Chapter 50 Accompanying Flaria
On the morning of the 6th day of my visit back home. I was standing in front of Lukas' house, and I was hesitant.
――A letter from Emiliana-san delivered last night. It mentioned my asking for help to inquire at Flaria's home about The Drinking Water of the Spirits, but a problem arose. The question of who to ask to accompany me.
As a minimum requirement, I want someone who can fight monsters. Because according to the setting of "Last Brave," The Drinking Water of the Spirits is located beyond a forest where monsters appear.
There was one person who met that requirement and seemed willing to accompany me. That person is my childhood friend, Lukas.
To be honest, there's another person that came to mind, but unfortunately, he's really busy. I hesitated a bit when I asked him to come to Flaria on vacation.
(Well, but it's not good for Lukas to leave Emme Village... Besides, it's for Elvira, so maybe if I ask Arnold to push himself a bit, he might come along.)
Lukas and Arnold. My thoughts that were leaning towards Lukas once are now shifting back towards the center.
From a scheduling perspective, I think Lukas might be the better choice. Not so much because of Lukas himself, but because Arnold is just too busy. However, leaving Emme Village, which has been attacked by monsters several times, in Lukas' absence would only bring anxiety to the villagers.
From the perspective of the original purpose, Arnold seems more suitable. After all, this time it's about saving future comrades for Lukas, so while it's not completely unrelated, Lukas and Elvira currently have no connection at all — they are strangers. However, as mentioned earlier, Arnold is a busy person, and I don't know when he will be free.
If one side stands up, the other won't. I could only scratch my head.
Should I try my luck and reach out to the Savila Knight Order in the royal capital? There might be a way to hire guards with savings. But I don't know the going rate for hiring guards, and I don't have that much savings. In that case, should I seek help from the men in Emme Village—
(I wish I could go alone... but just having poison isn't reassuring...)
I think going alone would be best, but that's just too reckless.
And so, as I was wandering in front of Lukas's house, unsure of what to do.
"Hey, Laura-chan?"
The one who called out to me was Lukas' mother. She seemed to be watching me suspiciously as I passed by the house, with her hand on the door, tilting her head to get a better look at me.
I forced a smile to hide my discomfort and greeted her,
"Oh, good morning, Auntie."
"Good morning. Lukas is already awake. Want to come in?"
"No, no! ...Um, actually, may I come in after all?"
"Yes, of course."
As I entered Lukas' house at his mother's invitation, I was met at the entrance by a man with a rugged beard - Lukas' father. He was about to head out for work - he worked as a lumberjack - as he had his hand on the axe leaning against the entrance.
"Oh, Laura-chan, good morning. Do you need something from Lukas?"
"Good morning, Uncle. I have something I want to discuss with Lukas for a bit."
"I always rely on Laura-chan for help. If it's okay with my son, feel free to use as much as you need."
The man laughed heartily, showing his teeth. While Lukas inherited the eye and hair color from his mother, the facial features resemble his father a lot. His father must have been quite a handsome young man in the past. Even now, with age, he has the appearance of a mature, cool adult male.
"Oh, Laura?"
"Lukas, good morning."
Perhaps overhearing the conversation at the entrance, Lukas peeked his head out from the back room. When our eyes met and we exchanged morning greetings, his face lit up.
As I returned the greeting with a smile, I was led straight into his room.
Lukas sat on the neatly made bed. Then, with his gaze, he gestured towards the chair placed in the room. Following his lead, I sat on the chair.
"I know it might be a lot to ask, but for now, I just want you to listen to what I have to say."
This time, I intended to just have him listen to me. Whether he agrees to accompany me or not, even if we don't come to a decision today, it wouldn't hurt to discuss the possibility in advance.
After some introductions, I get to the main topic.
"I'm planning to go to a city called Flaria to search for a treatment for a certain illness. I have an idea of the treatment I need, but... the materials required for the treatment might be deep in a forest where monsters could be lurking――"
"I'll go."
He spoke decisively.
As I blinked in surprise a few times, Lukas peered at me from below, trying to gauge my reaction.
"Didn't you tell me you wanted me to come with you?"
"Well, yeah, but... once Luka leaves the village..."
Lukas lowered his eyelids at my muttered words. He probably wants to come with me, but doesn't have a clear answer to my worries.
Yes, I want Lukas to come with me. However, if Lukas, who possesses the power of a hero, leaves the village, it leaves me uneasy for when the time comes. The magic barrier surrounding Emme Village remains weak, and even if it is strengthened, it's not as simple as allowing Lukas to leave the village.
Lukas, who answered without hesitation that he would "come along" without any doubt, left me feeling unsettled. I just wanted him to listen to the story for now, but...
Regardless of whether Lukas comes with us or not, I should have solved the barrier magic issue in Emme Village first before talking. I regret my careless words and actions. I never expected such a quick response - there's no time for excuses.
We need to set our priorities straight and act accordingly since a clear path to The Drinking Water of the Spirits has opened up. I was a bit too anxious.
First, we need to do something about the barrier in Emme Village. The Drinking Water of the Spirits comes next.
After taking a deep breath, I spoke up.
"I'm sorry to delay this, but could you give me a little time? I'll ask the magician from the Savila Knight Order to strengthen the barrier magic for the village."
Let's send the letter right away. Every day counts. The recipient is either the Savila Knight Order or maybe Arnold. When I mention that, let's subtly bring up the matter of accompanying myself. No matter how strong the barrier magic is, it's still worrying for Lukas to be away from the village even for a few days.
The best scenario would be to strengthen the barrier magic in Emme Village and have Lukas stay there.
Observing the behavior of my childhood friend, he seemed to have a complex expression for some reason, but he nodded firmly.
"If we can somehow manage the barrier magic, I might ask for your help again later."
"Yeah, got it."
"Sorry for being selfish and getting you involved."
Lukas quietly shook his head at my words. Then, he looked straight into my eyes and said,
"It's much better to involve me more than to let you be in danger without knowing anything, Laura."
In the blue eyes, a golden crest sparkled.
Just like how the Hero of "Last Brave" would feel pain in his heart when someone close to him got hurt. Having the power to protect others, the Hero would blame himself more than anyone else when he couldn't protect someone.
It would probably be the same if I got hurt doing something reckless. I shouldn't act impulsively alone and end up hurting Lukas's feelings.
"Thank you. Let me know if there are any updates."
Upon saying that, Lukas smiled as if relieved. The conversation shifted away from dangerous topics and gradually turned to lighter subjects, eventually enjoying a chat with a childhood friend.
After returning home from Lukas's house, I hesitated for a while and then wrote a letter to Arnold. I briefly considered sending it to Olivelle-san, the vice captain of the Savila Knight Order, but ultimately decided it would be more certain to send it to Arnold. This time, there's a reason related to Elvira's treatment. Even though it's a bit of a dirty move, if I emphasize that reason, Arnold shouldn't ignore me.
I entrusted the letter to the carriage of the messenger who visits the village once a day. I also included a thank-you letter to Emiliana-san. I can only hope that things will go in a good direction.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)