The atmosphere in the small cave suddenly turned awkward. The crackling of the fire, which had felt calming moments ago, now seemed determined to fill the silent space between them.
Eira, holding the waterskin Kaera had given her, cleared her throat softly to break the tension.
"Now that I think about it… we've been through a lot, but I still don't know who you really are," she started, turning her body toward Kaera.
She extended her right hand with a genuine smile.
"I'm Eira. What's your name?"
Kaera turned slowly. She studied Eira's outstretched hand for a moment, as if weighing whether to accept it or not. Finally, she clasped it firmly but briefly.
"I… Kaera," she answered curtly.
Eira's eyes widened, sparkling with sudden excitement.
"Eh? Kaera? That's kind of similar!"
She began mumbling to herself cheerfully, as if she'd just discovered something amazing.
"Hmm, Kaera and Eira… Eira and Kaera… sounds almost the same!"
Unconsciously, in her excitement, Eira leaned closer until their faces were only a hand's breadth apart. Her eyes shone bright.
"Wow, I just know we're going to be the ultimate duo!"
Kaera, who had always kept her distance, could only stare at her with deadpan eyes — empty and emotionless, though inside, she might have been slightly startled.
"Oi… too close," Kaera commented flatly, enough to make Eira snap back.
Eira jerked back, her face flushing crimson. She scratched the back of her head sheepishly, smiling awkwardly.
"Sorry, sorry… got a little carried away," she said, showing the friendly, playful side usually hidden behind her quest for identity.
Kaera exhaled slowly, returning her gaze to the fire. Though she said nothing, Eira's cheerful presence felt less irritating than before.
Kaera adjusted her position, letting the firelight highlight her sharp yet fatigued features. Her eyes shifted from the flames to Eira, who was still grinning awkwardly.
"Next, I want to stop by a nearby town," Kaera began, her tone returning to the serious, strategic air of a leader.
"Our journey's still long, and to continue this mission, we'll need…"
Eira, who had been playful moments ago, suddenly went silent, as if her energy switch had been abruptly turned off.
Her once cheerful face flattened, slowly shifting into an expression heavy with guilt and disappointment. Her lips pressed tightly together, swallowing the bitter taste in her mouth. She seemed to already know what Kaera was about to say.
"…money," she cut in softly, almost a whisper.
Her green eyes widened, staring blankly at the ground with overwhelming guilt.
Kaera paused for a moment, one eyebrow slightly raised.
"I'm really sorry, Kaera…"
Eira lowered her head so far that her hair covered her face. Her fingers fidgeted with the frayed hem of her cloak, twisting the loose threads nervously.
"I'm completely broke right now. No money at all. The cost to 'decode' the relic back there already drained everything. Honestly… there's nothing left in my purse," she continued, raising the limp pouch and shaking it gently — not a single coin could be heard.
A long sigh escaped Kaera. She pinched the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes for a moment, her expression showing that she had anticipated this would happen. Life as a wanderer and fugitive never came without money problems.
"Hm… I figured as much," Kaera murmured.
Eira peeked at Kaera through her hair, her face red with embarrassment.
"Hehe… but I have spirit! Spirit's free…" she whispered in an overly optimistic tone, which, admittedly, didn't help much.
Kaera opened her eyes again, staring sharply at Eira, still grinning and holding her empty purse. The cave, once serene with the sound of flowing water, now felt slightly… tense.
"Spirit won't buy bread, Eira," Kaera said flatly, her tone deadpan.
She exhaled again, heavier and longer than before, then turned back toward the fire.
"If we starve out there, I'll make sure my ghost finds you first to collect on that free spirit of yours."
Eira smirked faintly, shoulders sagging a little.
"Ruthless…"
Kaera let out a small huff. If you looked closely, the tiniest curve at the corner of her lips almost hinted at a cynical smirk. Amusing, but still maintaining her ego.
"Looks like we'll have to earn some coin once we reach the town," Kaera said.
Eira lifted her head, eyes brightening again.
"Earn coin? You mean… bounty hunting? Or getting paid to clear dark creatures?"
Kaera didn't answer directly. She simply checked her katana under the firelight, ensuring the blade's edge was perfect.
"Anything that fills our purses. I'm not letting us starve before I find the answers I'm looking for."
Eira nodded eagerly, energy fully restored.
"Alright! I'll make sure my arrows don't miss. Besides, a duo like us isn't going to be defeated by a little problem like this, right?"
Kaera remained silent, but she no longer complained. Behind her cold exterior, she realized this journey no longer felt so lonely.