Chapter 111: Reunion with the master – Part two
Chapter 111: Reunion with the master – Part two
Karans older sister.
Everyone was surprised, but thought it made sense.
Karan.
S-sis
Ive heard youve been through a lot Go back to the village. If you think youre still too immature, you know thats what you should do.
Karan frowned hard at this sudden proposition.
That has nothing to do with you.
What did you say?
I dont get why youre showing up all of a sudden and said that. If you want to go back, go back alone.
Said Karan before turning away, something which Suisen did not look too happy about.
Everyone around them was confused about this sudden discussion, and Nick stood up.
Wait, I dont understand. This is all too sudden
You.
Y-yes?
This is a family matter. Im going to need you to stay out of it
Be that as it may, Karan is still a member of our party, and the only person that can decide if she wants to quit is her. If anyone else here had the right to make her quit, that would be the leader, me. Can you convince me first?
The feeling of enmity turned into bloodlust.
The situation was very volatile. Suisens hands were that of a dragon person, hard, strong, and sharp.
She clenched her fists, and was just about to move her arm when
Suisen.
Bellocchios voice echoed, and Suisen loosened her fist.
Im sorry Bellocchio.
Nick was it? You too.
Im sorry for flaring up.
Nick said as he sat back down.
Still You two have completely different origins. Why are you together?
Nick said as he looked at both Suisen and Bellocchio.
Bellocchio answered with a wry smile.
Obviously, because we were both searching for Survivors. Neither of us could find our way around Labyrinth City, so it was lucky that we just happened to be looking for the same group of people.
Nick decided to continue the discussion from there. It turned out that they had actually visited New Beads first. When they asked about the people they were looking for, they heard they joined a party known as Survivors and started looking for them. Bellocchio smiled as he explained.
Tianna, my business here is not much different than Suisens.
Hum, so Do you want me to return to school?
Yes, although not a school in this country.
Eh?
The magic empire of Shembad has been looking for people to teach magic. Will you be my assistant?
Tiannas face was frozen as she heard something completely unexpected.
Bellocchio was not looking to pressure her to make a decision on the spot, so they decided to talk again later.
The atmosphere was tense, and it seemed as though Karan and her sister could start brawling at any moment, but Bellocchio stopped Suisen with skill similar to that of an animal tamer. His expression showed that he was used to dealing with hot-blooded younglings as he casually left Fishermen.
Survivors also left, and gathered in Tiannas apartment.
I-Im so tired
Me too.
The two girls put their arms and heads on the table.
This is turning into something really confusing for me.
Nick got up, poured some water from a jug into two cups, and placed them in front of the two girls.
Sem and Bond started cleaning the room, not really saying anything.
Tianna had the bad habit of leaving trash around. She would make sure to not leave raw garbage lying around, as it would attract dangerous beasts, but would leave packaging and wrappings of books and magic items she bought rolling around her room.
It had become a habit to clean Tiannas apartment before starting to talk.
Ah, sorry. I dont have the energy to do that today.
Said Tianna.
Its fine I guess Ill have to ask. What do you want to do?
Im not going! No way!
Karans answer to Nicks question was a strong no.
Ah Dont you two get along?
Thats not it I dont think so
Karan tilted her head, seemingly having difficulty putting her thoughts into words.
Nick and the others waited for her to speak without rushing her.
My sister got married and abandoned our hometown, so its kind of a problem that she showed up telling me to go back with her.
Abandoned your hometown?
She eloped with a traveler. Shes strong, smart, and beautiful, but she didnt become a warrior or an adventurer. She used to always tell me not to think about those bothersome things. I didnt know she was in the Labyrinth City
So Its not like she left the village with a specific purpose in mind like you?
She always treats me like a kid, even though she does whatever she wants Like how shes telling me to go back with her now.
I see
Nick somehow sympathized with this. He understood Karans dilemma of not wanting to go back all too well.
However, at the same time, he thought such a cold and brusque attitude was not right. He looked over at Sem, who quietly nodded.
I think you two should calm down and try to talk again before turning this into a fight. Maybe theres something going on with her that we dont know about, or maybe shes misunderstanding our situation. If there is something that needs to be said, you should say it before you say yes or no.
Alright.
The problem was not solved, but Karan nodded in agreement.
Nick felt relieved, and focused his attention on Tianna.
What about you Tianna?
I cant just suddenly leave everything and go just because he says so. I really enjoy what Im currently doing.
Tianna whispered with some gloom in her eyes.
Nick noticed her refusal was not as resolute as Karans.
So its not something you want to refuse right away, and want to mull it over?
Hey!
Tianna stood up and glared at Nick.
Im not complaining or anything, I just want to hear what you have to say. Are you mad? Happy? Confused? What is it?
Tianna was going to yell something, but stopped, sat back down, and started speaking.
I feel guilty I guess.
Guilty?
Its partly my fault that he was expelled in the first place I still feel guilty about what happened.
Tianna was expelled from a school for nobles, and Bellocchio suffered the same fate.
This situation was caused by her former fiancee and his lover.
As if confirming her own feelings, Tianna revealed that she felt she was responsible, and that her teacher would not have been expelled if she noticed their trap sooner.
So you want to atone?
I do but
Tianna stood up and rolled on the ground. While lying face up, she once again started speaking to no one in particular.
I dont feel like following master Bellocchio will be enough to atone.
Hmm.
But I also feel like thats just an excuse for me not to go to the magic empire. I have all these conflicting ideas in my head. Im like that sometimes, you know?
So, does that mean you two dont want to go?
Sem asked directly.
Of course!
Well, yeah.
Said Karan and Tianna with no doubt on their faces.
Wait. We need to be sure, if were going to help.
Tianna and Karan opened their eyes wide.
Hum Nick?
Are you sure?
What?
Nick had no idea what they were getting at, and both sighed in response.
W-what?
Do you remember what you said when we formed this party?
Hum
And then Nick remembered what he once said.
Were not going to interfere with each others private lives.
Youre the one who said it, how could you forget!? And here I was feeling bad for getting you involved!
Yes yes! And
Karan mumbled, before her voice got almost too quiet to hear.
I was worried that if I started talking about private problems youd say it was against the rules
Ahh Nick, youre really mean! Poor Karan.
Said Tianna.
I think this is a good time to apologize, Nick.
Said Sem.
How awful. You are a disgrace to all sacred sword holders.
Whats with all of you!? Why are you piling in on it too, Sem and Bond!?
Said Nick with a sigh while scratching his head with both hands.
Im going to take this opportunity to say that if you find something like a goal in life that takes precedence over this, and you want to willingly quit, I wont stop you. No one ever knows when their adventurer party might end.
Said Nick in an uncharacteristically plain manner, as everyone else looked at him with solemn expressions.
But, if something or someone is forcing you to quit against your will, thats a different story. Adventurers should be free, and I wont accept anyone trying to ruin that.