Lord Mikah of the Seventh sat in his dining hall, surrounded by nobles having their morning tea and snacks. Mikah’s long golden hair flowed across the floor. He wore a flowing white robe with golden embroidery at the sides as he sat alone at the centre. On his table was a castle of cupcakes and other pastries of different colours, which he indulged in. Mikah isn’t fond of having these delicacies, especially this early in the morning. But today is rather a special one.
Five days had passed since the disaster at Pyrovile. The confusion and disarray of the mercenaries after their masters had been defeated allowed the realm’s soldiers to successfully launch an assault on the town, defeating all the evildoers. Bloodborne once again demonstrated his prowess by sending a team of skilled adventurers into the scene, along with the swordsman he had spoken of. Lord Mikah took a sip from his tea, sighing. However, Sparrow had gone missing, and the envoy was en route to the citadel on the Third. As for how the volcano was stopped,—it was nothing short of a miracle.
“Everything is going smoothly,” Mikah whispered, biting through his scone. “Yet, it makes me uneasy. What are your thoughts, Zyrion?”
The general of Mikah ranks stood beside him stood there. His eyes burned with a fiery red, matching the vibrant hue of his hair. He wore a short-sleeved, thick leather attire, brown trousers, and long boots. His massive, muscular frame was accentuated by the sword clutched tightly at his waistband.
“He’s a popular swordsman who recently made a name for himself some few years back. The weeping swordsman they call him,” Zyrion said, his face stern.
“Zyrion, listen carefully. Times are shifting as we speak. Diplomats from nations beyond the ocean have initiated contact. The great lords, including myself, have agreed on the formation of a new organization,” Lord Mikah said, his voice steady as he finished his tea. He paused, as the maids quietly entered to clear the table, removing the plates and unfinished pastries. “There will come a day when you must kill Hades.” Lord Mikah’s eyes locked onto Zyrion.
“A structure made by the placing of stones upon another needs only but a gentle breeze to topple it. Yet, it can always be rebuilt. However, if a great whirlwind were to hit the structure, it would send the stones flying away never to be seen again. What can be built then, when there are no materials to do so? The great lords can tolerate any minor mishap, but if there is anything, and I mean anything, that will hinder the progress of the peace and prosperity this kingdom has long wished for, we can’t seal our lips and bow our heads. Zyrion,” he said, calmly“you are my most trusted knight and friend. Tell me, can you capture the so-called Weeping Swordsman?”
Zyrion stayed quiet, gripping his sword.
“I see,” Lord Mikah said, standing up. “Let’s go. Lord Ansan would be displeased if we arrived late.”
*
“Are you awake, Hades?” a female voice asked. Hades’s vision was blurry, and the only thing he could make out was the green pastures. “Are you alright, Hades? Hey, are you okay, buddy?” the girl swung her hands in front of his face.
“Mr. Swordsman, is anything wrong?”
He heard Emilia’s voice. He was in bed, his entire body covered with bandages, including his head.
“Are you thirsty or anything?” Emilia asked, adjusting his blanket. “I was so glad when you woke up, but you kept on mumbling something. Is something the matter?”
Mr Swordsman touched his head, feeling the bandage. The room smelled nice, he thought, just noticing the unsettling amount of flowers and letters around him. He looked outside the window, hearing the loud sounds of construction and men screaming as they worked.
“Yeah, everything is back to normal,” Emilia said with a smile.
Mr. Swordsman grunted, laying back down.
“A-Are you…. Okay?” Emilia rushed to him, trying to figure out what to do.
“I’m fine Emilia. Just need some quiet time, that’s all”
She withdrew her arms from his bed. “Oh, I see. I’ll take my leave then and tell the others.”
Emilia reached for the door but was immediately hit by it, with Pasta and Tori storming in.
“SEE TORI I TOLD YOU HE’S AWAKE!!”
“STOP YELLING DAMMIT!” Tori yelled
Pasta pushed her aside and leapt on the bed. Emilia waved her hands frantically for him to come down.
“I can never miss your energy, Mr Swordsman. You can’t hide it from me even when you’re close to death,” Pasta boasted.
“Hey…. Pasta. Did you just shove me? Are you perhaps…. Looking for a death wish?” Tori unleashed her scythe and jumped onto the bed.
“Bring it pink-haired,” Pasta crossed blades with her.
“Would you two stop already? Mr Swordsman trying to rest!” Emilia yelled.
Mr. Swordsman opened his eyes wide, wondering why the heavens seemed to be punishing him as soon as he woke up.
“You’re pretty strong for a noodle,” Tori smirked, pushing Pasta back.
“Who’re you calling a noodle, huh? Pink-haired?” Pasta pushed her back.
“I’m going to cut you in half, Pasta!”
“Try me, girlie!”
Emilia thwacked both of their heads with her sword. They fell from the bed.
“Can’t you both be a little considerate about Mr. Swordsman’s health?”
“That hurt, sis. Mr Swordsman is looking fine; he’s awake so there’s no issue, right?”
“Just look at how much he’s bandaged. How is he fine?!”
Tori managed to stand on her feet. “Girl, you’ve got some anger issues. As for the half-dead swordsman, he’s just lazy, staying in bed for five days. It’s only a matter of time before he gets fat.”
“That’s not how people get fat!”
Pasta sighed, “Yeah, he needs to eat a lot of food too”
Emilia clenched her fists. “He’s there injured and you’re saying all these things about him”
Tori rested her finger on her chin and observed Mr Swordsman. “He needs to stop exercising and start wearing tank tops and shorts,” she said.
Pasta joined her observation, “Yes, add some excessive hair and we’ve got ourselves a-“
They turned to the other. “An obese, sweaty, unkempt Mr. Swordsman!” they screamed in unison.
Emilia’s eyes glowed red, her aura rising, perhaps strong enough to shake the entire kingdom. “Hey, it looks like you both haven’t learned your lesson.”
She unsheathed her sword. Pasta and Tori clutched each other and ran out of the room, screaming. Pasta came back, sticking his head in.
“Mr Swordsman, we have a talk, so get better quick”
Emilia turned her eyes to him. His hair stood on end like that of a frightened cat. Tori stretched her hand and pulled him out.
Emilia sighed and closed the door. She sat in her chair and continued reading her book.
“I suppose I should thank you, Emilia,” Mr. Swordsman whispered.
“There’s no need to. They have no manners barging in here and causing a ruckus,” she looked at him. “You hungry?”
“A bit”
“I’ll grab something”
She stood and walked to the door but was stopped by Mr Swordsman.
“Have I really been asleep for five days?”
“Yes,” she turned away. “Grandpappy found you bleeding a lot. You almost died,” Emilia gripped her skirt, tears streaming down. “I was so happy when you woke. It was my choice to come here, and you got hurt because of it. It’s always my fault”
“Emilia,” Mr Swordsman smiled, “I’m fine”
“Liar! You can’t even walk”
“Right, but I’m still fine”
“How is that fine?”
“I’m alive, aren’t I?”
Emilia cleaned her eyes and forced a smile. “Yeah you are,” she opened the door, “You must be starving to say all that, Mr Swordsman”
“I am famished. By the way Emilia”
“What?”
“Just where am I?”
“We’re at Tony’s mansion. I’ll go get your breakfast. Bye Mr Swordsman”
*
Three days had passed, and Mr Swordsman was finally back on his feet. Much to the surprise of everyone who had thought he was either dead or simply not human, to regenerate quickly. Pyrovile organized a banquet to honour their heroes.
Tony’s manor was filled with prestigious guests, town leaders, and other significant figures. The golden chandeliers cast a glittering glow across the room. Chiefs from all around, including Gordon, the self-proclaimed best, had prepared an outstanding array of meaty meals, the likes of which the town had never seen before.
Pasta was dressed in a suit, one that he had been forced to wear by Emilia. He stood on the balcony accompanied by Mr Swordsman, who had been avoiding Emilia all day in an attempt to avoid wearing one too.
“Aren’t you heading in? You are the leading figure in today’s celebration after all,” Pasta said.
“Same goes for you”
“No, not me. You mean Emilia. I practically did nothing,” he said, staring at the starry skies. “You were amazing, Mr Swordsman”
Mr. Swordsman gazed at the stars. “I was scared,” he whispered.
Pasta looked at him quizzically. “Scared?”
“Using your gift requires stamina. If you don’t have enough, it can drain your life force and even lead to death. But I overcame my fears, and that’s all I did.”
“How did you overcome them?”
Mr. Swordsman turned away from the stars and eyed the party. “I was stronger than my fears”
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“Oh,” Pasta turned away and smirked. “You know what, Mr. Swordsman?” He stretched his little finger. “I was quite shaken by your display, but I assure you of this: I, mighty Pasta, will become strong enough to fight side by side with you, and also against you.”
“Where’s this coming from?”
Pasta lowered his head. “You see, for the past few days. I’ve been doubting myself. You said to get a gift, one must overcome trials, but I’ve already done so. The best I can do is train so…”
He stretched out the finger. “I don’t need a gift to become the strongest knight. The gift needs me cause I’m gonna be damm amazing”
Mr. Swordsman remained stoic and crossed fingers with him. “I don’t know if it’s the pride talking or lack of sleep”
“Both Mr Swordsman. Both”
“Here you are, guys,” Hudson said as he entered, wearing a white suit with a blue rose pinned to it.
“Here’s our scholar,” Pasta praised.
Hudson’s cheeks turned red. “Hey! It’s too early to call me that”
“Congratulations, Hudson,” Mr Swordsman said.
Hudson bowed, “Thank you, sir”
“Who would have guessed? A bard decided to pay for your education abroad and even give you a mansion there,” Pasta said, sitting on the floor. “You’re also going to have all those workers. Damm you’re lucky”
Hudson chuckled nervously, “They are not workers but my family and he’s not a bard but a noble”
“Huh, Mr Swordsman said he’s a bard”
“Let Hudson be; he must have forgotten”
“Forgotten what?” Hudson asked.
“I guess I’m right then”
Hudson went close to Mr Swordsman, meeting his eyes and just a few inches from touching lips.
“You promised we’re gonna spar one day”
“Yes. I did”
“When will that be?”
Mr Swordsman sighed, “Well, if not now, guess I’ll just have to visit you abroad for it, yes?”
“Promise?”
“I promise,” Mr Swordsman replied with a smile.
Pasta got on his feet. “YES! I’ve decided. Time for some meat!”
*
“Grandpappy!” Andy shouted, leaping onto the table with a bottle in hand, downing the wine in a single go. Tori wondered why the girls felt attracted to an old man wearing a suit who acted in such a manner. She wore a purple gown and gloves, forced by Emilia. Andy gave her a thumbs-up, leaving Tori to wonder why—but she didn’t care enough to ask. She spotted Emilia at the end of the hall, being pestered by various leaders, likely showering her with thanks.
“Are you Tori, the famous S-rank adventurer?” a man asked, as others surrounded her. Tori was surrounded in mere seconds.
“I heard you defeated Matthew, the second in command of the mercenaries. So sick!” one exclaimed.
“If you think that’s impressive, you should see her weapon. It’s awesome.” “You’ve got to show us.”
“Yes, please, show us.”
Tori stood there in silence, reaching in for her baton.
“Meat!” Pasta came bursting through, shoving all of them aside and joining Andy, who happily welcomed him with open arms as both indulged in their meaty feast. Tori was grateful for the distraction. Either that, or she would have shown them her scythe, not in a way they would have liked, of course. She made her way to Emilia but was stopped by a comment.
“Who’s that guy anyway?” one of the men snarled.
“He’s a part of their party. Apparently, he did nothing useful”
“Hehehe. So why is he here?”
“The free food, perhaps. Look at him chow down like an abandoned dog”
“Dog?” Tori stared at them, her eyes cold as the domains of the fourth realm.
They shivered and grabbed each other.
“Hey guys, let’s go”
“Yeah, let’s go”
Tori was relieved. She turned over and saw a smiling Emilia close to her face.
“Eek How did you get here!?”
“I saw those guys were being a bother”
“Oh”
Emilia let go of her smile and said, “Thanks for standing up for him. If not for you, I would have done some nasty things, and I’m wearing something pretty tonight.”
She wore a dark green gown adorned with floral patterns. A green rose brooch graced her wrist, while her brown hair was elegantly styled up, decorated with a green rose.
“Yeah, I was saving them from you, after all,” Tori giggled.
Emilia smirked. “You sure. I recall you not caring about Pasta a few days back”
“Nothing has changed since then. He’s still a freak”
“Y-yep, you’re right,” Emilia chuckled.
Andy noticed that Tori had left. He stepped down from the table, tapped Pasta on the back as he devoured one piece of food, and then moved to the next. After that, Andy moved behind Tori and stayed there.
Tori turned to look at Andy and then back at Emilia, holding her hands.
“What’s wrong, Tori?”
“Nothing, it’s just that we are going our separate ways after this.”
Emilia lowered her head and then raised it again. “It was enjoyable, every single second of it.”
Tori’s eyes went teary. “Yep, every second. You want to hear something funny?”
“Do tell”
“Those boys from earlier thought we were at the same party,” Tori giggled.
“Are they wrong?”
“No, they aren’t,” Tori sniffled
“Yeah, we make the perfect team.” Emilia hugged her and saw Mr Swordsman sitting alone on the balcony, not wearing a suit she picked out.
“You look beautiful, Emilia,” Tori complimented.
“You look way better,” Emilia said, still smiling.
“I hate the dress. Don’t make me wear it again.” Tori frown.
“Yeah, yeah, but we’re gonna make an exception when you get married to my brother”
“WAIT WHAT!!!” Tori yelled.
Emilia giggled and ran to the balcony waving back, “Bye, bye Tori”
Andy smiled and reached into Tori. She clenched her fists and composed herself.
“I’m hungry,” she said, heading to the table, leaving Andy alone.
Cumbleton noticed and left the group of workers he was catching up with.
*
“Hey man, what do you think of Emilia?” Kot asked as he stood guard at the entrance. Little Bobby stood beside him, skewers of chewy meat in hand.
“Give it a rest, Kot. You are no match for her,” Bobby said, biting down on his meal.
“No way, man, I’m not done yet. Look,” Kot said, bringing out a bundle of flowers. Bobby stared at him, perplexed yet having a clue about what was going on.
“And... What is that for?”
Kot’s eyes sparkled. He clenched his fists and walked forward.
“Where do you think you’re going, Kot? You have to stay at your post. Dammit, get over here!” Bobby exclaimed.
Kot stopped and turned back. “Nothing can stop love, not even you or your so-called post. Tonight, I propose to Emilia.”
Bobby blinked rapidly at him. Is he nuts in the head or perhaps he’s sick? He was the one who declined Hudson’s request to join the party and now he’s leaving to propose.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to be with my future bride,” Kot said as he turned back and walked to the balcony, his heart filled with determination. He was so excited; nothing could quench the flame he held within himself. Her dress had struck him close to madness and her eyes had drifted him to lands far away and out of reach to all mortals. Tonight, she would be his, and he would be hers. As Kot arrived at the balcony, he dropped his flowers. He saw Emilia laughing with the swordsman who just stood there with a hideous grin.
So that’s how it is, he thought. She prefers stronger guys. He ran back screaming, not holding back his tears, and dashed out the entrance, terrifying the guests. Little Bobby sighed in frustration and quickly assigned other guards to cover Kot’s spot. Knowing he wasn’t the best at mending broken hearts, Bobby headed out to find Hudson for help.
*
After being away for so long, Hudson found himself in a whirlwind of stories from the workers. They surrounded him in their corner of the hall, eager to share everything they’d experienced during his absence. From Mary managing the manor to Gordon, intentionally preparing strange meal combinations, and the mansion nearly turning into a battleground—they had so much to say. Some even mentioned witnessing a bird transform into a terrifying creature. Hudson chuckled awkwardly, thinking some of these tales might be exaggerated just to amuse him.
The musicians began to play a slow, melodious tune, leading everyone towards the dance stage. Hudson, still surrounded by the eager workers, scanned the room. His eyes landed on Mary, adorned in a yellow gown and white gloves. She was enjoying tangerines, her eyes sparkling like moonlight with each bite she savoured.
Hudson excused himself from the workers and approached her. She looked at him, and without a word, offered the plate of tangerines to him. He shook his head and offered his hand. She turned back and pointed to herself. Hudson nodded. Mary accepted his hand, and they went to the dance floor. Both moved rhythmically to the music and even though she wasn’t perfect, their bright smiles said it all.
“What the. Gordon has to see this,” a worker said, running the kitchen with some others. They barged the door open.
“WHAT THE HELL. KEEP IT DOWN MONGRELS”
Gordon was furiously mixing a concoction of dubious ingredients, frying and boiling with frantic precision.
“Gordon! The dance floor—Hudson and Mary!”
“What!” Gordon exclaimed, splattering ingredients everywhere. He tossed his utensils onto the floor, cleaned off the tomato sauce from his palms using his apron, and dashed out of the kitchen, knife still in hand.
“You all clean this mess up and start over! You bunch of dummy dammy cooks!”
The remaining cooks sighed in relief at his departure, though they were left to deal with the mess.
When Gordon arrived at the hall, a proud smile spread across his face as he remarked, “I knew my master had it in him.”
“Kot will be so depressed,” Little Bobby said.
“Shouldn’t you be on guard? I thought you were not a fan of all this”
“I’m not, Gordon. I’m just here for the master. Kot is all sad about being rejected”
“Rejected? And he calls himself a man?” Gordon held up his knife, his eyes gleaming with rage. “Get me to him. I’ll show him how men of the old days handle such situations”
Bobby eyed him. He wanted Kot to be healed from his pain, not killed for it.
On the dance floor, Hudson led the dance, supporting Mary in every way, even when she stepped on his feet multiple times.
“Master Hudson, it is quite strange you requested a dance”
“Is that so?”
“I haven’t properly thanked you yet also,” Mary turned away. “For dealing with L-. Tony”
“Well, I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without them, right?”
Mary met his eyes. The calmness and uncertainty he always hid there were still present. Out of them all, he was the closest to Lord Tony. Yet, he did not look like someone who had lost something, but rather like a person who had gained a lot more in return.
“You know I’m awful at this, right?” she giggled.
“Who cares? And Mary, I would prefer if you called me Hudson instead”
“Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. Lady Emilia had told me a lot about your trip- “
Hudson held her shoulders, terrified. “W-What did she tell you?”
“Well…” Mary chuckled.
Hudson’s cheeks were already burning red. Pasta was right, after all. Emilia was not the angelic figure he had seen her as.
One of the town’s leaders stepped onto the stage, dressed in a flowing grey garment with a tree design on both sides, similar to the attire of the other leaders.
“It appears to be time, Hudson,” Mary said, still smiling at him, “Don’t have cold feet now”
Hudson’s eyes lost all their colour. In his next life, he’ll have to deal with Emilia and Tori.
He approached the stage holding a glass and tapped it with a spoon to get everyone’s attention. Emilia pushed Mr. Swordsman into the party. Pasta and Tori stayed at the table, stuffing their faces.
“I have so much to say, yet I find it hard to put into words. I was in a very dark place, but they helped me out of it, just as they did with the town. I can’t offer much as promised, Emilia, but I hope this party can pay a fraction of my enormous debt to you all. After all, Gordon’s food is exceptional.”
Everyone at the party laughed. Emilia chuckled while Gordon smiled proudly, crossing his arms.
“But still, I want to thank you all—Pasta, Tori, Andy, Mr. Swordsman, Emilia. A toast to the heroes of Pyrovile,” he raised his glass. Everyone joined in, raising their own glasses in a collective toast.
*
“What is Hudson talking about?” Pasta asked while stuffing more meat into his mouth.
“No clue,” Tori did the same.
Guests at the party exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why a beautifully dressed damsel acted in such a manner in public
Andy plopped down next to Pasta at the table, lowering his head. Pasta glanced between him and Tori, then back to Andy, back to Tori, Andy, Tori, and so forth.
“I should take my leave,” Pasta said, getting up.
Tori continued eating, still ignoring Andy.
“I’m sorry, cupcake. What can grandpappy do to make you happy?”
Tori’s eyes gave an ominous colour. “Those girls, let’s beat them up”
Andy giggled. “Sure thing, dear. Anything to make you happy”
Tori eyed him and turned away, pouting. “I don’t like the way they call you grandpappy. You’re my grandpappy, not theirs”
“But Emilia and the others call me that sometimes”
“They’re an exception!” she said, “I just don’t like it okay”
Andy patted her head. “Okay, cupcake. Grandpappy had heard you”
The women hurried in with platters of meat and bottles of wine, wearing flashy attire that showed their cleavage.
“Grandpappy! We’ve got some more booze. Let’s party!”
Andy stood up silently and moved to the girls, looking down at them with his deadly gaze. “Call me ‘Grandpappy’ again, and I’ll make sure you never see the light of day,”
The ladies dropped their plates and bottles, fleeing from the party in terror. The fear etched into their minds would linger forever. Andy turned back to Tori with a grin and a thumbs up.
“G-G-Grandpappy!” Tori cried out and hugged Andy. Cumbleton standing at the corner. He didn’t have to do anything to solve the matter. Tori didn’t need to know the reason Andy was surrounded by all those girls in the first place was because of her.
*
“I’m stuffed,” Pasta groaned, resting on Emilia’s shoulders.
“Your fault for eating so much,” Emilia said.
“I know, but the meat was so good!”
“Learn to control yourself, brother”
“We’ll be leaving, Pyrovile, tomorrow. I need to get a decent amount in”
Mr. Swordsman ate something from the table. It’ll be a shame if he didn’t have at least a bite.
“Hey, Mr Swordsman. Is your name Hades by any chance?” Pasta asked, still groaning in pain. Emilia’s eyes widened. She was planning to ask the same thing, but how did Pasta know about Mr Swordsman’s real name?
“Y-yes Mr Swordsman. Is your name really Hades?” Emilia asked.
“It is. How did both of you know about this?”
Pasta and Emilia nervously laughed. Emilia doubted that sharing what she saw in that place would be of much use. Mr Swordsman was still recovering and bothering him with such news may affect his health. Also, she wanted to conduct her investigation first.
Pasta, on the other hand, couldn’t reveal how he was pinned by a big bird. His image as the ‘Mighty Pasta’ would be ruined. He just had one option left. To lie.
“You see- “
“It does not matter,” Mr Swordsman said, eating his meal. How they got his name meant nothing to him. It's not like he’s the only one who knows it and he was also planning to tell them, anyway.
“But Mr Swordsman is way better,” Pasta said with a smile.
“Yep, way better,” Emilia agreed.
Mr Swordsman had a glass of wine. “Tomorrow we leave Pyrovile. Let’s not forget why we set out”
“Okay,” the siblings said in unison.
“Now, let’s enjoy the party and say goodbye to the flaming town”
*
The next morning, the entire town was bidding farewell to the adventurers. Tori hugged Emilia as tears streamed down her face.
“I’m so, so, sooo going to miss you, Emi!!”
“I’ll miss you, Tori,” Emilia patted her on the back.
“Let’s meet again, alright?”
“Of course”
Tori cleaned her eyes and jumped into the carriage, herself and Andy waving goodbye.
“Bye guys, let’s all meet again!”
“Grandpappy wishes you all a prosperous venture, hahaha”
The carriage went out of sight. The people of Pyrovile also waved goodbye.
“Time for us now to take our leave,” Mr Swordsman said, walking out with Emilia and Pasta trailing behind him.
“Another adventure here we come!” Pasta yelled, drawing his sword.
Emilia opened her guidebook, which is now on the final pages. “Off to the fourth realm. I just can’t wait- “
Pasta stopped, “Anything wrong, sis?”
Emilia shook in fear. “W-We can’t leave the realm”
“And why’s that?” Pasta asked.
“The flowers”
“What flowers?”
“The sun blossoms for our quest”
“Oh, the sun blossoms. I remember them”
Mr Swordsman turned to her, “We’ll return them to the guild at another town ahead”
Emilia chuckled, scratching her hair. “Well, I left them in the carriage”
“What!” Mr Swordsman and Pasta screamed.