Chapter 21: Friends reunite
1191 Words
After the ambush, Hanayuki immediately calls the knights and hands over the band of thieves she had just caught. The knights are delighted by Hanayuki’s assistance in capturing the wanted woman. Leaving plenty of rewards for Hanayuki. Without hesitation, she took the money and waved her hands.
The day was over and they were all returning to the Inn. Inside the room, Hanayuki finds the perfect opportunity to have a conversation with Ninym.
“Sorry… Our meeting wasn’t an accident. I’ve been tailing the woman named Rosa this entire time… I’m looking for proof if she is truly the leader of the Raven thieves. Finding a perfect opportunity to capture her.”
Ninym listened carefully to the apologetic Hanayuki. She shook her head and took a glance into Hanayuki’s eyes. No hint of anger or negative emotion was found in her. A nice smile was presented.
“I understand… That means Hanayuki was there when I got into a fight with Rosa. Hanayuki was tailing Rosa. Then, I got worried about the girl who suddenly left the party. She postpones her duty in investigating the suspect and goes back to the forest to find the girl... There is no reason for me to be saved, but Hanayuki still saved me. Hanayuki didn’t use me. You’re a good person. That’s all I have to know.”
“I’m happy if that is the image I left on you.”
“I know it's the truth… Besides, without Hanayuki's help. I'm unable to get the spirit gem and reunite with my friend. The sun is already gone and now we can finally activate this magic item.”
Ninym took the spirit gem and placed it on the table. She took the long white feather that belonged to her friend. Place it on top of the spirit gem. Upon contact with two items, a white magic circle appeared. The spirit gem and the feather turned into particles of light. The light was shaped into a familiar outline. Its wings spread widely. The light disappeared and they heard a cry…
“Kyuruu!”
The feathered white dragon had been revived. Missing her friend, the dragon flew toward Ninym and licked her cheeks. Ninym embraced the white spirit dragon and breathed in its nostalgic scent.
“I miss you so much.”
“Kyuruu!”
Tears of joy were shed. The white dragon licked the tears away.
“It tickles… Hahahaha.”
The tears were replaced with laughter. Shaymi and Hanayuki, who were sitting on the bed were touched to see their heartfelt reunion. The emotions Ninym was having directly impacted Shaymi, making her remember her family in the amusement park. There are times she is still longing for them. But after all the tragic things that happened. She knew that she might not be able to go back.
However…
“ am I able to be back with my family again?”
The little girl murmured. Hanayuki was shocked by her words. She hadn’t said anything before, but now she could tell that the little girl wanted to see her family back.
Hanayuki has no idea what happened afterward. They all leave. The impression left was horrifying to the extent that somebody was hurt. As her present guardian, she wouldn’t say anything about the act that had been taken to send her out of the amusement park.
The light-brown-haired girl didn’t have any idea of how to respond. Is giving Shaymi a false optimistic future good? Is telling her the reality the right decision? A promise was made to Shaymi not to know everything and hate the monster that raised her. The second was out of the choice. But the first is not something Hanayuki could say.
The false hope might put Shaymi to destruction in the future.
The sad emotions were hinted at on Shaymi’s face.
Hanayuki placed her hand on Shaymi’s head and gently combed her soft silky hair.
“I’ll make sure to make you happy. I promise that Shaymi.”
Hanayuki told to Shaymi. But her words weren’t enough to make the little girl forget the sad event. She nods, telling him that she appreciates Hanayuki being by her side.
…
On the next day,
In front of the train station. Ninym, with her friend on her shoulder, is about to make their departure for their next adventure.
“I would like to travel with Hanayuki, but I’m not confident enough about my strength. Someday when we meet again. I’ll make sure that I’m strong enough to have a journey with you.”
“I’ll be waiting… Where are you going next?”
“I’m planning on visiting Stella city. It is on the far edge of the boundary of a previously called dark continent. The scenery was said to be nice there and a spirit user was living there. I decide to become her apprentice.”
“I wish you all luck.”
Ninym turned her back the same as Shaymi and HAnayuki. They both face different directions toward their journey. Ninym stopped walking and turned to run back to Hanayuki and called her.
“Hanayuki!”
The girl responded and turned her head back. Ninym was already closed. She lifted her face and lips touched Hanayuki’s cheeks. The other girl, Shaymi, has her face red hot seeing Ninym’s action.
Ninym stepped back and her face flustered.
“...”
“...”
No words were said but the message was passed. “I like you.” passed something Ninym wanted to express in her action. Hanayuki, who never got into any romantic relationships, was stunned.
Ninym smiled and turned around. She got on the train and left.
After the unexpected event, Hanayuki and Shaymi go into the park to have some relaxing time. They both enjoy ice cream together while looking toward the drifting clouds.
“Hanayuki rejected Ninym.”
“How did you know?”
“I heard it last night before I fell asleep… Hanayuki refused to travel with Ninym. Why? She’s not allowed to travel with us.”
“I don’t want to travel with other people. There was a time I lost lots of friends. I’m arrogant and karma bites back… Maybe, I was afraid of traveling with another companion.”
“How about me? Why did you accept me to travel with you?”
Hanayuki can’t say that she doesn’t have a choice. Because it will hurt the heart of the innocent girl.
“I don’t know… protecting one person is fine… I can’t protect many people all at once... Look at you, your face is a mess.”
Hanayuki took her handkerchief and wiped the messy cheeks of Shaymi.
Wiping Shaymi’s face. She remembered when one woman wiped her face in the same way before. It was the time Hanayuki had just started her journey. She goes into a town and joins an adventuring party. A party of people she would call close friends after a time and the friends that would face the tragedy that scars Hanayuki’s heart.
Hanayuki could still remember it vividly. Her adventure with Eula and many friends they met.
- Writer
