080: Returning to Koriat Village

December 12, 2020 - 10 minutes read - 2055 words

After that, we left the magic tool shop and kept shopping. We bought some things from another fancy clothing store, a cloth shop, and some tea leaves from a tea shop. After buying bulk sugar and tea leaves, Elna went into another clothing store with Nord. What do they need from this clothing store?

Children my age and rank don’t need high-end clothes, so I’m taking a break on a bench outside the store. I wasn’t interested in looking at more clothes. I’m letting Nord and Elna enjoy some time to themselves. I’d like a drink, but I can’t see any food stall around.

Is it because the northern district has mostly wealthy people? Even so, it would seem that an expensive glass of juice would sell. Maybe customers will just visit cafe’s instead? I don’t want to leave here and get in trouble.

When I was sitting on the bench, I heard a bell sound from the clothing store. I was hoping we had finished the shopping, but when I looked Elna was entering the neighboring clothing store.

“Didn’t you already visit that shop?!” Al

Nord smiled at my question, but followed Elna into the store. Why would you revisit a stored you’d already spent so much time in? Also, why did sugar and tea leaves take no time at all, but all morning for clothes? They’re going back and forth like they’re guarding the shops. I’ve heard that women are entertained by the process of finding items to buy, that would be scary if true. We’ve passed noon, so how long will this continue?

“It’s finally over” Al

When we got back to the inn, I flopped down onto a soft sofa.

“Yeah” Nord

Nord collapsed onto the soft opposite me, he deserves a rest after all he did today. Elna is checking that all the parcels we purchased today have been delivered to the inn. How are they going to fit it all on the wagon? Elna purchased so many jars of sugar. Will it be difficult for the horses to get us back? When we get back, Bartolo will be quite busy.

While I had my eyes closed thinking about things, I heard the door open. Elna is still checking on our luggage, Mina likely has a stomachache from eating too much street food, so it must be Sarah. I can hear the silverware clinks and the sound of pouring tea followed by the sound of placing two teas on the table.

“Thank you Sarah” Al & Nord

“No, thank you for your hard work” Sarah

Sarah quietly leaves the room, she’s probably tired from today. Nord and I are thirsty, but we’ll wait til the tea cools down.

The next day rolls around and we’re setting off from the royal capital. The carriage has being prepared since early in the morning. Our escorts Rumba and Gates are back, it’s been a while since I’ve seen both of them. When Nord attended party, only one of them would escort him.

“Oh, Al! Did you see it?” Rumba

Rumba walked over to chat while Gates was loading his luggage into the wagon.

“I saw it! It was very entertaining! I even bought a book of the story.” Al

“Even a book! That’s a good choice. It’s a child’s duty to understand their father’s exploits. I’m looking forward to the carriage ride on the way back.” Rumba

“Yeah, Actually, I quietly bought the famous dragon muffin.” Al

So the dragon muffin is the muffin type that Nord and Elna ended up sharing when the shop ran out of them. The store is now famous because of the play, and the muffin has become legendary for supposedly guaranteeing a happy relationship for couples that share one. I noticed Elna was avoiding a certain road, that was where the shop was located.

“Then, let’s finish packing up and talk along the way.” Rumba

The carriage journey will take a whole week, but it should be entertaining.

We board the carriage and leave the inn. We head down the south boulevard to the gate, passing by many people immersed in their own travels. This was an interesting place, but I’d really just like to get back to Koriat Village. I want to get back to my room and lay out on my bed.

Soon, the carriage approaches the South Gate. When we arrived, I hopped out to satisfy my curiosity, but I’m not doing that today. There are predators hiding among the guards, and I don’t want to run into them. Nord doesn’t want to leave the carriage either, that guard looks dangerously familiar.

“Show me the aristocratic emblem… and your body” Bad Guard

I can’t hear anything. Nord shows his coat of arms without leaving the front of the carriage. He’s reaching out, but not moving to get down. I wonder if he was more scared of this than a dragon? I don’t want to be an adventurer if I have to deal with these things, I just want to live in a village.

“I’m sorry, I can’t see very well” Bad Guard

“Ah!” Nord

The short-haired guard grabs Nord’s wrist and pulls it closer to confirm the emblem. It looks like he’s checking Nord’s skin more than the emblem.

“Is Mina feeling better now?” Al

“Yes, I’m fine. I was just nervous yesterday” Mina

Mina sticks out her tongue in a cute-ish manner.

“When I got back, I felt like I had a food baby in my belly.” Mina

“Ah, it’s hard to make it home those days.” Elna

Elna laughs at Mina’s joke now, but outside there’s a crisis about her husband’s chastity. Somehow the atmosphere inside the carriage is peaceful.

“You’re so beautiful. I can take a break now, there’s a good inn nearby we can visit.” Bad Guard

“No! I’m leaving the city, I’m not going back!” Nord

Hmm, wasn’t there a skinhead who was partnered with that guard? When I peek out of the side window, the skinhead guard was staring in.

“Augh!” Al

I almost attacked the guard with magic, but I deal with it by closing the curtains. I thought about giving it a minute and checking again, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

At that point, an angel’s voice sounded forth when the guard was about to start groping Nord’s behind.

“I’ve finished checking the wagon! No problems!” Normal Guard

“Hey! I said to take your time!” Bad Guard

“Ok, let’s get going Mr. Rowe!” Nord

“Yes!” Rowe

Our coachman flicks his whip and the horses start moving.

“Oh, hey! Wait! I haven’t confirmed his hips!” Bad Guard

We escaped the Demon Gate and managed to leave the royal capital.

On the way back, I talked often with Rumba and Gates about Nord and Elna. I had purchased a stock of dragon muffins to eat, they were the kind that Nord and Elna shared when the shop ran out. I often laughed at the stories, followed by asking if they were really true or just exaggerated. The more excited I was, the more likely Nord would hear the conversation. At those times, I would be fussed at by Nord and Elna would confiscate my muffin. I think the treatment was terrible for some minor chatting.

Later on, I didn’t have anything to do, so I started practicing fireworks magic again, at which point I was required to remain within the carriage for the rest of the trip.

Finally, we returned to Koriat Village.

I was sitting next to Mr. Rowe when I could feel it in my bones. Clear air and nature everywhere that can be seen. An irresistible calm atmosphere that is nothing like the big buildings and hustle and bustle of the royal capital.

The carriage advances along at a regular speed based on the horse’s pace. I can hear the sound of the river and the voices of the villagers who are tending the fields. Occasionally a villager will wave to the carriage, so I wave back.

At some point, the villagers must have spread the word that we’re back, as Asmo and Thor appeared ahead of use and shouted various things.

“Hey, did you get any souvenirs?” Thor

“Eat any dishes unique to the royal capital?” Asmo

So they don’t welcome me home, but ask about things they like? What basic guys.

“Oh, I brought some…” Al

I trailed off when I realized I had a problem. For Asmo, I had plenty of food I had picked up in the royal capital I could give him. For Thor, I had planned to grab a basic sword, but hadn’t remembered to buy one. I got caught up in buying souvenirs for Emma and Eleanora, then Elna’s shopping spree pushed everything else out of my mind.

What can I do? If I didn’t bring Thor a souvenir, he would definitely be angry. I have to give him something useful, is there some junk I’ve got that could work? Swords don’t just appear in countryside villages like this, what can I do?

Hmm, junk? Did I pick up a junk sword at some point? Ah! I did pick up a random sword on the way, a goblin sword! Yeah that will work.

“Hey! Did you bring any souvenirs?” Thor

I don’t have to break off my words this time, so I’ll be clear this time.

“Yes! For both of you! I’ll bring them to Thor’s house tomorrow!” Al

Thor will get the goblin sword.

“Oh! Sounds great!” Thor

After I told them they’d get souvenirs tomorrow, the walked off. Isn’t that a cold reception for me? At least wave to the carriage for a while!

When the carriage arrived at the mansion, Bartolo, Mel, Eleanora, and Silvio welcomed us at the front door.

“It’s been a long time, kid!” Bartolo

Bartolo spoke up first when I got close.

“It’s been a long time, Bartolo. I found some tasty dishes in the capital, but I missed the taste of your food.” Al

The taste of home is the food Bartolo makes. I like dishes from the royal capital, but sometimes you need your homestyle food. Also, I couldn’t find any rice in the capital.

“Did they end up buying the Fire Magic tool?” Bartolo

“Indeed, it the big package in the wagon.” Al

“Oh! Really?” Bartolo

He headed for the wagon, to look at it. I’ll not mention the price was making sweets constantly.

“Has Mina gained some weight?” Mel

“Yeah, it’s not just in your mind, she’s a big bigger.” Maid

“I was able to eat so much street food. I think I’ve gained three kilos.” Mina

The maids are having fun, but they’re having a conversation that would get any guy slapped if he tried to participate.

“Al, you’re back” Silvio

Silvio smiled at me. Since he got our father’s looks, perhaps I should do something? Nah, I’ll deal with that later.

“I’m home brother!” Al

“Al? You’re noisier than usual?” Silvio

“Have you gotten stronger since we left?” Al

Silvio’s arm looks to have picked up some muscle. After I asked, Silvio took on a weary look.

“Al, what do you think Eleanora would do if Rumba, Dad, and Al were gone?” Silvio

“Silvio, sorry it took so long” Al

Silvio and I hugged while shedding tears. It must have been painful and long. Three weeks of one-on-one training with Eleanora. I can sympathize with Silvio here, even if I occasionally use him as a shield.

“Why are you two hugging like that?” Eleanora

Ah, my sister’s voice, it’s like I never left.

“Oh, Eleanora. I’m home. I’ve brought you a souvenir from the royal capital. It’s in my luggage.” Al

“Did you do any sword training in the three weeks you were gone?” Eleanora

I can’t respond to that, why did I come home?

“Did you do any training?” Eleanora

“didn’t get to it…” Al

“Then let’s go!” Eleanora

“Ok” Al

My arm is caught by Eleanora and she pulls me away.

“Hey, Al?” Silvio

“What?” Al