The morning sun filtered through the cracks of the wooden courtyard fence, casting slivers of light across Yukki's face. He stirred, rubbing his eyes as he sat up on his makeshift mat. After two days in Landsol, sleeping in alleys and courtyards was beginning to wear on him. Today, he promised himself, he'd find a way to make some real progress and finally get himself a place to stay.
He gathered his things and made his way to the Guild Association. As he entered, he spotted Kavin behind the counter. Yukki approached her with a hopeful look. "Good morning, Kavin. I wanted to ask... is there any way I could rent a small place to stay?"
Kavin shook her head with a smile. "In Landsol, rooms are reserved for members of a guild, Yukki. You'll need to find some people you trust and form your own guild first."
Yukki's shoulders slumped a bit. He had only been here for two days; making friends hadn't exactly been easy. But then, an idea sparked in his mind. Pecorine! Surely she could help. Thanking Kavin, Yukki left the association and made his way to the tavern where Pecorine worked.
He found her busy, weaving between tables, serving drinks, and chatting with customers. She noticed him and waved with a bright smile. "Yukki! Good to see you!"
"Hey, Pecorine." He hesitated but gathered his courage. "I, uh... I was wondering if you'd be willing to join my guild? It's just… it'll really help me get a place to stay."
Pecorine laughed softly. "Sure! I don't mind at all." She took the application Yukki had brought and quickly signed it.
As soon as she had a break, Pecorine and Yukki headed back to the Guild Association. Yukki felt hopeful, almost giddy—this could actually work! But when they handed the form back to Kavin, she shook her head sympathetically.
"I'm afraid guilds here need at least three members, Yukki," Kavin informed him. "Without a third member, I can't approve your application."
Yukki's heart sank. He was so close. Pecorine noticed his disappointment. "Yukki, why are you so set on forming a guild right now?"
He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Honestly, it's because I need a place to sleep that isn't under the stars. I don't have anywhere else."
A look of understanding crossed her face. She thought for a moment, then offered a bright smile. "Why don't you work with me at the tavern? You can help out and sleep there. The owner's been looking for an extra pair of hands."
Yukki blinked, surprised. "Are you sure that'd be okay?"
"Absolutely!" Pecorine led him back to the tavern, where she introduced him to the owner, Kasumi. Kasumi gave Yukki an appraising look but agreed, saying she could use the help.
And so, Yukki found himself as Pecorine's new coworker. Pecorine showed him the ropes, teaching him how to carry trays without spilling, the basics of cooking, and even the art of banter with customers. When the crowd thinned, they would head to the market to pick up fresh supplies, clean the tables, and even hunt for boar meat together when stocks ran low. By the end of the day, Yukki was worn out, but a deep satisfaction filled him.
That night, Kasumi handed him a mat, a blanket, and a pillow. "Here you go, Yukki. You've earned it."
He gratefully accepted, spreading his mat on the tavern floor. For the first time since he'd arrived in Landsol, he felt safe, sheltered under a roof, and warm.
Days went by, and as Pecorine continued to help him settle in, Yukki found his life in Landsol improving. Together, they even went on hunting trips to stock up on supplies. On one such outing, they found themselves facing a group of boars wielding wooden clubs. The battle was swift, with Pecorine doing most of the fighting while Yukki held his ground as best he could. But Pecorine noticed something troubling.
"Yukki, you need to work on your sword skills," she commented as they cleaned up. "If we run into anything stronger, you'll be in trouble."
Yukki gave a sheepish nod. "I'm not really experienced in fighting monsters..."
Pecorine smiled, resting a hand on her hip. "Well, I can teach you. We'll train every morning before work!"
Yukki's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Really? Thank you, Pecorine!"
Over the next few weeks, Pecorine trained Yukki diligently every morning. At first, the training left him sore and exhausted. But slowly, he improved. He learned to handle his sword with more confidence, to block and parry, and to move with better agility. Pecorine's encouragement and guidance helped him not only become stronger but also to understand the value of perseverance and hard work.
Three months passed, and just as Yukki was beginning to feel at home in Landsol, rumors of a famine began spreading. A dragon was terrorizing the nearby villages, destroying crops, attacking traders, and causing the food supply to dwindle. Prices skyrocketed, and life became difficult for everyone.
One evening, as the tavern crowd thinned, Pecorine shared her worries with Yukki. "The prices of food are out of control. Poor folks are starving, and thieves are growing bolder. I've never seen Landsol like this."
Yukki nodded. "It's tough. I'm worried about what'll happen if this continues."
The situation worsened until, finally, Kasumi was forced to close the tavern. "I can't afford to keep buying goods at these prices," she explained, a sorrowful look on her face. "I'm sorry, Pecorine, Yukki. I don't have the money to pay either of you."
Pecorine nodded, understanding. "Don't worry about us, Kasumi. We'll manage somehow."
Days passed, and with each one, Landsol became a shadow of its former self. Then, one morning, an adventurer reported to the guild that they had spotted the dragon near the town. Fear gripped the residents of Landsol. They dug pits to hide in, and some even fled the town entirely. Those who remained helped the guild prepare giant bows and arrows as defenses. The air was thick with tension as everyone awaited the inevitable.
The dragon didn't attack, but a bone-chilling roar echoed from the forest, shaking the town to its core. Children cried, adults trembled, and Yukki's heart raced. As people hurriedly prepared, Pecorine grabbed his arm. "Come with me. I need to get my sword back."
They hurried through the tense streets and reached the weapon shop where Pecorine's sword—a gift from her parents—was displayed. She pleaded with the shopkeeper. "Please, you have to let me have my sword back. The town needs me to fight that dragon!"
The shopkeeper crossed his arms. "If you want it, you'll have to pay up. This sword is worth even more now with the dragon threat around."
Pecorine's face fell as Yukki stepped forward, frustration in his eyes. "She's asking to help defend the town! How can you—"
Pecorine touched his shoulder, stopping him. She gave the shopkeeper a resigned nod. "Thank you for your time. I'll find another way." She turned and walked out, Yukki close behind.
As they made their way back, Yukki watched Pecorine, marveling at her resilience. She had lost her sword and her job, yet she still kept her head held high.
"Pecorine," he said softly, "we'll figure something out. We'll get your sword back, and we'll find a way to protect the town."
She smiled, a glint of determination in her eyes. "Yes. Together, we'll find a way."