***

During the first month, I was employed at Barnum’s restaurant, I have been serving the three, prominent regulars who usually seat upfront of the cashier counter to eat their ‘breakfast.’

These regulars were skilled ‘hunters.’ Hunters hunt for the monsters, which I am yet to see or learn of, in this world. And they earn by selling their hides, meat, and other precious loot they gain from killing it.

Among the three of the hunters was an assumed leader whose name was Grucious Qerucus. He had a large, muscly build that seems quite out of aesthetic to his old face. He had a large scabbard with its strap roped along his chest. A typical image of a fantasy adventurer. He was so strong that I guessed that he was around sixty years old, but he told me—

“I am about one hundred twenty years old.”

One hundred and twenty!? He looked so much younger and much stronger than his age!

But I suppressed my shock with a weak laugh.

“I can’t remember exactly I was born. So, what I said is an estimate,” he added.

Wait, time is measured differently here, especially years and months, but the rest are fundamentally the same.

When we started speaking with each other, though it was only for the orders, it was awkward. I strove to learn the language, ‘Brisishika,’ to live decently.

“Don’t add ‘-san’ at the end of their names. That’s weird,” Grucious scolded me. “The hell is a ‘san’ anyway?”

“S—sorry, it’s just a word a made up,” I bowed.

Grucious didn’t forgive any of my slight mistakes in speaking, but that helped me further my wisdom.

I have also become good acquaintances with the head of the town guards, which were called ‘Rayguards.’ His name was Malko Haman.

He had a fat build, and I could have poked fun on him because of his chubby looks if he wasn’t some important person. My respect for those in authority negated my overfriendliness and rudeness to him.

He was unexpectedly strong for someone with such seemingly poor fitness and was adept with his Fire Hirayios. He was the one that saved me and Warren from the thugs.

But my respect was challenged, not because of his looks, but because of his manners. Malko had a calm voice, but he was slow in speaking that you could mistake him for sleep-talking. It made me impatient every time I talked to him. That’s why I only talked to him when it was of utmost importance, to avoid wasting time.

Fortunately, I was seemingly charismatic enough to earn me their good side, but I was hiding the truth from them.

That I was fugitive wanted by the kingdom.

How long will I keep this up? It won’t be long until my pursuers find me.

***

I stood at the shore of the wide, crystal-clear lake. It was almost as if it were a mirror. But not only did it look like a mirror, but it was also a window showing the lake bed. I could see various freshwater fishes swimming about freely. This lake, as Barnum told me, is named Lake Laeisron.

Barnum took me fishing with him today, on Mayday. The day that Warren invited me to fish with him at the same lake.

Hopefully, Warren isn’t anywhere near the lake, or else he will bother me even further.

But, the worst that I feared had happened.

“Ramiel!” a cheerful voice called out from the woods.

Gikh!!

I flinched at the familiar tone of the voice and avoided looking back to see him.

I’ll just make him think that he got the wrong person and slip away!

“Ramiel, what’s wrong?” Barnum asked me.

“N—nothing! Nothing to worry about!”

“Didn’t you hear your friend call you? You didn’t respond at all. You should go gre—”

“I—I—I—I don’t know him! H—he got the wrong person…”

“Is that so?” Barnum glanced back and squinted his eyes toward the figure that I was certain is the vile Warren. “Hm… my eyes may be failing me, but, that’s unmistakenly Warren.”

“No—no, it’s not him! Why would he be here anyway?”

“Ramiel!” A hard slap on my shoulder befell me, forcing me to face Warren.

D—dang it! How did he still recognize me! I did my best not to show it!

“So you came fishing after all, and in the same day, huh? That’s amazing! Should we then fish together?” Warren asked with his eyes sparkling in expectation.

“Y—you got the wrong person! I—I do not know any Ramiel you are talking about!”

“What are you saying?” he smirked. “Isn’t he the one in front of me?”

“No! I don’t know any Ramiel! My name’s Rinoto. So, you must have gotten the wrong person!”

“Oh? What a weird name! Then, what’s your last name?”

“Rinoto Langst— no! Rinoto Yakunoto!”

Warren laughed and swiftly hugged my arm.

Stay away from me! Don’t touch me nor hug me without my permission!! I tried pushing him away from me, but his clingy force had more power.

Then he started to rub himself against me.

What are you, a cat!? You creep!

“You think you could trick me with such cheap lies? I will always know you— ita!! (ouch!!)”

Right in the middle of her sentence, I dropped a hand chop on her head with intense force to make him release me.

“What was that for!? It hurts, you know?” Warren said as he rubbed his head.

“You were being disgustingly clingy with me, you dweeb!” I shouted.

“W—what!? Y—you didn’t want me to hug you? I—is that what you are saying…?” Warren started to rub her shoulders like a high school girl would do when embarrassed.

Stop being gay, pervert! But I couldn’t say that in front of his approaching father.

“Oh!” A slim, but reasonably healthy man, who would I assume to be Warren’s father, stood beside him. “Is this the new friend you told me about?”

“Yes! This is Ramiel Langstrom, my best friend!” Warren answered spontaneously.

De!? When did we become best friends? You don’t get to decide that, jerk!

“Oh? So he was Warren all along! Why did you try to avoid him?” Barnum asked.

“W—what?” I averted my eyes away from all of them, “W—well… I—I didn’t try to avoid him. It’s just that—”

“It’s alright! It was only his way of teasing me!” Warren stated.

I glanced at Warren. He actually covered for me?

Both of our fathers laughed. “You guys get well together, don’t you? Oh, right, I haven’t introduced myself to you yet,” the man slightly bowed toward me. “I’m Warren’s father. Harun Grand’stadt is my name.”

I bowed likewise, “A pleasure to meet you, Harun Grand’stadt.”

I hate your son. But I couldn’t say that to his father.

Warren rashly snagged my arm into his arms, “Then, let’s go fishing together!”

“No thanks, I’d rather not!”

“Why?”

“Because you are annoyin— woah!”

Warren started to pull me away from the overseeing adults. “Then, you are coming with me, no questions asked!”

“W—wh—what? Stop it! Stop it!” I struggled.

For a boy, his body is soft. But, I guess that’s a body of a young boy.

***

At another part of the lake, quite far from our fathers, Warren laid a large piece of cloth on a spot where there was low-lying grass. Then, he brought out a wooden basket.

“Um, what are you doing?” I asked.

This is a fishing trip, stupid. Who brings a basket?

“I’m just making our picnic together.”

“What? This is a fishing trip,” I stated, surprised.

“Have you eaten breakfast yet?”

“Why are you asking this question?”

“You shouldn’t answer a question with a question, you know?”

“Whatever, you are such a pain.”

“Why is that?”

“You are just clingy and too, ugh.”

“Hm?”

“Just don’t talk to me.” I took off to the shore with the fishing rod that I borrowed from Barnum.

This fishing rod wasn’t made out of the modern, flexible, carbon fiber, but instead, a thick, sturdy, plank of wood. And there was a pulley attached to the end and the handle where there was a lever. That lever can be turned in circles which adjusts the string’s length.

I inspected the fishing rod, trying to figure out how to use it.

Very old school. I don’t know how to fish. So, this will be difficult for me. I wonder if, in the past, people used these kinds of fishing rods…

“Is there something wrong?” Warren asked as he placed various packed food on the picnic clothed.

I shook my head, “No, no, nothing’s wrong.”

“You seem quite troubled. Your face shows it,” Warren remarked.

“Hm? I don’t think so,” I fixed my face’s expressions.

This is bad. He is getting concerned with me again.

“Could it be that you don’t know how to fish?”

“And so what?” I said coldly, placing my hands on my hips to intimidate her. “This has nothing to do with you.”

“But, I can help you.”

“Yeah, yeah, no thanks. Just do your little doll playhouse over there.”

“Th—this is not a dollhouse!” Warren squealed.

What kind of girlish squeal was that?

“Just, don’t concern me with you, whatsoever.”

Warren walked toward me with his arms outstretched to take my fishing rod, and I avoided his hands.

“Go back! I don’t need your help. I can figure this out by myself.”

“Come on, don’t be shy. I can help you how to fish!”

“No-no, stay away from me!” I held the fishing rod like a sword to fend him away. “Can you stop being so annoying?”

“I—I’m annoying? Why? Do you hate me?”

I averted my eyes.

So annoying! What’s with the prying questions?

“Just stay away,” I said as I moved backward while he approached me.

I quickened my pace to widen our distance, but he also quickened his closing up the distance.

“Dude, stop!” I shouted.

“Let me help you!”

“Just stop, I said!” I swung the fishing rod in the air, and he dodged it.

“Woah! That’s dangerous!” he yelled.

“Stop. Approaching. Me. You. Creep!” I shouted as I swung the rod while I was running out of breath with every swing. But, then, my foot struck something hard, and it pained my ankle on impact.

Then, I stumbled and fell backward.

Crap! I forgot that the shore’s behind me!

I fell on my back into the mushy soil, and the water from the lake flowed around my upper body.

“Ramiel!” Warren shouted in horror.

As I lied there unmoving, the concerned face of Warren came into view and came close with mine. “Are you hurt? That was a hard fall you took.”

Too close! I moved my face to the side to avoid his face. What fragrance is this? Is he wearing some kind of cologne? Or maybe it’s the ground?

Stupid. It’s of course not the ground.

I sniffed for answers and confirmed the source of the smell.

“Wh—wha—wha—what are you sniffing at!? You pervert!” Warren screamed and slapped me on my cheek.

That slap stung.

What was that for!? You are the pervert, not me!

Well, that’s one way or another to get him off my back! Jeez, the annoyance has finally ended.

“Jeez! Why did you suddenly sniff around?”

I, with narrowed eyes, glared at him for a moment and picked up the dropped fishing rod, and started attempting to fish.

Then, I fished in silence.

Finally, peace. I would rather have Father teach me, but someone dragged me away from him! Well, I know how to use this, but I don’t know how to catch fish.

I remember reading somewhere that patience in fishing is one of the golden virtues. I guess I should wait for the fish to come to the bait at the hook.

“H—hey…” a weak voice called out.

And I turned to face it.

“I—I’m sorry for earlier…” Bowing his head, Warren adorably fidgets with his hands.

You had better be…!

“Y—yeah, I am sorry for earlier too—”

That’s not what I wanted to say! Why am I apologizing when he is at fault!?

“M—may I help you how to fish?” Warren blushed.

“Y—yeah… sure…”

WN—no! What? How? Something has possessed me!

In the end, he thought me how to fish at a respectable distance, not daring to touch me to guide my fishing, but, instead illustrated how I should.

Warren helped me how to fish until noon. Warren caught a few fishes while I caught none.

Haha… what a shame…

I don’t want to lose to this guy lest he bullies me for it!

“Oh! It’s noon!” Warren announced. “Should we eat lunch?”

“You brought lunch?” I asked.

“Yes! It’s in the basket,” he pointed at the wooden basket atop the large cloth.

“This is supposed to be for you and your father, right?”

“Ah, don’t worry. He has his own packed lunch.” Warren then prepared two wooden containers and opened its lid revealing then lunch.

“Wait, this lunch is for two,” I commented.

“Yes, I prepared it for you.”

“What? I said I wasn’t coming.”

“But you came!”

“It doesn’t make sense to me. Why would you bring lun—”

“Stop with the babbling. Let’s eat!” Warren interrupted joyfully.

You piece of—

I looked upon the lunchbox, and in it, were two diagonally-sliced sandwiches. Lettuces, cheese, meat patty, were sandwiched in between toasted bread.

Wow, this actually looks delicious!

I felt myself drooling and instantly wiped my mouth.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

Crap!

“N—no, I am not hungry. You know what? This is enough fishing for today. I’ll eat lunch with my father at the diner—”

My stomach grumbled, and I froze in surprise and embarrassment.

What timing!?

“Ehehehe~~ Looks like your stomach wants to have lunch right now!” He giggled.

What’s with your stupid giggle?

And we ended up eating lunch together with his prepared lunch.

After we ate, we rested on the picnic cloth. But we lied on the edges, for I kept my distance.

I placed my hand on my stomach.

Wooh, I ate so much… It’s been a long time since I had such a feast.

“How was the lunch?” Warren rolled his body, “was it good?”

“Hrm… it was… okay, I guess.”

“Only ‘okay’? But you ate so fast. You were gobbling down on the sandwich. Was it that delicious~?”

“It’s average, alright? Just shut up.”

It tasted so delicious, but if I say so, he’ll annoy me.

But it has been a long time since I ate delicious food ever since the high school and debt days. I sighed. Thankfully, I have the diner.

I only ate instant noodles, or a simple egg sandwich for breakfast, and rarely any lunch, though my parents would give me small allowances for it.

But I would come home with the lunch money unspent and return it to them.

***

“You shouldn’t force yourself. Go and buy yourself lunch!” My mom scolded me.

“I’m not hungry. I don’t need to buy lunch,” I replied.

“Son, health is important. You must not suffer for us. Don’t worry about us, or the money. Buy yourself lunch,” my dad told me.

“If you keep going on with this lifestyle, you will be hospitalized, and that would cost more money instead!” my mom exclaimed.

I should succumb and say that I understand, or this sermon will go on forever.

Whenever I return the unspent allowance, my parents would lecture me the same lesson all over again. So, I decided to secretly return the money into their wallets.

Fortunately, they never caught on.

***

“Is there something wrong, Ramiel?” Warren concernedly asked.

“No, nothing’s wrong,” I replied.

“You were spacing out there.”

“Ah, no, just remembered something.”

“Was my sandwich that good enough to make you space you out?”

“Shut up! You’re so nosy!”

“Awwww, thank you!”

“That wasn’t a compliment, idiot!”

“Anyway, we should return. They might be worried about us.”

“You’re right. Let’s go back.”

We returned to a part of the lake’s shore near the narrow clearing in the forest where we came from. This clearing was a path to the town named Aosun, where I resided.

Warren’s father greeted us first and asked, “Have you both have eaten your lunch yet?”

“Yes, we have,” Warren replied, “and Ramiel liked it!”

“N—n— I mean, it wasn’t bad…”

You bastard. You used your father as cover!

“I was worried that you didn’t have lunch,” Barnum said to me, “good thing your friend brought you extra.

“Y—yes. Did you eat any lunch, father?” I asked him.

“It’s alright. I’ll just eat a hearty dinner tonight.”

A glint appeared in my eye. A chance to escape!

“That’s not good. You should eat lunch now. Come, let’s good,” I said.

“No, I told you, it’s alright. I have fished for extended periods without eating. Besides, I can just cook what I caught.”

Harun laughed, and I noticed the distance between Harun and Barnum.

Were they that far apart? Why are they far apart?

“What you fished? You barely caught any!” Harun mocked.

“What do you mean? You caught fewer fish than me!” Barnum retorted.

“No, I’m pretty sure I have more fishes than you. I counted how many times you have fished. Only twelve fishes.”

“Ha! You fool! I was pretending I fished twelve the entire time, but in fact, I had caught sixteen fishes compared to your thirteen!” Barnum countered.

Oh, I understand now. They’re rivals.

“H—how? You’re lying!” Harun exclaimed.

“I buried the four fishes, which I caught while you weren’t looking, in the sand!”

“W—what!? Well, all my fishes are bigger than yours!”

“I caught the hard-to-catch fishes!”

“Well, I caught the more valuable fishes!”

“I caught the more delicious fishes!”

With this, the two old men bantered and competed like young children.

“U—umm, father?” Warren interrupted.

“What!?”

“What!?”

Turning to Warren, the two fathers shouted simultaneously.

Do they really have to act like kids?

“You didn’t fish together?” Warren asked.

They seem to be quite competitive about fishing for some reason. But, Barnum is nonchalant when it comes to the diner.

“N—no! Why would I?” Harun irked.

“What? Why would I?” And so did Barnum.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because he will only just steal my catch!” Barnum replied.

“What? You are going to steal my catch. Not the other way around!” Harun immediately retorted.

“No, you will be the one stealing my catch! You are jealous, aren’t you, that I caught more fishes than you?”

Harun fell silent.

Alright, it got awkward. Time to leave.

“Father, let’s go home,” I said to Barnum. “This is enough for today.”

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Yes, I agree. I win this one,” he answered.

Sure, sure, but I think I won this one. I chortled.

We left the other two and returned to the diner.

***

I knew it. He is a traitor. After promising that he won’t copy any of my father’s recipes the day before, he did them anyway the day after. Don’t make a fool of me!

I was peeking through the large, glass windows of the Grand Restaurant where I saw a familiar dish served.

The dish was some sort of flat, circle bread, and the diners who have ordered it are pouring a white-colored syrup.

That has to be pancakes with sugar syrup on it! No doubt! That’s the exact dish! And somehow, they got more customers!! Are you kidding me!?

I knew it. There was something weird earlier this morning. There were few customers as usual as if something suddenly distracted their interest.

And the reason why is what I feared, but I had a plan.

“Hey, what makes you visit my restaurant today? You never did this before,” Warren cordially greeted.

Hmuh, hmuh, why aren’t you so happy, dilly-dally? You crappy thief!

“Hey, you piece of crap!” I shouted in reply.

“Woah, what’s wrong?” Warren asked.

“Don’t you play innocence!”

“W—what? What do you mean?”

“You stole my father’s recipe, the pancake with sugar syrup, and now you are serving it!?”

“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Warren denied.

“I know you know what I’m talking about!” I furiously pointed to one of the plates with pancakes atop being served to one of the customers. “You second-rate copycat!!”

“W—what? Th—that’s our original recipe! It’s only a coincidence that we had it! We made this recipe long before you made yours!”

“Uhuh, And how did you know when I made the recipe!?” I pointed out.

“Uhh, well… t—that’s…”

“You can’t deceive me any further,” I turned to walk away, “I will not talk to you anymore, traitor.”

With heavy steps, I walked away, and Warren could only raise his hands toward me.

***

Hahahaha, stupid, idiotic, moron. I have managed to cut ties with him and release my trump card!

…

…

…

Pancakes with maple syrup!

Sugar syrups are made inferior!

Before I released the new dish, I had to somehow obtain maple syrup, but I had little to no knowledge about where maple syrup comes from, along with the rest of nature’s products.

And came upon me was the task of research.

During a time which the restaurant was idle, I took the chance to ask Barnum a question.

Wait, but how will I ask this? He probably doesn’t know what maple syrup is, and I don’t even know if maple syrup exists in this world!

I do know they come from the maple tree, but I do not know what it looks like!

But I guess I’ll let the conversation flow naturally…

“Father, where can I get maple syrup?” I asked while I said the words, “maple syrup,” in my own language.

“Pardon me, could you repeat that?” Barnum requested.

“Mei-poll. Si-rup,” I said slowly for him to understand.

“Could you please describe the word you are saying?”

“It’s a sweet syrup that comes from a certain tree.”

“Ah, you mean ‘yuwan,’” Barnum answered.

“Would you please describe that for me?” I asked.

“Sure. It’s a sweet syrup that comes to the houses of Bizzes.”

“Bizzes? What are those?”

“There are the yellow and black striped insects with a sword on their back.”

“And what are these ‘houses’ of the bees?”

“Their yellow houses that hang on the trees’ trunk. And from them, you get what you call ‘mepoleyi siyup.’

You can do it, Barnum.

“I did mean sweet syrup, but not from the hives of bees,” I said.

“What are hai-bus?”

“There are the houses of the Bizzes.”

“I see. But that is not what ‘meipoii sihup’ is?” he pronounced slowly.

Why did you change the pronunciation? The last one was good enough!

“I mean the syrup that comes from the tree’s trunk instead.”

“From the tree itself?”

“Yes. Do you know where to find one?”

“No, I haven’t known of a tree that provides sweet syrup from itself.”

“Wait, really?”

Maybe it doesn’t exist in this world. Or maybe, no one has looked close enough yet.

Wait, maple tree… syrup… leaf… The leaf! I know what that looks like! I remember seeing that in a map somewhere… or was it a flag?

Anyways, I’ll have to find it.

And the adventure for maple began… But the search will only have begun in the further days.

***

“I’ll be off!” It was afternoon when I waved to Barnum.

“Be sure to be back before dark!” he replied.

I obtained permission from my father under the guise that I will be hanging out with my “friend,” Warren, but my real intentions were to find a maple tree in the forest.

It’s quite cold and dim in here.

The sunlight occasionally broke through the leaves’ shade creating a soul-piercing scene, but in contrast, I was wary of the danger that may come along in a different world’s forest. Well, I’ve never been to a forest before.

I stepped out in apprehension of what was to come. I knew not what to do, nor the techniques, let alone the procedures into venturing into the forest. But, I was determined to find this maple tree.

It’s cold. Luckily, I got this thick fur coat made out of bear’s fur, though it’s actually not from a bear.

It’s from a creature they called a “Fwolf.” I haven’t seen one, but from what Father told me, it was like a wolf with paws and a body of a bear. Quite exotic, I would say.

Although it was not snowing, it was very cold and my breaths were visible.

Leaves are falling from the trees… which means it’s the fall season, perhaps?

I should have paid more attention in class. Well, that doesn’t matter. As far as I’m concerned, I’m the most knowledgeable in the sciences in this world, right now.

I crossed the boundaries of the town and the forest that almost encircled the whole town. The only opening left by the forest was the way to a tall mountain. Its snow-capped peak started to grow downwards, marking the start of a new season.

Trudging upon the crispy, flame-like leaves that fell to the ground, I scrutinized the trees’ leaves for that iconic, three-crowned, leaf.

But, somehow, it took hours, and the sun started to hide behind the towering trees. Frequently looking behind, I took the precaution to my steps and concurrently searched for the leaf.

I don’t think I can find it. How come it is so hard to find? I peeled my eyes for it. There’s no way that I have missed it.

Welp, can’t help it. I should return before the light disappears.

I froze after I saw something flash behind the numerous trunks.

What was that? I just saw a blink of red.

I squinted as I crouched to where I saw it from.

But, whatever it was, didn’t reveal the red light again.

Must have been my imagination. I have perfect vision now. If I was in my original body, I would have shrugged it off because of my blurry eyes.

Another flash of red passed by the corner of my eye, and I spun around to track it with my eyes.

Two red lights now?

But I failed to follow it. My eyes haven’t fully adjusted to the darkness.

How did it vanish behind those trees? And it’s getting closer too.

Then, I froze like a statue to detect any rustling noises. But there was none.

That couldn’t have been my imagination this time. I feel a presence. I can’t tell if it’s human or not.

No, it couldn’t have been human.

I crouched lower to the ground and saw the leaves being moved by a swift silhouette.

That’s too fast for a human. Two steps in a second?

And it’s still approaching. It’s after me!

But I had nothing to protect myself with. I had no sword, nor knife. The thick fur coat may serve as futile armor against the unknown creature.

The sun’s last shine left their warmth from my back, replaced by a cool sensation of the night.

Feeling a sudden icy presence, I quickly turned around and saw the two red lights.

Two red circles. Those are…

…eyes!

And, finally, I was could discern the cold, ravenous breaths along with a soft growl. And a silhouette much larger than my own.

I—it’s… a wolf! A Fwolf!

To think that I would see the raw product of this coat!

With a frightening howl, the Fwolf raised its muzzle accompanied by two tusks on each side.

I—I’m dead. I can’t take on anything this huge! It’s twice the size of me!

I fell and crawled with my back on the ground and slowly stood. Gazing at me, the wolf chase me, but only growled.

It’s my chance!

I turned around and took off with haste.

It seems like it’s not chasing me. Why?

I looked ahead and realized that I was lost.

Oh no, where am I? Everything looks different… no. This isn’t the direction!

I was confident in my deduction and headed in a new direction, but then, a line of red lights blocked my path.

There were more!?

Four more Fwolves stood ready to attack. I looked behind and saw another.

This wolf called out to his other comrades instead of attacking me… How can a wolf be a tactical genius?

It knew I had no weapon, and therefore waited.

I can’t believe it. My life is so short. This is foolish! Outrageous! I just got reincarnated here, and now I die like this? My luck hasn’t changed at all!

I only remained unmoving, not knowing what else to do. Meanwhile, in my brain, I cursed everything. Whoever summoned me here. Whoever set my luck this low. Everything.

Then, another rustle. This time, it was rapid.

This is the end, huh?

I raised my arms to shield my face and closed my eyes, preparing for the pain to pierce me.

I waited, and the noise drew closer, but at a slower rate than I expected. I took a peek from my arms and saw a masked person flying from behind them.

Wha—? Who is this?

And a sword appeared from his right hand and pierced the neck of one of the Fwolves. The newcomer swiped the sword, beheading the wolf, and target another.

The Fwolves were surprisingly unprepared at this ambush and only started to react.

Wait, what about the wolf behind me?

I looked back and saw a glimpse of the Fwolf’s underside above me. It jumped over me and pounced at the assassin.

But the assassin already has finished his goal. The two Howlrisers had disappeared without a trace, and at his feet lay two headless Howlriser corpses.

And the third Fwolf fell to the ground without its head.

But the assassin didn’t seem finished. He look in another direction and positioned his sword. I looked toward that direction and saw the two Howlrisers sprinting to the assassin. Before I knew it, the assassin has already met the remaining two, and from behind the tree came forth the flying Howlriser heads.

That was so quick! I almost couldn’t keep track of anything!

But, will he kill me next?

The assassin came from behind the tree and pulled down his mask which was covering his nose down. He had a huge frame and muscular limbs. The effortless handling of his large sword hinted at his strength.

“Good evening, Ramiel,” the unknown person greeted.

How did he know my name? Who is he?

“H—how did you know me?” I asked rather frightened.

He took a moment to answer while he wiped his broadsword clean of blood before sheathing behind him.

A scabbard?

“What are you doing here in the dark? Your father will be furious with you,” he said seemingly avoiding the question.

“Pardon me, but I don’t know your name.”

He moved closer, and I examined his face.

He looks familiar… wait…

“Are you the regular at my father’s restaurant?” I asked in surprise.

“Yes, it is I, Grucious Qerucus,” he replied.

It’s my father’s close friend. A hunter and skilled in the Wind Hirayios.

“I’m taking you back home. It’s dangerous here,” Grucious took me into his arm and started walking in big paces. I struggled to keep up with him.

I didn’t notice, but he is rather tall. He is like a giant! I always thought he was standing while he ate.

“What are you doing here anyway? Are you exploring perhaps?” Grucious asked.

“N—no…” Suddenly, I realized how intimidating he is, that I instinctively lied. “I—I was just exploring.”

“Isn’t that what I just said?” Grucious guffawed. “You are an interesting boy.”

***

I and Grucious finally returned from the forest, and it was getting late into the night.

It took a long time because I have forgotten from which direction I came from, but Grucious knew where.

But, for some reason, Grucious couldn’t see very well. Maybe, because of his lack of sleep.

“This is odd. The forest seems awfully dark tonight. I could only see a small distance.”

“Then, how did you see the Fwolves?” I asked.

“It was only because I had my Wind Scan, and because I could distinguish their dark presence.”

Wind Scan? Maybe that was the rustling sound I heard? How come the Fwolves weren’t alerted?

Doesn’t matter. Seems like my luck isn’t that all bad. But I thank no one!

“Also, those Fwolves were different,” Grucious remarked.

“What do you mean by that?”

“They emitted dark presence. Never have I felt such a chilling sensation before. Fwolves only come out when the moon is full, but those Fwolves did.”

“Maybe something forced them out of their lair?”

“They are highly territorial. It will be only the act of Bries or the Hero if that happens.”

Ah yes, curse Bries. If she is the god of this world, surely she is the one that imposed on me such a cursed life!

“Something wrong?” Grucious nudged.

“Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine,” I replied.

“It’s a shame that I wouldn’t be able to dismantle the corpses. Those could go for high prices!”

“I can see that. I’m wearing one coat from their fur, and it’s very comfortable!”

“This is probably one of my numerous kills!” Grucious guffawed.

I need to search for the maple syrup alone, but if it will end up like this again, I should prepare myself.

Then, an idea came up in my mind.

“I have a favor to ask, if it wouldn’t bother you, Grucious,” I said to him.

“Sure, what is it?”

“Please teach me to become a hunter!” I stopped walking alongside. Then, I placed my fist on my heart and slightly bowed.

“Hunting isn’t some game, kid. Harsh training will follow,” Grucious’ face turned serious and stern, like that of a soldier. “Can you handle it, even though you don’t have any affinity with Hirayios?”

“I can handle it.”

“Make sure of it,” and he walked ahead of me toward the town’s brightly-lit road.

***

I went and informed my father about my new hobby, but his response was not what I expected.

“What? Why do you have to train to become a hunter? Isn’t being a server here enough? If you want me to teach you how to fight, let me teach you instead,” Barnum said to me when I asked for permission.

“It isn’t just that. I want to live for myself someday… I mean to protect you and me. You are getting older, and I fear that something will come against us,” I hurriedly replied.

“But it isn’t safe for you out there. This world is more unpleasant than you think. And you are still young!”

“And that’s exactly why!” I realized that I raised my voice and hurriedly bowed with my fist to my heart. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to raise my tone like that.”

Barnum sighed and thought for a moment. “Fine, I’ll allow you to train, but make sure to carefully follow Grucious. It’s for your safety.”

“Thank you, father!”

***

Barnum, after hearing from Ramiel of his sudden training, hurriedly went to Grucious who was relaxing in the diner.

“Grucious, I have a favor to ask you,” Barnum said to him.

“What is it? Anything I can give, sire,” Grucios replied enthusiastically.

Barnum sighed again as his request to not call him ‘sire’ goes unheeded. But he continued, “You’ll train my son to hunt, from now on, isn’t that correct?”

Grucious was stunned, “O—oh, I was meaning to tell you. I forgot.” I was just lamenting about the loss of profits tonight. “Is this favor about that?”

“Yes, concerning my son, please protect him with your life. Teach him every good, but, under one clause.”

“And what’s that clause?”

“Do not, I tell you, do not let him go berserk. Send him home when it’s too dangerous.”

“Everything in my work is too dangerous,” Grucious chortled. “But, of course, I’ll treat him as if he were my own son. Trust me. Leave it to me!” Grucious joyfully lifted his fist into the air, signifying strength and reliability.

“Thank you, thank you very much!” I can’t let anyone see who Ramiel might be, or truly is.

***

I have learned a few things from Grucious since then.

First is that—

“Aim for the neck! Not the head, nor the body, but for the neck! Make sure to kill it with one clean slice! We must be efficient, especially since you can’t use any Hirayios.”

Second is that—

“Observe. Be patient. These Howlrisers have some kind of pattern. They know if you’re unarmed or not, and care not for your intentions, good or bad! They fight in a group, and will always try to surround you and overwhelm you so—”

And thirdly—

“—remain calm. Keep your breath steady, not your body. You will always hold your breath freezing yourself like a stupid statue! Don’t let their numbers or size intimidate you! Did you get that? Now go!”

But, even Barnum had his own set of instructions.

“Don’t let your emotions overwhelm you. Do not try to do anything heroic. Leave at the small hint of danger, you understand?”

I looked up to Barnum who seemed to have a face full of anxiety. “What’s wrong? Isn’t Grucious an excellent hunter?”

“Complacency is death’s policy,” Barnum said with such a spark in his eyes that it made me flinch. I thought that he said it twice. That’s how strong his words were.

“A—alright, alright, I get it. I will be prudent.”

Goodness, he’s always been like this. It’s like he is hiding the world from me. It even took a while before he allowed me to run errands for him on my own.

But, I guess, it’s good for me too.

Maybe, he knows that I’m—! No—no, it can’t be. It must be something else.

***

I have been under vigorous training under the direction of the experienced hunter, Grucious. I didn’t know this at that time, but, this was my last hunting session with Grucious.

In the past days, Grucious and I hunted exclusively in the day. He always dismissed when the sun began to set. Since Grucious had a lopsided sleep schedule, he was sleepy most of our hunting training, but he tried his best not to show it.

Thankfully, I was able to learn nevertheless.

To this, there was an unexpected benefit. Though I felt bad to leave Barnum working by himself in the diner, I also felt relieved to have escaped Warren’s annoyance.

“Son, Warren visited the other day and asked for you. But it seems like he didn’t know that you are busy in training?” Barnum asked me.

“What do you mean? Did he steal anything?”

“Oh, come on. Why do you think of your friend that way?”

Why, of course, he steals recipes. What else will he not steal?

“Well, anyway,” Barnum continued, “you should set some time for him because he wants to hang out with you.”

I feigned a ponder, “Hm, I’ll think about it.”

I won’t think about it. I won’t.

It was because the hunter training was the usual time Warren comes to hang around.

This way, he won’t know about my ‘Maple Plan.’

This was the first time we are hunting at night. So it was twice as thrilling. Grucious appealed for a night hunt to Barnum, who adamantly refused, but gave up his resistance.

And now, we are here, not too far or too near at the edge of the forest so that we could make our quick and easy escape.

“This is odd. There are more monsters tonight. They’ve been increasing in monsters lately.” Grucious told me.

“Will it be alright? Should we go back?” I instinctively whispered.

“No, just stay alert, and remember what I thought you, especially with your footing with the sword,” Grucious sternly reminded.

“Yes, sir,” I unsheathed the sword loaned to me from Grucious.

“And stay close to me,” he began to whisper and gestured to stay behind him.

We fell silent to keenly observe the surroundings around us. Being wary of it, we made our way into the forest slowly as we heard the howls and growls of the unseen and perhaps unknown creatures nearby.

“It’s not even full moon yet, and foreign monsters are coming in, and the passive Fwolves are coming in number.”

“They are passive?”

“Yeah, they are always passive, only being aggressive when you are invading their territory which is far from here. But more danger equals higher value!”

“You always think about the money,” I sighed.

“You must understand the value of such hides! There are important to a hunter.”

I don’t think greed is important.

“I feel a dark presence nearby… It seems like some kind of Dark Hirayios has invaded the town,” he grimly said.

Dark… Hirayios is ‘magic…’ and ‘practicer,’ if that’s correct. Gosh, I have a bad time just translating this. I haven’t learned complex words yet, especially the magic language.

Why did they have to have separate languages for chanting?

“I don’t think this will end well,” I shivered.

“Then, stay close,” Grucious grabbed me closer.

We heard an eerie scream in the distance. It was the shrill cry of a woman or a girl, but I couldn’t pinpoint where it came from. I looked to roughly where it was and saw fleeting silhouettes.

I pointed to it, “There’s someone over there! It might be the Dark Hirayios,” I whispered. “Let’s go.”

“W—what are you thinking? Fighting a Dark Hirayion? I can’t do that with my weak Wind Hirayios!” Grucious said exasperatedly.

“No, we are just going to go near it. Since it is where Fwoves would be attracted to, you would be able to hunt more of them.”

“That’s genius! Good thinking! You have great potential to be a hunter,” he chortled.

But, I think that’s just common sense though…

We approached the area, and I stepped on something weirdly mushy. It was so surprising, I jumped off my feet away from it.

“B—blood!?” I exclaimed.

“Be quiet!” he hushed.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness, and I looked down to what I assumed was a pool of blood.

But what I saw was instead a headless and limbless body of a woman.

I quickly looked away and resisted the urge to puke.

What should I do? Father said to run at a hint of danger… but the hides go at a high price.

I signaled Grucious to go the other way.

“Why? Is something wrong over there?” he asked worryingly.

I only shook my head and forced him to go the other direction.

Then, we heard the rustling of the leaves and the swaying of the grass.

Oh, no, this was a mistake, we should have—

“Here they come! Be prepared!” said Grucious as he took on our stance.

“Grucious!? Shouldn’t we be running?”

My whole body shook and tensed up in expectation and fear.

“What do you mean? We are already surrounded!” he lifted his sword.

“What!?” I tensed up and prepared for an attack.

If I die here, well…

“To your right!” Grucious warned me.

And I turned to my right with a preemptive slash of my sword, but it hit nothing. Then, I saw the creature appear from the tree.

“You idiot!” Grucious covered for my mistake by standing in front of me and dealing his blow on the unseen creature.

The creature flew through the air above my head and landed next to a fallen trunk. Its belly was pierced deeply by Grucious’ sword.

The creature had thick fur, a wolf’s head, a bear’s build, and paws, but it didn’t slumber. It pounced aggressively about. But what surprised me the most was its tusks.

Wait… isn’t that the creature I encountered before?!

“Don’t space out! There are still more!” he shouted.

I clumsily readied my sword since I was shaken in fear.

“To your left now!” he shouted.

After his warning, I heard movement to my left and turned to face it. I keenly looked at all the tall trunks to see where the monster would come from.

In a blink of an eye, the monster appeared from the tree nearest to me. I swung the sword with all my might and felt the sword slice through something soft. And warm blood splattered on my body.

Did I do it?

I did not have time to confirm the kill, nor to react to the blood. And Grucious shouted again.

“Another!”

I assumed that it was in the same direction. I thrust beforehand and felt its impact and bury into something softer than the steel sword. I struggled to lift the sword, so I placed it down. I have pierced another in its abdomen.

I quickly glanced at the corpse’s tail.

A fox’s tail?

“Nice kill! Now, my turn!” Grucious swiftly turned his body and positioned himself behind me.

And with three slices with his sword, three more fell at his feet.

He is so skilled… I only had mine with luck!

And I looked to where he stood before he covered my back, and saw more animal remains to lie on the ground. Some were carcasses, some were heads.

So, he wasn’t just watching me? He looked after me and fought at the same time?

“There are no more Fwolves left. My Air-dar has it covered,” he said.

Air-dar… radar but air?

“Thank goodness!” I let out a huge sigh of relief.

“Hm, let’s see your kills. Hm…” he pondered as he held his chin between his fingers. “For a swordsman, it’s not bad, but for a hunter, it’s a horrible performance. You attack instinctively. I attack based on calculations.”

Don’t have to scrub it in my face.

“You saw how I killed those three Fwolves simultaneously?” he asked me.

And my eyes fell to the three Fwolves that came behind me and noticed that their heads are sliced off from their body too.

“You may think that it is pure luck that they attacked me at almost the same time making it convenient for me to swing my sword at once.”

I nodded.

“But I predicted that the first Fwolf my left would come for me way too early, and that’s why I moved to your back so that it would pounce at the same time as the other two Fwolves which were at their different directions.”

“I see. So, that wasn’t some kind of a show-off?” I asked.

“Not at all. We must utilize our bodies to position ourselves efficiently and at the same time predict the beast’s movements. As for you, it was luck.”

I bowed my head in dismay.

More like lucky guesses, actually.

“But don’t feel down. No one suddenly becomes an expert at anything. Look at me,” he pulled up his armor along with his shirt revealing a large scar in his chest that extends to his abdomen. “I made fatal mistakes myself when I started.”

I guess that makes me feel a little bit better about myself.

“But, I knew it. You are unfit to become a hunter.”

“Why?”

“You have the intuition to kill at sight. You have a great reaction time. You listened to my location reports very well and fought them head-on.”

I guess that’s thanks to my ‘gamer sense.’

“I understand. To be honest, I didn’t want to become a hunter anyway.”

“I know. I knew!” he chuckled.

“W—what?”

“You only wanted to become stronger, not just because to protect yourself, but also your father, right?”

I weakly nodded. No, not really. That wasn’t the main purpose.

“We can continue training, but I won’t make this mistake next time.”

“I understand.”

Wait, I feel like I’m forgetting something…

…

…

…

Wait, the body!

“T—there was something… I didn’t—”

“Oh, right, there is something wrong tonight,” Grucious interrupted.

“W—what is it?” Did he notice the body?

“These aren’t Fwolves,” Grucious went to a carcass and lifted it with one hand, “these are way bigger than Fwolves.”

W—woah! He lifted it with one hand!?

But, what does he mean by that? Isn’t this the same creature that almost killed me the last time?

“This is the same Nagebeasts that attacked you last time, remember?” Grucious asked me.

“Yes, this is the same…” Nagebeasts is what again? Oh, right, animals, of some sort… “Yes, this is the same that.”

“These are actually Howlrisers,” he said in an ominous tone.

Howl… what now?

“What about them?” I asked.

“These are Fwolves that were evolved by the Devil himself. And to think that they would come to this town.”

“Why would they come here?”

“I don’t know. Those monsters are attracted by the Dark Hirayios, but, only the Devil has such. If one was born with one, he would be immediately killed!”

They’d kill anyone born with it!? Hopefully, I don’t have such. I don’t want Dark Hirayiosu— Hirayion… Hirayio— How do you pronounce this? It’s so confusing!

Wait… maybe…

“Do Dark Hirayion practitioners often kill people mercilessly?”

“Of course! No doubt they would do such a thing, except, there is no ‘they.’ It’s just ‘him.’ You know what I mean, don’t you?”

“T—then… that means… he’s here…” I muttered.

“Speak up! I can’t hear you.”

“The Devil’s here,” I said louder.

“What makes you say that?” Grucious scoffed. “There is no way in hell… well, actually, there might be a way in hell, but this isn’t hell! What made you say that anyway? You should be careful with your jokes! It ain’t funny.”

“I—I saw a dead body…” My legs trembled and I couldn’t even stand anymore.

I didn’t shed a tear, yet the sight of death still scared me.

Is it apathy, or sympathy? I didn’t know. I might never know.

“Where!? Where!? Where is the dead body!?” Grucious quickly rose in alarm. “Hey, hey! If this is some kind of joke you are pulling—! I am too old for these jokes!”

I shakily rose my hand and struggled to point. I could clearly see the body when I faced it. My eyesight was good, perhaps too good.

“There? I don’t see anything,” Grucious squinted his eyes in the direction. “Are you sure it’s there?”

I weakly nodded.

“Alright, I’ll check it out.”

Grucious went and returned moments later.

He panted before he spoke, “Y—you’re right, but why didn’t you tell me earlier!? You knew there was danger and you didn’t tell me!?” His face twisted into anger.

And I was stunned all the more and bowed my head to the ground. I couldn’t look at his face. It was like I did the murder itself.

“You—!” Grucious hesitated. “It’s alright,” Grucious quickly changed tone and patted me on the back. You go tell the Rayguards about this. I’ll deal with this.“

Trying to find my strength, I feebly stood up and tried my best to run back to town. I ran into Malko and quickly told him about the body.

“Slow down, slow down. I can’t understand what you are saying,” Malko spoke at his usual pace.

I took deep breaths and started to talk slowly. I felt myself shiver when I recalled the events.

But, Malko was a fast thinker. He may have had slow actions in a semblance of grace, but upon hearing of my report, he immediately gathered his comrades and went into the forest.

I walked home disappointed as I struggled to put aside the incident that night.

Have I not grown at all? I’m already seventeen and yet, I have not learned at all!

His face turned into anger. Am I a messed-up person after all? I should have told him about it earlier… What’s wrong with me?

I went to a random wall of a building and banged my fist against it.

“Chikushou!!!”

…

…

…

I’m a horrible person after all!

***

That’s unfortunate. He is spending less time with lately. He’s so funny, especially, when he doesn’t know that I’m actually…

…

…

…

No—no—no! I should focus on getting the herbs! It’s important for the new steak recipe coming up! The healthiest steak in town! And I’ll show that my restaurant is better off without his recipes!

To his face, I dare say!

“Warren, you alright there?” a woman’s soothing voice called out.

It was his mother. They were collecting leaves and plant stems that grew from the tree’s thick, meandering roots.

“Y—yes, I am!” he answered.

“Thinking about your new friend, aren’t you~?”

“That’s totally not—!” he blushed.

“Before, you couldn’t get along with boys, but somehow, you were friendly with him.”

“Y—yeah…”

I don’t want to disappoint my mother.

“I tried my hardest this time! I will fulfill your dreams and become a pri—”

Warren’s mother signaled him to become silent, and the ground rumbled.

“Is there something wrong, mother?”

“Be quiet,” his mother brought out a shiny, rectangular, object.

At the upper part of the object, was some sort of light, the light started to dim slowly.

“Something’s here. We must leave now!” his mother. rushed pulling Warren along behind her.

“Mother! Watch out!!” Warren screamed.

And a monster with two large fangs pounced with its furry paws first, and its mouth wide open, ready to chew out anything at its path.

Warren’s mother, at the last moment, pushed him away from her, and shouted, “Get away!!”

And the beast swallowed her headfirst and gobbled on her corpse.

Warren ran away in fear, not daring to look back at what has happened to his dear mother.

But he cried, knowing that she died saving him.

“Mother!!” he screamed.

***

The next day, I woke up as usual with a gloomy and lazy demeanor. I didn’t feel like waking up or rising from the bed. I was so tired from yesterday. I looked to the window and noticed the sun high up.

Oh, I overslept. I have to work at the diner.

But, I didn’t make any effort to rise from my bed.

I heard footsteps in the creaky hallway, and the door to my room opened. It was Barnum.

“H—hey…” I weakly spoke.

“Don’t force yourself. Just rest for today. I heard what happened yesterday. It isn’t your fault.” Barnum comforted me.

“I’m sorry. It must’ve been troubling for you.”

“Just rest as long as you need to.”

“B—but…”

…I heard the screams for help, but I didn’t rush in…

…

…

…

I was being a coward and approached the already dead person in distress…

…

…

…

I should have been there earlier!! Then, I should have done something!!

“You are frowning again. Release the thoughts to rest. I’ll call for Warren to visit you.”

“N—no… I don’t want him to see me like this…”

He’ll surely annoy me again like—

“Ha! You fell sick being a hunter? You are such a weakling.”

Well, maybe, I’m a bit off in my impression of him. Haha.

“Good, your face looks better now. Don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of the diner,” at this, Barnum left.

“T—thank you… father,” I heaved a sigh and rested.

***

I remained in my room, on my bed, for three days, for I was not feeling it. Barnum came in to check and leave food for me, but I barely had any appetite. But on the third day, I woke up early as I suddenly became uneasy. And through that uneasiness, I found the motivation to rise out of my bed.

I looked out of the window where it overlooked the street and Warren’s restaurant on the other side of the road. I scanned the street expecting Warren who would be hollering to me to come down, as it was every morning.

But I noticed something.

What? Why are there wooden planks on the windows?

I quickly went down without changing my clothes or fixing my unkempt hair. I passed by the regulars who greeted me, “Good morning!” but I didn’t return the greeting. Even Barnum called out to me, but I ignored him.

I was shocked, in panic, for Warren wasn’t here.

All those times, I was subconsciously waiting for him to come to visit me in my room. Though I didn’t want to admit it, I wanted his annoyance.

You—! Why did you not come to visit me?

I walked to the blocked entrance of the Grand Restaurant. Its glassed windows were blocked by planks, the double door barred, and the lifeless atmosphere. It felt surreal and unreal.

I looked about, seemingly trying to look for something I can’t find. I didn’t know what to do. I wasn’t sure if I was thinking or blanking. Losing my strength, I kneeled to the ground, with my hands on my head.

And Malko approached, “What’s wrong?”

“W—what happened here? Where’s Warren? The restaurant?”

“They closed two days ago, didn’t you know? Didn’t Warren tell you?”

“What? Where are they now?”

“They moved out of town,” he answered.

“What!?” Right… I didn’t even know where he lived.

Unlike me, Warren lived in a different building from the restaurant, but not even once, have I asked to visit his home, and yet he did visit mine.

To be fair, he didn’t invite me… It’s his fault! He’s annoying anyway. I stood up, but my legs gave in. So, I fell facedown to the ground instead.

“H—hey, are you okay?” Malko lifted me by the arm.

“Y—yeah, I’m fine.”

He’s gone… why?

I noticed the dust rumble dusty road and the sound of hooves. I looked and saw a carriage that seemed like it was owned by a rich person. It stopped near me that it flung up dust in the air causing me to cough.

The suited driver of the carriage deftly unmounted and simultaneously opened the door.

A man in a black blazer with red insides stepped out. His shoes were black, but they reflected the sun, almost like a mirror. He wore slacks that had intricate red designs embedded in the thread. He marched forth confidently. An air of misplaced nobility.

Who is he? I stared curiously at the man and noticed that at the right left-side of his blazer had an emblem. Translated from the Brisishikan characters, it would be ‘XL.’

What’s that? ‘XtraLarge?’ I unintentionally chortled.

The man glared at me with such intensity that I had to look away. He scoffed and paid no more attention to me any further.

Then, he started speaking in a loud voice, “Ahhhhhh~ What a dirty village. To think that I have to stay here just to finish a business transaction. This village should be thankful! Hey, servant, lead me inside the establishment, please. I don’t want to stand here in the scorching hot sun any longer.”

Some passersby cast him some looks but dared not to argue with him.

What’s with this guy? And what does he mean by a village? This town’s too small to be called a village!

In actuality, the town was half as large as Lake Laeisron, but isn’t qualified enough to be called a city, for it had short walls and some missing infrastructures.

“But, sir, the restaurant is closed,” the servant graciously pointed out, “we couldn’t just—”

“Did I care? If I said, ‘Lead me in,’ get me in, no excuses,” the man sharply said and muttered something.

“Y—yes, sorry, Sir-Master,” he quickly bowed and started to lead him inside.

‘Sir-Master?’ What?

Also, what are they going to do in the restaurant? It’s closed!

“Sir-Master, as I said, the door is—”

“As I said, as I said. You—” the man started pulling the servant’s ear. “I tell you,” he gritted his teeth, “listen to what I said. Not your worthless words. Now, open the door. Do whatever it takes.” He muttered something again.

I’m not sure if I should get involved in this, but…

“Stop right there!” Malko approached the not-so-gentle man and the abjected servant who has stopped banging on the door.

“Stay right there, big boy,” the man motioned. “You already have used too much space.”

I couldn’t see Malko’s face since he was turned towards the man, but I was quite sure he was irritated.

“What you are doing here is trespassing, and in addition to that, you are damaging priva—”

“Op!” the man interrupted Malko. “I don’t need to hear your pesky laws— I don’t need them. Don’t you know who I am?”

“Who are you, sir—” Malko questioned.

“I am Aeon-Libra Xis—”

“I didn’t ask, sir.”

“You dare inte—”

“Sir, you are not above the law. You pay your taxes, don’t you?”

The man scoffed, “Of course! Cheap as copper.”

“Then, your privileges are as cheap as copper.”

“Wha—!?”

“You are under the law. Please leave the property before I arrest you.”

“Don’t you know who I am, huh!?”

“No.”

“You belong to the mud, fat trash!”

The man lost the duel, but continued to hold his head up high, and kept his face. He returned to his carriage and left.

I took a look at Malko’s face, but I was surprised to see it so calm and serene.

Wait… he wasn’t ticked off at the very least?

Malko then looked at me and noticed my confused face. “What’s wrong?”

“No, well, weren’t you mad? That man just mocked you.”

“It’s nothing. I’m used to it. Besides, unspoken words are worse,” he said rather sadly. “Being able to say something you wanted, but didn’t, yeah, that has to hurt. So, I don’t really feel insulted. At least, they get to state their opinions.”

That logic, when applied to his situation, doesn’t make sense to me.

But I on the other hand…

“May I ask you a question, Ray-Malko?”

Malko nodded.

“Do you know where the Grand’stadts live?”

“Of course. I’m a Rayguard after all, but, they already have long left.”

“What!? When?” The feeling of despair has returned after an interlude.

“Just yesterday.”

“Do you know why?”

“They left so quickly, and I’m not that well acquainted with them.”

“But, they’ll return, right? They just went off on a vacation,” I laughed. Why didn’t I think of that? It’s plausible. Why did I become so sad? Yuck.

“They emptied their house, but if you want to see it—”

I only stared blankly at Malko. I kept my hopes up too high.

Y—yeah… why would they bar the whole restaurant when they’ll be returning…

Am I too late?

I wanted to show off my new syrup…

But, of course, he had to leave.

Everyone leaves me…

…even back then…

They won’t return to town, will they?

They left because of me, didn’t they?

I shouldn’t have avoided him.

Why now do I realize the price of all things?

I walked home, with melancholic steps, the second time.