Days flew by ever since their reunion with Aiko and Noelle's meeting. During which, they managed to convince the former to take refuge in their home. Both Aiko and Fei slept on their bed, whilst Lucian took the spot on the floor.
Over the course, the question about Fei travelling to Nuwanushi was answered; it took the first few days, back and forth between her and Lucian. With all the funding they recently earned, they bought a few trinkets to aid them.
A couple bags, totalling around one silver. The first they stuffed with recently bought clothes and gear. Lucian turned his head towards Fei, her body shivered a bit. Obviously nervous, and a guilty look engraved itself onto her face.
"You needed it if we're going, and I bought myself some clothes too." Lucian muttered whilst tying the bag closed. "It's not like we don't have any funds left, everything costed us around…" With the help of his hands, with each silver spent a finger went up. "Seven silver, we still have plenty of money left."
"A-Are you sure…?" Fei asked. An empty feeling of guilt entered her stomach. Never in her life have they spent that much on clothes, or gear. Everything she owned were hand me downs from Lucian's mother. Her question warranted him to give her a side-eye.
"From what Thran told us, it's a long trip." Lucian responded whilst filling another bag with rations. 'Plus, these clothes will look good on her.' His true thoughts entered his mind.
Despite them being nearly the same type of clothes, this time they actually fit snugly on her.
Currently, she wore a light grey top, paired with a black skirt. Alongside, a pair of tights and a freshly bought pair of boots.
For the next half hour, they kept on packing. Both minds went back to their meeting with Thran.
"If you go on a journey from here to Nuwanushi, it will take four months." Whilst he said that, he pointed towards a dot on a detailed map. Following along a certain route, he made it towards another dot, above it, the name nuwanushi was painted there. "That is if you are going on a constant journey by carriage."
"Is there any faster way?"
"Yes, there is. But, that is only by the guild's transportation methods."
"Is it expensive?"
"Extremely."
"Wh- What w-will we n-need…?"
After Fei asked her question, Thran whipped out a slip. With a quill in his hands, he scribbled a list. "I recommend these items."
Multiple sets of clothes, food if you're not near any place to eat, and daily necessities.
"That should be it… Did you get all you needed?" Lucian inquired, looking over towards Fei again.
"Y-Yes…"
"Great, let's go see Ela and the others."
"A-Alright…"
Leaving everything behind, they hurried towards their destination. Inside, they caught Aiko and Ela sitting across from each other. Both were in deep conversation.
They kept on, and each time Ela spoke, Aiko's head lowered. Visibly, her hands balled into a fist, only when Fei and Lucian got close did their conversation get cut short.
"Why hello you two, sorry Aiko and I didn't notice you sooner." Ela greeted them with a small smile. At a glance she saw their confusion, she waved her hand towards the chairs to Aiko's side.
"Hey you two." Aiko said once hearing the scuffles of chairs. Her lips twisted into a forced smile. "How is your packing going?" She inquired shortly later.
"Uh… We just finished this morning, what's going on here?"
"Well…"
"I don't think it would be best for Aiko to continue working here." Ela bluntly explained. Before anyone could make a peep, she slapped the table and continued. "You need to be able to welcome customers, and wait tables; with your current… predicament? I'd say that. Those tasks would be nearly impossible."
"B-But… I've been working for so long here, I can do it…" Aiko tried to defend herself, clutching the legs of her pants.
"Listen, I know that. But you need to move on too, you've worked here ever since my parents ran this place."
"But I'd stil-"
"Move on, Aiko."
"..."
As Aiko fell silent, Ela looked at the two. Behind her supposed "cold" eyes, there was a message. A request, to them. "Please take her with you." Were what they could decipher.
'We already offered to take her… This could be a good chance.'
Y-Yes…
Yet, all chances were cut off by sudden tears rolling down her cheeks. They attempted to console her, trying words, giving her a warm embrace but they didn't stop. Meanwhile, Ela quietly watched. Beneath her stone cold expression, there was an emotion no one could see.
Many, many minutes of tears later, they finally brought Aiko out of the tavern. On the way home, Lucian's mouth never quieted. Both listened, only at times, did she respond. At last inside, there was a note found, just under their front door.
Judging by the official stamp, it was a request. Or so they thought once the contents were read out loud.
[Dear, Mister Lucian, Miss Lirong.
This notice is given to you due to your party leader: Miss Bronya accepting a party request. She wants to inform you to meet up at the North Gate.]
"And… Of course she did." Lucian grumbled, balling the paper in just a few seconds. "Aiko, do you want to come with us?"
"I'll only be a liability…"
"It's worth it…" Lucian took a deep breath whilst throwing the paper at a random corner. "Besides, Me and Fei wouldn't be able to rest without knowing how you're doing."
"..."
"A-Aiko… He- He's right…"
"I-I need time… To think about it."
'Well, we really don't have the time…'
"Just… Please give me time you two." Aiko said while directing her head elsewhere. With her pleas being silent, they gave in.
With an awkward air, Lucian prepared a decent breakfast for all. Then, they ate in silence, although with him and Fei talking telepathically. Even further they sat there, for an unknown amount of time.
The first to eventually speak out was Lucian, attempting to convince her. For many, many minutes. Nearly leading to an hour passing by, they tried. Only till their words were finished did Aiko give in.
After they gathered her stuff, packed them in another small bag. They set out once again, to their destination. The north gate.
Fei held her hand, guiding her carefully amongst the dirt path. Her attention was completely diverted from those who whispered about her and Aiko. In another half hour, they made it to their destination.
At the north gate, Bronya with her hands at her hips, standing next to Haru and Thran. Her head moved in slow motion, scanning the area. Eventually, her eyes landed on her target.
"Oh! Hey, wasn't expecting you two to actually come!" Bronya shouted towards them, whilst waving a hand high in the air. She brimmed with excitement. "Looks like you both prepped yourselves." Her head suddenly tilted when she eyed Aiko. "Miss Aiko, you're coming with us as well?"
"These two invited me…" Aiko responded, scratching her cheek slightly. "They wouldn't have gone if I didn't agree…"
"Ah, whatever! The more the merrier right Rothie?"
Just in front of the carriage, a loud grunt could be heard. Bronya merely shrugged, chuckling to herself. "Anyways, welcome aboard Miss Aiko." She took a few steps towards Haru, and bent forward with hands introducing her like a trophy. "And Little Lucian, I don't know if you have met our little request. This is Little Haru, just like Little Fei over there, she's a quiet one."
She was in a bright red shirt, and grey shorts. 'It must be Noelle's work, it's not just a coincidence.' Haru jumped back slightly from his gaze, then she started to fiddle with her hands.
"Little Lu-"
"Goldie Locks, you don't need to be afraid. That kid right there won't hurt you." Roth's voice rang out, but in a language everyone else couldn't understand aside from Haru." Go ahead and introduce yourself, even if he did try something we'll stop him."
Everyone stopped in their tracks- Even his partner, they all stared in his direction despite not seeing him. He could speak and understand other languages?! Their confusion broke by a certain someone's voice.
"Um… Ito's nice to meeto you…"
"One after another, that guy shocks me…. Well, it's finally nice to meet you, Little Haru."
"It's nice to meet you too, from me and Fei." Lucian nodded whilst gesturing towards Fei.
After a moment's pause, Aiko reciprocated. An evident odd feeling shook the air afterwards, and they all watched Haru lower her head.
"Hey, why the sudden silence? We're going to get going as soon as possible, throw your things inside!" Bronya exclaimed whilst going towards the front of the carriage. "Roth! Prepare the reins!"
"Got it, Long Ears."
'She seems excited, as usual.'
Y-Yes, she does…
"Hold on." Thran suddenly popped up. Everyone halted in their tracks, turning their heads to give him a glance. "Something has been bothering me ever since you talked."
"Eh?"
"Do you really think travelling is in the best position for Miss Aiko?"
"Eh? Thranie what are you talking about?"
"You are not dumb, Miss Bronya." Thran snorted, and turned his head towards a certain group. "Sir Lucian, Miss Fei." He extended his arm outwards. "You two go on this trip, it's highly recommended to go without distractions." Then, his arm rested against his chest. "I can take care of Miss Aiko in your stead."
"Why would you want to do that?" Lucian asked while squinting at him. "You and Aiko haven't known each other for long, and Fei and I don't know if you're going to abandon her as soon as we leave." He continued on with crossed arms.
Thran shrugged at his words, and smiled hopelessly. He didn't feel an ounce of anger at Lucian's disbelief, worries or any harbored feelings. Just a week ago, he had the news that she was alive.
"Um… Lucian…"
"What?"
"Thran took care of me when I was recovering…" Aiko elaborated, clutching her chest. "He did that for his own reasons."
"He did?"
"Mhm…"
Both he and Fei glanced at both of them. A smile could be seen on their faces. This scene resulted in Lucian scratching the back of his head. His eyes wandered towards Bronya which caused her to nod.
"You can trust me, I promise. And you too Aiko, if you decide to stay back."
"...I guess… What do you think, Fei?"
I-I think… It'll be okay…
'You need to talk more…' Lucian commented internally with a smirk engraving itself on his face.
…
"Um, are you really fine with it, Thran?"
"Certainly."
A few moments later, he took Aiko's side. With an invisible encouragement, they pushed them to go. Was it really okay to leave Aiko with him? This question lingered in their hearts. However, Aiko's small smile and relaxed shoulders quieted it down.
'I guess we should enjoy the trip.' Lucian said to Fei, looking towards her with slumped shoulders. Moments later, they gave their goodbyes solemnly. Giving Aiko one last embrace, and a handshake to Thran with thanks.
With Lucian's help, Fei made it into the carriage. Followed by him tossing in their bags, and he himself making it in. Quickly, Bronya took her spot in the driver's seat. With her reins in hand, she snapped them, sending the carriage off at a fast speed.
They watched their home kingdom start to get smaller. They could see Thran and Aiko wave slowly, with no enthusiasm. Once out of their view, Lucian and Fei rested their backs against the side.
D-Do you think we'll be okay…? Fei's voice popped in his head, there was clear nervousness in her mind. L-Lucian…? Without a response for a bit, she saw him staring at the ceiling, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking or feeling.
'We'll be fine. Roth and Bronya aren't the ones to hurt us.'
I-I know…
'Are Noelle's words still bothering you?'
Mm…
'They probably have a mistake'
I don't know… H-Haru when you were recovering said I don't smell like a demi-human…
'You don't have a smell… W-Wait you met Haru before?' Lucian's head snapped downwards, his eyes rolling around to Haru, then towards Fei.
Mhm… And demi-humans can recognize each other by a scent. Fei explained whilst covering her nose. I-I don't know how, but once she said that, I could tell she and Aiko smelled differently…
Her words caused him to raise his arm to his chin. Well, that's new. His thoughts popped up. Even if she was different from a demi-human, she's still Fei. That was already cemented in his gut. 'You'll still be you, no matter what.' He flashed her a reassuring smirk.
"Talking again?" Roth spoke out, he sat cross legged, leaning his head forward. "Long ears didn't tell you what we're doing, right?"
"Yeah… Seems like a comm-"
"I heard that! Rothie, just tell them!"
"See goldie locks right here?" Roth pointed at Haru with his thumb. "We're escorting her to Nuwanushi."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. Though it'll be a hefty payday for all of us. And there's something special for the both of you; the red headed guildmaster told us."
Lucian let out a sigh, and his thoughts verbalized. "So it was part of her plan." Roth shrugged his shoulders at his comment.
"That red-head isn't someone you should underestimate. She's the longest living adventurer in Vertealle."
"Which red-head are you talking about?"
"...Trip will take over four months, no clue if Long Ears Two told you." Roth continued after a slight pause. "The trip will be long, most likely dangerous; mainly for Long Ear and Goldie Locks. Lots of walking, and fighting."
"Eh?"
Thus, Roth's lecture came. Their trip would have multiple stops, throughout towns, villages and small cities. Four months was a stretch; that's if it was full non stop.
One hard stop that'll be in their way are dungeons. Dungeons can appear along their way. An intense wave of mana clumping up in one spot causing an unnatural staircase to form. Throughout, he raised a finger, dungeons don't solely spawn as a staircase. Sinkholes are another form.
Staircase dungeons are the weaker of the two. Low strength monsters appear there. Their layout is inconsistent, from destroyed foreign cities.
"They're common. Multiple can appear in a day, as adventurers we are responsible for clearing them." Roth carved a childlike picture of a staircase into the bed of the carriage. " Sinkhole dungeons, not much is known about them. Only one has appeared throughout public files. All I know."
"What should we worry about in dungeons?"
"Traps, previously said monsters, can't say much else."
Many questions were asked, Roth patiently, sometimes impatiently answering their questions. Haru and Bronya listened in silence. Without any more curiosities, they too fell silent. Feelings of worry, and wonder filled their stomachs.
Are we going to be okay?
'We'll be fine, okay? Let's try to enjoy our time.'