Unwoven Destinies
Yuujiki
Chapter 5: Chapter # 4 - On the road
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
After separating from Bruno's people, the party encountered an unexpected hindrance. Namely, there was only one carriage and a bunch of horses. It all ended up with me riding on the horse with Sylphie. I didn't blink an eye at first, used to sharing, since I can't ride very well by myself. I received a few strange looks when I admitted it, but no one seemed to really care, so I wasn't particularly embarrassed. Honestly, after last night, I can't bring myself to be embarrassed about a trifle like this.
Sylphie, on the other hand, couldn't stop blushing as we shared the horse, her sitting in the front and me holding her from behind to manage to stay in the saddle. I didn't go for anything even mildly indecent, but the proximity alone in public seemed enough to tear apart her cool front. Her cheeks were vibrant pink, and she wouldn't stop looking around self-consciously and jumping when she was suddenly addressed by someone.
From what I've seen, she wouldn't appreciate public displays of affection right now, even if it were to calm her down a little. And I'm relatively sure it wouldn't. Therefore, in order to distract her and liven up the journey, I get into telling the stories of my experiences over the past years in detail.
"… The Demon continent is a harsh land. There is no fresh water in most places, and the best food you could find in the wilds is monster meat. Not my favorite at all. There are temperature swings between day and night, like in a desert, so it's too hot in the daytime and too cold at night. There are no distinguishable roads at all and a lot of natural obstacles like mountains and canyons. You could spend weeks passing through some of them. Monsters you wouldn't see anywhere else roam around. They aren't weak at all, either, with C and even B rank monsters being common as dirt. To secure a decent amount of money as an adventurer, you would have to hunt A-rank ones. Honestly, we didn't lack raw power even as children, and we probably would have been able to live through most of our individual encounters with them, but we were bound to fail at some point if we were not careful enough. And it is hard to be on guard constantly. We had no idea what the common sense of these lands was, how business is done here, or what to expect. It's only thanks to Ruijerd that we were able to cross it from Rikaris to Wind Port."
"You keep mentioning this person. What was he like? How did you meet him?" Ah, come to think of it, I didn't explain Ruijerd at all before. My bad.
"He saved me and Eris right after the teleportation. He is… very reliable. He is very strong and has quite a bit of battle experience. I mean, he must be more than 400 years old. I don't mean it like he was omnipotent or something, he had his weaknesses, of course. But he would always do his best to protect us. He had stoic demeanor and didn't show emotions much, and he would always place honor in high regard. But underneath all that, he is a very kind person. In some ways, he was even naive. He was a bit of a hothead, too, especially when it came to children or injustice. Sometimes he was a handful, really, since he could get quite scary for the ones who didn't know him. Superd tribe's reputation didn't help at all…"
"S-Superd tribe? What do you mean?"
"Oh, didn't I mention it? His full name is Ruijerd Superdia, and he is from the Superd race."
"Huh?" Alarmed squeaks came not just from Sylphie. Since the whole day was dedicated to monotonous, boring travel, the story was quite popular among the other members of the party, with various degrees of belief among them.
"They are not all that bad as those children's stories paint them! They are not bad at all, really." Reaction is dubious at best, with almost everyone looking at me with apprehension or doubt. I suppose I should have expected it.
"How come everyone is so scared of them, then?" One of the adventurer guys asks.
"They bear the curse that Laplace, the Demon God, brought upon them. He tricked them into using cursed spears. Those made the warriors lose their minds in times of war and go on a rampage. They were even made to kill their families. That's why everyone, especially the demon races, is so afraid of them. But, essentially, they are not so different from other demons. If anything, they are victims of Laplace more than any other tribe." Everyone listening seems to be at a loss for words at the shocking backstory of the bedtime stories about scary monsters.
"To make things worse, people keep spreading those hogwash stories anyway, even though most of them have never seen a Superd in their lifetime. So now the tribe is not only nearly extinct, their reputation is so terrible that they aren't let into the cities, and people panic when see green hair. Or, if they are silly enough, go all aggressive at the sight. Even though it's not just Superds who have it. Also, for the record, – emerald green hair looks gorgeous." I couldn't help but say that last bit to tease Sylphie before changing the topic, causing her cheeks to redden once again. I nonchalantly continue the story.
"We tried to improve the reputation of the Superd race over time, and the curse should be lifted by now, but there is still the prejudice part. Honestly, I hope Ruijerd doesn't do anything stupid about it. I really would like to meet him again." Wistfulness crept into my voice again, but that much is fine. I know it will be.
"Anyway, where were we? Right, the Demon Continent…"
As we picked up our pace and got further and further from Asura, the general mood of the party kept getting better, despite the weariness from the long road that kept accumulating in the others. That's not to say that everybody was cheerful; it's just the fact that the bar was at its lowest when I first met them. Ariel's party members were generally gloomy and on edge ever since leaving the palace, and especially ever after the attack at the border. The outright danger of being attacked was considered low now, and in the last few days they got some time to come to terms with losing their comrades. The fact that there were no verbal skirmishes between the common adventurers of the Counter Arrow party and the princess' attendants also helped. Adventurers gradually got used to their new job and got used to the presence of nobles with their peculiar ways, and the nobles, being trained to read people to survive in their social circles, saw through them and no longer felt real danger and discontent with the reinforcements they got. They still kept the commoners at arm's length, of course, not trusting them with elaborate political information and whatnot, but both parties seemed content with it.
Unfortunately, picking up our pace doesn't mean we are fast. The grand carriage Ariel rode in doesn't quite qualify as a monstrosity, but it comes dangerously close to that category. It wouldn't be a problem on the well-maintained roads of Asura, but the North is another matter entirely. We often have to slow down, and it falls mostly to me to clear the road with magic, melt snow, and fix the road for the carriage to pass. We don't encounter many travelers on our way, and half of the local monsters are still in hibernation. Still, it's a little less than a month until we reach our destination, the Magical City of Sharia.
These days, Sylphie tends to stay close to me. It's hardly surprising with how we ride on the same horse. But there is more. At night, no matter if we stay in the wilderness by the road, small villages, or inns, she seeks me out once she is off duty, right as clockwork. One time, in about a week's time since we embarked on the road, I belatedly realized that she probably didn't want me to feel lonely and have a relapse of depression like before. It feels like I've been taking advantage of her for the whole evening. She might want to have some time with her friends, or maybe some time to herself to just relax, but instead she is with me. What's worse, I think she might even be right in her assumption. I'm pathetic, aren't I?
"Sylphie."
"What is it, Rudy?"
"I really appreciate you being close, but feel free to have some me-time, alright? You don't need to babysit me just because of what happened before." Just before we split for the night, I mustered the courage to bring it up.
"I'd rather stay with Rudy. I really missed you, you know?" She pouts.
"I missed you too. I just wanted to know that I'm better now, thanks to you." I gently remind her that it's okay again, and for once, I don't trigger a landmine of her thinking that I'm pushing her away. Hopefully, that is.
"Thank you for being here for me." I make a point to let her know how grateful I am and how much I appreciate her presence, just in case.
"You are welcome. And I would have come anyway. I like being around you."
That's how our days pass, other than at least ten hours of traveling daily. She keeps me company when we camp or stay somewhere for the night.
Sometimes we do the small chores together, but Sylphie never lets me help her with the cooking, despite my standing offer to help.
Sometimes we talk about magic. I was honestly amazed when she told me she can cast advanced level healing magic with no incantation. I never mastered that. She looks so cute, basking in my praise when I come to my senses and start gushing about it. Thankfully, she doesn't notice when I bite my tongue after almost mentioning how useful it would be when I encountered Orsted. It's not like I keep it a secret behind the seven seals; I even mentioned encountering him earlier, but I don't want to worry her with how I survived only on the whim of a strange masked girl.
Sometimes we trade more stories. We both know the general outline of the last few years for each other, but there is a lot more to it than a brief summary of 'been there, done that'. Some of them are not relevant to the general story and wouldn't come up until something reminded us of a particular event, so they are basically trivia of sorts. Some of them are too personal to share with anyone but each other. I tend not to speak of Paul and family in general when someone else is listening, for one.
Sometimes we just sit there in comfortable silence, tired of all the chatter and exhausted after yet another day on the horse. Sylphie is incredibly shy about conscious physical proximity, not to mention public displays of affection, and is still a little flustered about the riding arrangements by day. But that fades in comparison to her blush when she realized we were holding our hands the entire time for hours one evening. I didn't realize it, either. Somehow, despite constant physical proximity, this gesture feels incredibly intimate. But she doesn't let go, and my heart skips a beat at the reaction.
Later that night, I stood first watch with Luke. Up until now, we were mostly civil to each other, if not particularly close, despite the bad blood between families and, strangely enough, my words about Philemon.
Sylphie leans on me, half-asleep, her head on my lap, as I absentmindedly caress her hair and play with it. It's soft and silky, and the snow-white color looks magnificent, as magical as emerald green. And then, the idyll breaks with a stray thought coming to mind. I didn't have that kind of thought for a while, but I suddenly remembered that I used to have them constantly. It's normal to have them, truth be told, not in the least because my body is in the pubescent stage.
I'm stunned at the thought and my reaction to it. It feels as if there is a switch of some sorts I never realized was turned off was turned back on. My pants suddenly feel tight. I feel my heart beating. My eyes are wide open.
I'm hard.
It's somewhat shocking. I'm suddenly aware I wasn't for quite a while, and not at all because of this body's youth. Thirteen is just the right time, if not too late, to start having this reaction. Thankfully, we weren't riding at the time, since I couldn't control the reaction at all.
From across the campfire, a handsome boy with blue eyes smirks at me. For days, the owner of those eyes kept sending me strange looks. They were rarely hostile, which was surprising considering who I was and what I've said before. But those looks were somewhat perplexing. Bemused. Surprised. Sometimes calculating. As if I was some kind of riddle, waiting to be solved. That befuddled look was present now as well, but now there was a mirth present in it as well. As if he came one step closer to solving the riddle.
Noticing the look, I follow it as it flicks down to a bulge in my pants. I flush in embarrassment, but catch myself before I move too much and wake up Sylphie whose head is on my lap now. Inhale. Exhale.
"Is there something funny, sir Luke?" I pointedly ask. I refuse to be embarrassed about this reaction. I'm sure this guy knows it's natural and has experienced something similar. Wait, that's the whole point of embarrassment, and especially of that knowing smirk.
"Not anything in particular. I just feel like I understand you a little better now, Rudeus."
"Ah, I envy you then. I don't particularly understand myself nowadays."
"Oh, it's not all that hard, I assure you. We, Greyrats, are all normally driven by a single thing after all."
"Oh? Pray tell."
"The women, of course. Our greatest strength and our greatest tragedy, as my grandfather was fond of saying. I'd almost thought you were immune to their charm."
I make a face at the implication. "I wouldn't dream of it. Never understood what is it those who play for the other team found in it." I shrugged to emphasize my point. I mean, there was something alluring in the concept of 'trap', but it was never that far from a peculiar kink for those who are attracted to girls.
"You would be surprised what people come up with. I knew nobles who were exceptionally fond of… different kinds of intercourse."
"Ah, thank you very much. That is very enlightening, of course, but…" There is no way I want to have this conversation here and now. Not with a handsome playboy. And not with Sylphie on my lap.
"Afraid I might convert you?" Luke smirked again. "I see now that there is little chance for it, but…" He made a thoughtful expression. "Well, Sylphie does look like a boy…"
I blush, but I don't back down at the familiar calculating look, as if he is scrutinizing me. If anything, I feel comfortable enough to confront it now. Despite the teasing and banter, it does resemble a friendly conversation.
"Umm... Luke, you've been looking at me like this for days now. Is there something you want to know?"
"You might not have the name, but you are my cousin and of the Notos bloodline, aren't you?" I can't see where he is going with this. Is it about that Philemon thing again? Or is it about Paul?
"So what?" He seems even more perplexed now, sending me a weird look. It's like I don't understand something I should be aware of.
"I would expect different preferences from you. Notos men are known to enjoy sizable breasts above all, you know. And that doesn't seem to be the case for you. You are not some kind of pretender, are you?" He asks me, his tone induced with a subtle suspicion. He is mocking me, isn't he? I look back and see the most serious expression I've seen on him yet. Not even in the planning sessions with Ariel his face was like this. He can't be serious. But I can't argue with my eyes and my senses.
Seconds pass. Tension is in the air. Then the ridiculousness of the situation finally overtakes me and I burst out laughing.
"Hahaha, they do, don't they? Hahaha…" I struggle to contain my silent laughter and not to move too much. With mixed success as a result. Oh my god, I never imagined it was about that, of all things.
"I'm serious, you know! These features are always good to distinct the nobles, and you just throw it out like it's not about you at all. Instead, you are attracted to the girl who is flat as a board!" Ah, the fool. He doesn't understand that at all.
"You just don't understand the charm of small chests. Maybe it's you who can't comprehend the charm of girls!" I try to sound as smug as possible. Seriously, this guy... I couldn't imagine I would tease him like this even an hour ago.
"I do! Didn't you hear with how many girls I hooked up when I was in the capital?!" He seems genuinely offended now, but I know it's not too grave. More like banter. I hope I know that, at least.
"Ah, right. You do have that irritating habit of hunting for them, or so I've heard. It's good for me that you are so blind! That cuteness is all mine, and you wouldn't try to steal it!" As Luke struggles to make an argument, Sylphie interferes with a huff.
Looks like we awoke her. Sorry about this. Anyway, it's not good to sleep like this on the outside, no matter how much I appreciate the sentiment of keeping me company.
"Hmph! He couldn't do it, even if he wanted! My eyes are only on Rudy, after all!" Luke is gaping at her. I'm stunned as well, as my heartbeat accelerates. I feel my lower areas getting hot again as well. A wide grin is on my face.
"Sylphie!" She blushes profoundly, getting off me, but instinctively I don't let go of her. Instead, I met her eyes with mine. "My eyes are only on you, too." Her cheeks are deep crimson now. Seconds pass. And then Luke coughs a little. The bastard. Sylphie takes the distraction to escape my clutches and, with an illegible goodbye for the night, gets into Ariel's carriage.
I didn't have time to be mortified by my assertiveness in my previously agitated state. But I have plenty of time now. I'm torn between scolding myself and glaring at Luke, but the desire for the latter eventually wins. I can do the former later.
Luke only chuckles.
"Don't worry, she actually liked this very much. I can guarantee it." He does seem confident. But then, it's a part of his persona so much that he could fake it in his sleep.
"Yeah right"
"Don't be like this. Seriously, I worked with her for years. I know her too, you know!" I can't refute this argument, but I'm dubious about any relationship advice I get from that guy. It's like with Paul, honestly, and I couldn't treat his relationship advice seriously ever since the fact he got Lilia pregnant got out.
"You could have warned me when she woke up!" I'm pretty sure he noticed. He did see her face at the time, unlike me.
"But that would take all the fun out of it! Besides, you two could use a little push! Honestly, you guys are so slow."
I'm not going to grace it with any comments; only glare at him with a little less intensity for a few seconds. Eventually, I broke the silence.
"Well, at least it was all about my tastes. I honestly thought you were still mad at me about what I've said about Lord Philemon." With a shrug, I stand up and jerk my feet a little.
"Oh, that? Relax, it's fine. I wouldn't expect you to like him." Luke just brushes it off. He seems surprised I even brought this up.
"Still, what I said was rude. I didn't mean that."
"You did, and it's fine. Just because no one openly talks about my father being a scumbag doesn't make him a better person. Even I don't trust him completely, and he is my father." Denying it would be silly. I don't know what to say. He is out of his persona now, I can tell it. Instead of a teasing smirk, there is a wry, almost sad smile. There is no place and no point for a false apology or reassurance, either. It's just Luke who is daring to talk about his father like this, not Luke Notos Greyrat, a Guardian Knight.
"Well, cousin, my father is certified scum. But I'm trying not to be. What about you? Just out of curiosity, how bad is my uncle who-must-not-be-named? Don't think I didn't notice you barely mentioned him at all." Luke perks up and banishes the somber expression from his face, replacing it with a mischievous smirk. After a moment's consideration, I decide to humor him.
"Oh, where do I start, cousin?"
Notes:
Thank you for reading. Any feedback, including but not limited to negative, is always appreciated.
(Seriously, let me know if this chapter sucks. I literally didn't even have anyone beta-ing it)
Today's chapter is a bit on a shorter side, but the contents should be a nice change of pace.
I've always thought the Novels didn't make much use of Luke character. He is basically useless. So many dynamics and opportunities lost! What do you guys think?