Chapter 17 – Eastern Ruins (9)

Next door to where I lived, there was an elderly couple who got along well.

During the day, they would chat softly, but at night, I would hear the grandmother’s cries and the grandfather’s sobs.

The grandmother had dementia.

Though she was fine during the day, her condition worsened at night, and she would scream like a child.

Whenever my mother saw this, she couldn’t ignore it. She would always prepare side dishes and help them with various things.

And each time, she would say the same thing:

“Ah… raising children is pointless, isn’t it? You can give birth to them and raise them well, but when you’re old and sick, they don’t even care…”

But despite saying that, she would always turn to me with a warm smile and add,

“But our Noah is so kind, you’d never abandon me, right?”

I would nod, naturally agreeing.

And that day was just like any other.

“Noah! I’m going to take some side dishes to the neighbors. Could you help me carry them? They’re heavy.”

“Uh… I’m in the middle of a game. I still need a bit more time.”

“Hm… it’ll only take a moment. Can’t you come?”

“I’m in a boss fight right now… No! Don’t go in there, you idiot—!”

“Noah? Watch your language.”

“Ah… sorry. Uh… Can I go in like ten minutes?”

“Alright, fine. I’ll go by myself. I’m also going to help clean their fridge, so I’ll be gone for a while! Don’t sit too close to the screen, and eat the food I left on the table after you’re done!”

“Yeah… I got it.”

“I’ll be back soon!”

“Ugh… this dumb mage…”

Usually, because of my father’s job, I would always say, “Be careful,” whenever my parents left.

But that day…

I didn’t say anything, too absorbed in my game to even think about it.

If only…

If only I had told her to be careful…

Maybe…

***

Tickling.

It feels like a dandelion brushing softly in front of my face.

It smells good too, and my body feels comfortable, being held securely.

A gentle rocking motion…

“Huff, we’re almost there,” I heard Aileen’s voice close by.

“Just ten more minutes and we’ll be through the ruins.”

Ahead, I could hear Luchi’s voice.

“Ugh… I’m exhausted from not getting a wink of sleep. Guess I can’t deny my age anymore.”

And… Heinzel’s voice too.

Someone’s arms were supporting my back and legs, and my body was floating in the air.

Wait… am I being carried by Aileen?

On top of that, I can’t feel my greatsword on me. Where did it go…?

I remember falling asleep, but how much time has passed since then?

Aileen must have been really worried. Hmm…

“Before we head into Halveon, we’ll rest at the village of Roholon, right?” Luchi asked.

“Yes. I plan to stay there until Noah’s condition improves,” Aileen replied.

“Well, why don’t we stay there too, Heinzel? We could also help train Miss Noah while we’re at it.”

“Ooh, that sounds like fun. I wouldn’t mind teaching the little one a thing or two.”

Huh?

Me? What for?

I was about to let them know I was awake, but their strange conversation made me keep quiet.

“Could you… teach me some swordsmanship too?” Aileen suddenly asked.

Wait, what?

Aileen? Why would she want to learn how to use a sword?

“You, miss? Well then, how about learning to wield a polearm instead? This halberd is one fiery—”

“No. I prefer swords. Those bulky… I mean, heavy weapons are too much for me.”

“Haha! That’s right. You’ve got good taste, miss. Swords have a certain romantic elegance, unlike those brutish polearms. Alright, I’ll teach you. Once we’re in Roholon, we’ll start your training too.”

What the heck?

How could a one-handed sword or a halberd have more romantic elegance than a greatsword?

Greatswords are the epitome of romance!

Forget this! I can’t let Aileen waste her time learning such things.

I was planning to keep pretending to sleep, but not anymore.

I can’t let Aileen learn to wield a mere one-handed sword.

I need to get up and step in—

“Yes, thank you. But first… I’d like to have a talk with Noah,” Aileen said.

Oh.

Wait a minute.

I decided to stay still.

“Yes, that makes sense. You probably have a lot to talk about with the little one. Heinzel, how about we take a short break? I hear the stone-grilled steak in Roholon is excellent.”

“Hm, sounds good to me.”

“You always think everything sounds good.”

“What’s the point in responding bluntly all the time? Besides… I’m working on my friendly demeanor so I don’t scare Miss Noah.”

“Pfft—! Heinzel, you really do have a soft spot, don’t you? You’re a lot cuter than your appearance suggests.”

“Hah, you should see him at home. He keeps so many pets. I can’t even go near the place because of my allergies.”

“Everyone loves cute things, right?”

“Well, yeah. But it’s still kind of funny imagining Heinzel being into cute things… haha…”

I pictured Heinzel’s image in my head.

If I remember right… hmm…

A smooth, freshly shaved head every morning.

A giant body, about as tall as my greatsword.

And… I don’t really remember his face.

Anyway, he had this macho, tough-guy look. Cute things…?

Well, I guess everyone likes cute things.

As for me, I prefer cool things.

Greatswords are cool, right?

And I’m cool too, especially when I fight.

Yeah. I’m awesome.

“Hmph.”

“Hmm? Noah? Are you awake?”

Oh no…

I meant to laugh inside, but I accidentally did it out loud.

I’ll just pretend to still be asleep—

“Is she sleeping? Hmm… Everyone knows that when people sleep, they use diaphragmatic breathing, right?”

“Huh? I didn’t notice anything,” Heinzel responded.

“Heinzel, I think you lost both your hair and your brain. Of course you wouldn’t notice if she’s asleep.”

“Oh… right.”

“Well… Noah, let’s see. What do you think chest breathing means?”

Heh.

This is supposed to be difficult? Aileen, are you serious?

“It means… waking up…! Gasp…!”

Wait, what?

“You were faking it, weren’t you?” Aileen’s stern voice poked at my conscience.

Of course. Aileen’s no ordinary person.

“Uh… good… morning, Aileen… and, uh… old men…?”

I awkwardly waved my hand, trying to smile.

“Oh, the little one’s awake.”

“Faster than expected.”

“Good morning, Noah. How’s your body feeling?”

I could feel Aileen’s hair brushing against my face.

Hmm… is her head lowered?

Not being able to sense anything with my perception is so frustrating. Argh!

“I’m fine… but, um… could you put me down? I can walk on my own now…!”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Huh… why not…? Aren’t I heavy?”

“Not at all. In fact, you’re so light that it’s worrying. Just stay put until we get to Roholon.”

Aileen’s tone made it clear that there was no room for negotiation.

But… this is embarrassing.

And, uh… oh?

I can feel a lot of… cushion here. It’s really embarrassing…

“Then… at least my greatsword—”

I need to sense my surroundings!

“Your greatsword? Noah, you’re light, but that thing is heavy. We’ll reach Roholon soon, so hang in there a bit longer, okay?”

Lies…

The greatsword is lighter than I am…

“Okay…”

“Hehe… You’re being so obedient, Noah. How cute.”

Aileen patted my behind.

She’s carrying me and patting me… this is some next-level skill…!

“If she gets heavy, you can switch with me. These muscles were made for moments like this—”

“No. I’ll carry her. Noah said she’s scared of you, Heinzel.”

Wait, what? Huh?!

I never said that!

“No, I never—Ow!”

Before I could finish, Aileen pinched my behind hard and whispered for me to hush.

Why… why are you making me sound like a liar?!

“Oh, I see… well… I guess that makes sense.”

“Haha, the little one said that, huh?”

Look! Now bald Uncle Heinzel is sad!

“Yes. So I’ll keep carrying her. Right, Noah?”

Pinch.

“Ow… Yes, yes…”

“Hehe… See?”

Aileen has definitely changed…

“Well… Miss Aileen,” Heinzel spoke in a rather sullen voice.

Oh… poor bald Heinzel…

He’s lost his hair… and now his confidence too…

“Yes?”

“I’ll teach you some useful techniques. Could you teach me how to get along with children in return?”

“Haha! Heinzel, didn’t I always tell you to work on your face first? One look at you, and… well, um… never mind. That was rude.”

Luchi stopped abruptly, clearing his throat.

Oh… I guess he was being considerate since I’m blind.

Luchi is so kind!

“Luchi, you’re such garbage.”

“Hm… I suppose I am.”

No, no… It’s not that bad.

“Pfft! Hahaha! I can’t believe you guys are platinum adventurers… Haha… Fine, I’ll teach you how to get along with kids. How about you, Luchi? Want to join in?”

“Please do…”

And so, their conversation continued without me.

I wanted to join in, but I couldn’t find the right moment… not even once.

Every time I opened my mouth, one of them would jump in! Why! Let me talk too!

Did they all get closer while I was asleep?!

I mean, I met Aileen first…!

I’m closer to her than they are!!

Feeling frustrated, I grabbed onto Aileen’s cloak tightly.

We’ll have a lot to talk about later… a lot.

As for the old men, they can go eat their meat.

Aileen and I will hang out on our own.

***

“Noah. Don’t we have a lot to talk about?”

I had been planning to snack on something when we arrived at Roholon, but Aileen dragged me to our room in the inn.

This isn’t the kind of alone time I had in mind…

“Uh… yeah…”

Aileen’s voice sounded serious.

Is it because I wandered off and got into that fight?

Didn’t she forgive me last time…?

No, of course not. There’s no way she’d forgive me after I gave her so much gold…

“Okay, let’s start with you. Do you have any questions for me or anything you want to talk about?”

Hmm…

There was something I’d been wanting to ask since earlier.

“Can I… really ask anything?”

“Yes. Anything. I’ll answer everything, so feel free.”

“Hmmm… Really? Can I really ask…?”

Depending on her answer, this might create a rift between us forever…

Seriously?

“Yes.”

Gripping the hilt of my greatsword tightly, I gathered all the courage I could muster and asked:

“Between me and those old guys… who are you closer to?!”