To switch the topic over to something else, I point out a few thick strips of what appears to be cold cured meat.
"Hmm? That's no mistake, that's salted Harvani, just off the rack this afternoon so it should taste damn amazing."
Another unusual name, though given the appearance, it sorta resembles pancetta? I wonder if it tastes the same.
"A Harvani is..?"
"What you don't know? Large mass of muscle on stubby legs, got three horns on its noggin' the size of a certain blacksmiths biceps?"
"...C-Can't say I heard of it..."
I wouldn't want to meet whatever that is, sounds terrifying.
...But at least it tastes good.
...
Returning to our respective rooms for the night, from the events of the day, I assume Rosebelle may leave early in the morning. And given her stance on the matter, she'll probably do it alone. It's not like I doubt her skills, I know for a fact she's a seasoned veteran, but... I can't shake this feeling away.
So, responding in kind to my feelings, I pay her a visit.
"Rosebelle?"
Waiting at the almost silent hallway, I'm able to pick up some chatter in the other rooms, though it's all incoherent.
"Akira?"
Answering after a moments delay, she creaks open the door.
"Is there something wrong?"
"A-Ah, well..."
Fumbling over my words as my mind draws a blank, although I wanted to ask if she could rethink her decision. I know there's nothing I could say that'd sway her. It's not like we're partners; comrade in arms who've fought together against the Demon Lord. I get that, it's useless, but...
"----Get stronger, stronger to the point she wouldn't feel inclined to leave you behind."
Her words resonate a tune within me, but it's not like I could get stronger overnight to the point in which she'd change her mind.
"Sorry, it's nothing. Goodnight, Rosebelle."
I can't be there for her tomorrow, but I can for later events if I work hard.
"Oh... Hehe, silly, Akira.~ Goodnight."
With a small wave and smile, I raise my hand back at her as she shuts the door.
The only thing I can do is wait; it's a difficult pill to swallow, but it's necessary. I've broken our promise once already, so I don't want her to lose trust in me.
...
As the early morning arrives, much like the time in which we departed yesterday, it'd seem Rosebelle has already left. Keith mentioned she left straight after ordering an on the go breakfast. Giving him my regards, I rush out in hopes to meet her before she leaves.
Following the path leading towards the drawbridge, the Sleeping Ogre is located near the heart of the city, so it'd take some time. However, knowing her she could easily make it faster than most.
"Rosebelle!"
Seeing her small figure in the distance, Aisengard may be a city, but the amount of Hero Candidates seem to be small, so it's rather easy to spot those who are.
Turning to face me, she appears to be in the middle of eating as she walks.
"Oh, good morning, Akira, you're up and early. It's good to get in the rhythm of being early birds."
She may not want me to aid in her request, she at least agreed that we could part ways at the city gates. Enjoying her breakfast roll on the way, before she could finish the quarter half, we spot a strange figure leaning by the bridge.
"Hahh... As early as ever I see, little Rose."
Yawning into their cupped hand, they remove the hood from their coat.
"Luel? What are you doing out here?"
"I asked myself that same thing, I thought you had already left. I would've returned to my shop already but..."
Looking up at the cloudy sky, she breaths deep before exhaling with satisfaction.
"It sure feels nice to be out every now and again. But I'm sure that doesn't answer your question."
Dusting the back of her coat she then steps towards us.
"Iphis mentioned something about another unreasonable request you took, so I'm here to aid you in your endeavor."
"W-Wait are you sure? I mean with- h-hang on... How did you know?"
Choosing to remain silent, perhaps Rosebelle didn't need a verbal answer to figure it out.
"Geez I'm not a kid anymore! And tell Mama to stop telling people of what I'm doing, that's invasion of privacy!"
Getting a small chuckle out of Luel, she places her hand against Rosebelle's head.
"I know that, but think of this as research. I more or less don't want to be out here alone, so think of this as me asking for a favor, for old times sake."
"Boo..."
Though I've done nothing worthy of receiving it, for some reason I feel left out from her affectionate head pat.
"And Akira was it? I trust you don't plan on dying before you repay me with interest."
"Ehh, wait there was an interest rate?"
She replies with silence as though it were a way for me to look back. But I can't say I remember the deal entirely...
"W-Well... I do have a small amount on me... if you probably sell what I have then it'd amount to..."
Chuckling once more, she ruffles Rosebelle's hair a bit before parting as she tries to fix it with her free hand.
"It's a joke, think nothing of it. We should be on our way, but one last thing."
Pointing over her shoulder, it seems she wants us to have our eyes on it as there seems to be a rounded shield resting against the wall.
"Oo, she's all ready?"
Quickly finishing off her roll, she moves to raise it up to eye level.
"Xavier dropped it off last night, he said she's all new and ready to go."
Examining the entire surface area carefully, she straps it onto her back with excitement.
"The Master did? So you all were cahoots on it? Geez, I wish you all had a little more faith in me."
"I do wish Iphis wouldn't leave the most important detail 'till last, however. She knows I wouldn't decline after I agreed."
With a sigh, she places the said of her hand against her brow before shaking her head.
"Hehe, thank you though, Luel."
"Favor for a favor, just be sure to help me afterwards. That includes you too, Akira."
"Me? A-Ah, no I'm-"
I look to Rosebelle as she seems to be trying to clear the misunderstanding as well. Though for some reason, Luel seems willing enough to have me tag along.
"But Akira, his level..."
"I didn't expect you to judge people on their level, little Rose. Wasn't that what you said to the others? That even lower levels have their uses and can find ways to be of help?"
"I-I did but... Luel, you're not playing fair, you know what I meant when I said that! At that time I-"
"So, it's fine isn't it?
Being put on the spot she takes the time to decide. Though I don't see a reason to decline the invitation, I've made up my mind originally to stay behind.
"Okay, fine... Akira, you can come. But!"
Pacing towards me, she stands with her hands beside her hips as she generates an intense aura of authority.
"Once we're engaged with the griffon, it'll be hell, one false move and you'll be torn apart. So I ask you. Do you want to die, Akira?"
"N-No, Madam!"
"Then stand up straight and shout from your diaphragm. Let me hear your will to survive!"
"I have no desire to meet my end here or ever!"
"That's the way, so be sure to keep a look out, you cant compare poras to griffons. That thing can out right kill you, but only it you let it. So be sure to listen to whatever I have to tell you."
"R-Roger!"
On instinct, I give her a firm salute.
"Oo, that's what I like to see! But..."
She directs my hand and makes it into a fist before situating it just below my heart.
"There.~"
She too copies this gesture with a satisfied smile before releasing it soon after.
"Hehe, now that's out of the way. Let's make off."
The first to walk takes the lead as I follow behind her with Luel taking my side.
"You're welcome, Akira."
"T-Thanks?"
"Iphis anticipated that you'd be foolish enough to wander onto the battlefield against a griffon and she didn't want anything unfortunate to come of Rose if you suddenly stepped in."
"A-ahh, is that so..."
I guess she's just looking out for her. I do hope she had more faith in me though, I was planning to stay behind in the end. I guess I didn't think too hard on the dire consequences of my actions.
"She also stated that if it comes down to it, to choose Rose over you. So, no hard feelings. I owe a great deal to her."
"Fair enough..."
"But I don't plan to see you meet your end here. I have a debt to collect from your head. So try to keep it, and I'll do my best to support you as well. In hindsight, we all need to be watchful over one another. Let your survival instincts guide you and you should be fine, low level or not, they're all just numbers."
Offering moral support, I feel less on edge to hear her words.
"Are you perhaps..."
Before I could finish my sentence, she quickens her pace to catch up with Rosebelle.
"We all need each other..."
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