The three-day journey stretched before me, and though it often felt arduous, this time it held a sense of anticipation that invigorated my spirit. I yearned to be reunited with Cordelia once more, to hear her voice warmly welcoming me with a heartfelt "Welcome home," even if we did not yet have a place of our own in this city.
Currently I'm queuing to enter the Vermina City this afternoon. The mere thought of embracing her again filled my heart with joy. Since the day we wholeheartedly confessed our feelings for one another, my life has taken an unexpected turn. I have discovered newfound dreams and aspirations that I never knew existed within me.
I arrived at the city gate of Vermina in the afternoon, going through the customary process of securing my entry pass. With that done, I proceeded directly to the merchant guild. As I entered, I spotted the guild officer, the very same person who had shared with me the tale of the superstition surrounding a knight and a girl. However, upon seeing me, his face drained of color, betraying a deep sense of unease.
"Takahiko!" he called out with urgency, his voice echoing through the room.
"What is the matter?" Sensing something amiss, I wasted no time in questioning him.
He hurriedly stepped away from the front desk, hastening his stride to reach me. Placing both hands on my shoulders, he seemed to struggle, grappling with the words he needed to convey. Despite his evident difficulty, he mustered the strength to speak.
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"I... I don't know how to say this, Takahiko," he stammered, his voice trembling.
My heart skipped a beat, a knot forming in the pit of my stomach. His struggle to find the right words filled me with an unsettling sense of dread.
"What is it?" I managed to utter, the words barely escaping my lips.
And then, in a hushed and sorrowful tone, he delivered the devastating news that struck at the very core of my being.
"...Cordelia... She is dead."
"NO WAY!" I exclaimed reflexively, unable to accept the news without further confirmation. My heart resisted the truth, unable to fathom such a devastating loss. But as I looked into his eyes, I found no deceit, no reason for him to lie to me.
"It... It can't be... How..." I stammered, struggling to process the reality that was being presented to me.
Understanding the difficulty I was facing, he spoke softly, "I too was taken aback by the news. The girls from Pixie Tavern informed me, knowing of Cordelia's connection to you."
Cordelia, my beloved Cordelia... It couldn't be true. I began to question the veracity of the tidings. If it were indeed true, where was her body? Should I investigate this further at Pixie Blessing?
"The body! WHERE'S THE BODY?!" I couldn't contain the urgency in my voice, drawing the attention of those around us. Yet, in that moment, I cared little for their curious gazes.
"Let us make our way to the knight's stronghold. I will accompany you," he offered, and I expressed my gratitude as we hastened toward the destination he pointed out.