can. Although, I never knew both of you have complicated backgrounds. I doubt it would be easy to do it especially when I'm having troubles of my own." I tried to give my honest opinion without sounding very hopeful or offensive.

"That's already good for me. It was my fault why I couldn't stop my sister from marrying that bastard. I tried to let Kiyomi live a normal life even without both of her parents but I guess fate is just cruel to her...

Maybe it's also fate why you met her...

I don't know what your decision would be but thanks for hearing me, brat"

Jo smiled and ordered another wine bottle. That was the end of our conversation.

I paid for my food and excused myself out. There were a lot of things going on in Jo's mind that I would only become a bother. It's better if I leave him alone for now. Besides, I'm still looking for Yukio.