023 | Arrival

"Asher, over here too.", I called out.

Another magic circle appeared and shaped the landscape whilst burning it with flames.

You may be wondering what we're doing. Let's just say I'm leaving traces that everyone here has died.

Let's go back a moment to review what led up to this point.

Asher helped me up after healing my wounds. My bones were fully healed along with all the bruises and cuts on my body.

The black-haired boy named Rudif asked first, "So, who are you? What is all this?"

I summarized it to Rudif.

"This was all part of my mother's plan to eradicate me, the daughter of a maid. She sent me far away from home and hired foreign bandits to kill me."

Asher rubbed his chin while staring off into space.

"What do you wish to do now? I doubt your mother sent you here for anything important. Today was supposed to be the day you died."

"I know that. I don't really have any specific goals in mind. Honestly, this worked out better than I thought. Hmph, I didn't even need your help."

Asher grinned, "Are you sure? You would have gotten your head lopped off by that fat pig-"

Rudif butted in, "Pork? Pig? Where?"

Asher and I sighed at the same time. I spoke on our behalf.

"We meant the bandit leader that you punched. Remember when Asher called out to you?"

Rudif scratched his head, he seemed bummed out that there wasn't any food.

"Oh..."

"Mutt, you forgot to bring the backpack."

"Right! I'll be right back! Don't do anything to her when I leave you two alone..."

"We're the same age, mutt. Besides, she's strong enough to fend for herself."

I flipped my hair back. It's a good thing Asher knows who the real deal is.

"Mhmm."

Rudif dashed off into the tall trees. Asher put his hand on my shoulder. Why is it every time he does something, my face feels like it's slowly burning up? It's not possible I have a fever, right?

Right...

"Lisha, I'll ask now. What are your plans after we part ways?"

For some reason, having his hand on my shoulder made my words all jumbled up.

"W-well, I-I mean I was thinking that- you know- since I-I don't really have anywhere to go, I could m-maybe-"

"Take your time," Asher went under my hair and put the back of his hand on my forehead, "Are you ill?"

What am I doing?! This is pathetic!

I stepped back and waved my hands, "N-no!"

After that, I cleared my throat and regained my composure. Goodness, this hasn't ever happened before.

"Ahem. I was TRYING to say- perhaps I could just follow you guys? If the two of you don't really care that another person joins you, I mean."

Asher tilted his head while looking at me. DON'T look at me with those charming eyes of yours, one of these days you're going to burn my cheeks right off.

"Well...I certainly don't mind, however, Rudif has had something cruel done to him in the past. He may resent you, who is clearly a noble with this carriage."

He pointed at my broken carriage. I have to agree, only a noble would ride something this fancy. It wasn't even the best carriage we had at home. This is actually a pretty shabby one that my mother purposely switched out for.

"I understand...I won't judge nor do anything that will offend you two. Hopefully."

"You DO have a profane manner of speaking."

Ah, right...

This time my face turned red for a justifiable reason. I was embarrassed when someone else pointed that out. Usually, I wouldn't give a sh*t who told me, but I have to remember: I'm not at home anymore.

"S-sorry!"

Asher chuckled, "Don't worry, in fact, I feel like we're quite similar in many ways. I'd be happy to have a companion who's strong as well."

"Wait! Before we continue-"

"Yes?"

"Can you help me with something?"

"I'm listening."

And that's how I told Asher to make it look like this entire area was completely ravaged by someone else. If someone from my mother's intelligence and reconnaissance team were to stumble upon this scene, they would have no choice but to report that both the bandits she hired and her oh so detestable daughter had died by a third party.

At present time, Asher and I agreed to forge the fake story that a rogue Sorcerer appeared out of nowhere and wreaked havoc leaving no bandits or nobility alive.

I grinned and laughed to myself, "Hehe, I'm a genius!"

I felt eyes on me and I turned around to see Asher looking at me while burning the area up with his flames.

"I think you meant WE'RE a genius, Lisha."

"Yeah, yeah, we did this together. Though I am thankful for your help. You're incredibly strong, despite me not actually requiring your help."

"So you're saying you can pull off these spells without me?"

"W-well- Sooner or later, I'll be able to pull it off. I just need practice!"

Asher locked eyes with me and his silver eyes glowed. They looked like they were crystals shining underneath the warm rays of the sun. The purest of diamonds, seemingly colorless.

"Lisha."

My face was warm again.

"Y-yes?!"

"You didn't even awaken your ability to use magic yet."

Ah, that snapped me back to my senses. Just what is wrong with me lately?

"I told you I just need practice!"

I looked down at the ground.

"...Plus, I don't get any education of any sort back home. Everything I know is when I steal books from my brother's library."

"How unfortunate. I've had a few mentors teaching me various things. I'm quite thankful for them."

"Oh really? Lucky you."

"They're Dark Elves by the way."

"D-dark Elves? Aren't they super murderous??"

Looks like Asher was confused, "Did you read that in a book as well, Lisha?"

"Yeah..."

Asher finished obliterating the surrounding area. I have to say, he makes good work of hiding any traces that I escaped alive.

Speaking of alive, I hope that those foolish knights got away safely. At least they can keep their lives. I doubt they'll do anything stupid after returning home.

"Hey."

I was thinking about my knight escorts and I didn't realize that Asher suddenly appeared in front of me. What does he eat to get so strong and fast? He's already an amazing Sorcerer considering the spell mastery he has. Kicking the bandit leader back without using Internal Energy- erm, Raw Energy, is also evidence of his physical prowess.

"Ah, the mutt is back."

I turned around and saw Rudif walking out of the forest carrying a backpack. Whatever's being kept inside just moved.

"You're not going to kidnap me are you?"

Maybe I glared at Asher too hard. He grinned and replied with a laugh, "Of course not. That's my rabbit."

"R-rabbit??"

Was that a secret code for something else?

Nevermind.

"Say hi, Lisha", Asher says as he pulls out a white fluffy rabbit and nests it on his head, "See? It's a rabbit."

I am an emotionless murderer in front of my enemies, but in front of this small creature, I think I'm in love.

"Aww~ Hi there!! I'm Lisha!"

The rabbit's nose twitched and that was like a shotgun to my heart.

* * *

The three of us were walking down the path of the carriage.

Rudif asked me a question, "So...Lisha?"

"Oh, you're such a cutie aren't you?"

"Excuse me?!"

Ah was someone talking to me? I was looking at the rabbit. I turned to the other side and noticed Rudif with a flustered expression.

"Are you alright?"

"N-nevermind! I was going to ask you something."

Asher cleared his throat, "She's clear. I can verify that myself."

"Verify what?", I asked.

"Really? Alright then." Rudif shook himself rapidly and I noticed his black hair turning to a more natural brown. The belt that was wrapped around his waist turned into a hairy brown tail that uncoiled itself and dangled behind him.

"Lisha, I'm actually a Half-Beast. I didn't want to show you because-"

"I get it. Lots of nobles look down upon Half-Beasts. Fortunately, I don't share the same opinion. Besides, Lisha is basically dead."

"S-so you won't hate me?"

Looking at Rudif closer, he just seemed like a really big dog. I patted him on the shoulders because I was too short.

"Don't worry. How could I hate you? You...well you weren't really the one who saved my life but you subdued that fat bastard."

Rudif smiled and his dangling tail turned into a wagging one.

"Alright, mutt, calm down. I'm glad that Lisha doesn't hate Half-Beasts but..."

"This is a BIG moment for me, Asher!"

"But I have to reapply the spell on you..."

"Oh..."

"..."

I couldn't hold back the laughs anymore and started giggling nonstop.

Honestly, it wasn't even that funny. Perhaps I was just happy I'm finally and truly free. I don't have to worry about my "home" or "family", especially not my mother who constantly wants to ruin me. I don't have to be a burden in my brother's eyes nor do I have to be the disgraceful daughter of my father.

Right now, I'm no longer the Lisha that's associated with them. The Lisha that was born and raised as a noble is no more.

"Sorry guys just had to let it out."

Rudif looked really confused. Scared even.

Asher smiled at me. For some reason, I feel like he could empathize with me.

"Anyways," I continued, "Do you mind if little old me tags along with the two of you?"

Rudif nodded his head, "Yeah, I don't see why not.'

Asher agreed with him, "Might as well. I can help you with your practicing as well."

WHY WON'T THIS BODY LISTEN TO ME. WHY IS MY FACE ALWAYS WARM WHEN THERE'S SOMETHING RELATED TO ASHER!?

"Y-yeah! I would love that..."

"Wanna help me as well, Asher?"

"Shut it, mutt, you already got eight years with me."

Eight years with Asher? What is this stingy feeling inside my heart now?

Ugh, whatever. Down the drain it goes and hopefully, it never resurfaces itself.

Could this be puberty? I guess I'm already at that age?

The three, no, four of us, including the rabbit, followed the direction of the path. After many hours of walking, we came to a large open grass field and massive white brick walls that seemed to surround a kingdom.

I squinted my eyes to see a line forming at the entrance of this place. There was a large wooden gate that had one door open. A group of guards was inspecting the people that were coming in. I saw merchants with carriages and some odd-looking people that had armor and weapons on. I believe those are mercenaries from the Adventurer's Union.

"So this is..."

Rudif finished my sentence for me, "Yanalia..."