Chapter 41 Long-Awaited Homecoming
A few days have passed since Arnold sent a letter to Lukas. I was waiting in front of the gates of the royal castle with Kasper-san, waiting for my childhood friend.
After that incident—meeting Elvira for the first time and making a small mistake during the synthesis of a healing potion — my health hasn't been the best, so Elvira had to go back to Marcedes-san's house once. Arnold seems to be trying to make time somehow, but the work that piled up while he was in Platonovena keeps coming one after another. So, he decided to clear up all the work that accumulated during his vacation, and these past few days have been busier than ever.
Well now, changing the subject, why is Kasper-san here? It seems he's here to see me off as I take a 10-day vacation. Even though I said there was no need for that, he just vaguely smiled and didn't accept my offer. Perhaps Kasper-san also has some thoughts about this situation――
Feeling a bit awkward, a familiar blond figure appeared before me. It sparkled in the sunlight, a common color in this world but unmistakable. It's Lukas.
As Lukas caught sight of me, he widened his blue eyes in surprise.
"Laura!"
As soon as we reunited, my childhood friend ran over and hugged me tightly.
With his taller height and seemingly stronger arms, Lukas embraced me tightly, his strength now even more overwhelming, causing me to feel a sense of discomfort. In my struggle, I accidentally bumped my head against Lukas's chest, but he didn't mind and continued to hold me tightly.
"Luka, it's, um, hard..."
"I'm glad you're safe...!"
Being held so closely that my forehead pressed against his shoulder, I couldn't move. The close contact made me notice Lukas's body trembling slightly.
I caused him worry. Lukas, who hadn't received any letters from me and only learned everything through news from Arnold, seemed to be filled with more anxiety than I had anticipated. Just thinking about being in his shoes made my fingertips tremble.
With all the sincerity in my heart, I wrapped my arms around the stronger back of my childhood friend, who had grown more resilient in my memory.
"I'm sorry for causing you worry."
Mumbling, while burying my face in Lukas's chest, the words that came out of my mouth were not clear, but my childhood friend Lukas seemed to have heard me as he tightened his arms around me even more. At that moment, I felt my heels lift off the ground, realizing that Lukas had grown taller.
After hugging me tightly, Lukas finally loosened his grip but kept his hand on my shoulder.
I slowly looked up at Lukas's face. He had a smile that seemed to mix joy, confusion, and a hint of anger, making it hard to describe.
"It's true. Just when I thought the letters had stopped suddenly, a letter came from that person - Arnold-san."
Upon hearing those words, all I could do was apologize with a drooping head. This was the second time I had caused worry. Even though a monster attack was unexpected, it was distressing to cause similar worries twice in a short period.
――Unexpectedly, another familiar figure peeked over his shoulder. That red-haired girl, maybe...
"Petra...?"
As Lukas stepped back as if sensing the name that popped into my head, there was no longer any barrier between me and the red-haired girl, Petra, and our eyes met firmly.
For a moment, the question 'Why?' crossed my mind. But I quickly realized that she must have come to check on me as well. When I visited home earlier, Petra had mentioned she was working away from home. Perhaps she had come to work in the nearby town.
Yes, I had thought of that, but to be honest, it was unexpected for Petra to come, especially more than my parents.
"Petra, did you come all this way too? Thank you. Sorry for making you worry."
She shook her head without saying a word. We locked eyes for a few moments, but Petra quickly looked away from me. Her expression clearly showed discomfort, indicating she felt out of place without saying a word.
I could think of one reason for that expression. It was the letter I received from Petra before. The letter written with trembling words saying she liked Lukas.
From Petra's perspective, she was shown an embrace scene between her crush and another person. Even though I had no such feelings, it might have been a thoughtless action considering her feelings as a friend. However, since I hadn't even thought Petra would be here until a moment ago, there was no way to prevent it this time.
But now that Petra had come, things were different. I quickly moved away from Lukas and kept more distance than usual.
Lukas looked at me curiously, but I just smiled back. Then, as if seeking help, I glanced at Kasper-san. He seemed to understand something, as he finally opened his tightly closed mouth that had been preventing our reunion.
"Laura-chan, feel free to take as much rest as you need! ...I wish I could have said that, but I'm sorry, you can only take a 10-day break..."
"Oh, that's more than enough. I'm sorry for asking too much."
Even as I softly smiled, Kasper-san didn't let his apologetic expression falter. Surely, my kind boss regrets sending me to Platonovena.
"Actually, I've been asking for a lot too... When you come back, let me apologize properly."
Saying so, Kasper-san deeply bowed.
I shook my head vigorously, saying "No need to apologize," but Kasper-san's expression remained unchanged.
Well then, have a great holiday.
Leaving those words behind, Kasper-san turned on his heel and walked away. He looked thinner from behind than before. Because of the Platonovena attack incident, it seemed like Kasper-san had pushed himself too hard, and he was still dealing with the aftermath.
After Kasper-san left, without saying a word, Lukas, Petra, and I exchanged glances. We nodded to each other silently, thinking it was time to go home, and I took a step forward—just then.
"Ampère"
I was called back. When I turned around at the voice and name that had become familiar to my ears, Arnold was standing there, leaning against the wall.
Realizing I hadn't said goodbye to my direct senior before the break, I quickly excused myself to Lukas and the others before running over.
Probably Kasper and Arnold are the ones who managed to take this vacation. And now, since they took the time out of their busy schedules to come see me off, I should make sure to say goodbye properly before I leave. It might just be a coincidence that they happened to pass by.
"Sorry, I'll be taking a 10-day break."
"Ah, take a good rest."
He nodded lightly, then suddenly his gaze shifted behind me. Wondering what was going on, I turned around following his gaze, and there was Lukas, who should have been waiting for me near the gate, standing right behind me.
"Arnold-san."
After a few steps, Lukas stepped forward and stood next to me. And then, he quickly bowed his head.
Caught off guard by the sudden action of my childhood friend, I was flustered. However, Arnold, the one being bowed to, remained completely composed, and instead, looked down at Lukas with a cold gaze.
"Thank you for protecting Laura."
"I haven't done anything to deserve your thanks."
――It seems like these two still don't get along. I quietly hold my breath and try to minimize my presence in the tense atmosphere between the two.
Maybe Lukas and Arnold are set up to have a bad compatibility. In a few years, Lukas will embark on a journey to save the world with Arnold's sister, Elvira, so their connection will continue to some extent.
While I was worrying about the future of my childhood friend and senior on my own, Arnold silently turned on his heel and left without a word. In that moment, his gaze briefly flickered towards me, so I gave a slight nod and avoided his sharper gaze than usual. On the other hand, Lukas, who had still been bowing his head, slowly raised it as he sensed Arnold moving away. However, instead of immediately walking towards the gate, he gazed at Arnold's retreating figure.
As I was also gazing at Lukas' profile from a diagonal angle behind him, I was suddenly spoken to.
"That person, the magician we talked about?"
Petra asked.
To be honest, I didn't immediately understand the meaning of her question. What did she mean by "the magician we talked about"?
I tilted my head and responded with a question.
"The one we talked about?"
"Well, I'm currently working in Rem town, and I heard a story about Platonovena being attacked by monsters there. Among the rumors I heard, there was one about a black-haired, black-eyed magician who heroically repelled the monsters with overwhelming power."
The words that flowed effortlessly from Petra's mouth contained several pieces of new information for me, and it took me a little time to digest them accurately.
First, Petra working in Rem town. I knew she was working elsewhere, but it was the first time I heard it was in Rems town.
Rem town is definitely the closest "town" to Emme Village. It is smaller in scale compared to the capital, but it is a port town with decent facilities and people.
And I felt like I found one of the reasons why Petra is here in that place. Rem town is located between Emme Village and the capital, Savila. In terms of distance, Emme Village is much closer, but carriages should have been passing by to the capital.
And one more thing.
Petra mentioned a black-haired, black-eyed magician who is rumored about. It is probably, no, most likely, Arnold.
I heard he is even called a hero, and for a moment, I doubted if it was the Arnold I know, but upon further thought, that title suits him. After all, Arnold saved a city with his power. - Although it wasn't just his power alone, but with the cooperation of Alex and others.
"Yep, that's right. It's about Arnold-san, for sure."
He became the Royal Alchemist at a very young age, and then he was praised as a hero who saved a whole city with his extraordinary magical power. Honestly, the way they exaggerate his background is just so funny. His achievements are no less impressive than the main character's, or rather, even more so.
Arnold is a character who doesn't appear in "Last Brave." Therefore, it's unclear what role he will play in the future in the battle against the demon king. But for now, he should be much more well-known to the public than the other main characters. Considering his contributions to this world and his high specs, it's hard to believe he will just be categorized as a "big brother character" in the future. But who knows.
I'm supposed to be a genius when it comes to synthesis, or at least that's what people say. But when I'm in front of Arnold, I feel like just an ordinary person.
And above all, my childhood friend is the future Hero. Maybe I can't fully appreciate being praised as the genius by Kasper and the others because of this environment.
"By the way, Petra. Are you getting along with Luka?"
"Uh... sorry."
Petra looked uncomfortable, lowering her eyelids and shrinking back. Worried that my question might have sounded sarcastic to her, I quickly denied my previous words.
"Oh, no, I didn't mean it in a weird way! I was just a bit surprised and wanted to say it's great..."
"Are you forgiving me?"
It was an unexpected response.
I remember the letter I received from Petra before. I'm sure that letter also had a sentence asking for my forgiveness.
I wonder what position I am in Petra's eyes. Why does she seek my forgiveness? When people fall in love, whose forgiveness do they need? - No, maybe in this world, they need the forgiveness of the creator.
Anyway, it was clear that I had no right to say anything. I didn't intend to say anything in the first place. I just feel a little worried when I think about my friend's future.
I smiled and waved my hand in front of my face.
"Forgiveness or not, Lukas and I are just childhood friends."
Just childhood friends. I chuckled to myself at the words that slipped out of my mouth. It's similar to the words often spoken by the losing heroines I've seen in the past. They hide their own hearts with those words and end up failing in love.
Petra smiled in relief at my words. Her smile still carried a hint of youthful innocence, but it was very charming, and I thought it would only become more refined in the future. When I tried to recall my memories, even though Petra was an NPC, her distinctive hair color made her modeling stand out with a certain level of detail.
At the same time, I remembered the face of the heroine in this world, whose modeling seemed to have more effort put into it than any other character. She was more noble and beautiful than anyone else in this world.
Will I have the chance to meet her in a few years? As I stood next to my childhood friend, what would I be thinking while looking at her?
* * *
The smell of grass, gentle breeze, and clear air.
While being rocked in the carriage, I realized, "Ah, I've returned." After taking a few deep breaths to savor the air of my hometown, the carriage suddenly stopped.
It's been a long time, Emme Village!
I quickly packed my bags and got off the carriage. At the entrance of the village, my parents were there, waving at me.
"Laura!"
Tired from the long carriage journey, I jumped directly from the carriage into the open arms of my parents, who were cracking a whip against their tired bodies. Instantly, I was embraced tightly. The strength of their hug made me feel like I was being scolded for causing them some worry.
"Mother, Father! I'm home!"
As I looked up at their faces, for some reason, I noticed more wrinkles than before. Maybe they had actually increased. Since I went to the capital, I had been causing my parents constant worry. Despite my vow to be a dutiful child, I felt guilty. It wasn't really my fault, and the troubles that couldn't be avoided even if I had done something were still painful to bear.
The arms that held me loosened. Looking up at my parents' faces, I saw their hands resting on each of my cheeks.
Gently, their hand stroked me as if pampering me. It felt nice and warm, causing me to gently close my eyes.
"Welcome back. And... Happy birthday, Laura."
"Huh?"
Happy birthday?
I raised the eyelids I had just closed. Then, the loving expressions of my parents filled my view.
Happy birthday.
I repeated the words in my head several times. And finally, I understood the meaning of those words correctly.
Oh, right. I remembered. My birthday was seven days ago—during the time when Elvira was causing a commotion in the capital.
I had turned 15 without even realizing it.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)