A few minutes later, Lily told Gabriel the whole story. First, she explained that she bore a seal preventing her from using all of her faculties. She wanted to pass herself off as someone else so as not to be hunted down during her journey.
Being in too much of a hurry, she had gone on ahead, leaving her guards behind, and ended up being chased by a band of brigands. But were they really just simple brigands? She didn't believe so. The rumor that she had sealed her powers might have spread, and the idea that someone was trying to make her disappear didn't surprise her, especially since the kingdom was in the middle of a dilemma.
The king was ill, and the twin crown princes had to be decided between so that only one could rule the kingdom. She had made her choice and stood by it without detour, despite opposition from several nobles. This could well be the reason why someone would try to make her disappear quietly.
"For your information, I chose Prince Julian's side," the young girl added. "He isn't very well-liked at court, but he is clearly better suited to lead than his cruel and malicious brother. Now you know the whole story."
"Alright!" Gabriel replied nonchalantly.
"What? Is that all you have to say after hearing my revelations?" the young woman cried, stunned by such indifference.
"Well, yeah!" the young man answered.
Shocked and irritated, on the verge of screaming "You idiot!", the young woman fell silent and swallowed her anger in the face of this foolish and happy commoner.
"Ugh, you annoy me," she reacted. "You don't realize how lucky you are to have met me. Many dream of being able to even lay eyes on me, and you, you have this unique chance and you don't even measure its value. What a tragedy. Especially since I can give you anything." She shook her head again. "You helped me, so I'll grant you one wish. If I were you, I'd seize this opportunity that only comes once a millennium," she said, pointing at the boy.
"You've lived a millennium already?" the latter replied.
"Of course not, smart guy," she answered, deciding she couldn't stand this kid at all.
Gabriel, for his part, looked her up and down, lingering particularly on her extremely flat chest.
"Don't even think about it. There's no way I'm letting myself be defiled by a little commoner like you," Lily snapped, following his gaze.
"Whatever, you don't have enough backside for me anyway. That's all that matters. That's why I don't like old lolis."
"Lo... hey, are you making fun of me?"
"Not at all! But since you asked, and if you're telling the truth, then I'd like a magic skill suited for a swordsman like me."
"Hmph, hahaha, poor pathetic human," the girl finally smiled. "You're predictable from thousands of miles away. If that's all, then I grant you that wish. You'll have proof that I am the best mage on the continent. I'm going to transmit an exceptional skill to you. But what a shame—you could have asked for two or more, or even money, since you don't look like you're rolling in gold, haha," the girl mocked him haughtily.
"If you say so... kid," Gabriel replied indifferently.
"Haaaaaa, you're starting that again… you really want to get on my nerves, you little virgin!" the girl exploded, standing up in the carriage.
And so, the little carriage crossed the forest and eventually reached the great plains as the rain stopped and the sun peeked out again. They continued their way until they came upon a town. The carriage continued toward the gate, which they reached by crossing a busy bridge over a clear, limpid river.
Thanks to the girl's pass, they managed to enter the town and continued through it. A beautiful and joyful city with architecture similar to that of the Middle Ages. The carriage stopped at a public square in the center of the city where a magnificent water fountain stood, serving as a roundabout. Gabriel stepped out of the carriage before stretching.
"Finally in town. Well, I'll leave the horse to you guys, and thanks for the ride," he said, turning to the girl.
In a proud and arrogant tone, Lily replied:
"Hmph, you little commoner. You can brag to your friends in the slums about having met the great mage..."
"Alright, see ya, kid!"
"You rude, bratty little idiot, and to think I had the kindness to let you ride along… hey, are you listening? Come back here right now!" the young girl shouted, her voice strangely heavy for such a small frame.
"Stay inside, milady, we're moving on," the butler said, just as Gabriel added:
"Take care of yourself. Maybe if your body develops a bit more, I'll put you in my bed, hahaha!"
And he walked away without looking back while Lily was still screaming at him.
With his small leather bag on his back and his two swords at his waist, he walked proudly through the streets of the beautiful city. Merchants of all kinds crowded the streets. Small restaurants, clothing vendors, sword sellers, and many other things filled the lanes. But Gabriel was heading toward a specific place.
A large building located almost in the center of the city that could be seen from afar. Reaching its door, he opened it with enthusiasm, drawing all eyes for a moment. This building was filled with people, all armed to the teeth, in various ways.
"Well, the last time I set foot in the adventurers' guild was three years ago. It almost makes me feel nostalgic. But no time to waste."
In a hurry, Gabriel rushed to the reception desk where he was received by a strange, rather gothic young girl dressed as a maid in an all-black outfit with heavy black makeup and a despairing look. In a heavy, lazy voice, she asked:
"What can I do for you?"
"Um... Uh... actually... is Nina here? I'd like to see her."
"What for? Actually, I don't care. If you want to see Nina, just wait. She'll be here soon."
"Alright! Thanks!"
Gabriel then walked back toward the quest board.
"Hunt a minotaur near the Burnt Valley, recruitment for a raid on earth dragons, a quest for griffon wings, extermination of a Hobb horde, de-enchanting a magic crystal, etc... Hmm, what should I choose? Considering I don't even have enough to feed myself."
But Gabriel didn't have to wait long before a sweet and familiar voice reached his ears.
"It's okay, Secret, I'll take over. You can take your break."
"Alright," the other gothic girl said before leaving her spot to a young girl with blonde hair tied back, green eyes, an angelic face, and a look that was both strong and innocent, dressed as a waitress.
She stepped behind the counter in Secret's place. Gabriel turned around with haste and joy at the sight of the beautiful young lady. Without wasting time, he went straight to see her.
"Haa, Nina, you're still as beautiful and cute as ever. I missed you so much. I was so eager to see you. During my dark days, the thought of you kept me going. You are the ray of sunshine that has lit up my days until now. Nina, I've come to fulfill the promise I made you three years ago. Nina, marry me?" he said loudly, holding the young woman's hand.
Everyone in the room looked at them, speechless. For thirty seconds, a deathly silence reigned in the guild, when suddenly:
"Bwahahahahahahahahahaha!"
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Another one!" "I missed seeing this scene!" "Who was the last one again?" "Poor guy, I feel embarrassed for him." "Don't blame him. He's not the first, and certainly won't be the last." "You made my day, man!"
"Bwahahahahahahahaha!"
The adventurers present laughed uproariously, clinking their bowls and bottles together to better mock Gabriel.
"Huh? What? What's going on?"
The young man wondered, feeling lost, when Nina, blushing, replied:
"Uh... well... actually, who are you exactly?"
When Nina answered like that, Gabriel had a moment of absence. His manly heart shattered into a thousand pieces. Tears should have flowed from his eyes, but he had none left, for that sentence had dried up every liquid in his body. Though alive, he felt his body turning into a zombie. For a minute, time seemed frozen for Gabriel. In one minute, he had just seen hell on earth for a second time.
Five minutes later:
"You... you... you're married?! For two years now?! And you even have a baby?!" Gabriel uttered, shocked, before catching himself:
"Alright! It's your choice, and as long as you're happy, I'm happy," he said with a bleeding heart.
"T... thank you!"
"But know that today you have left a void in my heart. A void that will never be filled and that I will carry for the rest of my days. Nina, even if you are not with me, your memories will guide me to the ends of the earth, and the thought of you will be the comforting warmth of my cold and lonely nights. You will forever remain my Nina, my light."
Words that the other adventurers mocked even more, some falling to the ground from laughing so hard, others pounding on the tables.
"The friendzone... who are you to turn an idiot into a genius poet?" "Haaaahahaha, stop! My ribs!"
Despite their mockery, Gabriel's seriousness did not fade, and Nina felt more and more embarrassed.
"Uuuuh... aren't you overdoing it a little?"
"I'll never forget what you did for me. Even if you forgot."
"Alright, I remembered you, so please, stop."
With a piercing gaze, one hand over his heart:
"I hope this chosen one of humanity knows how to take good care of the sacred jewel, for no one shall escape my wrath if you were ever harmed."
"Stop, Gabriel! Everyone is laughing at us. If you want, I'll buy you a drink."
"Yes, I'd like that, with a bit of dried meat."
"Alright, but there won't be any meat. You'll take some biscuits, though?"
"Alright!"
Nina brought biscuits and a coffee to Gabriel to soothe his grief.
"Anyway, you've changed a lot since last time. Three years, right? You've gained muscle and you seem very strong now. But above all, you managed to get back on your feet after what happened. I'm happy for you," she said with a big smile.
"That's thanks to you too. That day, if I hadn't met you, I don't know what I would have become. Sincerely, thank you for everything."
"As long as you're happy, I'm happy."
"In that case, I will always be happy so that you will always be happy."
Nina was surprised by Gabriel's declaration. She gave him another big smile before being called back to her post.
"Yes, I'm coming! Drink your coffee, Gabriel."
Nina ran to her workstation, leaving Gabriel to drown his sorrow in coffee.
"Nina, you're just perfect. It's my fault. If I had come two years earlier... no, what's done is done. I have to think about the future. My goal is the great adventure. But for that, I'm missing two vital things. The first is money. A lot of money. The second is companions. If my past adventures taught me anything, it's that in this world you have no friends, yet I keep hope, but I'll have to screen them strictly. Besides, I have a solution to cover some of that, and it'll allow me to earn twice as much and faster. I saw that in anime and manga. For now, let's start with Plan A."
Gabriel, after finishing his coffee, went to the reception. He thanked Nina again, and they chatted for a moment before Gabriel presented his quest sheet.
"Extermination of the Hobb horde. Are you sure?"
"One hundred percent."
"But this is a 1-star rank quest, and it's meant for a group, isn't it?"
"I know, but I need the cash."
"In that case, why not start with an easier quest? Goblins, for example."
"Lodging, food, gear maintenance, new emergency gear, potions, medicine, and other stuff. No, I don't have the time, and besides, I've had my fill of goblins for now. Last time, I reached 1-star rank, but today I'm sure I'm 4-star. I don't have time for the beginner rank."
"I understand! If that's what you want... after all, it's a 1-star quest, so you have the right."
"Thanks! In that case, I'll take the monster extermination mission."